Reviewed: Arctic Cat M8000 Alpha One ATAC 165

The 2021 Arctic Cat Alpha is quietly one of the best performing mountain sleds you can buy. Check this video out for my thoughts after 400 miles in the Idaho/Wyoming mountains. Needless to say, so far I'm impressed, even if Alpha does have some trade offs compared to a traditional skid.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Spot. On. You are the sensei. Love that terrain and totally agree with where and how you want to ride. That fuel light...those running boards...Tokyo drift...but belt life, general mobility and unstuckedness definitely plusses. I’m riding a 154 and 165 this winter and the difference in how they behave is remarkable. I also don’t find the 800 wanting in power, although when you say turbo I start thinking hard.

[@JeffreyJim09]

You still have the best review on the sled out there. But it was fun for me to weigh in!

[@brandondeckert9838]

Did I just read an honest review? Wow! Great review Jeff!

[@joedoe6444]

this is my type of riding, with a good review of the pros and cons without brand loyalty hype getting in the way. great job. only bad thing about this clip is the background noise. i would rather just hear you talking over the sound of the sled and not that repetitive.....whatever you call it. again great video.

[@syxxes]

Sweet vid, bro🤟

[@sledforpeace]

On point dude! Each brand have their own strenghts and weaknesses... But for me, the solidity of the chassis and the overall reliability of the engine/clutchs is why I ended up buying my A-C M8000. FYI it's a 2017 so the last year of the incredible Suzuki motor 😍

[@bradyvanvliet7721]

Lol on your" good boy " comment. Look at the dropped chain case compared to other brands and 17 and older cats. The approach angle is the key to the unstuckness , if that is a word. Great review and keep up the cat info.

[@JeffreyJim09]

Excellent point.

[@bradyvanvliet7721]

@@JeffreyJim09 You said they dont have these in a duel rail but they do, they are rare but they are or were out there.

[@benjaminconnolly5655]

True story, I have one.

[@daverothgery7854]

​@@bradyvanvliet7721 the last mtn cat twin rail was 2019. None for 2020-2022. He is talking about new.

[@daverothgery7854]

@@benjaminconnolly5655 the last mtn cat twin rail was 2019. None for 2020-2022. He is talking about new.

[@ryker1725]

Do you remember that 11 year old with his dad and uncle getting there ecu flashed and we rode up in pole canyon ? That was me

[@JeffreyJim09]

Of course. Hey dude!

[@slangingiron4016]

That’s my backyard!

[@rykercarlson2131]

@@slangingiron4016 nice

[@coreystever7859]

Great review. I would love to see you review the trail sleds.

[@iron_zero_actual]

I don't know why Cat continues to use those running boards, I hate them too. They collect so much snow and then it all melts and turns to Ice. I did the cut every other rung out mod on my 2013 and it helped some, but on our 2014 M9000 we put the BDX boards on it as the stock ones were bent and it is much better. I think they're probably the best ones I've seen but still not quite as good as the stock Polaris boards. Also sucks that you have to cut forever to install them and break the paint. Enjoyed the review and riding man! I'm sad the only time I've gotten to ride and alpha was in shallow snow : /

[@ryanwilliams3421]

Most honest review ever!!! Finally thank you

[@Pascal_Robert--Rc_Creations]

I appreciate the review, but as a side note, 15/525 is 2.8% difference, not .2 or .1

[@JeffreyJim09]

This is CORRECT. I'll fire my editor. (that would be me)

[@Pascal_Robert--Rc_Creations]

Dont feel bad about it. We all make mistakes.👍

[@jimbauerXp3]

Great video I just tested out the 4 wheel kit in my alpha holds edge way better you should give it a try!!

[@jimbauerXp3]

Hey Jeff did you get a chance to ride the alpha with a 4 wheel kit yet? Would like to get your review on that!!!

[@dwagner1515]

Just bought an alpha, but I'm confused by your math....15/525 = 0.028 = 2.8%.... Am I missing something here??? How did you get 0.2%?

[@ippielb]

My main con for my alpha is the squirrely nature on hard pack/wash outs.

