It is all about ME!!!!

[SnowXTC]

For once, I have decided to make it all about me! No I am not stuck up, but I am tired of listening to the hubby whine about wanting a new M1000 and then spending $$$ on his PolCat to the tune of a new sled. I have been riding my 2001 Polaris 800 since 2001. It became a mod sled in late 2002, had an engine update in 2006, and will be in need of another update after this year. I want the new sled.

So what should I get? I have wanted a Doo for the longest time, but am really leaning towards an M8. A friend of mine that tested all the new sleds, says either an M8 or a Dragon. I would love a TM1200, but do not have that kind of cash nor do I have a need for that kind of power, too much ski pressure too. I really like the M8 Sno Pro Limited, but they were a spring buy and are pretty rare to find.

So what do you guys think?

 

[SLEDBUNNYRACING]

As a guy I can only relate what I've heard. Lots of ladies speak highly of the M8 and the Doo's . I'm hoping that a few of the ladies pop in and comment.

 

[Hillclimber]

I have heard the m8 sno pros suck on the trail. but are awesome in the powder. so I would go to doo. For an all around sled.

 

[Sledpiggy]

Good for you!! You deserve a new sled!!

I have a 2009 M8 and LOVE it! I came from a '07 M1000 so I miss the big torque but other then that it is a great sled.

I would suggest you ride as many types and styles as you can. Everyone has different riding styles so it would just be a matter of finding the one you feel most comfortable on.

 

[SnowXTC]

Checked out an M8 yesterday. I was considering the limited because it is all black, but I am not sure I like the black tunnel and it does not come in a 162. So if I get the white and orange one, I can just have the dealer order me the black seat right there and hopefully just switch it out without an extra charge, then put in side vents and a Mountain Fit hood and next summer have the suspension and anything else orange powder coated black or whatever color I want, (purple..............:d:d:d:d) Oh that would look sweet.

I really think I need to demo some sleds though. I am not certain on the longer track either, I just really need to put the two on the snow. I also need to consider setup and help with it.

 

[Taminator]

Good for you, sounds like you're due for a new sled!!!!

I love my doo rev and planning to get an XP soon. I personally don't think you can go wrong with either an XP or an M8, seems like they are both great sleds just a matter of getting used to either one. (no comment on the Poo) They certainly aren't similar to each other though. Word on the street is an XP takes a bit more to get used to but once you do you'll never look back. The M8 peeps say is a more get on and ride sled and easier to adjust to right off the get go. Looks like they're good carving machines too. The rider position on these sleds is very different. The XP you are very rider forward, the M8 rider position is further back. I don't feel comfortable at all on an M8 for how I ride, but I'm used to a rev so I felt that I couldn't get far enough forward.

I'm not into really long tracks myself, so wouldn't consider a 162 personally but depends how and what you ride. I'm a 146-154, still deciding, don't want more sled than I need and we do some tight tree riding that maneuverability is needed and I have a tough time wheeling around a long track. Better for climbing and sidehilling though. I would think a 153 M8 would be long enough...Sledpiggy should be able to help you out here, I think she runs a 153but not sure. It seems though most girls ridin' an M8 have a 153.

BLACK tunnels are WICKED...IMO.

 

[SnowXTC]

I really need to find a dealer that is willing to let me demo a sled or two for at least 4 hours. I need to spend some time on each one to know what feels right and I also need to do the same sled with a 153 and a 162. I have ridden a 151 forever so going to a 153 will be nothing, but the 162 was more difficult to pull over in the showroom which actually tells very little. On the hill is what counts. Unfortunately, even though I am friends with all the dealers here, I doubt they are willing to let me demo a sled. They just don't do it very often, if at all.

 

[JFedup]

My wife likes trail riding, and is not an aggresive powder rider. She doesn't like riding my 02' summit, but liked the stability of the cat. Keep in mind she is not an expert rider. Hope this helps, good luck!

 

[khaos_]

Why such a long track, so many women going with the long tracks. 162, do you just ride straight up the hill. The best sled I ever rode for handling was the 07 summit 144, I sold it and bought the 09 50th anniversary XP 154" track and I can't flip that sled around as good. I am a fairly aggressive rider, and like to turn out very sharp or flip over. My wife tried the 09 M8 153, she really liked it, but she then tried an 08 summit 146(140 something anyway), and said she liked that handling better, easier to turn and stuff she figured. But this was also 2 weeks later so who really knows. Either way you will have a good sled. Why don't you just rent one for a day. Try that maybe. Good luck.

 

[SnowXTC]

I have been thinking more about what I need in a sled.

Something that is nice to my back on groomer forsaken trails; easy to sidehill with; does not get stuck too easy; will get me through the deep powder and up the mountains; will allow me to keep up with the guys I ride with; will be a good all around sled; reliable; and most of all fun.

I ride a 151 now that has the foot print of a 153 (DnR). I want to try a 162, but may very well go with a 153. I am not a small woman. 5'8" and I am no 125 lbs.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. It has been interesting to see what everyone's opinions are. Hopefully I will get one soon, but I really feel I should demo them first.

 

[Junior Highmark]

To be honest, you are describing A perfect sled with what you said!!

Xp / rev's are more boondocking sleds it seems. m8's seem to be the sled to do that one crazy climb you've always thought of trying but didnt have the money for a turbo. Have you considered the polaris dragon? Seemed to be lots of those out last year, dont know about this year because I haven't been out yet. You should try out an XP im the 154" and the 161(?). I have yet to meet a disappointed owner! They are light agile sleds with plenty of power that can take a beating.





(Can ya tell I'm a DOO fan???)

 

[Sledpiggy]

I think you will be fine with any track length. I put a 156 Camo Extreme on mine and I LOVE it! If you do go with an M8, do yourself a favor and change out that Power Claw track... it is a toboggan ride coming down hills

I have had a chance to ride the M, XP and Dragon and my first choice (obviously) is the M, but my 2nd choice was the Dragon. It seemed to be similar to the M in handling.

 

[SnowXTC]

I was told last spring it was a toss up between the M8 and the Dragon. Go with the one I can get a better deal on. I have to admit I am much closer to my Polaris dealer then my Cat dealer, actually several Polaris dealers. Polaris's track record with cranks makes me lean more towards the reliable/proven M8.

There really is no perfect sled.

Here is my dream:
Under 450 lbs
4 stroke - 200+hp (+ or - the turbo)
Dream ride down the trail
Excellent boondocker (like a 144 track)
Excellent climber (16 wide, 162+)
Gets over and holds the sidehill with no effort (even when I loose my balance)
Comes right up on top of the snow, even heading up hill

And I know there is more, but my PC is sick and I better post now.

 

[thebigm]

I went with the New 2010 M8. I have nothing but great things to say about it. I rode it completely stock and was impressed by its handling and my face hurt from smiling at the power.:d I had the opportunity to ride a few different sleds before I made my decision. They are all good sleds and it does come down to a personal preference. The M8 was so easy to throw around and is king of the hill this year for stock HP, that made my decision easy. You wont be disappointed with the M8.

Cheers,

 

[Taminator]

Ya gotta go with the M8 over a dragon....just gotta.
And I'm a skidoo fan! If you do decide to look at doos, supposedly the 146 track on the xp is equivalent to the 151 on the rev chassis. So, the 154 would be more like a 163 on a rev...
I too am looking at upgrading and obviously considering an XP....but I'm hoping to sweet talk sledpiggy into letting me take hers for a rip to make sure the M8 isn't the way to go:d