Which sled do you guys think??

[hondalrd]

Well i have 2000 summit 700 151. and i am thinking about selling it an buying a newer sled. So here is my question. i ride alot around Drayton Valley (pretty flat). and i do ride the mountains about 3 times a year. i am thinking about getting a cross fire 800 or a m8. what are the major differences? i do enjoy climbing and playing in the powder. how well does a cross fire do up there compared to what i have now? what do you guys think?

 

[0neoldfart]

You need to evaluate what type of riding you do, as the crossover segment does everything ok, but they don't excel in any area. You will have less track on the ground compared to your summit, therefore on powder days you will be shovelling. But, the crossfire will be a better trail sled then what you own currently, and won't give up much to the older ZX chassis in the mountains. The M8 is a terrible trail sled by today's standards, but they work well in the steep and deep.
If you plan on increasing your riding time in the mountains, buy the M-series, but if you want more comfort on the trail, buy the Crossfire. I will mention that there are no really "bad" choices - a newer polaris, ski-doo, or arctic cat will be a definite upgrade from the ZX chassis sled.

 

[hondalrd]

Thanks for the reply. the only problem i have with the summit is we just don't get enough snow some years for a 2 inch paddle. So would a cross fire with a 1.5 inch track be worse then my summit in the mountains? does any one own one that runs it in the mountains? Do you guys think its worth the change?

 

[Slim]

Thanks for the reply. the only problem i have with the summit is we just don't get enough snow some years for a 2 inch paddle. So would a cross fire with a 1.5 inch track be worse then my summit in the mountains? does any one own one that runs it in the mountains? Do you guys think its worth the change?

Hey man i live in Drayton valley myself. And i rode my m7 here tons. i usually tried to stay riding on or around the pembina river though as snow is usually deeper. However i have learned that if you always ride hard like i do you are bound to break a lot of things riding a lightweight mountain sled in the ditches. ive broken handlebars, tunnel extensions ect. But honestly never had any problems with 2.25" paddles regardless. as far as a "trail sled" ive never know any different than mountain sleds on them, and love them. I like a sled fast and loose. I drive it, it doesnt drive me. So in my personal opinion i would get the m8. I have an m1000 now and im putting a twisted turbo on it with a 3" track. i wont be riding it as much here but guaranteed if im bored ill be taking it out haha

 

[hondalrd]

How differently is a cross fire geared to a m8? i do like my summit put just trying something new. and there is lots of years we dont get enough snow for 2 inch

 

[d mills]

How differently is a cross fire geared to a m8? i do like my summit put just trying something new. and there is lots of years we dont get enough snow for 2 inch

i ride a 2.5 inch at alder flats every winter. never had a ripped lug.

 

[hondalrd]

i ride a 2.5 inch at alder flats every winter. never had a ripped lug.

My track must be old and worn out then.

 

[Nitrobkr]

i ride a 2.5 inch at alder flats every winter. never had a ripped lug.

X2^^^^^^^ there is like 15 in our group and we ride there all winter with 2.5s. My parents live by alder flats

 

[d mills]

X2^^^^^^^ there is like 15 in our group and we ride there all winter with 2.5s. My parents live by alder flats

I can back this up. He gave me snow conditions last winter out there. 2.25 to 2.5 can be very durable tracks. Just have to pick your spots when riding foothills/prairies. My 2.5 on my freeride has chewed some bad stuff. So does any track valley/field riding in ab. Stood up great. Oh.....and lots of mountain riding in between.

 

[QuintinG]

I've gone quadding at alder a couple times but never though about sledding. Where do you usually sled there? Same trails as quadding?

 

[crossfire879]

Crossfires are geared alot higher than m series. They are also clutched way different. I have a crossfire 800 and I tried it in the mountains for a couple years. I stretched it to 144x2" and clutched an geared it to m series specs. It performed ok but to me it wasn't enough. So now it has a 153 and 2.5" camo extreme. The track length, clutching, gearing and machine stance are the only big difference between a crossfire and m.

 

[Toyboy]

i ride a 2.5 inch at alder flats every winter. never had a ripped lug.

Where do you ride from out there? I quad from camp nine and always thought about sledding there.

Tb

 

[d mills]

Where do you ride from out there? I quad from camp nine and always thought about sledding there.

Tb

You can stage at camp 9 in the winter as well. We usually park at an abandoned well north west of there. Its not bad riding as you head towards the river. And they on average have 6 to 10 inches more snow than we get at home.

 

[Nitrobkr]

Ya my parents live right across from empty town. So we unload there and head west across rose creek towards camp9 and the river. I would say camp9 is as good as anywhere to stage. There is tons of trails and big cut lines. The better riding is north of the big pipeline. They get good snow. Nothing like the good ol mountains but better than at home and good for just getting out and burning some fuel.

 

[Slamnek]

Go with the M8, it might not be as good on the flat land but you will love it when its steep and deep. I ride my 162 around home and don't have a problem.