[@JeffreyJim09]

You are not wrong about this. I fully agree this is an Alpha handling characteristic than can be downright terrifying. The more time I've had on it, the more I really believe the Alpha component is more of a gimmick, and less of a boon for the sled's ability. This sled in a dual rail sans 20 lbs with running boards that clear would be the hands down best technical mountain sled on the market.

[@hjaltigto]

@@JeffreyJim09 2018 and 19 Mountain Cats are dual rail Alphas

[@JeffreyJim09]

@@hjaltigto yes. But you cannot buy a new one here in the States, which is really what I was suggesting.

[@jordanvoeltz]

great reviews! still have some questions about the rail beam situation how it often break by depending on the condition hit ground or hit something? I want that sled color warp design, I love it color. what year it is?

[@JeffreyJim09]

Hey dude! The wrap was done up by SCS out of Bozeman. They do all sorts of rad stuff. Install was also a cinch compared to the old school wraps that used to take hours. The rail has been solid so far and I do not treat it nicely. I am not slow on a trail, have hit a few things (hard) and it keeps on working just fine.

[@jordanvoeltz]

Yeah, I thinking abt buy alpha one 2021 will hole my pocket definitely, lol. And still not unsure abt new sled red or depending color I got and plan warp orange/ black/white/ gray on sled. Yeah I still worry abt rail condition 😆

[@vincelombardi2669]

Jeff I think why the cat feels just as much power is the track speed. From what I understand and have read the cat kicks everyone ass in track speed.

[@JeffreyJim09]

Track speed is directly correlated to power, weight, lug design and gearing. It’s akin to top speed in a vehicle.

[@justinkrabben5021]

Super well done. Thanks

[@yakattack_fishing8542]

I’m so confused lol I was always told this was the best sled for hard core mountain riding where no sled can go? What is the best then?

[@ouwi7057]

you said you have ridden all brand sleds but have you tried the lynx sleds? you should someday. they are basically (imo) ski doos done better.

[@Polishforce]

Hey any chance you can make a video of a compression test on the new machine?? I’m curious what the new machines run for compression. Can’t find anything on the internet about it.

[@JeffreyJim09]

Being I’m at 6000 feet, (my house) it’d be useless to you.

[@colewykes558]

Really enjoyed this review.

[@mikecrevier5811]

That's a shame, high milage or lack of maintenance on that situation. She's early with those black spots in the trail of the brown on the back of er. Sidewinder for the win, sounds barking with whatever exhaust and tune 👌

[@Deadlyshu]

Awesome honest review!!!!!!

[@1josefat]

Question from a Mtn biker here so... where is the windshield? Fashion statement, industry trend, or broke off in a crash?

[@JeffreyJim09]

Great question. Mountain sleds have basically done away with them. Polaris still has one, but its aesthetic at best (and usually the first thing I break).

[@joedoe6444]

i think the manufacturers have finally figured out what i did after breaking my windshield off one day. that windshields tend to make the powder snow come up into your eye line area, but without the windshield the powder just flows around at waist level giving you much better vision. plus the added bonus of being able to roll your sled over to get it unstuck without the windshield getting broken off. most mountain sleds are only on a fast trail just long enough to get off it somewhere and start playing, vs the trail sleds that would be very cold without a windshield.

[@nate390]

"Arctic Cats are too heavy and not a good mountain sled" - Anyone on the internet whos never ridden one.

[@Echoes-]

Never seen anyone write that, however i've seen people complain about the quality and fit & finish, which is by far the worst in the industry.

[@JeffreyJim09]

@@Echoes- I'd say Cat's fit and finish is akin to Polaris's. Neither are amazing. Ski-Doo wins in this category.

[@drowendinafterbirth5662]

@@JeffreyJim09 Polaris addressed the fit and finish for the 2022's

[@abdcontractingltd]

Literally man our whole group rides cats from 2014 - 2018 models and we all keep up with 850s and even outperformed in many situations

[@ridinglife6572]

I have been looking to upgrade and really appreciate you just saying how you feel I can’t decide if this would be the right sled for Michigan riding

[@edwardabrahamiii3742]

Arctic cat is #1

[@Brobro449]

Weird question but what kinda camera/GoPro and where did you have it mounted?

