Which Mountain sled should I buy?!

[valemount95]

Hey I am new to the forum and in the market for a brand new mountain sled. I just started riding the mountains last year and want to get a full on mountain sled instead of the crossover that I have now. I'm only 165lbs so I don't have a lot of weight to throw the sled around. I want a 800 seeing it is what I ride now, I want the mid 150" track. Just want to hear your opinions and experiences with the proclimb, pro ride, and XM chassis.
Thank you

 

[pistonbroke800]

I think your best off riding each 3 and decide on what chassis you feel most comfortable on. They are all pretty good these days buy they are all a totally different animal to handle.

 

[Cat401]

I think your best off riding each 3 and decide on what chassis you feel most comfortable on. They are all pretty good these days buy they are all a totally different animal to handle.

That right there is the best advice you will get

 

[sledneck_03]

Also a good dealer in your area and a what your friends ride too, great for trouble shooting or swapping clutch tools and stuff.

I was 100% set on a xm, road a free ride, hated the steering, i have heard the xms a different sled again but i wasnt going to buy something ive never road.

 

[valemount95]

that's the thing I don't have the opportunity to try these sleds out so I was wondering from people's experiences, I've stood on all of them in the store but on the hill it can e a totally different ball game. I want something that is reliable, easy to maneuver seeing that I'm pretty small and powerful. I'm not into the major hillclimbs, I'm more of a boondocker but at the same time it's nice to have the confidence in yourself and machine when you do have to get out of those steep bowls

 

[007sevens]

that's the thing I don't have the opportunity to try these sleds out so I was wondering from people's experiences, I've stood on all of them in the store but on the hill it can e a totally different ball game. I want something that is reliable, easy to maneuver seeing that I'm pretty small and powerful. I'm not into the major hillclimbs, I'm more of a boondocker but at the same time it's nice to have the confidence in yourself and machine when you do have to get out of those steep bowls

They all act different to everybody. They only sure way to no what you will like is to try them. I'm a Polaris guy and we have ski-doo, and an Arctic cat, and had a Yamaha in our group. I know that each of them had a different feel and that some of them had good features and bad features.

But for you my experiences won't do you any good if you don't have something to reference it to. I would suggest getting to know your buddies sleds or ask somebody if you can try them.

 

[sirkdev]

that's the thing I don't have the opportunity to try these sleds out so I was wondering from people's experiences, I've stood on all of them in the store but on the hill it can e a totally different ball game. I want something that is reliable, easy to maneuver seeing that I'm pretty small and powerful. I'm not into the major hillclimbs, I'm more of a boondocker but at the same time it's nice to have the confidence in yourself and machine when you do have to get out of those steep bowls

I would rent them 1 at a time for a day each.

 

[valemount95]

Between the Proclimb, Pro Ride, and XM chassis which at the end of the day would make a novice rider be able to do more things and which would a guy have more fun on because that's what it's all about

 

[the_real_wild1]

I would get an xm if all you do is ride in the mountains and for your size. Etec is a great engine. I would also look at getting a 163.

 

[valemount95]

I will ride around home the odd time but my main concern is the mountains and everyone I ride with right now rides the 155 so I don't see why I would go to 163

 

[007sevens]

Between the Proclimb, Pro Ride, and XM chassis which at the end of the day would make a novice rider be able to do more things and which would a guy have more fun on because that's what it's all about

My buddy has 2012 800 ProClimb for sale with all the 2013 updates i would pick this sled for you as its a good entry sled for not too much money and is in good shape. PM Monster 1000. Im sure we can deliver

 

[dropitbuster]

For fun factor probably the ProRMK with the XM close behind. I find the Proclimb takes a little more input to get it to do what you want but that's just from 15 minute jockey swaps between riding buddies. With a bit more time you probably wouldn't notice the difference. I went with the XM for the Etech motor (power, no smoke and fuel efficient), build quality and reliability. The reliability of the Polaris motor and belt drive is still questionable but they sure are fun to ride. The Polaris does seem to get the power down to the snow better then Doo or Cat. It amazes me how much easier the RMK gets up on the snow than my XM or the Proclimb in our group. You wouldn't think it was down on horsepower. Cat's made some changes to the 14 so maybe their handling has improved. Last year for the Suzuki build motor so get it while you can. I guess I didn't really answer your question. Honestly go with the one you think looks the coolest. You can't go wrong they all are amazing machines.

 

[Polar_RMK]

agree, you can'y go wrong with any of them.
each has some proc and cons

 

[1100]

I would say it depends on what steering your use to. I like the non vertical steering post the doos have. I believe articat let's you order your choice of steering post. Polaris has flat steering and I can't stand it. For me it's steering post design that seems to make or brake a sled for me.

 

[valemount95]

I think I have narrowed it down to the proclimb or the XM. what would be the main differences between these two in how they ride?

 

[IFSM8]

The pro climb will be a little rougher on the trail than the xm but, they both are nice to ride in the steep and deep. They both have strong power plants and the reliability is good on both. I don't think you will make a bad decision with either machine. I would think that it comes down to price point between the two. Happy shopping and good luck!

 

[the_real_wild1]

Have a look in the Polaris thread and see how many guys have had engine issues in the last 3 year years with new sleds.

 

[sledneck_03]

Have a look in the Polaris thread and see how many guys have had engine issues in the last 3 year years with new sleds.

Those are only the whiners. Its not the last 3 its the 08-10 dragon 800s. The 11/12 800s are better. 13s even better.

 

[sledneck_03]

I think I have narrowed it down to the proclimb or the XM. what would be the main differences between these two in how they ride?

Both motors are flawless. Some Cats 11-13 had clutching issues that made them belt blowers.

The 14 cat seems like the best year for the proclimb yet. I would get it over the skidoo cause it has the vertical steering.

 

[snopro]

The Doo has excellent fuel and oil mileage and seems to be enjoying great resale value if you like to flip them every 1 or 2 years.