Let’s talk snowmobiles

Subotai
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Subotai
Edited Date/Time 4/5/2021 8:12am
Never had one but might buy one for next season. Been a few times and it was very fun. I want one with good power but handling has always been the most important to me. Seems like Polaris has the market on handling but maybe not the best motors. Open to both 600 and 800-850 size machines.

Give me your experience on the best one to buy and why. Would be used for mountain and deep powder riding.
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-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 3/27/2021 9:36pm
3/27/2021 9:36pm
Doo or screw you.

I might be a tad bit biased. Grinning
5
1
Johnny Lock 3/28/2021 12:20am
3/28/2021 12:20am
I grew up in the flatlands of the upper Midwest and rode sleds into my late twenties as much as I could. I’ve been snowmobiling in the Rockies 5 times now - we try to go every other year. Handling and a true mountain sled aren’t really something that go together - at least how I think about it. They’re tippy and handle like shit on the trail and they’re that way for a reason.

For a first sled I’d buy a crossover sled like a Switchback Assault 146. I’m assuming you’re into power sports so opt for the 850. A 600 at elevation always left me wanting more power. And if you’re going steep and deep you’ll want the power. It will be decent on the trail but you won’t be railing corners like a 136”. Nor will you be highmarking with the true mountain sleds.

If you just have to go all out and have a mountain sled get the RMK Slash or the Summit. But there will be a learning curve.

I wouldn’t hesitate to own any of the current snowmobile manufacturers - comes down to dealer and what you want.
M1000
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M1000 3/29/2021 5:36pm
3/29/2021 5:36pm
Is there snow in Vegas? Why not rent. $200-$300.00/day. LikeLy only use it 2 or 3x year. Let the rental business take on depreciation. Then you can narrow it down, as to what you like. I live in Alberta ( Mtns 3 hrs away), ride both mtn and trails. Mountain sleds are not good trail sleds. Mountain sleds have 2.5”-3” lugs on tracks (like a paddle for deep snow), and long tracks 153”-174” tracks. Trail sleds R.I.P. and have excellent handling. Trail sled likeLy have 1.25”-1.75” lugs and 121”-137” tracks. 600 are bulletproof, 850 pushing the max for two stroke and vibration and rebuilds are common. The four strokes are 1000+cc, heavy but good. The Good handling (skidoo/Polaris/Cat)are all good, take your pick. All are good. Yamaha makes quality sled (more four stroke lineup) bulletproof last 15,000 miles minimum issues. With Doo, Cat, Poo expect rebuild big two strokes every 2000-3000 miles. Good luck have fun.
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profeshenal125 3/29/2021 6:04pm
3/29/2021 6:04pm
Beater sleds are fun also, my pal demonstrates. Got this one for under 100 bucks. Unhook a belt on the suspension and she will wheely forever. Yes those are high performance holes drilled in the plastic hood. Temps in the 30,s she would melt a piston, snowmobile salvage used piston for 15.00. Take the hood off and launch it off hills, snow storm tear up the streets, sled behind it in parks, I let anyone ride it.

The Shop

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SKIDLID
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SKIDLID 3/29/2021 6:09pm
3/29/2021 6:09pm
profeshenal125 wrote:
Beater sleds are fun also, my pal demonstrates. Got this one for under 100 bucks. Unhook a belt on the suspension and she will wheely forever...
Beater sleds are fun also, my pal demonstrates. Got this one for under 100 bucks. Unhook a belt on the suspension and she will wheely forever. Yes those are high performance holes drilled in the plastic hood. Temps in the 30,s she would melt a piston, snowmobile salvage used piston for 15.00. Take the hood off and launch it off hills, snow storm tear up the streets, sled behind it in parks, I let anyone ride it.
TNT or an Everest? My first sled.
1
Brad460
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Brad460 3/29/2021 6:52pm
3/29/2021 6:52pm Edited Date/Time 3/29/2021 6:53pm
profeshenal125 wrote:
Beater sleds are fun also, my pal demonstrates. Got this one for under 100 bucks. Unhook a belt on the suspension and she will wheely forever...
Beater sleds are fun also, my pal demonstrates. Got this one for under 100 bucks. Unhook a belt on the suspension and she will wheely forever. Yes those are high performance holes drilled in the plastic hood. Temps in the 30,s she would melt a piston, snowmobile salvage used piston for 15.00. Take the hood off and launch it off hills, snow storm tear up the streets, sled behind it in parks, I let anyone ride it.
SKIDLID wrote:
TNT or an Everest? My first sled.
Olympic! 340