[@Fatonzzz]

I'm sure the overall sled design has lots to do with it, but I wonder if that Power Claw track is a huge contributor in making it so resistant to getting stuck?

[@JeffreyJim09]

You may be 100% right. I’m positive the track is a lot of the reason. I just can’t tell if the alpha articulation is why it is so “unstuck” awesomeness or if JUST the track. If it’s mostly the track, I’d kill to have this sled in a dual rail.

[@Fatonzzz]

@@JeffreyJim09 I would love to get that track onto my Axys, but I’ve read it takes a bit of work (aftermarket rails and drivers).

[@JeffreyJim09]

@@Fatonzzz I think you can just put an antistab in and stick with your stock rails. Drivers would be a must though.

[@hagenrobles3582]

but do you have a preference between brands? I think the skidoo’s are awesome but I find the sled geometry a bit funky. But man the 850 turbo looks rad

[@JeffreyJim09]

I do. Well, sort of ;) - Working for Silber one of the big benefits is I get to ride every brand throughout the year. Though the Cat is my personal sled, we have a fleet of sleds including a few Ski-Doo Factory Turbos and Polaris Patriots. For my riding style, the best all around sled in dead stock form is the Polaris Patriot 850 in a 155 (non-Khaos). That said, I spend enough time on my dirt bike come spring that the sled collects dust. Why does this matter? It means I don't ride in spring (harder) conditions very much. As a result, I prefer the Cat overall (so long as its winter conditions, eg: soft, consistent winter-snow). The Ski-Doo is by far the best motor but the chassis is super weird. I can get along with one, but much prefer the other two chassis. The ultimate would be the Ski-Doo motor in an Axys chassis with Cat's clutching/gear ratio (in a belt drive) with Cat's track.

[@hagenrobles3582]

@@JeffreyJim09 thanks so much for getting back to me! I really liked this video. It was very informative . I’ve had most of my seat time on Polaris rmks and a little bit on the old cat m7. Never ridden the ascender chassis. Sounds like it’s pretty similar to the axys chassis. What is about the skidoo that makes it so weird to ride ? Also do you think the matryx chassis Polaris just introduced will move over to the rmk line? Sometimes I feel like companies change things when they aren’t broke haha like a good chassis .

[@JeffreyJim09]

@@hagenrobles3582 good question. I heard from a little birdie this year will mark a new turbo sled from Polaris. No new chassis. The Ski-Doo is weird for two main reasons. First, the steering post is at a goofy angle and feels awkward to turn (at first). This is something you can learn to live with. More importantly, the way the sled carries weight (ski heavy) and where the rider stands along with the actual weight of the sled makes it a handful in more technical terrain. It is a blast in generic winter (deep) conditions in an up-and-down direction. (not as good side to side - if that makes any sense.

[@hagenrobles3582]

@@JeffreyJim09 oh I can’t wait to see this Polaris turbo! Yeah I’ve always thought that doos turn weird. Makes total sense yes! Why don’t they make it turn more traditional? Working at Silber jealous btw , do more people run to rent doos ? Or Is it even across brand? I feel like i see more skidoo’s on the mountain. Sorry to be wordy I just like talking sleds

[@JeffreyJim09]

@@hagenrobles3582 Polaris and Ski-Doo own the overall market. Cat way behind. As far as who has more market share, that depends on where you live.

[@martinisraelsson564]

Might be buying the first alpha next season, is there any differences between this 2021 and the 2019? And realy good and informative video! :)

[@JeffreyJim09]

There are modest changes to the ECU mapping and updates to the rail to make it a bit stronger. If you find a good deal on a 19, I'd go for it and update the ECU at your dealer (or add a Silber tune ;) - I'm biased!) and add a rail brace. Otherwise, she's good.

