knowsam

Hi all,

I'm an avid skiier who does a lot of ski touring and I'm looking to get into sled accessed skiing. I think I've narrowed it down to: (i) Polaris RMK; or (ii) Skidoo Summitt 700. I live around Whistler BC, weight 225 all geared up, will use the sled for ski access only, so getting through deep powder and up steeper slopes is the goal.

With a budget of $3,500-5,500, I'm seeing lots of older sleds 2004-2008, with shorter tracks. Couple of questions:
- How much has sled technology changed in the last few years?
- How old a sled do I want to go with before they start to be obsolete?
- How much difference will the sub 150 track make (see lots of 144-146)?

Anything else you can think of adding it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

rgoers

You will NEED a long track. 144-146 will get you just about anywhere, ***IF*** you have big lugs to go with the track length. Minimum of 2" is recommended.

RMK is a good sled, all the way back to late 90's models. Summit is also good, from about 2004 and up.

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1980 Arctic Cat Jag 3000 F/C (in NY)

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BC_Dan

Avoid 05-06 Polaris IQ 900 or the 06 700. The engines had problems. The 2007 Polaris IQ is nice, and you should be able to get one for the high side of your budget. 2008 Polaris 800 engines had/have issues, better in 2009, even better in 2010 but will probably be outside your budget. The 155" track in the 07+ sleds is really good in the powder.

The Edge chassis 800 RMK is a workhorse but suffers from crank/crankcase issues. If they are fixed properly, they run a long time. The Edge 700 may not have the power to get you to the top in the deeper snow, but is otherwise a great sled.s

Consider the Arctic Cat M8 as well, it's a very capable sled.

Welcome to the forum!

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2007 Dragon RMK 700 155", 2008 RMK 600 155", 2006 RMK 600 144", 95 Prowler 550 2-up, 1990 Indy 650, Really OLD AC Cheetah

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JLager

I just started sledskiing near Whistler too and bought a 2002 RMK 800 with a 156 track (2.5" lugs.)

It's been working pretty good for my buddy and myself to get around on but we do have trouble doubling up when it gets a little deeper and/or very steep. That said, I have trouble by myself when it gets a little deeper too...

I think it may have a lot to do with rider skill too as we're both newbies to sledding in general. The newer sleds are probably easier to get up stuff too.

Let me know if you ever want to meet up for some sled skiing!

Jacob

Protocol

An RMK would serve you well, you can actually get a hold of a 2 up if that's something you need. Or with a longer tunnel you can buy attachments for carrying skis and things like that.

For riding in the deep powder the trick is not to let off the power to much or you'll start to sink. If you haven't quite perfected carving, I'd highly recommend you learn how to carve on a sled as its going to get you places where a novice rider may have to turn back and take a straight route.

If your going to buy something slightly older, don't get anything with the GenII chassis. Its not that they are bad sleds, its just the difference in maneuverability between it and an edge chassis is big, and again more on the newer chassis (like I'm just now finding out).

My buddy was able to buy a 2003 RMK 700 Vertical Edge with all sorts of mods done by Holtz racing, 157" track and 2.5" paddle, the thing will go about anywhere, but that Edge chassis is a bit more difficult to steer going down a hill or on flat ground. Going up a hill the skis lift off enough that only the track is touching and it carves so easy.

If I were you I'd try and get the newer chassis after the Edge as it offers so much maneuverability which will be very welcomed by someone new to the sport.

PS, if your taking large enough hills, do yourself a favor and skip up all of the stock 600's, they just don't feel like they are safe for taking the larger lipped hills, a 700 will walk up it like its nothing. Just my personal preference. If you do get a 600, it wont be long before you feel like you've gotta have it hammered in order to get around.

RJ Gleason

Maybe this is something to look at then.
http://www.snowmobileforum.com/used-...nowmobile.html

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'93 Wildcat 700EFI
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knowsam

Hey thanks for all of the suggestions guys, hopefully I can pick something up on the cheap this spring. JLager - once I get a few miles under my belt I'll definitely take you up on that.

knowsam

Also, I see alot of Polaris Dragons around - any issues with them? They don't seem to get mentioned much on here so I'm thinking there's a reason.

mat

I have an 08 800 Dragon 163" I got for 6 grand from a dealer and it's an awesome sled so far. If you bye one though, I would bye from someone like a friend or dealer cause your going to have to be sure they put the engine update in. My brother also has an 09 800 and It is awesome to, (with the pro taper handlebars that year ) but the same thing with the engine. Good luck sled shopin'

losian79

I'm in the same boat as you. Got a 2009 Polaris Dragon RMK 800. If you get one of these machines - there is a wire you have to unplug if you are running fuel with ethanol. If you don't...your will be rebuilding your engine in the first ride. its not in the manual.

I'm 225 geared up. My girl is 130 geared up and we've been able to go up some pretty steep stuff with 2 feet of pow. We got the 163 track for extra floatation since we're doubling up.

mat

Yea, run as good fuel as possible. I run no less than premium.

mat

Did you get a sled? how did it go?