I can only comment on motor and clutches as I have the Alpha. The motor is nothing but awesome for an 800 as it has excellent torque coupled with some of the smoothest clutches. You can’t go wrong with the powertrain on these AC 800 Ctech.
which sled are you referring to? There is no such thing as an M8000 high country. Its either the XF8000 high country (2.25" track, wider ski stance, rear heat exchanger) or the M8000 (2.6 or3" track)
I have an 18 xf highcountry for a ditchbanger. 280 miles on **** snow this year. It’s a nice sled. Geared a little low for lakes. But hauls ass in tight ditches. My last yr ditch sled was a freeride 2016. 154. 2018 Xf highcountry. I like it. No regrets. I can’t even get the belt hot. Very little oil used. Seems good on fuel. We do Need more snow to really push it hard