155 vs 163

[jpgmtech]

Depends a bit on who you normally ride with too. I normally ride with guys that have 163 and 174x16x3 stuff, and I run a 163x16x3. I find myself working pretty hard to keep up even at that. And they can pull these crazy slow stupid lines through the trees on fresh pow that I need a little extra speed for otherwise I'm stuck. And there is always that steep little knoll or some other steep poke that you run across that the extra length can mean the difference between stuck and not.

 

[~Rowdy~]

It does I guess. My first ride to the hills was on a citation 300, then a 485 phazer. Followed with multiple summits from 1998 till now. Did the low power small track thing. I would rather be the guy leading the group and pushing there limits then trying to follow with a smaller machine I guess.

bigger isn't always better darlin hahaha sorry...couldn't resist.

ahh anyways...yeah I guess. I've only led a handful of times so I can see why having a bigger track and more power would be good for the guy leading. I sure know following turbo's can be...fun...lol

 

[summit1974]

it a tough choice especially that you throw in the turbo possibility...the 163 is the sled to have when its deep and it really shines when your going slower and taking off from a slow crall.I chose the 163 cause i found i could manoeuvre just as well as a 154 and the advantage goes to the 163 for anything else.

 

[trench]

If your only riding in the deep snow in the mountains go with the bigger track for sure. But if you do any ditch banging go 155" The 155" is a better mountain sled than the 163" is as a ditch banger.

 

[~Rowdy~]

Yeah I do not ditch bang at all. But still not convinced on the 163...I think I'll try one and see what I think.

 

[trench]

I liked my Dragon 163" for the extra half a second before it got stuck in the steep and deep, but find the slightly shorter track to be more fun for all around riding. Interested to see what decision you make on both brand and size of track.

 

[Nitrobkr]

I have always loved the 154" track and buy one every year. This year with the xm I am wishing I would have bought the 163 after riding one and comparing it to my 154. The xm 163 maneuvers like the xp 154 imo.
I will be snowchecking the 163 xm this year.
Good luck on your decision. No matter what you choose, you are getting a new sled, and that is fawking awesome!!

 

[~Rowdy~]

I have always loved the 154" track and buy one every year. This year with the xm I am wishing I would have bought the 163 after riding one and comparing it to my 154. The xm 163 maneuvers like the xp 154 imo.
I will be snowchecking the 163 xm this year.
Good luck on your decision. No matter what you choose, you are getting a new sled, and that is fawking awesome!!

thanks! I am stupid excited...I think I just peed a lil....damn...hahaha

 

[KatMan]

you're talking an extra 4"(maybe) on the snow, adding an extra 20# or so. will be a bit harder to maneuver considering weight and footprint increase. Most of the time, not the wand, but the magician.

 

[chadwik74]

A 155 is like having 3/4 of a mountain sled. If your spending that kind of cash on a new machine doo it right. This time next season you will be on here asking how much is it going to cost I extend to a 162 an where can you get the parts. It's 2000$ to do it aftermarket and 400$ for your salesman to do it on the showroom floor. The 162 does EVEarYThinG better. With the exception of jumps. Drops are actually no problem just have to lean a bit further forward. Also keep in mind if you purchase a 155 pro you will be extremely disappointed with the performance of the track because you are coming off a 16 wide right now. You need a 162 Polaris to equal a 154 16 wide doo. Something to keep in mind. You can turbo a 154 but be prepared to spend 3G on a skid so you can ride it. I've seen your photos you spend a lot of time in the deep stuff. A 163 is just as maneuverable and takes no more effort to ride. Just makes the experience so much greater. Getting unstuck just needs a skitug and its back on top.

16 wide......X2 = oh boy

 

[maxwell]

16 wide......X2 = oh boy

Lmao. By the time this thread is done your going to be wasted.

 

[Vertical-Extreme]

Hey Rowdy, there is another thread going on over at snowest right now discussing the same thing
Track speed vs. track length - SnoWest Snowmobile Forum
cheers
T

 

[retiredpop]

What size track for a 5'4, noneofurfawkinbusiness lbs chick that likes to boondock, drop and jump a bit? I can't decide whats best. I think 155 would be sweet, but a lot of guys are saying just bite the bullet and go 163 for the extra float.

Confuzzled.

According to your riding preference I think a 155 would suit you better. I also believe there is more fun factor with a shorter track too.

 

[~Rowdy~]

I do like fun

 

[maxwell]

Being stuck is fun? News to me LOL.

 

[~Rowdy~]

Haven't had a problem on the 151 so I'm guessing I won't have one on a 155

 

[1100]

Haven't had a problem on the 151 so I'm guessing I won't have one on a 155

Typical women lol asking a question she already has figured out. Just joshen.

 

[Nitrobkr]

She will end up with a 154 not a 155. She just has to try one out for half a day!

 

[catinthehat]

That'd be great, I will have to ask her. I'm just really excited to have the opportunity to demo the sleds for full days so I can make a proper decision. I just hope there's snow.

Cranbrook 24-27 with the 155 800 pro
Revy 29-30 on the XM

So far the snow has been good here, but we could sure use some fresh stuff.
Keep in mind the different snow conditions between the two areas when comparing sleds. Snow density can be a big factor in handling, our powder is fluffier than theirs so less flotation.
Hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[Weirboondocking]

My wife is 5.5 and fit. She rides a 162 and loves it, I got a lot of flack when we ordered it, the guys said it was to big for a girl. I also teach riders and from my experience a 16X is always better then a 15X. except in spring where track speed is most important. As for climbing I think the rider or track speed equals more then track length. Get into the trees and that is when the 16X is best, boondocking, alder bashing, or "DANGLING" and just about any riding in the Koots a 16X will out perform a 15X.
15X is a compromise that puts you between a 144 and a 16X that doesn't do ether discipline well.

Good luck interested to find out what you choose.