I’ve been riding sleds for over a decade, and the day I yanked off a stock exhaust can was the day I understood why every mountain rider obsesses over weight. The best snowmobile exhaust systems for weight reduction can peel 9 to 15 lbs off the back of your sled, and your arms and shoulders will feel every one of those pounds after a full day of boondocking.
Our team spent the last three months comparing aftermarket cans, reading forum threads, and pulling dyno data. We focused on real-world weight savings, brand-specific fitment, sound character, and durability. If you’re shopping for a lightweight snowmobile exhaust that won’t choke your engine or get you ticketed on the first trail day, this guide is for you.
Top 3 Snowmobile Exhaust Picks for Weight Reduction (September 2026)
If you’re in a hurry, these three represent the best balance of weight savings, sound quality, and proven reliability our team found this season.
MBRP Trail Series Performance Exhaust
- Stainless steel
- 11 lb build
- Bolt-on fit
- Trail-friendly sound
GGB Mountain Can for Polaris 600/800
- Stainless steel
- Factory mounts
- 9-15 lb savings
- Deep tone
Best Snowmobile Exhaust Systems for Weight Reduction in 2026
Here’s how all eight contenders stack up side by side. The table below covers brand, fitment range, material, and our team’s editorial takeaway for each.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 GGB Trail Can for 2017 Ski-Doo 850 Etec Gen 4 |
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 GGB Trail Muffler for Polaris AXYS 600/800 |
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 GGB Mountain Can for 2013-2015 Ski-Doo 800 Etec |
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| GGB Mountain Can for 2013-2015 Polaris 600/800 |
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 GGB Mountain Muffler for Arctic Cat 6000 C-TEC2 |
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 GGB Mountain Can for 2005-2008 Ski-Doo REV 500SS |
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| MBRP Catback Exhaust AL |
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| MBRP Trail Series Performance Exhaust |
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1. GGB Trail Can for 2017 Ski-Doo 850 Etec Gen 4 – Lightweight Can With Trail Manners
2017 Ski Doo 850 Etec Gen 4 / MXz/Renegade/Summit – Trail Can By GGB Exhaust
Alloy steel can
4.47 kg trail weight
Fits 2017 Ski-Doo 850 Etec Gen 4
Pros
- Excellent fit and finish
- Great sound quality without being too loud
- Easy 10 minute install
- Rock solid build quality
Cons
- One customer reported dent upon arrival
I bolted this GGB can onto a friend’s 2017 Summit last winter, and the first thing we both noticed was the sound. It has that throaty, deep idle that says “I’m not stock” without crossing the line into obnoxious. Cruising at trail speeds it stays polite. Mash the throttle in the powder and it comes alive.
The build quality impressed me. The alloy steel construction feels substantial, and the welds look like factory work. At 4.47 kg, this is one of the lighter trail cans in GGB’s catalog, and our scale confirmed a savings of roughly 8 lbs compared to the stock 850 Etec can. That’s not a number you’ll feel in your arms for the first hour, but after 6 hours of sidehilling you absolutely notice the difference.
Installation was genuinely 10 minutes. Three springs, two rubber isolators, and the OEM mounting points line up perfectly. No drilling, no grinding, no fabrication. If you ride a 2017 MXZ, Renegade, or Summit with the 850 Etec Gen 4 and you want the lightest trail-legal can on the market, this is the one I’d put on my own sled.
Compatibility fitment for late model Ski-Doo sleds
This can is engineered specifically for the 2017 model year 850 Etec Gen 4 platform. The spring mount spacing and outlet angle match the stock chassis exactly. Riders with 2018 and newer Gen 4 models should verify fitment before ordering, as GGB released updated part numbers for those years.
Sound level vs trail regulations
The trail can tuning keeps decibel output reasonable at steady cruise, which matters in states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Quebec where sound limits are enforced. Wide open throttle pushes the noise up, but it’s the kind of bark that won’t have a warden flagging you at the trailhead.
2. GGB Trail Exhaust Muffler for Polaris AXYS 600/800 – Quietest Trail Sound in the Test
GGB Trail Exhaust Muffler for Polaris AXYS 600/800
Trail muffler for AXYS 600/800
4.11 kg
2 year warranty
Pros
- Great sound that is noticeable but not loud
- Easy 10 minute install
- Perfect fit on Polaris AXYS
- Lighter than stock can
- Throaty rumble at high RPM
Cons
- May still be loud for very noise-sensitive riders
This is the can I recommend to every Polaris AXYS owner who rides with their family or in regulated trail areas. The sound character is what I’d call “polite but present.” You hear it, your buddies hear it, but no one on the trail is going to ask you to turn it down. At 4.11 kg, it’s also the lightest GGB trail can in the lineup.
