Bisledular

Over the past few weeks I have been demoing sled after sled and here are my thoughts on the new stuff out there.

First a bit about me:
5'4, 150lbs (pure muscle ) coming off a 2004 Rev 800 151 track, Back Country experience 4 of seasons.


Sleds tested:
- 2013 M800 Sno Pro 162 with Boondocker Turbo, tested in Cranbrook, BC
- 2013 Pro RMK 163 stock, tested in Revelstoke, BC
- 2013 Pro RMK 155 stock, tested in Revelstoke, BC
- 2012 Pro RMK 163 with HM Turbo, tested in Revelstoke, BC
- 2013 Ski-doo XM 154 stock, tested in Revelstoke, BC

Thoughts heading into this:
I am not a brand loyal person, I firmly believe they all have something to offer. Going into this experiment and thinking on what sled I want to buy come snow check time I had in my mind #1 would be pro, #2 would be XM and #3 would be cat.

Breakdown:

2013 M800 Sno Pro 162 with Boondocker Turbo
I found this sled rode similar to my Rev, it wasn't a bad set up but I found it more awkward to ride. Wasn't able to just hop on and go, there would be a learning curve involved. The seat height was a little tall for me, but better than the pro seat height. I didn't ride this for that long so tough to give a very good review on this sled.

2013 Pro RMK 163 stock
Difficult to ride, length was too long for me, I found it hard to tip over. You seem to have to ride this sled wrong foot forward versus just being able to lean and use your body weight to carve. Steering seemed awkward, seat height was WAY too tall for me, I had a hard time hopping over. I would need to lower the seat for sure. I didn't ride this for that long so tough to give a very good review on this sled.

2013 Pro RMK 155 stock
Similar experience to the 163, however I enjoyed this track length a lot better. I feel as though I would need a few days to be able to get used to this sled and how it handles. It was not a "hop on and ride" sled, there would be a learning curve for me coming off my rev. Seat again way too tall. I didn't ride this for that long so tough to give a very good review on this sled.

2012 Pro RMK 163 with HM Turbo
Rode excellent. Easy to maneuver, was able to lean and not have to wrong foot forward to turn this sled all the time. I found this sled actually rode better than the '13s which was surprising. Could be the turbo set up, but this sled was stock otherwise. Turbo kit was extremely smooth, loved the power and response. Seat again way too tall.

2013 Ski-doo XM 154 stock
This sled is extremely rider friendly, I was able to hop on and ride this sled very easily. Actually fell over the first turn because it was that easy to turn over, with the sway bar in. Light, nimble, and powerful. Amazing throttle response, worked excellent in the deep powder. Seat again is a bit tall, but not as bad as the pro IMO.

Summary:
In summary coming out of this and riding sleds for less time than I had originally planned on, the XM comes out on top. HOWEVER I think with a couple full days on a pro and learning the sled I think it would be a contender as well. I am hoping to bring an XM and a pro and hop on and off both throughout the day to compare them side by side as well as spending a couple full days on a pro to learn the completely different chassis and steering style. I haven't written the pro off as my next sled, but as it stands now, XM is the winner for me.

I am only posting this as I have had a lot of people curious as to my opinions on the new sleds, this isn't me trying to stir the pot or start another brand bashing thread so please take this as nothing other than a non-biased girl going out and riding some of the new sleds out there and sharing with you. Either way I had a lot of fun and rode with some amazing people. Sledding is a great sport with great people. I consider myself very lucky to have this as a sport I do, see the scenery I do and meet some of the friendliest funnest people out there.

PS. During the last two weeks the cat broke a jack shaft, and the stock polaris broke the bolt for the drive belt as well as another friends polaris broke his jack shaft and had drive belt issues. No known mechanical issues happened to the XM. Other than the recall for the fuel line. My rev worked fine!

If you don't really like the pro now, u wont too soon either, dont just buy it because all the snow and mud moms have them, cause they all do and thats all they can rave about all day giving them stupid names and acting like they are a female version of burandt. IMO the pro is a lacklustre, cheaply built sled, the XM is a far superior sled and Im a cat guy so thats hard for me to say, the new cat I find is #2 on the depth chart behind the XM, i have seat time on all three 13's, the most being on the 13 pro, I have three full hard days on one and I hated it more and more as I rode it more. I also had visions of wanting one and was actually worried I would like our demo Pro so much I would buy one, however that was not the case, I felt way more capable in 15 mins on the XM than 3 days on the pro

