In this part of our guide, we'll discuss and offer suggestions for equipment, gear, and accessories for the extreme racing sport of snocross, sometimes spelled snowcross.
To a large extent, snowcross is motocross using a snowmobile rather than a motorcycle, and taking place on snow or ice rather than on dirt.
The sport is covered in greater detail in our Sports & Recreation section. Since this is the shopping section, we will focus on snocross products here.
Snocross features riders navigating snow-covered tracks with sharp turns, jumps, and high-speed straightaways. Like other competitive sports, the success of a snocross rider relies heavily on their skills, stamina, and the quality of their equipment.
At the center of the sport, of course, is the snowmobile, which needs to be a powerful machine designed to handle the rigors of high-speed snow racing.
Leading manufacturers in the snowmobile market include Arctic Cat, Polaris, and Ski-Doo, which offer snowmobiles specifically designed for snocross. Additionally, aftermarket parts and modifications from brands like Fox Racing Shox and Bikeman Performance are commonly used by racers.
Snowmobiles used in snocross often feature enhanced suspension systems to absorb the impact from jumps and rough terrain. These frequently include long-travel shock absorbers and reinforced front and rear suspension components.
Since lighter machines are easier to maneuver, manufacturers use lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber to reduce the overall weight of the snowmobile.
Snocross machines typically have high-output engines that provide the necessary power for rapid acceleration and maintaining high speeds. Two-stroke engines are preferred due to their lighter weight and higher power-to-weight ratio.
The tracks and skis are designed to provide maximum grip and control on snow and ice-covered tracks. Studded tracks and reinforced skis with sharper edges are often used for better traction.
Riding gear used in the sport is designed for safety, comfort, and performance.
High-quality helmets protect against head injuries. They will have features such as impact resistance, extended chin guards, and ventilation. Arctiva, 509, and HJC Helmets produce headgear for snocross riders.
Snocross riders face harsh weather conditions and potential falls, making protective clothing essential. Snocross jackets and pants are designed to be durable and warm, featuring waterproof fabrics, impact-resistant padding, and ventilation. FXR Racing and KLIM are popular brands. Moisture-wicking base layers are used to keep riders warm and dry. Merino wool and synthetic blends help regulate temperature and provide comfort. Gloves must protect from the cold and impacts without sacrificing grip and dexterity. MotorFist and Thor offer gloves designed for the sport.
Snocross boots must balance insulation, comfort, and control. Typically, they are waterproof, with strong tread patterns for traction and reinforced areas for additional protection. Alpinestars and Baffin are top brands.
Goggles are worn to protect riders from snow, wind, and glare. Snocross goggles have dual lenses, anti-fog coatings, and adjustable straps. Oakley and Scott Sports make high-performance goggles suitable for snocross.
To protect against impacts, riders often wear body protection, including chest protectors, shoulder pads, and knee braces. Well-known manufacturers include EVS Sports and Leatt.
In competitive scenarios, communication between snocross riders and their teams is essential. Helmet-mounted communication systems with features like noise reduction and hands-free operation from brands like Cardo Systems and Sena are popular.
Other products used in the sport may include tool kits and maintenance gear, tuning and performance accessories, and riding bags and packs.
Manufacturers and after-market providers of equipment, gear, and accessories associated with snocross are appropriate topics for this category, along with retailers involved in supplying the snocross market, as well as websites featuring product reviews and comparisons.
Recommended Resources
C&A Pro is known for manufacturing high-quality aftermarket snowmobile skis. They cater to various types of snowmobile racing, including snocross, cross-country, and watercross. Located in Hutchinson, Minnesota, the company's hours of operation and contacts are posted on the site, along with its product catalog of snowmobile skis, parts, accessories, and apparel. Also included are video guides, downloadable resources, and ski model comparisons.
https://caproskis.net/
Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, FXR Racing is well-known for producing high-quality gear and apparel for snowcross, motocross, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities. They offer a wide range of products, including snow gear for men, women, and youth; and protective gear for motocross and snocross. A full product catalog is featured on the company's website, which also includes outerwear guides, a snow buyer's guide, a snow helmet guide, and technical specifications.
https://fxrracing.com/
ISOC Racing Official Racing Store
Also known as the AMSOIL Championship Snocross, a renowned snowmobile race series that hosts numerous events and competitions, this is ISOC Racing's official merchandise store. It features branded outerwear, shirts, headwear, and youth apparel, including hoodies, beanies, sherpas, jackets, tee shirts, sweatshirts, joggers, long-sleeve shirts, flannel shirts, caps, hats, bandanas, and sunglasses. Also included is an off-road collection that includes largely the same types of products.
https://shop.isocracing.com/
Based in Rigby, Idaho, Klim is a motorsports clothing and safety equipment manufacturer offering products for snowmobiling and motorcycling sports, including snocross. The company was purchased by Polaris in 2012 and is now a subsidiary. Its snowmobile products include a selection of helmets, goggles, snowsuits, jackets, bibs, pants, boots, gaiters, gloves, pullovers, vests, socks, shirts, shorts, boxers, hoodies, balaclavas, neck warmers, and polos, with several options available.
https://www.klim.com/snow
Northeast Snocross is an action-packed snowmobile racing event held in various locations across the northeastern United States. These races include navigating through specially designed tracks with jumps, tight corners, and obstacles. Its website also features snowcross gear for sale, including a lightweight helmet designed for snocross, performance snocross gloves, and protective goggles. Race team merchandise and winter apparel and accessories are also available.
https://www.northeastsnocross.com/category/snowcross-gear
