Joholio
Active VIP Member
back on topic ****ers
Consider track length too, a stock 800 turning a 174 3 inch is kinda weak. 154 is the way to go on a stock engine IMO
A 174 skid will hold more snow too, and when you do get stuck you are buried to china.
I have my doubts about the sidewinder. I rode a few turbo yammis and the only ones that impressed my were running 300+. The mcx 240 nytro I rode didnt impress me at all. Addrenaline addictions fully built apex was another story!!
Real world test of weight of any sled- lifting up a stuck 163" track when you are crawling in waist deep snow. Your best bet is digging it out and rolling it over if on a side hill. Any bitch can lift the sled off the ground sitting in show room. Does not matter what brand, being stuck in waist deep snow, they are all heavy.
Real world test of man weight - watching my 19 yo son who weighs 180# making pokes on a RMK 600 144" that some guys can't make on 800's with 163" tracks.
Age and weight of the rider is key factor.
As you age you can either give up or find ways to keep going. Going to a lighter sled is like taking years off. Also when you are alone and stuck, a lighter sled may be the difference between trying to walk out and actually rolling the sled out and keep riding. Why would anyone want to disadvantage themselves with an extra 100 lbs even if it comes with an extra 100 hp?
Well Chris, obviously it is to each their own!
As for the aging part, I know that full well. Longer tracks have been a blessing for both myself and my wife. Rolling and shovelling are facts of life and there are a few tricks to learn when doing both. Those who say you don't need to shovel are a unique breed and not the everyday, get stuck in the trees kind of rider.
The heavy machines are heavy, the long track machines are heavy, and I don't care what brand anybody talks about they are all heavy with a skid full of snow. I agree, one has to find ways to keep on going. I have found mine and am quite happy to still be out riding the trees with minimal stucks at my age.