It’s not unusual for an angler to have conflicted decisions when selecting between Snowmobiles and ATVs. This can be a difficult decision as you will want to choose the most competent one for ice fishing. It’s essential to get a vehicle with the particular features that you might desire.
Today’s article will explore a perfect comparison for your convenience to opt for the most suitable automobile for you. We are here to provide you with the correct knowledge for your ice fishing trip.
Contents
Snowmobiles vs. ATV
Both of these vehicles have their advantages and disadvantages. In an ideal world, selecting both would be a pleasure. Although for many, budget is the issue stopping you from selecting both.
It is necessary to get the best-featured one that goes right with your particular conditions and ice fishing plans. Let’s explore the many features of both to reach a final conclusion.
Understanding Snowmobiles
Whenever you plan an ice fishing trip, you want it to be the best adventure you can get. Snowmobiles help you in this regard. You can glide the snowmobile over the ice easily. Their vast features list convinces you to choose it over every other vehicle.
Snowmobile’s Features
Compact
When you compare snowmobiles with ATVs, you will come to know that they are far more compact than ATVs. You can hook it up with a sled to go to any ice fishing spot where you want to take your ice fishing equipment such as reels, rods, rod holders, augers, electronics, etc.
Snowmobiles allow you to pull the sled easier. Even if there is deeper snow. You can feasibly fix two snowmobiles on the same trailer as a single ATV. Snowmobiles also take less space even when they stand in the garage/storage area.
Trustworthy Traction
Better traction is one of the main reasons why people suggest snowmobiles over ATVs. Because ATVs require chains on the wheels to perform well on ice. On the other hand, snowmobiles perform extraordinarily with more high-grade traction even in the deeper snow and ice conditions. So, for this feature, ATVs are less effective in comparison to snowmobiles.
Speed
Snowmobiles are designed especially with the ideal snow track to make it quick and effective to move on the snow, just like a tank’s track.
ATVs do sink in the deeper snow whereas, snowmobiles glide over it and do not sink in the snow.
If you crave to slide over the deeper snow to make your trip even more adventurous, you should opt for snowmobiles instead of ATVs. But if you plan on driving within areas with thinner snow, you can use ATVs. So for more extensive and deeper snow purposes, snowmobiles are better.
Cost
Many people are primarily concerned with the budget and cost while choosing between snowmobiles and ATVs for ice fishing.
They need to know which one is cost-efficient. Both ATVs and snowmobiles can be super expensive. But if you’re selective you may find affordable snowmobiles with extraordinary features.
Furthermore, the engines of snowmobiles are comparatively smaller than ATVs. This means snowmobiles do not use much gas. Therefore, it is better to opt for snowmobiles for a reasonable and affordable purchase and fuel economy.
Cons
Handling
Their build allows them to move in a more manageable and angular way. Their controls can be complicated compared to ATVs.
Snowmobiles have tracks and sled runners that function differently than a normal automobile. This makes it hard to handle.
Handling within ATVs is better. The reason for this is that snowmobiles will drift more than ATVs.
This means that whenever you hit the brakes, they do not instantly stop.
Power
As far as the power of snowmobiles is concerned, then ATVs are better in this regard.
They ride over the snow well. Also, they can move in deeper snow, but when choosing on a power basis, they have less power than ATVs.
This is because they normally have smaller engines than ATVs, which makes a difference in hauling the gear. So on dry land or compact snow, snowmobiles are not so commendable because of their small engines.
Year-round Usage
If you want to make a long-term use as a preference for your vehicle and use it every season, then snowmobiles are not for you.
You can only use snowmobiles in the winter season. In contrast, for year-round usage, ATVs are the winners. You can use them on dry or muddy land and hauling goods on land other than snowy conditions. But snowmobiles will not be effective in dry or muddy conditions, so you cannot use them year-round. Only if you really want a vehicle in snowy and icy conditions, then snowmobiles should be your preference.
Limited Storage Capacity
When you hook up a sled behind the snowmobile, it gives you enough space for placing stuff, but what if you have no sled attached to the snowmobile and take the snowmobile all alone?
Then snowmobiles seem to be a failure as far as their capacity is concerned because they are not large enough. Of course, when you need it for ice fishing, you have to take ice fishing equipment with you, such as drills, rods, rod holders, reels, electronics, etc. and for this stuff, you need a lot of space in the racks which are not possible with a snowmobile.