[@martinisraelsson564]

@@JeffreyJim09 Okey thanks! Something you didnt mention in your video thought, that is also becoming more and more important is fuel effiency and how far one tank can get you, both normal driving and in the mountains. Is it a big differnce in fuel consumption on the 3 brands? :)

[@JeffreyJim09]

@@martinisraelsson564 rider style and weight will matter the most. However I’d say ski doo has the most efficient motor being a direct inject motor. Second to that cat and Polaris are pretty similar. That said, I tend to run out of gas the fastest in my group...regardless of what brand I'm on.

[@martinisraelsson564]

@@JeffreyJim09 Okey thanks! Here in Sweden fuel is so expensive that even on toys the fuel consumption is important. Thanks for the answers! :)

[@Echoes-]

@@martinisraelsson564 Go for a Ski-Doo or Lynx if you want great fuel efficiency, the US brands (A-C, Polaris) isn't even close to the numbers you can get on a Rotax E-Tec.

[@Byarno78]

Really great reviev 💯

[@kearyleon2955]

Are some of those clips in spring creek?

[@JeffreyJim09]

Yes

[@mikehd3904]

Great review 👍

[@humanityfightthegoodfight8862]

Why doesn't Cat hire you as a MTN consultant?

[@JeffreyJim09]

That'd be a dream! Hard gig to get, I imagine! Maybe one day... Thanks for watching!!!

[@humanityfightthegoodfight8862]

So you make the changes you suggest, get some buddies to test it. Figure out what you will work for. Find out who in MN runs the MTN products. And get yourself out there and sell the product you know best. Midwest people are really nice, and tell him you are on your way with a proposal he cant refuse, sell yourself and the updates to that sled. I'm a Yamaha guy so you see my interest in videos like this. Good luck.

[@RosevearRiderZ]

Great review man

[@kyleheiges9496]

Awesome review!

[@Polishforce]

Great video by the way!

[@roh92cp]

Interested in why you said you would rather have the Alpha 154"?

[@JeffreyJim09]

Whoops! I totally spaced giving my rationale here. The reason is simple, I feel the 154 would be more fun. I can get the 165 to flip around in steep terrain (re-entries, hop overs, bow ties), but overall, I'd be able to pull off more advanced moves on the 154 *without* adding a turbo. If you are going to add forced induction the 165 is maybe the call? Not sure. I'll let you know once the turbo goes on (this weekend ;) )

[@roh92cp]

@@JeffreyJim09 Thanks Jeff, I’ve got the Alpha 154 and love it. So the extra power really does make a long sled more playful and ski light.

[@Brobro449]

They should have a single and dual rail line imo

[@barbecuesquirrel2324]

The newest dual rail is a 2019. They should really have a dual rail line too

[@brandonwelch7152]

Great review.

[@tsharko04]

Just wondering, where did you get those hp numbers

[@JeffreyJim09]

Bikemans dyno pulls (on his KZbin channel)

[@tsharko04]

@@JeffreyJim09 okay thanks just wondering cause i’ve never heard those numbers

[@TimberTramp]

Worst avalanche I’ve ever seen was a heavily timbered slope and it was massive…a hill you wouldn’t expect…not an ominous, massive, Mtn..

[@CANAMSHREDDER]

If this sled was released 8 years ago it might have been able to compete in the industry. But not today, polaris and skidoo are both years ahead of arctic cat in both sleds and offroad vehicles.

[@JeffreyJim09]

I love sledder comments. Lol. While I agree the latest release from Polaris is a step above, I 100% can ride the alpha places I’d struggle to put a ski doo (boosted or not). No question the new matryx is going to be a force all it’s own. But anyone thinking cat is off the back in outright rideability and performance has simply not ridden one

[@hornefoundations]

The only thing I don't agree with is that you say that the Alpha feels comparable to the weight of a Polaris...I have rode both and, the front end of the Arctic Cat is definitely heavier and, "feels" heavier than the Polaris. It definitely takes more to muscle it around than an Ayxs.

