Bisledular

Just to add my two bits: I've been testing and observing how the PRO and XM handle over the first part of the season myself, and I am personally finding that the XM seems to be the friendlier of the two. I ride an XP now, coming from an older chassis before that. XP was a learning curve for me, but I've got the setup and riding style pretty well figured now - to the point that an XM seems more like a refinement than a revelation.

One thing about the XM that I did notice and like right away is its responsiveness to very slight weight shifts. On uneven or rutted climbs it actually feels a bit more stable, possibly because you can correct with just a bit of toe pressure. An XP in the same climb wants to take you left and right a whole lot more. Still, I can throw the XP into anything and anywhere an XM goes without a problem, but then I'm probably 240 lbs geared up... As for the PRO, it annoys me to ride it. I would like to spend a bunch more time tweaking and tuning the PRO because I think it definitely has potential but I don't have that much riding time to waste!

I gave up reading after page 3, but felt I should add my 2 cents. FWIW, my wife has owned ski-doo S-chassis, REV chassis, Cat M-chassis, and this year, a PRO RMK. Her decision, her ride. I ALWAYS have the suspension set for her weight and riding style, which meant a new set of springs all the way around on her new sled. Frankly, sleds are built for the "average height and weight rider", which usually doesn't include women.
Rowdy: buy the sled that feels the best to YOU, and provides the best dealer support in your area.

Lol!!!

momma said:

i actually agree. Each person will have a comfort zone, and some sleds feel better. I think rowdy is a really solid rider and has specific needs. Whatever machine you choose as long as it is meeting your needs that is all that matters.


Aww tmo.. I'm touched by your mention. ........ Pass me a tissue.

Good luck girl!! Glad you're out there finding what works for you!

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~Rowdy~ said:

I was very surprised at the troubles I had on the pro, and blown away by the XM's ease of maneuverability. I still want to get on a pro for longer to really make sure but I'm about 80/20 for Ski-doo whereas going into this it was 80/20 for Pro. It's unreal how the XM has changed my opinion on the sled I'd want to get because I despised the XP.

I felt as though the XM would make me a better rider. Also the continual mechanical issues of the pro worry me. I spent enough blood sweat and tears into my '04 I don't want to HAVE to do that again. I do want a hop on and ride sled and I can't think of one thing I'd change on the XM whereas the pro I'd change the track, drivers, belt drive belt and stiffen the tunnel off the hop.

I'm still torn but at the end of the day I want something as reliable as possible and that will help push my riding abilities. But I do have to say I still like the idea of the shorter track VS longer.

I'm pretty lucky to have been able to test out all these sleds.

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This is very very important. I've ridden Polaris for a number of years but if a new sled was in the near future for me I would seriously look at the XM. Thanks for the review.

retiredpop said:

This is very very important. I've ridden Polaris for a number of years but if a new sled was in the near future for me I would seriously look at the XM. Thanks for the review.

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That's important for me as well. I know the fuel line recall is the XM's issue at the moment, but compared to the issues I've seen and heard of first hand with the pro, it scares me to make a $15,000 ish purchase to watch it fall apart and to have to just throw money at it.

Again, I'm still planning on spending time on a pro because I feel that it could be a good fit for me, I just hope their 2014 line addresses some of the issues the 13 has had.

Interesting thread to say the least....I too was going to go with Poo cause i just didn't like the Xp at all.So glad i went with the XM...It has made me a better rider thus making a sport i love even more enjoyable.

Bnorth said:

I can really relate to being comfortable on what you're used to. I tried a 2012 pro last season and it was impressive but felt like it would take a solid month to get used to. Hopped on the XM yesterday and I was right at home from the get go. I try not to be brand biased but apparently my muscle memory is cause it's programmed to doo and the horizontal steering.

Also does anyone else think the fact the footwells are more forward on the XM is useless? I had the riser in line with the post so the bars hold you back in the middle of the boards, the only way you can use the more forward positioning would be wrong foot forward with the bars practically behind you.

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I like putting my feet in the XM footwells when I am doing downhill powder carves.

So Rowdy, what's the decision or are you still checking?

thanks for the info and good luck with the XM, rode one saturday for the first time just on the river at home. Liked it alot even though only 6" of snow to try in.
Wish everyone could accept peoples decisions on what they prefer to ride and just go ride what they got. Would be boring if eveyone had the same model sled

retiredpop said:

So Rowdy, what's the decision or are you still checking?

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I did decide and....drumroll please
.
.
.
.
2014 Summit SP 154 800 with estart.
Upgrading to Summit X shocks.
Changing bars and riser to RSI
AND
top secret color scheme to get powder coated when I get it.
I am so stupid excited it's ridiculous.

~Rowdy~ said:

I did decide and....drumroll please
.
.
.
.
2014 Summit SP 154 800 with estart.
Upgrading to Summit X shocks.
Changing bars and riser to RSI
AND
top secret color scheme to get powder coated when I get it.
I am so stupid excited it's ridiculous.

Click to expand...

Congrats young lady.

SBR said:

Congrats young lady.

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Thank you!! I am happy happy happy!

~Rowdy~ said:

I did decide and....drumroll please
.
.
.
.
2014 Summit SP 154 800 with estart.
Upgrading to Summit X shocks.
Changing bars and riser to RSI
AND
top secret color scheme to get powder coated when I get it.
I am so stupid excited it's ridiculous.

Click to expand...

Finally, the woman makes a decision.. jk Rowdy, enjoy your new sled.

I rented a pro 155 in Revy when my XP cratered, the first thing i noticed was that to me the steering was horrible and didnt like the position of handlebars when turned fully left or right. If it was my sled I would of adjusted the suspension and handlebars more to my liking. When we got up into the riding areas I found that it was very tippy took some getting used to. After a little while I got used to it and actually liked the handling and the ability of the sled. It is underpowered and the track trenches really bad compared to buddies 2012 155 with the track upgrade found when I rode his it floated and pulled itself up on the snow better then the 13. Had full intention after the day on it that once i had the motor back in mine I was going to get a 163 pro. After much debate and talking with guys that had the pro and my own concerns regarding reliability of them I ended up buying a 154 XM. The sled feels more to my liking, left it the way the dealer set it up for the first weekend and found that it tended to dive quite abit once I set suspension to the way I like it, it was a lot better. Both sleds thou i find go over on there sides really easy and are very comparable in the trees. Biggest thing is that once i rode the xm you really notice how the pro is down on HP. Can't compare with the new cat as I haven't riden one yet. If you have a chance to spend a full weekend on each or have both the same weekend to compare and set them up the way you like that would be the best then at least you have an honest opinion of them. I flipped flopped between the 2 of them and it basically came down to I am more comfortable with the doo.

You should really consider sitching to the 163. My wife is going form a 146 to a 163 after a day on my 13xm 163. You will not regret it. She is about your size but has 11 years riding experience. Either way you will love this machine. Every day I ride it it gets better and better. All I did to mine was a MBRP can and adjusted shocks and handlebars. Went from a 180hp 04 rev on av gas to this stock xm and lovin it. Cant beat a 150km day on 20 liters of fuel either.