[UMDRanger]

Hello,

I got into the sport 3 years ago and have a 1994 indy super sport. I rode my friends switchback assault a few weeks ago and it was a night and day difference between the two sleds. So now I'm on the hunt to buy a new sled and would appreciate some suggestions or feedback.

I ride mostly groomed trails, but want to go out to the cabin in the woods, so no groomed trail. Also want to begin pulling a snowcoach in a few years when the kid gets old enough to come along.

Recommendations so far have been to look at a 137" track as opposed to a 144". I'm looking at Polaris Adventure, Polaris switchback assault, skidoo renagade adrenaline, or a skidoo Enduro.

I'm trying to stay under 500lbs because I ride alone frequently and if I need to dig out, it's all me. I want to buy once, cry once. We had big snow here in MN this year and I got stuck if I went off a groomed trail. I guess my question is whether a 137" will be reasonably comparable to a 144" in terms of Midwest off trail capability? I know the 144 will be better, but will sacrifice on trail performance.

Thanks!

 

[Coolhand]

Any of the Polaris snowmobiles can come with a 137" these days. I even looked at a Indy 650 with a 137" recently in a showroom. For midwest stuff I would stick with that. No need for a 144" paddle track or that length for what we get in the midwest. 137" comes with a 1.25 ice attack or iirc a 1.35 setup available that you can stud as well which I would always do for the trails in the midwest for how icy the corners always end up being not too mention the lake runs.

 

[kccats]

Welcome
Good luck
At 500lbs that leaves out everything above 440 LOL

 

[BC_Dan]

Except the mountain sleds. My 800 is 443 lbs dry. The Pro was less than 400 dry. But when they get stuck, they weigh about 8000 lbs, it seems. Or I'm getting old

 

[Yamaha440]

137" will be fine, only go 144" if you're spending 50% of your time off trail in 2'+. It takes an aggressive ski to keep longer tracks from pushing corners, and that means heavy steering. Also, the more capable the sled, the deeper it'll be when it DOES get stuck!

I had to walk out when I got my Mountain Max stuck in a 10' hole that was drifted over. Luckily me and the yooper that picked me up were able to lift the sled over our heads and get it out of there!

 

[kccats]

In Real world wieghts are way different than advertised!
My 98 ZR600 was 464lbs but on a scale with out fuel
came in at 505!

 

[smokingcrater]

Having owned 121's, 136's, and now a 144, I can easily say a 144 crossover is easily my favorite sled, especially if you are riding alone. My 144" has a decently angled tip up rail, so it handles like a short track until you get into softer stuff.

As far as getting unstuck, there are much better ways than brute strength. Way too easy to injure yourself if alone, which brings a whole new set of problems! Always carry a shovel and a decent length of high strength rope. My go-to is to dig myself out, but I've also tied the rope around a clip on the track and a nearby tree, and basically winched myself out.

 

[TheBearAk]

I ride a 2015 Skidoo Backcountry. Has 600 Etec motor and 137" track with 1.75" paddles.

I've been really happy with it. I probably spend 60% on trails and 35% in deep snow and 5% in the mountains.
Out riding with my friends who mostly have mountain sleds, I keep amazing them that I'm able to go where they do.

This year has been rough for most machines. While we've gotten about 4' of snow locally, there really is no base to it. I've seen guys with >150" tracks just sink to the bottom kick up dirt and either get really stuck or jump out once they hit dirt.

A lot of people think of the 137" as the new short track, but I like to remind them that older mountain sleds were 133" to 136" and those are the sleds I learned to use.

 

[kccats]

I agree
And I NEVER go out alone!