My past experience with the Gripper vs the pro steer is that the Gripper is a better all around ski... gives enough bite for heavy riding but not so much bite to lift inside ski... gives added floatation when off trail and they just plain look cool... They use a different wear rod, and they are harder to put 2 sleds side by side in a trailer. Both of my Switchbacks have grippers skis and I cant load them side by side... The ski rubber is and issue with grippers, there are manufactures that make after market ones but I have found that just shimming them seems to help them stay tight..

 

Same experience here when I tried my buddy's bike with Gripper.

 

I second what grzz88 said the on trail is better than pro steer in soft conditions and much better off trail. Fewer carbide options but not a deal breaker. The extra width is challenging when loading but again manageable.

 

I'll look into these a little more. I'm a giant fan of Studboy Shaper bars. Hope they make a carbide for these. Thanks for the input!

 

Very easy to get stud boys for grippers. Check out ball equipment or mcb or anywhere online. Been running grippers for many years hands down best skis for any type of riding. Its like the sweet spot

 

Seems harder then it should be for runner options. Just look for RMK runners?

 

I see by comment above they are better in loose snow on trail, but how would they perform on a more hard packed trail surface versus pro-steers?
I ride zero off trail, so the added flotation is of no value to me.
May not be the right ski for me, but I've seen a lot of comments from folks that love them.

 

I see by comment above they are better in loose snow on trail, but how would they perform on a more hard packed trail surface versus pro-steers?
I ride zero off trail, so the added flotation is of no value to me.
May not be the right ski for me, but I've seen a lot of comments from folks that love them.

Just keep your pro steers and add a Woodys Ace with 6-8" carbide. Its all you need for the Trails

 

The grippers are great on hard pack and even better when the snow is loose or soft. Where the pro steer skis pretty much only work on hard pack.

 

Random question- are the ski loops interchangeable between pro steers and grippers?

 

Yes

 

The problem I have is that I religiously try to stay right. That means on left turns my right ski is in the fluff on the outside of the turn and my Prosteers with Studboy duces push badly. I’m going to try Studboy Shapers, but am wondering if Grippers would also significantly enhance control in these situations?

 

Grippers are a better ski in all conditions. Get a set and try them. If you don't like them they will sell in heartbeat.

 

Went to grippers this year from pro steers and theres no looking back.
Just plain better in all conditions!
Sure prosteers are great on hard pack trails but as soon as trails loosen up they do not turn like grippers.
Grippers go where you point them.

 

No duece bars for grippers and carbides are not stocked by dealers as much as pro steer carbides. I carry a spare set in trailer on trips.

 

Good feedback, thanks.

 

For the late model Polaris Indys, what is comparable...maybe better than Grippers in the aftermarket?

 

heard very good things about the SLP Mohawks, would love to try those on my SBA.

Another nice thing with the grippers : less susceptible to wear at the front of the keel unless shimming them

In the pic: SLP SLT skis with 12k+ miles, Pro-steer with less than 1k, grippers with 7k :

 

I have run the Grippers on my 17 Assault and now on the 21 Matryx Assault - I run Woody's Duallys and it takes any unstable/darting away, they handle great in all trail conditions for me.

 

I've been on a G4 Doo since 2017. Half way thru 17 I was talking to Bronco at the Hot Rod Sled Shop in PA. He told me every doo should come with the gripper ski's as std equipment. I bought a set and gotta say, they work very well. In quest for better, I've bought split rail's and all versions of the SLP ski's. I also bought a set of Doo 6.9 pilots. The pilot's are pretty good. I still prefer the Grippers. My son put Grippers on his Assault and he was like WOW, way better.

 

OK so I think we have established the fact that the Gripper skis are superior to the Pro Steer ski!

 

I think the only reason Poo still uses the no-steers on e.g the SBA is legal requirements re: max width for trail sleds...?

 

Lots of good info.
Anyone know what carbide length comes with this ski when you SC or did I miss that?
Please tell me it has something as the PS does when you take delivery.
For the price in a SC I may as well get the Grippers. Now....what color? Probably black for me.

 

Lots of good info.
Anyone know what carbide length comes with this ski when you SC or did I miss that?
Please tell me it has something as the PS does when you take delivery.
For the price in a SC I may as well get the Grippers. Now....what color? Probably black for me.

The grippers are an add on accessory, so you can get 3 or 6" carbide or whatever else youd like from whereever. PS will be with the sled. IMO you dont need as much carbide with grippers that you do with the PS's. Mind you im on non-groomed trails, fields and lakes.

 

Anyone here use Slydog trail skis on the Matryx?

 

Good question...I have been considering a set of those for my SBA 144.👍🏼