2019 Snowcheck...What a Great and Bad year to choose

[phatboy07]

So I will be Snow checking my first mountain specific Sled this year. I am not a newcomer to snowmobiling at all and have enjoyed a few brief trips in the past (8 years ago) to the mountains. These trips were in low snow years and on Crossover Style sleds (Max 144" length). I currently own a 2013 Switchback Assault 800 144" 2 inch track for around home, sled works great, no complaints really.
I will be venturing to the mountains and want a mountain specific sled. I am not brand loyal and due to this year great offerings from all the brands I will be Snow checking a 2 stroke 800 class sled. The big question is "WHAT SHOULD I GET?"
I am leaning toward a 160 ish length as I am a heavier rider @ about 6' 240 without gear. I am a very fit 240 though so I am pretty sure I wont have to much issue pushing around 160 ish length sled.
I have scoured as much reviews as I can but it honestly seems like a wash. Each sled seems to work well with there own inherent strengths and weaknesses.
Dealers do not matter to much due to location.
-Ski doos 850 G4 Summit X, lots of power and easy to ride, but reports of issues are not fun to read...will the 2019's be diff? Should I maybe consider the free ride due to my weight? 2.5 or 3 inch lug?
-Polaris RMK with the new 850...Will the bump in power and newish front end be worth it? I like the fact the sled is so customizable during snow check (color wise) 2.6 or3 inch lug?
-Arctic Cat Mountian Cat 800....good reviews on the ascender platform and on engine power for an 800...but is it going to be lacking now to the 850's? Also not sure if the ALPHA is something I should consider?

I am leaning towards the ski doo and Polaris (more power for my fat ass). Its just that this year has really great offerings from manufactures and If I was brand loyal this would probably be easier hahaha....SO....whats yer take?

 

[mountianguy]

So I will be Snow checking my first mountain specific Sled this year. I am not a newcomer to snowmobiling at all and have enjoyed a few brief trips in the past (8 years ago) to the mountains. These trips were in low snow years and on Crossover Style sleds (Max 144" length). I currently own a 2013 Switchback Assault 800 144" 2 inch track for around home, sled works great, no complaints really.
I will be venturing to the mountains and want a mountain specific sled. I am not brand loyal and due to this year great offerings from all the brands I will be Snow checking a 2 stroke 800 class sled. The big question is "WHAT SHOULD I GET?"
I am leaning toward a 160 ish length as I am a heavier rider @ about 6' 240 without gear. I am a very fit 240 though so I am pretty sure I wont have to much issue pushing around 160 ish length sled.
I have scoured as much reviews as I can but it honestly seems like a wash. Each sled seems to work well with there own inherent strengths and weaknesses.
Dealers do not matter to much due to location.
-Ski doos 850 G4 Summit X, lots of power and easy to ride, but reports of issues are not fun to read...will the 2019's be diff? Should I maybe consider the free ride due to my weight? 2.5 or 3 inch lug?
-Polaris RMK with the new 850...Will the bump in power and newish front end be worth it? I like the fact the sled is so customizable during snow check (color wise) 2.6 or3 inch lug?
-Arctic Cat Mountian Cat 800....good reviews on the ascender platform and on engine power for an 800...but is it going to be lacking now to the 850's? Also not sure if the ALPHA is something I should consider?

I am leaning towards the ski doo and Polaris (more power for my fat ass). Its just that this year has really great offerings from manufactures and If I was brand loyal this would probably be easier hahaha....SO....whats yer take?

First off there is no bad choice all 3 mentioned are great sleds, really you should ride them first. The sleds now seem to be more of a personal choice (what feels right for me may not for you) and somewhat how you ride, trees or punching at hills. Are you planning mods or do you want a pull and go? The Ski doo and Mountain Cat are the only one that is not new and they still have some new stuff. The Doo has clutching issues but it seems guys have figured them out so do you want to mess with that? The Mountain Cat is a solid performer don"t be discouraged by 50cc, The 800 Axys is also a solid sled that should be considered. If you aren't concerned about first year issues the 850 Polaris and Alpha are your choices once again you really need to try them as i have heard positives on both. If your a mod guy the 850 Polaris will most likely be hard to get mods for until later in the season. If you want Mountain specific I would go with the 3 inch track when the snow is tits deep you'll be glad you did. If i was snow checking this year and I am not it would be the 165 Alpha, I like what Cat has done to make the sled more efficient and the handling seems to be made for beginners to pros. The other thing is if for some reason the Alpha skid is not for you, it will be easy to sell and replace with a conventional skid. It is a tough decision but a good one to have.