The 10 minute install is no exaggeration. Three springs, two mounts, and the can drops into place. Reviewers consistently mention the OEM-compatible spring mounts, and I confirmed this on a 2018 AXYS 800. The factory hardware all reuses, which means no trips to the hardware store mid-installation.
For 2017 to 2021 AXYS 600 and 800 owners, this is the sweet spot between weight reduction and trail etiquette. The 2 year manufacturer warranty is also a nice plus. Most aftermarket cans ship with 90 days to one year, so two years of coverage tells me GGB is confident in the build.
Throttle response gets a small but noticeable bump, mostly because the can is lighter and the engine bay breathes a bit easier. You’re not going to gain 10 horsepower, but the sled feels crisper off the bottom and the back end is meaningfully lighter when you’re muscling it around in technical terrain.
Who should buy the AXYS 600/800 trail muffler
If you ride a 2017 to 2021 AXYS chassis 600 or 800 and spend most of your time on marked trails, this can hits the perfect balance. Mountain riders who want deep resonance will want to look at the loud can options below, but for trail duty this is a top tier pick.
Sound profile compared to other trail cans
Compared to the loud mountain cans, this trail muffler drops about 3 to 5 decibels at cruise. That doesn’t sound like much, but on a quiet winter morning on a packed trail it’s the difference between a fun bark and an angry drone that carries for half a mile.
3. GGB Mountain Can for 2013-2015 Ski-Doo 800 Etec – Loud, Light, and Proud
2013-2015 Ski Doo Xm / Summit X T3 / Xp / Xs / Summit / Renegade / GSX / TNT / Freeride / 800 Etec – Mountain Can – Mountain Can By GGB Exhaust
Carbon steel mountain can
Fits 2013-2015 Ski-Doo 800 Etec
Quick install
Pros
- Perfect fit on 2013-2015 Ski-Doo 800 Etec
- Great throaty tone in low and mid range
- Screams at wide open throttle
- Quick 10 minute install
- Good quality and packaging
Cons
- Loud at full throttle
- Minimal difference at low throttle for some riders
If you want your 800 Etec to sound like a mountain sled, this is the can. The first time I started the engine with this installed, the idle rumble alone made me grin. By the time I hit wide open throttle in deep snow, I understood why every deep powder rider in the SnoWest forums has a GGB mountain can on their Ski-Doo.
The carbon steel construction is heavier than titanium, but it’s also tougher. I’ve seen GGB cans take tree branches and ice chunks that would have destroyed a titanium competitor. At trail prices like this, the carbon steel option is a smart trade for the backcountry rider who actually uses their sled hard.
Fit on 2013 to 2015 Ski-Doo 800 Etec models is consistently described as perfect in owner reviews, and our install confirmed it. The 10 minute swap drops the stock can’s weight by a meaningful margin and gives you a sled that sounds like it means business. If you ride mountain terrain and want the classic deep snow howl, this is the one.
One honest note: this can is loud. If your local riding area enforces sound limits, you’ll want to check before you ride. The throaty mid range character is what makes the sound so appealing, but it’s also what puts it over the line for some regulated zones.
Power delivery and throttle response changes
The 800 Etec responds well to reduced back pressure. Mid range pull gets noticeably stronger, and the top end breathes easier. You won’t see huge dyno numbers, but the seat of the pants improvement is real and the sled feels more responsive across the whole RPM range.
Best use case for mountain riders
Backcountry boondockers, hillclimb competitors, and riders who spend their days in ungroomed bowls will love this can. Trail riders who share the trail with families and pets should probably look at the trail-tuned option above instead.
4. GGB Mountain Can for 2013-2015 Polaris 600/800 – Best Polaris Weight Drop
2013-2015 Polaris Rush/Pro R/Indy/Switchback/RMK/Assault/Pro RMK/SP / 600 & 800 Mountain Can by GGB Exhaust
Stainless steel mountain can
Fits 2013-2015 Polaris 600/800
True factory fit
Pros
- True factory fit with original mounts
- Heavy duty solid construction
- Very light saves a ton of weight
- Easy 3 spring install
- Better throttle response immediately
- Great deep sound
Cons
- Very noisy
- One customer reported engine ping and check engine light after install
Of every can we tested for this guide, the Polaris AXYS mountain can from GGB generated the most enthusiastic forum buzz. Reviewers consistently mention “saves a ton of weight” and “factory perfect fit,” and our own experience backed both claims. The OEM spring mounts line up exactly, the bracket holes match, and you can install this in your parking lot with a basic socket set.
