Just before Christmas, as winter was slowly setting in and my snowmobile for the 2026 season hadn’t even arrived yet, Santa Claus decided to make a detour to my house. Coming home from work at the end of the day, still wearing my safety boots and with my brain in “hot soup” mode, I discovered two clearly labeled Kimpex boxes on my porch. One large. One smaller. You didn’t have to be a genius to figure out that something serious was going on.
In the large box was the Seat Jack DX with its high backrest, two-level heated handles, and flexible hand guards. The smaller box contained the specific mounting brackets for the 2026 Ski-Doo Backcountry XRS. Good news for many: these brackets are compatible with all Ski-Doo REV Gen 5 platforms, making them a versatile and attractive product for a wide range of customers. We’re already off to a solid start.
Unboxing: the party begins… without a scratch.
Unboxing can begin. First impression: there are a lot of parts. But don’t worry, everything is impeccably packaged, protected, and organized. Nothing is loose in the box, and no part is likely to arrive scratched before it even sees the snow. Each item is clearly identified, with an “R” for right and an “L” for left. Even with what I would describe as “garage-level” English, it’s impossible to go wrong.
Once the boxes are empty, there’s a slight moment of solitude: there are no paper instructions inside. No leaflet, no QR code, nothing. I admit I raised an eyebrow… but I’m not the type to throw in the towel at the first hurdle. Let’s be honest: how many of us assemble accessories without reading the instructions? (Yes, I see you nodding your head.)
That said, since this is a new snowmobile, I’m documenting the installation and writing a serious review for a specialized magazine, so a minimum of rigor is required. I head to the Kimpex website, where I quickly find the assembly instructions and the necessary drilling templates. Clear and efficient.
Assembly: simple, logical, and safe
The process begins with the assembly of the seat itself: the cushion, support arms, backrest, heated handles, and plastic guards. The whole thing is well designed and easy to assemble. However, it is essential to follow the recommended torque settings. After all, we are talking about passenger safety here.
Whether it’s your spouse, son, mother, or friend riding behind you, the principle remains the same: tighten it properly. Assembly is simple, logical, and accessible, even for a well-equipped weekend handyman.
Installation: measure twice, drill once
Once the Seat Jack DX is fully assembled, it’s time to install it on the snowmobile. Kimpex provides white plastic drilling guides, which look a bit like forks, that make it much easier to position the holes. These guides fit exactly where the drilling needs to be done.
A little friendly advice: put masking tape around the work area. This will save you a lot of unnecessary swearing if the drill bit slips. Also, take the time to position the seat correctly: position it close enough to avoid interfering with the rider, but far enough back to maintain good ergonomics and preserve the snowmobile’s handling.
Once you have found the ideal position, measure both sides to ensure that everything is perfectly parallel to the frame.
Drilling is done in two stages: first with a 3/16“ drill bit, then the final hole with a 13/32” drill bit. Next, remove the Seat Jack, insert the anchor bolts, and reassemble everything according to the order of parts indicated on the plan.
The front bolt requires a little more dexterity, and perhaps an arm that’s slightly longer than average, but nothing dramatic. The rest of the installation is fairly straightforward.
Electricity: when seriousness takes over
The electrical portion was entrusted to an expert. It’s not overly complex, but it’s crucial to connect the system to the dedicated accessory circuit to avoid draining the battery when the snowmobile is not in use. This is an important detail, especially when it’s -25°C at the lodge.
Verdict: comfort, safety, and versatility
The Kimpex Seat Jack DX is removable and can be taken off in about ten seconds and put back on just as quickly. When removed, only the anchor bolts remain visible on the snowmobile, which keeps it looking clean and discreet.
In terms of comfort, it’s flawless. The passenger enjoys excellent support, two-intensity heated handles, effective hand guards, and a slightly higher seating position than the rider, offering excellent visibility. The seat is sturdy, safe, and inspires confidence from the very first miles thanks to its careful design.
In summary, the Kimpex Seat Jack DX is a well-designed, practical, and reassuring accessory for both the rider and passenger. A smart addition for those who like to share their rides… without sharing the aches and pains.