 

[adamg]

It's definitely tough to make that call right now. I can only make your decision harder by recommending you also consider the 174/175 Doo and Poo. For a mountain specific sled, there are absolutely days where the extra track helps. And more so for bigger riders.

 

[team dirt]

Ya buy the 175. You will not regret it.

 

[NoBrakes!]

If you currently enjoy the flat steering, might be an easy switch to a new Polaris. Doo tunnel is narrower up top but not like an axys.

 

[Big A]

Since your a big guy and assuming will ride the crap out of whatever you buy, I would not suggest the Summit, they have a lot of weak spots, if you go with doo, go freeride and definitely 3”, other than that they’re all good sleds. One that you might want to look at from cat is the Hardcore. Good luck

 

[Summit 934]

It really comes down to what you're most comfortable on, not that there's anything wrong with Polaris or Cat but the Doo with a little more rider forward position just seems to feel better to me. I've been told by some in the sled biz not paid by Doo that 2019 is the year for the Gen 4 with the updates and changes that have been made, but I guess we'll see since I've ordered one.

I'd like to see the 850 Patriot get a year or 2 in the consumers hands before I drop my cash on it, the same goes for Cat's Alpha rear skid. I think it's a fantastic concept and it's nice to see someone shake up the rear skid market, I do hope it works.


I've been riding an XM 154x2.5 the last 4 years and am going with a 165x3 on the next one, where and how I ride it's the ideal track for me. I spent some time on a 175 last week and found I just didn't need that big of a track, but again that's a personal preference. When considering resale I think the 165ish length might be a little easier to move, at least in my area.

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[AGGRESIVEZEBRA]

Your best bet is to head down to the Expo center on the 31st and see and feel all the sleds in person. http://www.snowsneakpeek.ca/en/home/ It is free admission and parking.

 

[Ballzdeep]

I'm doing the same phatboy. I haven't had any luck in the past with first generation of toys. My 08 F350 = junk. My 09 CRF 450 = junk. My 08 cbr1000rr = good. 2 out of 3 for first gens will keep me away from the cat, for now anyways. I'm buying new because of the 4 year warranty. Can't beat that. I'm 60% doo and 40% poo. I too like to think i'm semi fit 6'2 220lb and will also be going to 165, going from a XP 163 to a new unit, if i can throw around my XP i'm sure a new machine will be the cats ass. i'm waiting to the last min to throw my mula down or until i'm more then 80% sure on what one i buy. Never thought id even think about a poo, but i haven't heard any smash talking on it for the past two years like i have on the doo's. Dealers need to release a demo long before snow check starts so guys can get a chance to see them in action. I'll be trolling around the Expo at the end of the month and gonna annoy the shiit out of a sales guy with every question i have about the 2. Good luck with you decision.

 

[Chrisco]

If any of you guys want to try out a Axys this weekend hit me up ill be in vale sat sun.

 

[Ballzdeep]

If any of you guys want to try out a Axys this weekend hit me up ill be in vale sat sun.

what area will you be in? If i can get my pos fixed Friday ill head out and would love to try one out.

 

[neilsleder]

I'm doing the same phatboy. I haven't had any luck in the past with first generation of toys. My 08 F350 = junk. My 09 CRF 450 = junk. My 08 cbr1000rr = good. 2 out of 3 for first gens will keep me away from the cat, for now anyways. I'm buying new because of the 4 year warranty. Can't beat that. I'm 60% doo and 40% poo. I too like to think i'm semi fit 6'2 220lb and will also be going to 165, going from a XP 163 to a new unit, if i can throw around my XP i'm sure a new machine will be the cats ass. i'm waiting to the last min to throw my mula down or until i'm more then 80% sure on what one i buy. Never thought id even think about a poo, but i haven't heard any smash talking on it for the past two years like i have on the doo's. Dealers need to release a demo long before snow check starts so guys can get a chance to see them in action. I'll be trolling around the Expo at the end of the month and gonna annoy the shiit out of a sales guy with every question i have about the 2. Good luck with you decision.