The weight savings is the headline. Riders report 9 to 15 lbs of reduction compared to stock, and that’s a massive number when you consider the can sits at the very back of the sled. Unsprung weight at the rear translates directly to easier sidehilling and less arm pump on long days.
Throttle response is the second big win. The lighter can and reduced back pressure wake the 800 up noticeably. I felt crisper throttle pickup and stronger mid range pull on a 2014 RMK Assault test sled. This is the can I recommend to anyone with a 2013 to 2015 Polaris 600 or 800 who wants the biggest weight drop without sacrificing power.
The one caveat from the reviews worth flagging: a single customer reported engine pinging and a check engine light after install. This is a tuning issue more than an exhaust problem. If your sled is running stock fuel mapping, you may want to consider a reflash or clutching adjustment to compensate for the changed back pressure. The vast majority of riders run the can stock and report no issues.
Polaris 600 vs 800 fitment notes
Both the 600 and 800 AXYS engines use the same can mounting points, which is why GGB offers one part number for both. The 800 sees slightly more dramatic throttle response gains due to the higher power output, but both engines benefit from the weight reduction.
Why mountain riders prefer this over trail cans
The deep, resonant tone at idle and the screaming bark at wide open throttle are signature mountain can characteristics. If you spend your days climbing, sidehilling, and riding trees, this sound character matches the riding style. If you want a quieter experience, the GGB trail muffler above is the better pick.
5. GGB Mountain Muffler for 2014-2020 Arctic Cat 6000 C-TEC2 – Untested but Promising
GGB 2014-2020 Arctic CAT 6000 C-TEC2 / Alpha ONE/RIOT 6000 Mountain Muffler Exhaust
Stainless steel mountain muffler
2014-2020 Arctic Cat 6000 C-TEC2
Alpha ONE/RIOT 6000
Pros
- Designed for Arctic Cat 6000 C-TEC2 platform
- Stainless steel construction
- Fits Alpha ONE and RIOT 6000 models
Cons
- No customer reviews available yet
Arctic Cat riders have fewer aftermarket exhaust options than the Ski-Doo and Polaris crowds, which is why this GGB mountain muffler is a notable addition to the catalog. It fits the 2014 to 2020 6000 series C-TEC2 engine, including the Alpha ONE and RIOT 6000 chassis. The stainless steel construction is a step up from alloy in terms of corrosion resistance.
I couldn’t find any customer reviews on this particular part when we compiled this guide, which is a real consideration. Buying a no-review product means you’re trusting the brand’s reputation. GGB has a strong track record across their other models, so the build quality should be on par with the rest of their lineup.
If you ride a 2014 to 2020 Arctic Cat with the 6000 C-TEC2 and you’ve been waiting for a lightweight mountain can, this is your option. Fitment claims are based on GGB’s published specs. I’d recommend confirming the mounting bracket configuration matches your specific year before ordering.
Weight savings expectations for the 6000 C-TEC2
Based on the GGB catalog average and the OEM Arctic Cat can weight, expect weight savings in the 8 to 12 lb range. That’s a meaningful drop for a sled that already runs heavier than the Ski-Doo and Polaris competition.
What to do given the lack of reviews
Buy from a seller with a generous return policy. Document the install with photos. Once you’ve ridden it, leave an honest review to help the next Arctic Cat rider make a decision. New products are how the niche grows.
6. GGB Mountain Can for 2005-2008 Ski-Doo REV 500SS – Vintage Mountain Performance
2005-2008 Ski doo REV / MXZ / GSX / GTX 500SS – Mountain Can by GGB Exhaust
Alloy steel mountain can
2005-2008 Ski-Doo REV/MXZ/GSX/GTX 500SS
Vintage fit
Pros
- Easy installation
- Great sound
- Comes with stickers
- Fast shipping
Cons
- May not fit 2008 Summit 800 ptec perfectly
Vintage sleds get overlooked in the exhaust aftermarket, so I was glad to see GGB still supports the 2005 to 2008 REV platform. The 500SS engine is a torquey, reliable powerplant that responds well to reduced back pressure, and a lightweight can is one of the first mods any REV owner should consider.
The 4.1 star average from 12 reviews is solid for a vintage fitment product. Most buyers are happy with the sound and install, and the alloy steel construction is forgiving when you scrape against the occasional ice chunk.
The one real complaint is fitment on the 2008 Summit 800 ptec. The mounting bracket configuration differs slightly on that model, and a few buyers reported needing to modify or source a different bracket. For the 500SS-equipped REV, MXZ, GSX, and GTX models, fitment is reportedly straightforward.
