Looking at buying - need some advice - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

offroad racer · 10-16-2006, 11:16 AM

We are tired of renting, And are looking to buy some new sleds, And would like to hear what you guys think. We mostly ride trails and meadows, I am a big guy 6'- 3", 285 and need a bigger sled, I am looking at the Polaris FST Switchback. What do you think?

I_R_Josh · 10-16-2006, 11:40 AM

I don't think many of us have ridden the FSTs so I don't think we'll be much help on that one. Although if I was to go with a new 4stroke I'd probably go with a Yamaha, simply because they've been doing it longer and put a lot more focus and effort into making a 4stroke keep up with the 2 strokes. Have you personally ridden the FST?

JohnDeereSleds · 10-17-2006, 02:21 AM

Unfortunatly, this isn't the best time to buy.

Everyone is getting the "bug" and prices have started to rise.

Its alright though, you will most likely get a chance to do some test drives and find the BEST ones.

What type of machines did you rent?

offroad racer · 10-17-2006, 11:43 PM

I am not real sure, I think they might have been some older Polaris touring type sleds. I am just to big for that type of sled and they were not very comfortable.

JohnDeereSleds · 10-18-2006, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offroad racer

I am not real sure, I think they might have been some older Polaris touring type sleds. I am just to big for that type of sled and they were not very comfortable.

Go to your dealer and try the Ski-Doo GSX.
That said, it does sit a little different than what you may be used to. However, it has a better suspension, and more options than any standard trail sled.

Hope this is helpful!

srt20 · 10-21-2006, 11:33 AM

Yamaha 4-strokes are reliable and have great torque to get bigger guys moving. Go sit on a apex or something and see if you like the ergonomics.

xc60021 · 10-28-2006, 01:41 PM

I would go with the crossfire 800 snopro or the crossfire 700/800 and then my 2nd choice would be the switchback 600 since its the biggest polaris makes other than the IQ dragon and RMK draogon.

IndianRvrShiver · 10-29-2006, 07:52 PM

I was just at my AC dealer last Saturday & he is advertising 06 700 Crossfire for $5995. Prolly not "out the door" price, but it sounds attractive!!

SSnthe10s · 10-29-2006, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndianRvrShiver

I was just at my AC dealer last Saturday & he is advertising 06 700 Crossfire for $5995. Prolly not "out the door" price, but it sounds attractive!!

IRS what dealer do you go to?

IndianRvrShiver · 10-30-2006, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSnthe10s

IRS what dealer do you go to?

Rental Express in Indian River.....ask for Cameron!

SSnthe10s · 10-30-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndianRvrShiver

Rental Express in Indian River.....ask for Cameron!

oh so you and JR got your sleds up north, eh?

IndianRvrShiver · 10-30-2006, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSnthe10s

oh so you and JR got your sleds up north, eh?

I bought the F5 from a private owner in Livonia. I bought the F7 from Rental Express they took in as a trade. I keep the sleds up there & they are only about 2 miles from my place. I buy my parts from them & they did all my recall work. They're also a tool rental place & I've rented stuff from them in the past.
If I go 2 miles the other way on 27, there is a big Doo dealer, so it could have gone either way!!

SSnthe10s · 10-30-2006, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndianRvrShiver

I bought the F5 from a private owner in Livonia. I bought the F7 from Rental Express they took in as a trade. I keep the sleds up there & they are only about 2 miles from my place. I buy my parts from them & they did all my recall work. They're also a tool rental place & I've rented stuff from them in the past.
If I go 2 miles the other way on 27, there is a big Doo dealer, so it could have gone either way!!

go down in to gaylord theres a huge AC dealer. Total power sports! ITs huge!

IndianRvrShiver · 10-30-2006, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSnthe10s

go down in to gaylord theres a huge AC dealer. Total power sports! ITs huge!

Ummm....why would I need to go all the way down there??

SSnthe10s · 10-30-2006, 08:49 PM

well i didn treally mean go down there. I was really just getting at that it was a bad ass shop.

IndianRvrShiver · 10-31-2006, 06:32 AM

Doh! I get it!! I've been in there the first year they opened. They opened up after the other place (off of Wisconsin Ave.) went out of business.....heard they were screwin' ppl over real bad & had lot's of legal problems!!

offroad racer · 12-27-2006, 10:45 PM

Hi it's been awhile since I've posted. I am ready to pick a sled and I have it down to 2 the Yamaha Attak GT or the Polaris FST Switchback. I am hoping someone on here has purchased these sleds or knows someone that has, and would like to hear some feedback. Has their been any problems with either machine, are their any problems with working on them. All info appreciated. Thank You

jethro66 · 12-28-2006, 11:29 AM

I have a 2006 crossfire 700 it's the best! get a 2007 crossfire 800 it has reverse! The Gsx is to small for you The Attak is a good choice it's faster then it's short trck cousin

Apex ER Man · 12-29-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offroad racer

Hi it's been awhile since I've posted. I am ready to pick a sled and I have it down to 2 the Yamaha Attak GT or the Polaris FST Switchback. I am hoping someone on here has purchased these sleds or knows someone that has, and would like to hear some feedback. Has their been any problems with either machine, are their any problems with working on them. All info appreciated. Thank You

Hi offroad racer,luckily for you I have ridden both the Yamaha and Polaris 4 stroke machines. Currently I own a 2006 Apex ER,engine is the same except the Attack has a longer rear suspension with electronic adjust. You will never go wrong with a longer track on the trails,especially when the trails get rough. So that being said you have chosen good length,the Polaris may be a bit harder because it's 144" versus the Yamaha at 136",either way you'll be fine.
Engine wise I like my Yamahas' engine more than the FST. A guy I ride with had an FST last year and for the amount of $$$$$ being spent I'd spend it on the Yamaha. Better fit and finish. The FST is decent,but even though the difference in hp between the two is 10 hp,the Attacks' power is better and it sounds cooler! The FST had some issues last year too,can be said anything will have problems now,but it was more heard of on the FST's last year.
In the end it may come down to what you like as far as looks too,so you may want to go with your instincts. Either way,either choice isn't bad,it's just that with the Yamaha 4 stroke engine,it's been around longer than the Polaris 4 stroke. You get what you pay for!

badbrad · 12-29-2006, 02:28 PM

yamaha's are much farther ahead with there 4 stroke than polaris which should mean that a yamaha would be more reliable.
Yammy's don't go blammy.