2021 Skidoo Summit SP 850 (Base w/ 3.0) vs 2021 Polaris PRO RMK 155 850 (Base w/ 2.6)

tucker_98

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Hey guys, just wondering if anyone has ridden these two sleds or similar. I'm going to buy new and am split 50/50 and can't make up my mind on which one. Here's how I've broken it down so far, just wondering if I am missing something. I admit, this is a doublepost, I have the same thing within the Polaris Axys section, since I figured I am going to get biased answers from each side lol. Hope thats OK... Probably end up being more confused than I am now.

2021 Skidoo Summit SP 154 850 (Base w/ 3.0)
154" Length
3.0" Lug
Manual Start
Black

2021 Polaris PRO RMK 155 850 (Base w/ 2.6)
155" Length
2.6" Lug
Manual Start
Black


I do about a 50/50 between Golden, BC mountain riding and Cataract Creek, AB (more or less trail with some off trail) riding. Not a super technical tree rider at all at this point, I do jump/drop fairly religiously and like pulling hills. Been known to ride in less than ideal snow conditions to scratch the itch, first ride this year was Nov 5. 6 days so far this season, until I sold my sled with the crazy used market we have. I've had a 2013 Skidoo XM 154 for a few years as well as recently a 2015 Polaris Pro RMK 155, no problems at all with either and I liked them both. No complaints what so ever.

Option wise the two new sleds I'm considering are nearly identical, manual start, 154 / 155 track length, basey type mountain sled. Both 850s. Skidoo has a 3.0 lug where the Polaris has a 2.6. I assume the Skidoo would be more of a wheelie machine (I don't really consider that to be a negative for my style), but am a little nervous of how that 3.0 track would hold up with some trail/low snow abuse. I think in the longrun the Skidoo would have better resale value, I would be keeping it for at least 5 years. Tried a few G4's that I was left with the impression they are very soft / ****tier on a trail, but that's also probably suspension setup I'm thinking. Had the opposite opinion when I recently tried a 2020 Pro RMK on the mountain, little stiff and twitchy. Again, probably shock setup and it was brand new. I tend to crank my shock preloads quite high for landings. I know these basey shocks aren't quite suited to that but its worked for me.

As of right now I was going to just get the quotes and pull the trigger on whatever one I can get for less or get more warranty on if they are the same. Anything I'm missing or should be considering? Would love a Khaos or Expert but that's out of the budget. I have two local dealers in my town so that doesn't affect my decision either (although I won't be buying from either of them).

Thanks guys.
 

altaredneck

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I’m kinda in the same boat. Debating between the pro and summit but in the 165 3” or 163 2.6” track on the Polaris. I ride a 17 850 with the 165 3” right now but just debating if I should try a Polaris or just stick with a new doo the maybe easier to have spare parts. Not gonna lie Polaris does some good marketing making their machines look really fun. I’ll be following this post aswell thanks for it. I have no complaints on my doo it seems to be a good machine and moves pretty well.
 
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prairieguy

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This was me last year and I pulled the trigger on a 20 summit sp ms 3.0 154. The fun factor is higher on the summit for me then axis. In tight trees and side hills the axis is a better machine but when it comes to playing in powder nothing beats the ski-doo feeling lol. I’ve also been very impressed with the cooling ability of the 850 3.0
 

tucker_98

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This was me last year and I pulled the trigger on a 20 summit sp ms 3.0 154. The fun factor is higher on the summit for me then axis. In tight trees and side hills the axis is a better machine but when it comes to playing in powder nothing beats the ski-doo feeling lol. I’ve also been very impressed with the cooling ability of the 850 3.0

Awesome appreciate the feedback since it sounds like you have that exact sled. Cooling is definitely something I noticed as a negative with the Polaris vs doo, I didn't even have scratchers on my XM and never found I needed them, but the Polaris I needed them down on every trail until I got to the real snow.
 

catrutt

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I bought a 18 g4 sp 3" the track is great on and off trail [real good off trail] stock shocks are only fair .I bought a set of slightly used KYB off the X and had Enzo do his magic. This setup for me works perfect and I ride the same as you. The shot start is a nice touch as well on the Doo.
 

tucker_98

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Thanks for the replies guys, definitely helps! Sounds like I should probably look for a 2.6" to avoid failure due to ****ty conditions / aggressive trail riding. I was hoping for the 3" for the wheelie factor, which I sorely missed after switching from Skidoo to Polaris.
 

CUSO

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First of all, buy the sled model that will match your terrain. Obviously the 3" will not work.

I would look at all 3 brands, what they have, and choose from there... options, price, service warranty and more. Don't choose what the salesperson's choices are
first of all.

Brand wise, they are all awesome for your purpose..
 

snopro

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May have to buy whatever you can get this year? Everyone is super low on inventory if they have any or not. Might be snowchecking in February to get the perfect sled for you.
 

skegpro

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Thanks for the replies guys, definitely helps! Sounds like I should probably look for a 2.6" to avoid failure due to ****ty conditions / aggressive trail riding. I was hoping for the 3" for the wheelie factor, which I sorely missed after switching from Skidoo to Polaris.
Wheelie is 95% suspension setup.

If you want to wheelie in the polaris chassis, buy a kahoas.
 

catman1

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If you did decide to get the doo, it’s 100% worth the extra 500 bucks to get the shot start. There’s no down side to it. Once you have it you will swear by it.
 

snopro

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If you did decide to get the doo, it’s 100% worth the extra 500 bucks to get the shot start. There’s no down side to it. Once you have it you will swear by it.
Actually $750 more but still worth it
 
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