If you are not planning on taking large amounts with you, it is okay to take a snowmobile alone. But if you have a lot of equipment for ice fishing, then, of course, ATVs are better than snowmobiles in this regard.
Passenger Capacity
Just like the limited capacity for equipment, there is also an insufficient capacity for the passenger because it is designed so that only a single person can be carried. So if you want to take another person along with you, you have to attach a sled or a trolley behind the snowmobile.
ATV’s Features
ATVs are, no doubt, good vehicles with many pros and cons. You can use it for a long time, in any season, on almost any terrain. So, let’s explore the fun features of ATVs and finalise which automobile is more beneficial.
Terrain
The wheels on the ATV make sure that it is a year-round usage vehicle that you can take on dry land and muddy ground. You can even climb hills with the help of an ATV, which is not possible with snowmobiles as they are specially made for snowy conditions.
You can haul your goods, go on a ride and enjoy the offroad with your ATV. Of course, ATVs can be used on ice but they are not as good as snowmobiles. On the other hand, snowmobiles are perfect for winter conditions and in deep ice or snow. If you want to buy something that can be used all year, then ATV is a must-buy.
Fully Powered
ATVs are well known for their high power. The engines of ATVs are so big that even ice anglers can use them to pull large ice houses.
The right tires on ATVs will never fail to impress you when carrying passengers, gear equipment, ice shanties, etc. So if you prefer to carry heavy gear and lots of people with you, ATVs are specially designed for you. Even without any sled, their engine size and power will never let you down. In comparison to ATVs, snowmobiles have less power as their engines are smaller than ATVs.
Handling
The controls of the ATVs are simple, which makes them easy to handle and easy to drive. They do not need any clutching, and you can drive ATVs with more speed than snowmobiles
You can even buy manual transmissions for ATVs. So, you can easily master ATVs handling.
On the other hand, if we take a look at snowmobiles, they are hard to master as they have tracks, sled runners, and complicated controls. Snowmobiles will need more time to build speed compared to ATVs.
So, if you want to buy something easy to drive and easy to handle with simple controls, you must opt for ATVs.
Passenger Capacity
The capacity to fit in passengers depends on the size of the ATV model you buy. But if you purchase a good model, it can easily accommodate 2 to 3 people.
ATVs are available with specific attachments that can give you even more capacity to fit more people. ATVs are specifically designed to hold larger amounts of people.
Whereas snowmobiles are designed to hold just one person. (Using a sled will allow for more than one person to be transported) So, if you look forward to a spacious featured machine, then an ATV is more suitable for you.
Hauling Gear
When it comes to carrying gear, ATVs are conquerors because ATV automobiles have a large room/rack and can hold gear and collect the equipment necessary for ice fishing. You can easily manage the equipment. If you still want to attach a sled with your ATV, it won’t disappoint you. It is easy to handle, and you can carry all the stuff and gear with a good ATV.
Cons
Cost
Being expensive is one of the most significant disadvantages of ATV machines. Even the fuel consumption for ATV raises your overall cost after purchasing it. When you plan to install racks on your ATV for ice fishing, it also increases the overall budget. The buying process, fuel consumption, and overall setup will lead to higher prices.
You will come to know that snowmobiles are cost-effective and are purchased comparatively lower than ATVs. Even their smaller engine consumes less fuel. So, if a cost-effective vehicle is a priority, then ATV is indeed not right for you.
Slow Speed
If you prefer a speedy vehicle to make your ice fishing trip more adventurous and desire to make your dream come true by going in deeper snow, an ATV is not a good option. This is because they do not glide easily over it and are even more commendable for dry and muddy land. If your sport requires you to go deeper in the snow, then snowmobiles are efficient in this regard. Although, if you are scared of deeper snow and want a machine to go for thin snow, it is recommended to purchase an ATV.
Lack of Traction
For better traction, you need to buy chains to put on the vehicle’s tires, but they are expensive.
Improving traction without chains can be extremely difficult. ATVs lack traction compared to snowmobiles. Those who desire to have a vehicle with better traction should not buy ATVs.
Conclusion
The bottom line of the comparison between an ATV and snowmobile shows that those who specifically want a vehicle for ice fishing and deep snow conditions should opt for snowmobiles.
You can attach a sled to increase the space and hold more than one person in a snowmobile to enjoy your trip better with your buddies.
Although, if you want something for all year and plan to go to drylands and muddy lands, then selecting an ATV may be smarter.
In conclusion, it is clear that both vehicles have a great number of functions available. In my opinion, selecting the correct one will depend on your needs.