Too many options, can there really be this many... newbi into sport.

imjustdave · Nov 19, 2018

Looking for a Sled… but the more I look around the more questions I end up having. Just looking at Doo alone even when using the “Help me decide” Picking Deep snow narrows it down to 9 sleds. Really 9 ?

Summit SP looks cool but so does the Freeride Freeride seems to have 5+ variables.. and the descriptions to me seem like they describe basically the same thing.

RMK Poo seems cool as well but there are like 4 version and then 600 800 850 motor options

And that isn’t even track length considerations.

How does a newbi really know what to get?
Anyone know of a great cheat sheet of specs and such?

I live just south of Seattle WA and will be riding in the cascades from what I gather we have trails local with a lot of open areas to ride in so Mountains and hills. Been riding a few times before on rental sleds and one time on a longer faster ride that was really fun. I know there will be some trail rides but mostly to get to the good stuff.

My local dealer seems to carry Cat, poo, doo, even Yamaha so I have options.

And then there is a sled for the wife…. Oh !@#$% it start all over again.

kanedog · Nov 19, 2018

I would recommend a holdover 17 or 18 polaris 800 155 2.6" track. It's light, easy to handle and throw around and you won't "run out of sled" like a 600 when you improve your riding skills. Cheers!

canuck5 · Nov 19, 2018

Stay away from problematic years is by far the best advice anyone can give you. Polaris has engine issues pre 2015 the last 3 years 800’s have been solid the new 850 is an unknown so far, skidoo xm t3 2013-2015 I believe we’re some of the best machines they have built I would personally stay away from the skidoo 850’s way to many issues. Arctic cat 2017 and before were Suzuki engines these things were bulletproof from what I’ve read new narrower chassis and spindles was in 16, the 18’s with new motor preformed very well last year too. If your even remotely thinking 4 stroke 2017+ sidewinder have been good vipers had no turbo and chassis were not very fun.

AreWeThereYet · Nov 19, 2018

Whats your budget?

Irocaz · Nov 19, 2018

The wife and I were in the same position a few years ago

I say buy the machine for the end purpose - We bought 800 summits (mountain riding) for the wife and I (First sled & no experience for her). It was $500 more for the 800 then the 600 at the time and no regrets, I think she would of wanted a upgrade after the first year if we bought the 600. she is not a aggressive rider but it has given her more confidence to have the bigger machine and respects the throttle(its there for when she needs/ wants it)

We will also most likely have the same sleds as it makes it much easier to learn the mechanical aspect/ problems and keep stock of parts

depending on the style of riding a 154" with 2.5" lugs will go a far way in the mountains and still be able to comfortably run on the trail

We got such a good deal on ours with full 3 yr warranty we couldn't pass them up, but next time we will most likely buy units 2-yrs old with still some warranty left over and pay cash again

Couch · Nov 20, 2018

Experience level? Preferred riding terrain - trail vs off trail? Budget? New / used?

Start with budget - will determine new / used.
If you have 0 experience and not sure of terrain preferences then start with a smaller cross over. Better still, find a few friends and go for ride with them in mixed terrain to see what you like and type of sled that is best suited to you.

0neoldfart · Nov 20, 2018

Couch said:
Experience level? Preferred riding terrain - trail vs off trail? Budget? New / used?

Start with budget - will determine new / used.
If you have 0 experience and not sure of terrain preferences then start with a smaller cross over. Better still, find a few friends and go for ride with them in mixed terrain to see what you like and type of sled that is best suited to you.

^^^ well said, and I suggest you let your wife try a few machines to figure out what she wants. Although an 800 seems like the best place to be, there are many who don’t need or want one, and I can honestly say riding skills will progress much faster on a 600...

rightsideup · Nov 20, 2018

0neoldfart said:
^^^ well said, and I suggest you let your wife try a few machines to figure out what she wants. Although an 800 seems like the best place to be, there are many who don’t need or want one, and I can honestly say riding skills will progress much faster on a 600...

The point about a 600 is valid especially if looking at used equipment. They tend to be easier on parts.

Rene G · Nov 20, 2018

rightsideup said:
The point about a 600 is valid especially if looking at used equipment. They tend to be easier on parts.

And they hold their value pretty well.

team dirt · Nov 20, 2018

Make sure the wife gets the best sled possible. Guys make the mistake by getting them some POS that they wouldn’t ride and expect the women to enjoy sledding. My wife’s on a 2017 summit x 850 165 and dominates the mountains. We have also been riding together for almost 20years. A lot of fights in the early days let me tell you. Haha those were good times!! I’m a doo guy so I say buy doo. I’m on a 2015 174 800 and love it but am definitely saving for a new 175 850.

imjustdave · Nov 20, 2018

Good point on getting her a decent sled too aka one that I would be willing to ride.

Skill level is low for both of us, we rented a few times in the past and had fun for sure.

Myself used to ride street and dirt bike for sure enjoyed it, and when sledding was always looking for more then the trail.

Being that we live near the mountain that goes to 14k feet.. for sure one will be a mountain sled over just a tail style only.

Second one not sure yet.
Not that I have eliminated much yet.

Good point everyone on staying with same brand from parts and wrenching points of view.

Still looking no snow yet please feel free to add more ideas

team dirt · Nov 20, 2018

You can ride a mountain sled on the trail just fine but you will hate a trail sled in the mountains. I think you already know you need mountain sleds. The new sleds are sick and I think there all pretty good. Mostly depends on your dealer now a days. Longer tracks are way more forgiving also.

solarguy · Nov 20, 2018

The fun factor goes way up after you master a few important skills for off trail mountain riding. Watch videos, find peeps that will give pointers and teach skills, take a backcountry riding clinic and for sure practice. Practice putting your sled on edge (one ski) in the garage and on the snow with engine off, then learn to put it on edge with engine by blurping throttle but not going forward, then practice moving slowly along on one ski with one foot on running board and the other for balanceas, then learn to ride on one ski on the trail while in "neutral position, feet in normal place on running boards" these skills are building blocks to carving and sidehilling. Ride in control and be safe, you are in for a great time. Can't emphasize enough to find some more experienced riders to help you learn the ropes in the mountains. It can be a dangerous and unforgiving place and an incredibly beautiful and exciting place with experience and the skills to safely play in them. Do your homework and be prepared, have radios and the gear onboard that you might need.
cheers and enjoy!

Stg2Suby · Nov 20, 2018

team dirt said:
You can ride a mountain sled on the trail just fine but you will hate a trail sled in the mountains

Great point, I had a couple crossover sleds in the past (09 Renegade, 12 Assault) and ended up endlessly screwing around trying to get them to work properly in the mountains. Well the Renegade I eventually got working well after a lot of mods, the Assault I gave up early and bought my '13 XM 154 which has been great.

IFSM8 · Nov 20, 2018

I agree with what everyone else has mentioned.

The only thing I would add is to take a look at how many times you might get out, if its only a few times per year I would strongly recommend renting as the machines lose 1000-2500 per year in depreciation and 500 for insurance. That for some makes it hardly worth owning and just budget for 5K per year in sled rentals.

Good luck on your hunt

Too many options, can there really be this many... newbi into sport.

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