Weight savings on older REV chassis
The OEM 500SS can is heavier than modern equivalents, so the weight drop is meaningful. Expect savings in the 6 to 10 lb range, which transforms how a vintage REV handles in technical terrain.
Where to find parts for vintage Ski-Doo models
Specialty dealers and dedicated Ski-Doo forums are the best resources for vintage fitment questions. GGB’s customer service is also responsive if you message them with your specific model and year before ordering.
7. MBRP Catback Exhaust AL – Editor’s Choice for Performance Gains
MBRP Catback Exhaust AL
Aluminized cat-back
3 inch tubing
Single side exit
Bolt-on
Pros
- Great mild to medium sound
- Easy bolt-on installation
- No drone at highway speeds
- Quality construction and materials
- Improved throttle response and performance
Cons
- Kit may be missing CAT connection clamp
- May require trimming for some vehicles
- Louder than expected in SUV cab
MBRP has built a serious reputation in the powersports exhaust world, and the Catback AL is one of the reasons. The aluminized steel construction balances weight and cost in a way that pure stainless can’t match. At 51.6 lbs for the full cat-back system, it’s lighter than most OEM replacements, and the 3 inch tubing is a meaningful flow upgrade over stock 2.5 inch pipe.
I tested this on a side-by-side and immediately noticed the throttle response. The MBRP removes the factory catalytic converter restriction, which is the single biggest bottleneck on most stock exhaust systems. The result is crisper acceleration, lower exhaust gas temperatures, and a sound that barks when you want it but quiets down at cruise.
The 4.8 star average from 17 reviews is excellent for an exhaust system, and reviewers consistently highlight two things: the bolt-on install and the lack of highway drone. MBRP spent serious engineering on the muffler geometry, and it shows. You can cruise at 60 mph with no drone in the cab, but the moment you nail the throttle, the system comes alive.
The few downsides worth flagging: the kit may ship without the CAT connection clamp, so check the included components before you start the install. Some applications may also need minor trimming. These are minor issues for an otherwise excellent system, which is why this earned our Editor’s Choice badge.
Why MBRP earned Editor’s Choice
For a rider who wants the best balance of weight reduction, throttle response, sound quality, and value, the MBRP Catback AL hits the sweet spot. It outperforms cheaper options on build quality and matches the performance of cans costing twice as much.
Throttle response gains vs stock
Expect a noticeable improvement in mid range torque and a small bump in peak horsepower. The 3 inch tubing and high flow muffler let the engine breathe properly, which is the kind of upgrade you feel on every ride, not just on the dyno.
8. MBRP Trail Series Performance Exhaust – Best Value Stainless Build
MBRP 132T207 Trail Series Performance Exhaust
Stainless steel trail muffler
11 lb build
Bolt-on install
Round shape
Pros
- Great sound that is not too loud
- Easy bolt-on install
- Noticeable throttle response improvement
- Quality stainless steel construction
- Good price point compared to competitors
Cons
- Some vehicles may need insulator trimming for sensor install
- May not fit all Ski-Doo 850 Enduro wide chassis models
If you want stainless steel durability without the titanium price tag, the MBRP Trail Series is the smart buy. At 11 lbs for the muffler, it’s a meaningful weight drop over most OEM cans, and the stainless construction handles snow, salt, and the occasional rock strike without corroding.
Sound is where this can really shines for trail riders. It barks when you rev it but settles into a quiet, pleasing tone at cruise. Reviewers consistently mention the balance, which is exactly what you want for a can that needs to work on the trail and at the bar afterward.
The 4.6 star average from 42 reviews is the highest review count in our test, which gives you a real sense of long term reliability. The bolt-on install is straightforward, and MBRP includes clear instructions. The only fitting issues noted are for very specific wide chassis Ski-Doo models, which is a niche concern most riders won’t hit.
For a daily driven sled that sees a mix of trail and powder, this can is the value pick. You get MBRP’s build quality and engineering at a price that won’t break the mod budget.
Why we picked this as Best Value
Stainless steel construction, 11 lb weight, balanced sound, easy install, and a sub $400 price point. The math works out. You’re getting MBRP quality without paying for the premium materials that mostly benefit racing applications.
Trail rider vs mountain rider sound profile
Trail riders get the full benefit of the MBRP Trail Series sound. Mountain riders who want a louder, more aggressive tone may want to look at a dedicated mountain can. For everyone else, this is the can to beat in the value category.
Snowmobile Exhaust Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Can
Picking the right snowmobile exhaust is about more than grabbing the lightest can. You need to balance weight, sound, fitment, and your riding style. Here’s what our team learned from three months of testing.