With a Torque Center sticker..
1
Boxvan446
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Boxvan446 3/29/2021 7:46pm
3/29/2021 7:46pm
If only riding in the mountains, I would get a 146" or longer. I have found the crossover sleds don't perform well in either application. So, if mountain riding is what your doing, I'd get a summit or RMK. I don't have any experience with cats or yamahas. I would probably go with a 800 or 850 depending on what age of sled you are looking at.
Boxvan446
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Boxvan446 3/29/2021 7:48pm
3/29/2021 7:48pm
February 2021

3
Boxvan446
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Boxvan446 3/29/2021 7:50pm
3/29/2021 7:50pm


bh84
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bh84 3/31/2021 6:39am
3/31/2021 6:39am
The new Lynx platform is awesome. Got to play with it a little bit, much closer to dirtbike handling than anything else Ski-Doo thats for sure. You just missed the spring order period for Ski-Doo. Good luck finding a sled, get a deposit down ASAP or you`ll be sitting at home all winter. Its nuts how quickly they dry up
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1
XXVoid MainXX
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XXVoid MainXX 3/31/2021 6:53am
3/31/2021 6:53am
Where's Premix Junkie when you need him?
1
SEEMEFIRST
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SEEMEFIRST 3/31/2021 9:47am
3/31/2021 9:47am
XXVoid MainXX wrote:
Where's Premix Junkie when you need him?
That's what I was thinking.
M1000
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M1000 3/31/2021 2:34pm
3/31/2021 2:34pm
bh84 wrote:
The new Lynx platform is awesome. Got to play with it a little bit, much closer to dirtbike handling than anything else Ski-Doo thats for sure...
The new Lynx platform is awesome. Got to play with it a little bit, much closer to dirtbike handling than anything else Ski-Doo thats for sure. You just missed the spring order period for Ski-Doo. Good luck finding a sled, get a deposit down ASAP or you`ll be sitting at home all winter. Its nuts how quickly they dry up
Lynx looks good. Just went down local shop (Honda, Bombardier, skidoo). Had lynx in showroom 👍. However all sold until 2022. All ATV sold 2022 (Honda, CanAm), had couple Honda gold wings, however pretty much empty. All MX gear 75% sold. They will need to shutdown soon. My sleds, bikes, Quads are hitting market soon. I will Spend 20+ months get in good shape, for the buying season........😀
three9zero
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three9zero 4/2/2021 9:12am
4/2/2021 9:12am Edited Date/Time 4/2/2021 9:15am
Been riding the 2021 Summit Expert 175 Turbo mostly this winter, mofo is a beast. We got our Lynx Demo awhile back and I took it out a few times too. we've had an epic winter this year here in B.C. I work at a Doo dealership, our Spring check sales event just ended and we actually sold out of our 2022 allocation, 100% of our order for next year is pre season sleds, and about 80% or the orders were Turbo Summits...We sold out of 2021's as well....
Crowfoot mtn, Celista B.C

Coast Mtns, Rutherford Glacier, Pemberton B.C

3
three9zero
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three9zero 4/2/2021 9:18am
4/2/2021 9:18am Edited Date/Time 4/2/2021 3:59pm
Subotai wrote:
Never had one but might buy one for next season. Been a few times and it was very fun. I want one with good power but...
Never had one but might buy one for next season. Been a few times and it was very fun. I want one with good power but handling has always been the most important to me. Seems like Polaris has the market on handling but maybe not the best motors. Open to both 600 and 800-850 size machines.

