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HomeFeaturesINSIDE: THE 2023 ARCTIC CAT BLAST XR and BONUS 2022 XR REVIEW

INSIDE: THE 2023 ARCTIC CAT BLAST XR and BONUS 2022 XR REVIEW

The 2023 BLAST 4000 XR is one of Arctic Cat’s most popular new mid-size BLAST models. This venture-anywhere trail crossover performs incredibly because of its longer 146-in. skidframe. You can smoothly bridge the gaps between stutter bumps on the trail all day long, or when the snow turns deep, have the necessary flotation to power ahead. 

Why To Buy

Because you choose to find adventure on a 50/50 trail crossover that can handle a variety of snow conditions in legal riding areas – the BLAST XR has no guardrails holding it back from enjoying them. 

1. BLAST XR Mid-Size – Mid-Size is everything – true statement. The XR is easy to ride, easy to maneuver and easy to have the most all-around fun owning.  

2. Maintenance – The quick attach/detach side panels and top cowling make the Blast one of the easiest models to gain access to the full engine compartment.

3. Engine – Arctic Cat’s C-TEC2 single-cylinder kicks out an impressive 65-class horsepower and combined with CVTech clutches, you can get to 50mph trail speed limits quicker than most.

4. Accessories – a wide range of accessories are available to customize your Blast XR including 15.5-in tall windshield, mid-size rear storage trail pack, front bumpers and more.

Tech Talk

The XR shares many commonalities with other BLAST models, chief amongst them is Arctic Cat’s C-TEC2 engine – a 397cc single-cylinder two-stroke with 65-class horsepower and Electronic Fuel Injection. Quick, responsive power is delivered via CVTech clutches for a smooth take off every time. 

The above photo is from a 2022 Blast XR. You can get a good look at the 146 rear skid frame with 1.6 Cobra track.

The BLAST XR finds its home in the mid-size pack as one of the best all-around crossover performers –  the transition from trail to deep powder riding is seamless because of its longer 146-in. suspension with 12.5-in. of travel, adjustable torsion springs and a 15-in. wide Cobra track with 1.6-in. lugs.

Dash mounted rocker controls are conveniently placed, and the easy to use hand warmers have been updated for 2023 with a high/low setting, versus the previous on/off option. Thumb warmer, headlight, and engine reverse engagement are also operated from the dash. The digital instrument gauge transmits all running info brightly and a magnetic tether switch is standard.

Crossover riders will truly appreciate the narrowness of the taller mountain seat in ergonomic relation to the premium handlebars with hooked bar ends – sit-down to stand-up riding is an easy transition.

The performance-inspired bodywork comes in Black/Gun Metal Blue and is capped with a race-height 4-in. windshield.

The BLAST 4000 XR at a Glance

  • 397cc, 2-stroke, C-TEC2 Single-Cylinder Engine with EFI
  • 65-Class Horsepower
  • Turn-Key Electric Start with Tether
  • Engine Reverse
  • 37.5-in. to 38.5-in. adjustable ski stance
  • Trail-6 Ski with Single-Runner Carbide
  • 4.5-in. handlebar riser
  • 11.7 gallon fuel tank
  • Rear Bumper shared with Blast M

2022 BLAST 4000 XR REVIEW

I purchased a 2021 BLAST ZR new, and our family has enjoyed that snowmobile immensely over the past two seasons. No matter who gets on the ZR, it provokes all the fun and smiles that are great about snowmobiling – Lightweight chassis, spirited engine, short 121-inch skid frame and 1-inch x 14-inch wide track all contribute to the play factor that no other OEM has in this category (I’ve ridden em all).

My 2022 XR came with the Trailblazer Kit accessory package (front bumper, handlebar bag, rear storage bag and tall windshield – not on in this photo) The Blast fits a wide variety of riders and skill levels…at 6’4″ I represent the big and tall section of riders and everything feels just fine to me.

When the XR was introduced for 2022, I ordered one – the thought of a longer 146-inch skid frame with 1.6-inch lug was intriguing when the opportunity arises to play in deeper snow.

I transformed my XR with a 94 Rewind Wrap Kit that you can buy on this site. It was fun to take the XR to some varying vintage events this season. Despite its modern-ness, most would give you a pass because of the Retro ZR styling. I ran my taller windshield off/on throughout the season, but most times I ran Arctic Cat soft gauntlets, or Flex-Tec Handguards.

Everything I loved about the ZR, remained true with the XR, but they do ride completely different. The longer 146-inch skid frame gives the XR a more “full-size” riding feeling. Most will enjoy the increased stability for cornering, and as you’d expect with the longer skid frame, the XR bridges the trail bumps better for a smoother ride. I logged about 500 miles on our XR this winter, and I continue to enjoy it more with every ride. The only real handling change I made to both the ZR and XR was replace the single-runner carbides with dual offset runners from Arctic Cat. I highly recommend doing this to eliminate the majority of trail darting, but retain the light steering.