[@JeffreyJim09]

One thing you should be aware of his suspension setup has a massive impact on this. In fact, lots of people say the ski doo feels lightest to turn (like it has power steering) yet it is the heaviest of the group. Moving more weight to the skid drastically impacts perceived weight, especially in 2D snow

[@hornefoundations]

@@JeffreyJim09 The sled he is comparing is stock and, you are right the rear suspension does affect how light the front end feels but, if it's adjusted too soft it just trenches and, no matter how you adjust the rear suspension the Arctic Cat still feels heavier in the front because it is. Also, the steering on the Skidoo does feel the lightest because, of it's geometry but, just because the steering feels light doesn't make the front of the sled feel light. Both Skidoo and, Arctic Cat take more energy/input to make the sled come on egde with exeption of the rear of the Alpha but, the front end still feels heavier and, takes more to muscle it around. The dual rail Mountain Cats hold a sidehill better than any sled followed by Polaris then Skidoo...Skidoo's only handle well when the ski's are off the ground!

[@carsonwade7091]

@@hornefoundations very honest! I have the 19 mountain cat and snopro in my opinion the snopro is easier to initiate the side hill. I'm not sure what The difference is besides shocks also the mountain cat isn't stock it had a 156" that's not a power claw while my snopro is 100% stock not sure on the difference but definitely agree with you on how easy it is to initiate and hold a side hill I've ridden Polaris and skidoo and it's no comparison my snopro is also a lot smoother and feels easier to read where you put it is exactly where the sled is going to go with way less resistance than the mountain cat. I also believe the track is a factor in the "unstuck" the snopro it's a lot harder to get stuck than the aftermarket mountain cats track.

[@jakeshupe79]

I hated my 19 alpha. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. And with the silber turbo it sucked even more. Bottom end tuning was horrible.

[@wasupfool5692]

You mean Snotrax is wrong and is probably biased? 😆

[@JeffreyJim09]

HA!~

[@TimberTramp]

Not true…15lb is huge!

[@JeffreyJim09]

Not according to percentages.

[@hitemup6455]

We think it’s the worst

[@drifter5682]

I've seen 5 bent alpha rails there garbage

[@JeffreyJim09]

I'm always dubious to trust those who don't know the difference between "there", "they're" and "their" in any objective context. I also firmly believe you can break anything, including dual rails (which I've done). So far, my single rail is holding up fine. Will update if that changes.

[@drifter5682]

I seen 5 different alphas since they came out with there rails bent like hockey's sticks just a heads up

[@drifter5682]

@@drlhomeimprovements whatever keyboard warriors you probably don't even own a sled is that your mom calling your hot pockets are ready

[@riderfast3444]

Lol right every sled has problems. U don’t bend or break shit the u are not riding. They all good sleds.

[@tylerseabook9423]

The alpha one sucks

[@JeffreyJim09]

Incredibly valuable insight here.

[@tylerseabook9423]

@@JeffreyJim09 rented one for a week twice. Went to polaris and the alpha doesn’t hold a candle to the pro rmk

[@JeffreyJim09]

@@tylerseabook9423 lol I spend hours creating a video about my thoughts on the Alpha, having owned every sled out there. But yeah, I'm sure your 2 week comparison distilled down to 3 sentences, where nothing objective is even said, is the same thing.

[@tylerseabook9423]

@@JeffreyJim09 no one cares about your info. It’s as simple as going to the mountains and seeing 300 rmks and the rest skidoo’s and maybe see one alpha to know they aren’t a good design. Arctic cat is behind the ball has always been. I don’t need to log hours of footage and post it here to confirm a sled is lacking.

[@JeffreyJim09]

Im obviously just trolling the trolls here but by your logic Ferrari’s and Lambos must suck too then eh? Don’t see many of them so they clearly aren’t good cars. My big point here, good sir, is that you are welcome to make any suggestion you like. However that suggestion or opinion carries a lot more weight if you spend some time articulating why a particular product does or doesn’t work. Your take is more akin to tribalism than nuanced gear reviewing. Cheers 🍻

[@clarknawrocki9718]

Cats are junk polaris is the best