Polaris 850 vs Alpha vs 850 doo on the hill

[Quicksand]

Ok, I rode a 2019 850 yesterday, very nice sled and a huge upgrade over my ‘15 Pro.

I have a question for all you internet experts

I’ve always been a 155 rider, but am thinking 163, I like to ride trees and more technical stuff as well, since hills, climbs small jumps, ect. Will the 163 be ... not for me? And what track, 2.6 or 3”?

Very interested to hear any and all related, relevant, and non relevant advice! lol

I came from a 2012 163" 2.4" pro to a 2017 155" 2.6" axys, 155 is way more fun to ride as the skis are in the air a lot and easier to maneuver, and yes it will make you a better rider as you need to carry more speed through everything. I do miss some things about the 163 though, it hooked up better for sure, the 155 spins a lot more both out of the hole and just riding in general, and 163 was more forgiving in the deep with the extra flotation. I was on the fence when I bought between the 4 options as well 155" vs 163" and 2.6" vs 3". In my opinion, you cant beat the Quickdrive setup so stay with the 2.6, and I love the 2.6, 10x the track the 2.4 was (minus the durability of it but if you clip it it'll be fine). And between the 155 and 163, just depends if you want out of the sled, more skis in the air or more hook up. Both will be fine in the trees.

 

[MarkCos]

Get the 155 and if u get bored of it just put a 163 skid under it with some clutch springs
and then u got the short tunnel to

 

[Quicksand]

Get the 155 and if u get bored of it just put a 163 skid under it with some clutch springs
and then u got the short tunnel to

you'll be bored on a 163 way faster than a 155

 

[Rene G]

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it. I’ll give you a bit of background and reasons why I’m looking at a 163.

While I’m a decent rider and do pretty good on a 155, I have some health issues that make me tire a lot easier than before. I’m thinking that the 163 might help me conserve energy and help me to get an extra day riding in per trip.

I do like the idea of getting a 155 and switching to a 163 skid if I feel it’s needed. There’s so many choices!

What I should do is find someone with a 163 Axys to try out, to see if I love or hate it.

 

[TDR]

I have both and I prefer my 163. I’m no super athlete and I find the 163 gives me more time to make decisions. Granted a lot of those decisions are poor ones but that’s the way it goes! My boys both ride the 155 and prefer that. They like the skis in the air and full throttle pulls when in the deep or climbing. Their reaction time is a lot better than mine. Quite honestly the sleds are so good now I bet a 174 would even feel nimble.

 

[kanedog]

Get the 155 and if u get bored of it just put a 163 skid under it with some clutch springs
and then u got the short tunnel to

This is bad advice.

 

[JungleJim]

I have both and I prefer my 163. I’m no super athlete and I find the 163 gives me more time to make decisions. Granted a lot of those decisions are poor ones but that’s the way it goes! My boys both ride the 155 and prefer that. They like the skis in the air and full throttle pulls when in the deep or climbing. Their reaction time is a lot better than mine. Quite honestly the sleds are so good now I bet a 174 would even feel nimble.

The other point to add from my opinion is your weight... sub 150 lbs then 155 could work, 150 to 200 then 163, 200+ then 174. Adjust shorter if riding more set up snow or tracked out areas on a regular basis. I'm in the 200+ category and TDR was kind enough to lend me one of his 155's for a day last year. Fun sled but for me was a challenge in 2 to 3 feet of fresh trying to get up a gnarly creek... His teenage son who's in great shape and riding it full wick most of the time seemed to have no problem at all.

 

[Quicksand]

I'm 210lbs on my 155 with no complaints.

Also just going from pro to an axys will give you the energy conservation you want, they take way less effort to get to do what you want all around. I didn't think this was as true as it is until I went back to a pro for a rip

 

[Sledtillded]

This is a great thread with real world experience on some amazing sleds, and from what I have read, without brand bias. This is exactly what I need to hear, as I am ready to upgrade this year and still unsure what next steps are. I have been on a Polaris chassis since I traded in my SS440 on a 89 INDY 500. That being said the new 850 Polaris is the only sled I have not ridden this winter.
I got to ride An Alpha 3 weeks ago and at that time we had an 18 165 G4 with us. I was impressed with the Cats power and it worked very well doing steep down hill turns back up the hill. Over all I could easily see my self on this sled. The things that didn’t work for me was the bars were way too low as I am 6’7” with boots on and I am not sure I am a huge fan of the shocks seemed very stiff. The Alpha and the G4 lined up on a fresh hill and the Alpha was first to the top.

I got to jump on a 19 175 G4 and was super impressed with how smooth the engine is and the power was awesome. It pulled like a freight train. SHOT is a nice feature for sure. I could not find the sweet spot for me on this sled however. U stand very far forward and the steering throws me off. I found this length of sled did push when trying to initiate down hill turns. I am sure with more seat time I might be able to get used to it.

For My riding style it would be between the Cat and POO. If the Polaris 850 pulls anything like that Doo I would be smiling all day long. And it looks like with the big engine updates for 20 the mill should be solid

The concerns I have about the Polaris is price point. I built a 163 2.6 with clickers and PIDD. Was almost $18K. Is that gauge ACTUALLY $900.00. Is it worth it. ? Do the majority of guys actually use all the features ?
It’s been a while since I checked a sled so is the price u build online exactly what u would pay at any Alberta dealer ?

just need to ride one now.

