I'm Bit! - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

papated343 · 12-28-2005, 06:03 PM

Hello all! I live in Oregon (moved from Il) and finally took my first ride...it won't be my last! I'm stuck at work, and all I can do is sit here and dream about getting out again. My wife grew up on sleds and has been telling me how cool it is, and now I know.

I'm now looking to pick up a pair of snowmobiles; probably in the 500 - 600cc neighborhood. I'm leaning toward Polaris or Ski-Doo, because of the reverse gear and the value for the money. I'd like to find something that does it all. Any ideas? Did I just open the floodgates? I rode a '95 Ski-Doo 500 (FYI).

**smallengineguy** · 12-28-2005, 09:15 PM

Welcome! All depends on what you want to spend, what options you want, etc. There are a LOT of great sleds out there, all brands.

SnowRida · 12-29-2005, 05:59 AM

Welcome to the Snow Show! Enjoy the site. Lots of help here.

BRPforlife · 12-29-2005, 08:30 AM

Welcome to the forum

papated343 · 12-29-2005, 11:10 AM

Thanks for the welcome; this seems like a great site and a good group of members.

To narrow it down, I'm looking at the Polaris RMK's and the Switchbacks, as well as the Ski-Doo Summits and the Arctic Cat M series in a 141 track length. I just wish the cats came with reverse.

The deciding factor may end up being price. It's almost $2000 to jump from the 500 or 550 Fans up to the 600 liquids, and since I'm getting a pair of them....well, I'd like to still be allowed inside the house (the married folks know what I mean). Is there really that big of a difference?

BC_Dan · 12-29-2005, 02:12 PM

I really like my 600 RMK, the reverse is awesome, the sled runs great, it is a LOT lighter than my 800. Where will you be riding? The Switchback offers a bit smaller lug track if you plan on doing most of your riding on the trails, but if you get the bug and take advantage of the awesome powder we get out here from time to time, you will really like the 2" paddle on the RMK. The PERC was available on some 2003 models, most 2004 and 2005 Edge chassis models, so you may be able to find a couple of 2004 sleds that have what you need for a lot less cash.

AC and Ski-doo make great sleds as well. For me it's more about the availablilty of service and parts and the quality of service than it is about brand. Depending on where you are in Oregon, you can be very limited to local dealers.

Welcome to Oregon, welcome to the forum as well!

**RJ Gleason** · 12-29-2005, 03:34 PM

Welcome and Happy Trails

94zr580 · 12-29-2005, 04:20 PM

welcome to SF.com!