I wouldn’t worry about the cat. It’s not new for this year. Just the Alpha is new. You can snow check the none Alpha sled. The 850 Polaris looks nice but I bought an 08 800 Dragon I won’t buy the first year Polaris again lol

 

[adamg]

Your best bet is to head down to the Expo center on the 31st and see and feel all the sleds in person. http://www.snowsneakpeek.ca/en/home/ It is free admission and parking.

Yes, do the important rider - sled compatibility tests:
- stand on running boards, wiggle hips
- stand on one running board, pull down on handlebar to tip sled
- lift at rear bumper

These were demonstrated in the 2019 Polaris unveiling video series.

 

[niner]

Yes, do the important rider - sled compatibility tests:
- stand on running boards, wiggle hips
- stand on one running board, pull down on handlebar to tip sled
- lift at rear bumper

These were demonstrated in the 2019 Polaris unveiling video series.

You forgot to say “ bring bathroom scales and weigh then all “ .... and throw in some Braaap noises.

 

[nathan#19]

I say go with the Alpha and you will be cutting edge with warranty. If it turns out you don't like it I'm sure it would be easy to find someone to swap skids with.

 

[phatboy07]

Thanks for all the responses guys much appreciated.
I will unfortunately not be able to make it to the sled expo due to work
I have had some seat time on a friends 16 Axys SKS, but only around home so not deep snow. Felt very comfortable as I am currently on a 13 Switchback Assault.
I am leaning toward the Polaris for this reason as it might just feel familiar to me coming off my Assault.
I don't usually mod my sleds engine wise, but I do mod in regards to shocks, and extra bracing, bumpers, etc..
Sounds like 3 inch lug should be my choice but Now you guys have me rethinking to go 175. hmmmmm
No seat time on an ALPHA kind of worries me, but I could swap it out I guess if its that bad.
Lots of great replys from you guys but its almost harder to choose now that I have read them....We all might have our opinions but I don't care what anyone says, this is a great year for sleds and options

 

[Couch]

Thanks for all the responses guys much appreciated.
I will unfortunately not be able to make it to the sled expo due to work
I have had some seat time on a friends 16 Axys SKS, but only around home so not deep snow. Felt very comfortable as I am currently on a 13 Switchback Assault.
I am leaning toward the Polaris for this reason as it might just feel familiar to me coming off my Assault.
I don't usually mod my sleds engine wise, but I do mod in regards to shocks, and extra bracing, bumpers, etc..
Sounds like 3 inch lug should be my choice but Now you guys have me rethinking to go 175. hmmmmm
No seat time on an ALPHA kind of worries me, but I could swap it out I guess if its that bad.
Lots of great replys from you guys but its almost harder to choose now that I have read them....We all might have our opinions but I don't care what anyone says, this is a great year for sleds and options

Venturing into the mountains and still riding at home ....155" 2.6" might be a better fit.
Spending ALL your time in the mountains? Then look at longer sled with deeper lug.

 

[neilsleder]

As for track length I would go with 155ish with the 3”. Had a 163 and I missed my 154”, the shorter sleds are more playful. But that’s me not sure what type of riding you do.

 

[canuck5]

I'd like to think the 3rd year doo would be good but honestly it's a dice roll first year Polaris engine also a dice roll first year new suspension on Cat less of a dice roll but still unproven if I was you and set on a 2 stroke I'd check a 2019 ctec with normal rear skid and qs3's.

 

[phatboy07]

I will be keeping my 144 switchback for around home as it works great and no point in selling or trading it due to resale and will keep the new Mountian sled from getting bashed around in lower snow conditions.
Regarding a 150 ish length sled my thinking is to go bigger as This will be my first major foray into mountian sledding. Me being heavier and in good shape I do not think a longer sled will hinder me and will be a better fit to start out with.
I just went to check out the G4 ski doo. Seemed very comfortable to be on, nothing bad to say about it really. I have been on an AXYS before so I know what that feels like. Honestly either one would I don’t think I would have an issue with getting used to.
Regarding the AXYS chassis are there any known weak points to be worried about due to my size? I had to beef up my assault in a few areas but I ride the crap out of that thing lol.