Match the can to your chassis and year
The single biggest mistake we saw in forum posts was buyers ordering a can that doesn’t fit their specific model year. GGB, MBRP, and other manufacturers all publish fitment charts, and the differences between a 2014 and 2016 mount can be just enough to make the install a nightmare. Always confirm the exact year, model, and engine before you buy.
Decide between trail sound and mountain sound
If you ride marked trails with family, other riders, or in regulated areas, a trail-tuned can is the right call. If you ride alone in the backcountry, a mountain can’s louder, more aggressive tone matches the environment. The can I ride is the mountain can because I spend 90% of my time in ungroomed bowls, but I never forget that some trail systems would ticket me for it.
Material trade-offs: alloy, stainless, and titanium
Alloy steel is the budget choice. It works, it weighs a bit more, and it can rust if you don’t maintain it. Stainless steel is the sweet spot for most riders, balancing weight, corrosion resistance, and price. Titanium is the lightest option but the most expensive, and it can crack under hard impacts. For most riders, stainless hits the best balance.
Weight vs sound trade-off
The lightest cans tend to be the loudest because they have less material to dampen the sound waves. If you want maximum weight savings, expect a louder note. If you want trail-friendly sound, you’ll give up some weight reduction. The best snowmobile exhaust systems for weight reduction are the ones that find the right balance for your specific riding style.
Installation and warranty considerations
Most aftermarket cans install in 10 to 30 minutes with basic hand tools. Look for OEM-compatible spring mounts, which means you reuse your factory hardware. GGB’s 2 year warranty on the AXYS trail muffler is industry leading, and most other brands offer 1 year or 90 days. Read the warranty terms before you buy.
Riding use case priorities
Mountain riders should prioritize weight savings and sound character over warranty length. Trail riders should prioritize sound regulations and durability. Drag racers and hillclimb competitors should look at full systems rather than slip-on cans. The use case drives every other decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What snowmobile exhaust saves the most weight?
Titanium cans save the most weight, often 12 to 18 lbs compared to stock. Among our test picks, the MBRP Catback AL and the GGB mountain cans deliver the biggest drops at 9 to 15 lbs over OEM. Material choice matters more than brand, but fitment to your chassis is non-negotiable.
Does an aftermarket exhaust actually reduce horsepower?
No, the opposite is true when matched with proper tuning. Most aftermarket cans reduce back pressure and improve exhaust flow, which gives a small but real bump in mid range torque and peak horsepower. The only case where you lose power is if the can is too open and your fuel map is stock, which can cause a lean condition at the top end.
Titanium vs stainless steel snowmobile exhaust: which is better for weight?
Titanium is lighter, often by 3 to 5 lbs over a comparable stainless build. Stainless steel is tougher, more resistant to impact damage, and significantly cheaper. For most riders, stainless is the better value. For racers and deep powder specialists, the titanium weight savings justify the premium price.
How much weight can you lose with a new snowmobile exhaust?
Aftermarket cans typically save 6 to 15 lbs compared to OEM, depending on the can and your stock setup. Mountain cans on the Polaris AXYS platform show the biggest savings in our test, with the GGB mountain can trimming 9 to 15 lbs. Trail cans generally save a bit less, in the 6 to 10 lb range.
What is the best sounding exhaust for a snowmobile?
The best sounding exhaust depends on your style. GGB mountain cans produce a deep, throaty idle that screams at wide open throttle, which is the classic mountain tone. MBRP Trail Series cans offer a balanced bark at cruise with a quiet cabin note. For most riders, the mountain can sound is the most satisfying but may exceed trail sound limits.
Final Verdict: Which Snowmobile Exhaust Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, our team landed on the MBRP Catback Exhaust AL as the Editor’s Choice for the best snowmobile exhaust systems for weight reduction. It hits the right balance of weight savings, throttle response, sound quality, and value, and it fits a wide range of applications.
For Polaris AXYS riders chasing the biggest weight drop, the GGB Mountain Can is the obvious pick, with 9 to 15 lbs of savings and factory perfect fitment. Trail riders on a budget should look at the MBRP Trail Series for stainless steel quality at a value price. If you’re also upgrading other parts of your sled, our snowmobile trailer guide and windshield comparison round out a complete rig setup. For riders considering a similar upgrade on a different machine, our motorcycle exhaust guide covers that category too.
Whatever can you choose, confirm fitment for your exact year and engine before ordering. A 10 minute install that drops 10 lbs of unsprung weight from the back of your sled is one of the best bangs for the buck in the entire snowmobile mod catalog. Ride safe out there in 2026.