Give me your experience on the best one to buy and why. Would be used for mountain and deep powder riding.
850cc Mtn sled if you live out west, track length preference depends of your riding style, longer track more floatation but they are less playfull. A nice newer(2018-2022 Ski Doo Summit 850 165 3" with shot start would be a great starting point.
Boxvan446
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Boxvan446 4/2/2021 2:13pm
4/2/2021 2:13pm
three9zero wrote:
Been riding the 2021 Summit Expert 175 Turbo mostly this winter, mofo is a beast. We got our Lynx Demo awhile back and I took it...
Been riding the 2021 Summit Expert 175 Turbo mostly this winter, mofo is a beast. We got our Lynx Demo awhile back and I took it out a few times too. we've had an epic winter this year here in B.C. I work at a Doo dealership, our Spring check sales event just ended and we actually sold out of our 2022 allocation, 100% of our order for next year is pre season sleds, and about 80% or the orders were Turbo Summits...We sold out of 2021's as well....
Crowfoot mtn, Celista B.C

Coast Mtns, Rutherford Glacier, Pemberton B.C

Thoughts on the Lynx? I've seen some models at some Skidoo events but haven't talked to many people that have actually ridden it. I sno-checked a 154 expert (no turbo). Looking forward to riding that next season.
1
three9zero
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three9zero 4/2/2021 3:33pm
4/2/2021 3:33pm
three9zero wrote:
Been riding the 2021 Summit Expert 175 Turbo mostly this winter, mofo is a beast. We got our Lynx Demo awhile back and I took it...
Been riding the 2021 Summit Expert 175 Turbo mostly this winter, mofo is a beast. We got our Lynx Demo awhile back and I took it out a few times too. we've had an epic winter this year here in B.C. I work at a Doo dealership, our Spring check sales event just ended and we actually sold out of our 2022 allocation, 100% of our order for next year is pre season sleds, and about 80% or the orders were Turbo Summits...We sold out of 2021's as well....
Crowfoot mtn, Celista B.C

Coast Mtns, Rutherford Glacier, Pemberton B.C

Boxvan446 wrote:
Thoughts on the Lynx? I've seen some models at some Skidoo events but haven't talked to many people that have actually ridden it. I sno-checked a...
Thoughts on the Lynx? I've seen some models at some Skidoo events but haven't talked to many people that have actually ridden it. I sno-checked a 154 expert (no turbo). Looking forward to riding that next season.
I liked the Lynx but did not love it. The rear skid/ suspension was awesome on the trail whoops and landing from jumps. It jumped up ontop of the snow quicker and trenched less that the Summit SP that I had with me, I also like the lack of tank cover and slimmer bodywork between my knees. I did not like the skis(too wide and not enough keel) and the narrow, non-ice cutter running boards were not my fave. It was great in deep snow and great on hard snow, but I did not like it on 6 inches of fresh ontop of hard snow(shit conditons). I rode it for two days and switched back and forth from a 165Sp. Once I was tired, I wanted the summit back, when I was fresh, I really liked it.
M1000
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M1000 4/2/2021 8:20pm
4/2/2021 8:20pm
three9zero wrote:
I liked the Lynx but did not love it. The rear skid/ suspension was awesome on the trail whoops and landing from jumps. It jumped up...
I liked the Lynx but did not love it. The rear skid/ suspension was awesome on the trail whoops and landing from jumps. It jumped up ontop of the snow quicker and trenched less that the Summit SP that I had with me, I also like the lack of tank cover and slimmer bodywork between my knees. I did not like the skis(too wide and not enough keel) and the narrow, non-ice cutter running boards were not my fave. It was great in deep snow and great on hard snow, but I did not like it on 6 inches of fresh ontop of hard snow(shit conditons). I rode it for two days and switched back and forth from a 165Sp. Once I was tired, I wanted the summit back, when I was fresh, I really liked it.
Nice sled. My next purchase will be 3”x174” Summit . I getting older and I don’t like digging myself out of endless trenches (wear you out fast, and where is my beer). The SHOT is nice option. Currently riding CAT. However local dealer sells Skidoo. We have a big 900 Skandic 24” wide track for XC ski trails plus the Italian Blue beast (4 cylinder). However the triple fourstroke skidoo Skandic is nice, Quiet, efficient (not a mtn sled).




