Do you ever use reverse on steep critical downhills?

FernieHawk

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I do occasionally.

In another thread some people were critical of this technique.
 

Merc63

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I do it all the time on steep descents. Just make sure you lock the brake before hitting the throttle.
 

pano-dude

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Since I've never had reverse until this year no. Dont think i would try it now either, Way to hard on drivetrain imo.
 

teeroy

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yes. as mentioned in other thread, I have broken the pivot pin on the chain tensioner arm doing it...so go easy. but man you can come to a complete stop on some pretty steep slopes if you need to. has come in handy more than a few times.
 

Dazzler

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I do, and have used it since 2003 (my poo vertical mistake had the reverse button) to get me stopped to help out a fellow sledder, given the right situation. I've never used it to get me down a steep hill as, I would assume it to be a little hard on the drive train.
 

S.W.A.T.

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He'll no.

Would you do it on your quad or in your pick up?

Seems like a good way to wreck something
 

Merc63

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How are you going to wreck something if the brake is held locked and you simultaneously give it a shot of gas, it's like pinning it off the line... I see no difference.

This is a technique we learned in a ride with Chris brown course. It may save your ass and your sled one day. I'm not saying do it every hill you climb, but those really steep ones if you need or trying to stop and help a bud, it works great.
 

ferniesnow

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Generally, I don't climb the chutes where the scary downhills occur. I have unexpectedly come across some steep decents and as Merc63 pointed out, helping a buddy who is stuck (now there are people who say if they are up there they can get themselves out.......) up in the trees. Sometimes the trees are so tight, you can't lay it on it's side as there is no room. The unexpected drops are the interesting ones. I am sure everyone has a special technique for extraordinary circumstances and to each their own. Is there a right way or a wrong way?
 

LID

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Done it a few times in a dumb spot or when trying to stop and help someone.

You should never try it out or use it to slow yourself if there are more guys behind you that need to follow the downhill. You’ll screw the line up bad for them
 

FernieHawk

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I have a 2010 Cat with a Diamond drive so no worry about a chain case. I really don’t think there is any additional strain on my sled compared to using reverse to go backwards as compared to spinning the track lightly while going forward. Agree that using this technique while someone is in close proximity behind you could be bad for your body and/or sled.

I’ve also used this to stop downhill to help someone out of a pickle.
 
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