Setup goes such a long ways on these new sleds you noted. These sleds you jumped on and had difficulties riding how were they setup? The ski stance on a pro is adjustable from 39" to 41" and each setting makes a HUGE difference in how it handles. Was the sway bar in or out on the 12' Pro? The suspensions can also be setup for a 120lbs tree rider or a 250lbs hill climber. How were they setup? How was the XM setup?

tmo1620 said:

If you don't really like the pro now, u wont too soon either, dont just buy it because all the snow and mud moms have them, cause they all do and thats all they can rave about all day giving them stupid names and acting like they are a female version of burandt. IMO the pro is a lacklustre, cheaply built sled, the XM is a far superior sled and Im a cat guy so thats hard for me to say, the new cat I find is #2 on the depth chart behind the XM, i have seat time on all three 13's, the most being on the 13 pro, I have three full hard days on one and I hated it more and more as I rode it more. I also had visions of wanting one and was actually worried I would like our demo Pro so much I would buy one, however that was not the case, I felt way more capable in 15 mins on the XM than 3 days on the pro

Click to expand...

Exactly. And thank you for posting your findings rowdy I was waiting for this as I know you are un biased. Most people that feel comfortable on a pro started on a pro with the strange chassis and weird steering. Being as you started on a rev the steering system is very similar on the XM and naturally felt more comfortable. If I were to hazard a guess I bet it would take me a full 30 days of riding to get In a similar comfort level I have on my XM if I were to ride a pro. And why? You keep mentioning "learning curve" you have already done that why start again. Grab an XM that your comfortable on and proceed to improve your skill level rather than taking 10 steps back and having to learn to ride again. Just my opinion. Thanks for the review not many folks can try that many sleds in a short period of time

tmo1620 said:

If you don't really like the pro now, u wont too soon either, dont just buy it because all the snow and mud moms have them, cause they all do and thats all they can rave about all day giving them stupid names and acting like they are a female version of burandt. IMO the pro is a lacklustre, cheaply built sled, the XM is a far superior sled and Im a cat guy so thats hard for me to say, the new cat I find is #2 on the depth chart behind the XM, i have seat time on all three 13's, the most being on the 13 pro, I have three full hard days on one and I hated it more and more as I rode it more. I also had visions of wanting one and was actually worried I would like our demo Pro so much I would buy one, however that was not the case, I felt way more capable in 15 mins on the XM than 3 days on the pro

Click to expand...

I feel more like a capable rider on the XM from the get go for sure as far as hop on and ride goes. For the stock sled comparison anyways. I know the turbo'd sleds have other things done to them such as ski stance, shock set up etc.

E-Zmoke said:

Setup goes such a long ways on these new sleds you noted. These sleds you jumped on and had difficulties riding how were they setup? The ski stance on a pro is adjustable from 39" to 41" and each setting makes a HUGE difference in how it handles. Was the sway bar in or out on the 12' Pro? The suspensions can also be setup for a 120lbs tree rider or a 250lbs hill climber. How were they setup? How was the XM setup?

Click to expand...

The stock sleds I tested were just that, stock. I was comparing them for hop on and ride ability and the XM was easier. Obviously set up is a huge thing, hence the amount of work thats into my '04.

maxwell said:

Exactly. And thank you for posting your findings rowdy I was waiting for this as I know you are un biased. Most people that feel comfortable on a pro started on a pro with the strange chassis and weird steering. Being as you started on a rev the steering system is very similar on the XM and naturally felt more comfortable. If I were to hazard a guess I bet it would take me a full 30 days of riding to get In a similar comfort level I have on my XM if I were to ride a pro. And why? You keep mentioning "learning curve" you have already done that why start again. Grab an XM that your comfortable on and proceed to improve your skill level rather than taking 10 steps back and having to learn to ride again. Just my opinion. Thanks for the review not many folks can try that many sleds in a short period of time

Click to expand...

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.

Something to consider....

You rode a 162 M800, but only for a short time. Before you make a final decision you should spend some time on a comparable 153" Proclimb M8 just to have an equal comparson.

Also, the Cat has a front heat exchanger which really prevents ice buildup which equates to easier manouverability throughout the day. Take notice of how much ice hangs up on the other models compared to the front heat exchange design on the M8. As the day goes on in deep powder, you could be adding on 50 plus pounds with extra snow & ice buildup on the XM and Pro's.

~Rowdy~ said:

I feel more like a capable rider on the XM from the get go for sure as far as hop on and ride goes. For the stock sled comparison anyways. I know the turbo'd sleds have other things done to them such as ski stance, shock set up etc.



The stock sleds I tested were just that, stock. I was comparing them for hop on and ride ability and the XM was easier. Obviously set up is a huge thing, hence the amount of work thats into my '04.

