Help Center Power Sports Fitting Guide

Power Sports Fitting Guide1

From snowmobiles to Sea-Doos, proper fit and training are critical for safe operation. These machines are powerful, heavy, and potentially dangerous. Renters must honestly match their skill and size to the equipment, wear full protective gear, and follow all laws and safety rules.

*⚠️ Important: StompGear provides these guidelines for education only. Renters are responsible for confirming fit, obtaining training/licensing, and using machines safely. StompGear assumes no liability for misuse, unsafe operation, or failure to follow manufacturer or legal requirements. *

Types

• Trail Sleds: Short track (120–137"), stable, designed for groomed trails. Best for beginners.
• Crossover Sleds: Mid-length track (137–146"), good balance of trail and powder performance.
• Mountain Sleds: Long track (146–165"+), narrow body, lightweight. Designed for deep powder and steep climbs. Advanced use only.
• Utility/Touring Sleds: Heavy-duty, 2-up seating, racks or tow hitches. Focused on work, comfort, or distance travel.

Engines & Technology

• 2-Stroke: Lightweight, quick throttle response, more maintenance (oil injection or premix).
• 4-Stroke: Heavier, quieter, smoother power, longer service life.
• Turbocharged: Adds high-altitude performance. ⚠️ Only for advanced/expert riders — very high accident risk if mishandled.

Fit & Rider Match

• Riders should be able to reach handlebars and controls while seated and standing.
• Youth sleds (120–200 cc) are designed for children; full-size machines are not safe for kids.
• Rider weight affects flotation — heavier riders may need longer tracks in deep snow.

Training & Safety

• Avalanche kit mandatory in the backcountry: beacon, probe, shovel, airbag strongly recommended.
• Minimum training: AST 1 (Avalanche Skills Training) → https://avalanche.ca/training
• Ride in groups with radios; never go alone.
• Stay on marked trails unless trained and equipped for mountain/backcountry use.
• Alcohol/drug impairment is a major factor in sled fatalities — ride sober.

Pre-Ride Checks

• Track tension & condition.
• Throttle & brake response.
• Kill switch & tether clip.
• Lights and signals.
• Fuel, oil, coolant.

ATV Types

• Utility: Heavy, racks/towing, slower but stable.
• Sport: Light, fast, sharp handling — for racing/trails.
• Youth: Small frames, limited speed, built for kids.

UTV/Side-by-Side Types

• Recreation: 2–6 seats, versatile, family-friendly.
• Sport: Long-travel suspension, high horsepower.
• Utility/Work: Heavier, cargo beds, towing-focused.

Engines & Features

• 2WD vs 4WD: 4WD needed for mud, steep terrain.
• Automatic CVT: Easy for beginners.
• Electronic Power Steering (EPS): Reduces fatigue, improves control.

Fit & Rider Match

• ATV riders must sit with elbows bent, knees at ~90°, feet flat on pegs.
• Youth ATVs have age/weight limits printed on labels — never ignore them.
• In UTVs: seatbelts must fit across hips and shoulders, helmets still required.

Training & Safety

• ATV Safety Institute RiderCourse → https://atvsafety.org
• UTV rollover training recommended.
• ATVs tip easily — lean into turns, avoid steep sidehills.
• UTV rollovers are common — always wear seatbelts, helmets, and keep arms inside.

Pre-Ride Checks

• Tire pressure & tread.
• Brakes, throttle, steering.
• Oil/fuel levels.
• Suspension joints & shocks.

Types

• Trail Bikes: Softer suspension, smoother power, easy for beginners.
• **Motocross (MX):**Lightweight, stiff suspension, tuned for racing.
• Enduro/Off-Road: Long-range fuel tanks, lights, rugged components.
• Dual-Sport: Street legal + off-road, versatile but heavier.
• Youth Bikes: Small frames, low cc engines, optional training wheels.

Engines

• 2-Stroke: Lighter, aggressive powerband, harder for beginners to manage.
• 4-Stroke: Heavier, smoother torque, easier for most riders.

Fit & Rider Match

• Riders should balance with balls of feet on the ground (flat-foot for kids).
• Handlebars within easy reach, arms bent slightly.
• Youth bikes must fit child's size — never put kids on adult bikes.

Training & Safety

• Motorcycle Safety Foundation DirtBike School → https://www.dirtbikeschool.org
• ⚠️ Disc brakes required for safe descents; rim brakes unsafe.
• Lift-access parks may ban bikes without front/rear suspension + disc brakes.
• Children fatigue quickly with brake use — avoid long downhill runs.

Pre-Ride Checks

• Chain tension & lubrication.
• Brake function (front & rear).
• Tire pressure & tread.
• Fuel & oil.

Types

• Rec-Lite: Small, nimble, entry-level.
• Recreation: Mid-size, stable, good for families.
• Performance: High horsepower, some turbo models — advanced only.
• Tow Sports: Designed for wakeboarding/tubing.
• Luxury/Touring: Larger, stable, long-distance comfort.

Fit & Rider Match

• Riders must sit comfortably and operate controls without stretching.
• Youth must meet local minimum age requirements (varies by province).

Training & Safety

• PFDs mandatory for all riders.
• Transport Canada requires Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) → https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/get-your-boating-licence
• ⚠️ Alcohol is the leading cause of PWC crashes — ride sober.
• Maintain safe distance (30m+) — wake jumping may be illegal.

Pre-Launch Checks

• PFDs for all riders.
• Fuel & oil.
• Drain plugs secured.
• Lanyard/kill switch clipped to operator.
• Hull free of cracks or leaks.

• Helmets: DOT or Snell certified. Snug, no shifting.
• Goggles/Visors: Full seal, anti-fog or tinted lenses.
• **Body Armour:**Chest/back protection, elbow/knee pads.
• Neck Braces: Reduce spinal injury risk (recommended for motocross).
• Boots: Tall, stiff, protect shin and ankle.
• Gloves: Snug grip, padded palms.
• PFDs: Mandatory for all watercraft.
• Youth Gear: Only youth-specific gear fits correctly.

• Match machine type & power to rider size and ability.
• Turbos, mountain sleds, MX bikes, and performance PWCs = advanced only.
• Avalanche kit + AST training required for backcountry snowmobiling.
• PFDs mandatory for all watercraft; helmets mandatory for land machines.
• Always inspect before use; never ride impaired.
• Training strongly recommended for all riders.

⚖️ Disclaimer: StompGear fitting guides are educational. Renters must confirm fit, inspect equipment, and use only within their training and ability. StompGear assumes no liability for accidents, injuries, or fatalities caused by misuse or unsafe operation.