The front bumper that came with the Trailblazer Accessory package worked incredibly well, but from a styling standpoint once I installed the Rewind Wrap, the bumper wasn’t cutting the proverbial eye candy for me, so I switched it out for a white Procross version. If you’re looking to add a bumper, these are cheap and easy to install options. Also in this photo, I removed the handlebar bag pouch and rear storage bag. You can also see the Stealth Flex-Tec handguards.
Above is my 2021 Blast ZR. Right out of the gates, I tore the stock seat cover (Dunno how?) so I called up ROX Speed FX and had them make me a new one. The end result is nothing short of fantastic and well worth the money. This cover has been durable and stylish with its carbon fiber accent panels and I opted for a slightly grippier vinyl on top. If you look at my XR photos, it has this seat installed versus the standard mountain seat it came with. Personally, I like sitting lower for cornering, and I like how the ZR seat is narrower and sculpted side-to-side. (Again, I love it for cornering during trail rides) When others in my family ride the ZR or XR, they prefer the slightly taller Mountain seat, which is also quite a bit softer.
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27 COMMENTS

  1. You know what, the more I think about it, JoanR is a @$$tron bigwig. Think about it. He never says ANYTHING bad about them, and is hostile towards those of us who do.

    • This is a cat friendly site. No reason to bash when you are happy. Complaining is not going to change anything Karen. Look around. This is life at the moment.

      • Well, you just keep doing what you do, and go about your sunshine and rainbows way. We are trying to SAVE OUR company, in a vain attempt hoping that someone with some pull sees our gripes, and DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

  2. I said OUR company. Not MINE. The PEOPLE’S. You seem to forget that without US CONSUMERS, and our MONEY, there is NO COMPANY. Did you take high school economics? Or did you not get that far?

    Who’s backstabbing? I haven’t bought a Ski Doo or Polaris.

    Not going anywhere? If they fail to change, they will be going someplace. Memory, AKA, in the past, not the present.

    Please try to READ our comments. Try to ABSORB the message.

  3. Do you have stock? If not you have no say. Grow up! Learn what is going on then go buy a different brand if you want. My god! In the real world, you and I mean nothing. They will be just fine. Will sell out again and when it is time and it is ready, a new sled will be let loose. Still would buy a Pro Cross as will never buy a first year anything.

    • Just because one owns stock, does not mean one CARES. I care about Cat more than the ONES WHO OWN IT.

      @$$tron is COUNTING on Polaris and Ski Doo RUNNING OUT of the high demand rigs people want, so the remaining people looking for a 23 sled will have no choice but one of the “nothing new for 23” Cats or Yamahas. Why do you think they are waiting so long to allow people to be able to order one? Also, it’s easy for them to sell out when they make only a handful of rigs. A hundred or so T-cats, Sidewinders, Riot 9000s, and Riot 8000s sell out quickly. And they STILL won’t show up til spring! Of course, some people don’t care about stuff like that…they don’t mind riding their new 1 year old sled, while their buddies ride their new NEW sleds.

      • Because they are waiting to get all the 22’s out the door. That is why they are not going to. It has been said so many times. Do you not know how to read? Listen? Like listening to a broken record. Come on Karen! Give it up already!

        • They why oh why did they call this a PREVIEW of the 23s Sherlock? Why didn’t they just make us wait until April 19th in the first place?
          HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM? Look a few articles back. “2023 ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILE PREVIEW” and refresh yourself.

  4. The review implies something that I keep telling people and I want to call it out: An experienced adult rider with the choice of full-sized higher-powered sleds still managed to put 500 miles on a Blast. I think the Blast is more fun than experienced riders expect it to be, and reminds me of a time when sleds were smaller, lighter, nimble and easy to ride, but without the need for a kidney belt. It’s easy to have fun on these, and that’s why most people get started snowmobiling.

  5. So you go to the movies, watch the previews, and then leave? “Man, I saw a whole BUNCH of movies today durrff!” I don’t understand Pal. I guess I’m not as smart as you. You are so smart! You are so smart! S-M-R-T! I mean S-M-A-R-T!

  6. I’m thinking of ordering a blast xr for my 9 year old daughter. She’s out grown the zr200. I had her on my zr6000, but it’s a little too torquey for her. I don’t plan on her riding the main trails, but we have a lot of land we mess around on. I’m figuring she is less likely to get stuck on the xr vs the zr. What’s everyone’s opinion on the zr vs the xr?

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