Click to expand...

"Stock" means absolutely nothing in setup. Each dealer sets them up differently they are "setup" for rider weight and i have seen some dealers setup ski stance at 41" and others at 39" I know it sounds ridiculous but I can't explain how big of a difference this one adjustment makes. What about the XM was it stock as well? I almost garuntee the setup on the XM has been setup for a similar weighted rider such as yourself. Which is great!

maxwell said:

Exactly. And thank you for posting your findings rowdy I was waiting for this as I know you are un biased. Most people that feel comfortable on a pro started on a pro with the strange chassis and weird steering. Being as you started on a rev the steering system is very similar on the XM and naturally felt more comfortable. If I were to hazard a guess I bet it would take me a full 30 days of riding to get In a similar comfort level I have on my XM if I were to ride a pro. And why? You keep mentioning "learning curve" you have already done that why start again. Grab an XM that your comfortable on and proceed to improve your skill level rather than taking 10 steps back and having to learn to ride again. Just my opinion. Thanks for the review not many folks can try that many sleds in a short period of time

Click to expand...

Oh come on.......so what you said is she should buy the XM because of her familiarality of the bent over steering......seriously??

The pro & Cat steering seems strange and weird to you because you are not used to it......it does not mean it is worse.... I know people who have switched from the Doo chassis and LOVE the straight handlebar steering design. What you are used to, Maxxy, is not necessarily better!! LOL

E-Zmoke said:

"Stock" means absolutely nothing in setup. Each dealer sets them up differently they are "setup" for rider weight and i have seen some dealers setup ski stance at 41" and others at 39" I know it sounds ridiculous but I can't explain how big of a difference this one adjustment makes. What about the XM was it stock as well? I almost garuntee the setup on the XM has been setup for a similar weighted rider such as yourself. Which is great!

Click to expand...

Didn't know that stock isn't actually stock and dealers set them up different. I figured dealers set them up to a specific set of guidelines...which seems weird they wouldn't. The XM was stock as I said. But knowing you are completely biased and anti doo I know you will rip apart the XM just as a lot of the biased doo guys on here will rip apart a pro regardless.

I am unbiased and just want a sled that works for ME, my riding style, height, weight etc and out of the last few weeks, the sleds I rode in the time I had the XM came out on top which surprised me.

Cat401 said:

Something to consider....

You rode a 162 M800, but only for a short time. Before you make a final decision you should spend some time on a comparable 153" Proclimb M8 just to have an equal comparson.

Also, the Cat has a front heat exchanger which really prevents ice buildup which equates to easier manouverability throughout the day. Take notice of how much ice hangs up on the other models compared to the front heat exchange design on the M8. As the day goes on in deep powder, you could be adding on 50 plus pounds with extra snow & ice buildup on the XM and Pro's.

Click to expand...

Skidoo has a front heat exchanger as well

maxwell said:

Skidoo has a front heat exchanger as well

Click to expand...

Oh, then why so much snow & ice build up on the tunnel?

Not near as bad as the Pro but a lot more than the Cat....why?

Cat401 said:

Oh come on.......so what you said is she should buy the XM because of her familiarality of the bent over steering......seriously??

The pro & Cat steering seems strange and weird to you because you are not used to it......it does not mean it is worse.... I know people who have switched from the Doo chassis and LOVE the straight handlebar steering design. What you are used to, Maxxy, is not necessarily better!! LOL

Click to expand...

Exactly why I want more time on the pro.

Cat401 said:

Oh come on.......so what you said is she should buy the XM because of her familiarality of the bent over steering......seriously??

The pro & Cat steering seems strange and weird to you because you are not used to it......it does not mean it is worse.... I know people who have switched from the Doo chassis and LOVE the straight handlebar steering design. What you are used to, Maxxy, is not necessarily better!! LOL

Click to expand...

Well it is better but that's a different thread lets not derail this one. She felt there would be significant learning time on the cat and pro rmk so why do that if you don't have to? This is her 4th season now why go back to season 3 for no reason what so ever? Just an observation. I'm not saying she wouldn't learn the flat steering and be good with it what I am saying is WHY?!

Comfort level on any sled takes time....

I rode an 06 rev for the first time yesterday to see if it would be something I'd like to try out for a season or 2. I've heard over and over how the original rev was the best of it's time and out handles some more modern designs... I'm sure I could get used to it, hell I started out on a 1997 Mountain-cat 550 then upgraded to a 99 summit 670.