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three9zero
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three9zero 4/3/2021 6:33am
4/3/2021 6:33am Edited Date/Time 4/3/2021 6:59am
three9zero wrote:
I liked the Lynx but did not love it. The rear skid/ suspension was awesome on the trail whoops and landing from jumps. It jumped up...
I liked the Lynx but did not love it. The rear skid/ suspension was awesome on the trail whoops and landing from jumps. It jumped up ontop of the snow quicker and trenched less that the Summit SP that I had with me, I also like the lack of tank cover and slimmer bodywork between my knees. I did not like the skis(too wide and not enough keel) and the narrow, non-ice cutter running boards were not my fave. It was great in deep snow and great on hard snow, but I did not like it on 6 inches of fresh ontop of hard snow(shit conditons). I rode it for two days and switched back and forth from a 165Sp. Once I was tired, I wanted the summit back, when I was fresh, I really liked it.
M1000 wrote:
Nice sled. My next purchase will be 3”x174” Summit . I getting older and I don’t like digging myself out of endless trenches (wear you out...
Nice sled. My next purchase will be 3”x174” Summit . I getting older and I don’t like digging myself out of endless trenches (wear you out fast, and where is my beer). The SHOT is nice option. Currently riding CAT. However local dealer sells Skidoo. We have a big 900 Skandic 24” wide track for XC ski trails plus the Italian Blue beast (4 cylinder). However the triple fourstroke skidoo Skandic is nice, Quiet, efficient (not a mtn sled).




174 Summits are great sleds. Look for one with with low km and it will last you years. There will be a shit load of used sleds up for sale in the fall as all of us dealers just had our best pre season sales ever.. Also consider a 2019 or 2020 Gen 4 850 165 Summit. They are awesome sleds.
zehn
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zehn 4/3/2021 5:55pm
4/3/2021 5:55pm
Why do I get the feeling premix is already in this thread Grinning
profeshenal125 4/3/2021 7:18pm
4/3/2021 7:18pm
profeshenal125 wrote:
Beater sleds are fun also, my pal demonstrates. Got this one for under 100 bucks. Unhook a belt on the suspension and she will wheely forever...
Beater sleds are fun also, my pal demonstrates. Got this one for under 100 bucks. Unhook a belt on the suspension and she will wheely forever. Yes those are high performance holes drilled in the plastic hood. Temps in the 30,s she would melt a piston, snowmobile salvage used piston for 15.00. Take the hood off and launch it off hills, snow storm tear up the streets, sled behind it in parks, I let anyone ride it.
SKIDLID wrote:
TNT or an Everest? My first sled.
Brad460 wrote:
Olympic! 340

With a Torque Center sticker..
I bought it with out a hood, it’s a Olympic plus 440 fan cooled, salvage yard only had a 340 hood. My grandpa had a kitty kat, we all took turns riding it. Then a Polaris ss colt 295 that sounded cool. 72 panther 440, my 66 panther with a kohler 4st engine. Rode all those as a kid, forgot the John Deere 500, 440 ski rule, 78 el tigre, Kawasaki 440, Suzuki 440, rupp 440. Everyone in the country had a snowmobile in the 70,s. Everyone made 1 practically.
hititpind
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hititpind 4/4/2021 9:06pm
4/4/2021 9:06pm Edited Date/Time 4/4/2021 9:19pm
Polaris RMK Khaos 850 with a 155 track. Go with 2.6 or 2.75 lugs, belt drive. Don’t go 3 inch, They trench.

I prefer 155’s, they are a little more playful. You do have to ride them a little more aggressive than a 165’s in the steep, but they are a riot. My 2019 850 flat out rips in the deep powder. We’re riding 10,000ft+ elevation in UT, WY, or CO.

If you love riding the steep and extremely technical tree riding, go Polaris. They are predictable, hold a side hill, lots of clearance, power is broad instead of all at once, sit up higher like a dirt bike, skinny, and love being in some tech terrain. Look up Chris burandt, Sahen skinner, Caleb kesterki, or Dan adams.

If you want to ride the wide open hills, race your buddies, and play in some meadows... go Skidoo. T-Motion is junk. You panel out quickly on anything super steep. Screens suck. Shot start is cool.

I’ve had both brands, same years (2018’s), same configs... the Polaris hands down wins if you are an aggressive rider. It’s not even close.
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peelout
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peelout 4/5/2021 8:12am
4/5/2021 8:12am
we've been riding SkiDoo since about 2004, my '17 is an amazing sled. i have the 165. haven't ridden the newer Experts but that's where i would go if i were buying new.

to be honest, we got into snowbikes about 4 years ago and have never looked back. haven't touched my sled in 3 years.

went for a ride Friday and was total spring conditions. our year is over. we keep our bikes set up all year round, no switching back and forth.
1

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