I think Cat will reel in a lot of guys with their pricing and ability to add or delete warranty. Sure is tempting. Wish the others adopted that mentality.

 

[cdnredneck_t3]

Sledtided I have the PIDD with out electric start. It takes so long for the gauge to boot up when you are looking for a buddy in the trees and shut your sled off the GPS tracking is way too far a part if that makes sense. If they put a capacitor or small battery in the gauge it would be way better for me. I think it's cool but not worth the money when the sled is worth 18 grand.

 

[TDR]

I am on the 850 Poo 163 2.6 and I agree they are all pricey. Heard many good things about the Cat but my reason for the Polaris is dealer related plus I own 4 others. Don’t feel like mix and matching at this point and I know what I’m looking at if I need to fix something. The 850 pulls hard, much better than the 800. I was pretty happy at first but since the ECU reflash I’m really happy. The new front end is awesome. The PIDD is well worth it IF you set it up properly with a battery source. Look at my thread from last week. The only thing left that I will change is the shocks. The adjustable WE’s are not very good at all. I would order it with the monotubes and then order a set of Raptors. I should have known better as I’ve been down this road before. I’m sure both are great sleds but your dealer support and what others in your group ride may steer you one way or another. Can’t go wrong.

 

[Dazzler]

The 850 Patriot is very impressive, I have a 2018 Axy turbo 800, 2019 Axy 800 and a 2019 850 Axy in my trailer. They are all belt drive 163 x 2.6 track, the 850 will kick the 800 hands down as well in all situations, they're both set up the same and everyone that has rode them both agree that the 850 handles so much better. It will also give the turbo sled a run for its money.
I personally have found klicker shocks a waste of money, I've had good luck with the stock shocks on my last three sleds and if you feel you need better, then get after market shocks set up for your riding style, weight etc.
The gauge is nice if you actually use it, I have them on my sleds but most people don't and carry there own gps..
jmho

 

[AreWeThereYet]

I really need to try a sled with the reflash and compare it to mine no flash

 

[maxwell]

you guys still paying 18k for a sled thats unchanged in 8 years? polaris is loving you

 

[Mountainman52]

you guys still paying 18k for a sled thats unchanged in 8 years? polaris is loving you

Oh really ,what has Pee- Doo done that so revolutionary in the last 8 years ??????

 

[neilsleder]

Oh really ,what has Pee- Doo done that so revolutionary in the last 8 years ??????

Cut the tunnel

 

[cdnredneck_t3]

you guys still paying 18k for a sled thats unchanged in 8 years? polaris is loving you

Just had one guy comment on how good this thread was going with mostly unbiased info. Then Maxipad had to show up again. Nobody cares about or wants your opinion, go back to the Doo section.

 

[neilsleder]

I can see the 2.6” track being the fastest. If it wasn’t super deep snow the track speed would be higher.

 

[ferniesnow]

Just had one guy comment on how good this thread was going with mostly unbiased info. Then Maxipad had to show up again. Nobody cares about or wants your opinion, go back to the Doo section.

I thought this was about an 850 Doo on the hill. I get sick and tired of the BS. Why can't everyone realize that the 3 major brands of 2 stroke are awesome this day and age. Who cares what you ride and everyone get out there and ride. I know Maxwell rides and knows his stuff so accept that and move along.

 

[Tchetek]

This is a great thread with real world experience on some amazing sleds, and from what I have read, without brand bias. This is exactly what I need to hear, as I am ready to upgrade this year and still unsure what next steps are. I have been on a Polaris chassis since I traded in my SS440 on a 89 INDY 500. That being said the new 850 Polaris is the only sled I have not ridden this winter.
I got to ride An Alpha 3 weeks ago and at that time we had an 18 165 G4 with us. I was impressed with the Cats power and it worked very well doing steep down hill turns back up the hill. Over all I could easily see my self on this sled. The things that didn’t work for me was the bars were way too low as I am 6’7” with boots on and I am not sure I am a huge fan of the shocks seemed very stiff. The Alpha and the G4 lined up on a fresh hill and the Alpha was first to the top.

I got to jump on a 19 175 G4 and was super impressed with how smooth the engine is and the power was awesome. It pulled like a freight train. SHOT is a nice feature for sure. I could not find the sweet spot for me on this sled however. U stand very far forward and the steering throws me off. I found this length of sled did push when trying to initiate down hill turns. I am sure with more seat time I might be able to get used to it.

For My riding style it would be between the Cat and POO. If the Polaris 850 pulls anything like that Doo I would be smiling all day long. And it looks like with the big engine updates for 20 the mill should be solid

The concerns I have about the Polaris is price point. I built a 163 2.6 with clickers and PIDD. Was almost $18K. Is that gauge ACTUALLY $900.00. Is it worth it. ? Do the majority of guys actually use all the features ?
It’s been a while since I checked a sled so is the price u build online exactly what u would pay at any Alberta dealer ?

just need to ride one now.

I think Cat will reel in a lot of guys with their pricing and ability to add or delete warranty. Sure is tempting. Wish the others adopted that mentality.

I love the PIDD gauge. I have pull start but wired in a battery pack. With out the battery it is kinda a pain. But that problem is easy to solve.

If you were stuck in a white out and needed to find your way home you would have no problem cracking the wallet open.

But I bought a left over sled and didn’t pay 18 grand. Lol.