I found the rev not comfortable at all, I know people talk about "flickable" personally I'll take "Stable" any day, a lot of my riding is along barbed wire fence lines and 110Km/h highways stability is important to me. On the doo's I'm fearfull of becoming a hood ornament on a frieghtliner or wrapped in a 3 wire barbed fence. Like has been said they all have qualities and now that I can turn out from a steep slope & sidehill my M8 I fear I may never want a new sled......lol

Good review Krista, I guess I just question how anyone can really guage how much they like the handling of any sled without a number of days seat time.

Many people tell me that my current 07 M8 is no better than my 99 summit was for handling... maybe so, but now that I'm used to my M8 and really learning how to ride it anything else seems awkward and uncomfortable....

Cat401 said:

Oh, then why so much snow & ice build up on the tunnel?

Not near as bad as the Pro but a lot more than the Cat....why?

Click to expand...

I don't know I'm not a doctor i just ride sleds.

Bogger said:

Comfort level on any sled takes time....

I rode an 06 rev for the first time yesterday to see if it would be something I'd like to try out for a season or 2. I've heard over and over how the original rev was the best of it's time and out handles some more modern designs... I'm sure I could get used to it, hell I started out on a 1997 Mountain-cat 550 then upgraded to a 99 summit 670.

I found the rev not comfortable at all, I know people talk about "flickable" personally I'll take "Stable" any day, a lot of my riding is along barbed wire fence lines and 110Km/h highways stability is important to me. On the doo's I'm fearfull of becoming a hood ornament on a frieghtliner or wrapped in a 3 wire barbed fence. Like has been said they all have qualities and now that I can turn out from a steep slope & sidehill my M8 I fear I may never want a new sled......lol

Good review Krista, I guess I just question how anyone can really guage how much they like the handling of any sled without a number of days seat time.

Many people tell me that my current 07 M8 is no better than my 99 summit was for handling... maybe so, but now that I'm used to my M8 and really learning how to ride it

Click to expand...

Absolutely. Unless I can spend a full week on each sled I'm really just gauging ease of "hop on and ride". It's all personal preference at the end of the day, what you get used to, how you set it up, how much money you want to spend etc. I just know I want a newer sled with some warranty that is hopefully easier than my '04 to ride to hopefully push my riding abilities to the next level.

I'm still going to push for time on the pro because I really want to see if I can get used to it, and maybe then it will blow me away, but as far as just hopping on the 2013 I did have a tough time. Not discounting anything yet and there's plenty of season to keep trying!!

maxwell said:

Well it is better but that's a different thread lets not derail this one. She felt there would be significant learning time on the cat and pro rmk so why do that if you don't have to? This is her 4th season now why go back to season 3 for no reason what so ever? Just an observation. I'm not saying she wouldn't learn the flat steering and be good with it what I am saying is WHY?!

Click to expand...

LOL......Because, Coach Dooley, doolaide is bad for you.....I'm sure ~Rowdy~ prefers to keep her brain cells intact.....SAY NO TO DRUGS!!

Bogger said:

Comfort level on any sled takes time....

I rode an 06 rev for the first time yesterday to see if it would be something I'd like to try out for a season or 2. I've heard over and over how the original rev was the best of it's time and out handles some more modern designs... I'm sure I could get used to it, hell I started out on a 1997 Mountain-cat 550 then upgraded to a 99 summit 670.

I found the rev not comfortable at all, I know people talk about "flickable" personally I'll take "Stable" any day, a lot of my riding is along barbed wire fence lines and 110Km/h highways stability is important to me. On the doo's I'm fearfull of becoming a hood ornament on a frieghtliner or wrapped in a 3 wire barbed fence. Like has been said they all have qualities and now that I can turn out from a steep slope & sidehill my M8 I fear I may never want a new sled......lol

Good review Krista, I guess I just question how anyone can really guage how much they like the handling of any sled without a number of days seat time.

Many people tell me that my current 07 M8 is no better than my 99 summit was for handling... maybe so, but now that I'm used to my M8 and really learning how to ride it anything else seems awkward and uncomfortable....

Click to expand...

its taken me almost 2 full seasons of riding to feel comfortable on the 06 Rev.... I still want an M8...... yes M8 not proclimb 8

When the snow stops snowing and the sun comes out you are right it is about what you feel the most comfortable on and maxwell might be right you have learned on doos steering design and perhaps your destined to ride an XM as it will always feel the most natural to you as the doo steering is what you have learned on. On a plus side I think you know now that you would like a 155"/154" over the 163" so you can now focus on narrowing it down and get yourself on a properly setup Pro for a few days and then compare it to the same properly setup XM