XM 154 or 163

[Calg_Rider]

Just reading through a tread regarding which mountain machine to buy and a few post referenced track length. Didnt want to hijack so I am starting up a fresh post. I know that I am going doo and very likely changing my order from the sport 154 to a SP. Now some have indicated that the new 163 tracks are the only way to go as the xm is so much better to turn now you can afford the slight lost of agility going up to the 163 to gain all the floatation, traction, braking benefits. Other indicate that the xm chassis seems to stay on top better and the 154 is more than enough and gets you turning like the shorter 146. My riding is mixed with a good dose of trail but also very challenging climbs and bowl exits at times in very loose powder.

What do you say?

 

[lsone]

Edit: made a boo boo

 

[Calg_Rider]

nope, i mean Sport XP 800R Ptek 154 to a SP XM 800r Etec 154/163. deposit down on the sport but can move it to the better machine. all these damn letters M i c k e y M o u s e lol

 

[neilsleder]

When it was super deep I never once said man I wish I had a shorter track. Go 163


Sent while sitting on the toilet when I should be working!

 

[Calg_Rider]

very valid statement. have you been on a 154 to compare ease of turning. is there much difference?

 

[neilsleder]

I had an 09 summit x 154 for 3 years an then spent 4 days on a 163 xm. Buy the end of the first day I could turn and move the xm easier then the 154. But I have never drove a 154 xm


Sent while sitting on the toilet when I should be working!

 

[lilduke]

I rode a 154xm and loved it. it was so easy to pull cat walks climbing and pull 180's like nothing. Super fun IMO. If you find yourself getting stuck a lot you might like the 163 better. I don't have that issue...

 

[oler1234]

You should really ask yourself,
where do you ride?
what type of riding?
What level are my riding buds at, am I keeping up?
what/where do my buds ride?
do I want to step up the game?
what months do you ride?

Answer that and you will find your own answer.

For me the 154 was all cat walks and noise, all in all the time, not really going anywhere to fast unless you carry speed. But a hell of alotta fun with good aggression. 163 felt home on north facing slopes in the trees breaking trail into whatever I want in any kind of snow conditions.

 

[snopro]

You should really ask yourself,
where do you ride?
what type of riding?
What level are my riding buds at, am I keeping up?
what/where do my buds ride?
do I want to step up the game?
what months do you ride?

Answer that and you will find your own answer.

For me the 154 was all cat walks and noise, all in all the time, not really going anywhere to fast unless you carry speed. But a hell of alotta fun with good aggression. 163 felt home on north facing slopes in the trees breaking trail into whatever I want in any kind of snow conditions.

Well said.

 

[MtnMaster]

most of my riding buddies are going to 154 XM's from 163 XP's... The XM definitely seems to float and climb better than the XP. I've ridden all the lengths of XM, and the 154 handles more like a 146 XP, but climbs closer to a 163 XP. The perfect sled for ALL mountain conditions... When its REAL deep, just hold your thumb to the bar and giggle like a school girl all day long!

 

[SaskSummit]

I am going to a 163 XM this year had a 154 Etec last year. And I can't wait.

 

[Calg_Rider]

Thanks guys for all your input. no big surprises but its nice to get the validation here BEFORE spending the cash on the wrong machine.

 

[takethebounce]

I went from a 04 151 rev to a 09 146 xp because of the idea that the xp was easier to ride than the rev, I quickly went to a 154 a season later, then again two years later stayed with the 154 in 2012.

If I was going to the XM today, I would go 163. The newer sleds handle better with less effort. The longer track allows you to cheat almost, its more forgiving. Riding it you will not notice many negative effects of the longer track. I can get away with a 154 because I am lighter as well. 4-5 years ago the best all around track length may have been a 154, today I think you could flip a coin on what is the best all around length.



sent from a top secret location

 

[Bnorth]

I use to use the rule of thumb that if you're over 200lbs get a 163, but if you are a highly skilled and aggressive rider you may have more fun on the 154 over the 163. I find that if I'm riding aggressively the 163 doesn't hold me back but a 154 certainly would when I'm being lazy or making slow decisions from too much rye the night before. I also don't ride any trails other than into the riding areas so for me a 163 is a no-brainer. My dilemma now is whether or not to put my 3" under my XM...