Snowmobile Opinions

[NMRam]

I am looking at some new snowmobiles for work, and am not real sure what is going to work the best. I know there are some folks on here who are pretty familiar with sleds, so figured it is worth asking some opinions.

We currently have Polaris WideTrak LX's, and I HATE them with a passion. They are fairly good at hauling some cargo (which is a necessity for what I do) but they are terrible in powder, underpowered, and don't handle great even in packed snow conditions. They are also extremely heavy (dry weight 613 lbs), so if you get one stuck, it is a major endeavor to get it out.

I am looking at getting a pair of lighter, more maneuverable machines, so I can split them and have one of these and one of the WideTraks in each set. I would like to stick with Polaris since there would be some part interchange if a machine broke down. Also, that is what most of the options on our purchasing contract are (Yamaha has a few models on there as well).

I don't really want a full-blown powder machine since that is not the type of conditions we generally operate in, but would like a good crossover which can break some trail when necessary but will still carry a little cargo as well.

The main options (all 2011 model Polaris) I am looking at now are:

800 Switchback Assault 144 (dry weight 457 lbs)

600 Switchback 136 (dry weight 499 lbs)

600 RUSH (dry weight 469 lbs)

600 IQ Shift (dry weight 457 lbs)

I also really like the look of the 2012 600 Switchback Adventure, but it is not listed on our contract yet, so I don't know if it is available.

Thoughts or opinions on any of these models? I am really leaning toward the 800 Switchback (mainly because of the power/weight), but I would have to justify why I need an 800. I figured I would see if anybody has any experience with any of the others or has some other suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[buRRp]

Either Switchback I think would work well.

 

[tleach17]

why do you need a snowmobile in arizona?

 

[NMRam]

Either Switchback I think would work well.

I am kind of thinking either the 800 Switchback or a 600 RMK......I forgot that option earlier. They really don't want us to buy anything bigger than a 600, but if I can get the 800 Switchback approved, I would sure ride that!

 

[stadt11]

Trailing arms suck! Nuff said, now back to the topic-at-hand

Well since u r talking about Polaris, all I can do is give some suggestions (get another Cat, cough, Cat HAHA )

First one we can eliminate right away is the 600 IQ Shift, reasoning: only 121" long track & less than 1" lug. Riding this day in age, all sleds should be 128" or more and at lease a 1.25" lug, now you want to add hauling to the equation and this just won't work.

Next one to eliminate would be the Rush, just because of your statement here: "would like a good crossover which can break some trail when necessary but will still carry a little cargo as well". Unless you're pulling a utility sleigh, there's no haulin with this thing, and still a shorter track.

So, with the 2 sleds that are left:

Weight: they're all close in weight. If you get that thing stuck, 40lbs isn't going to matter between these sleds. So weight shouldn't be a factor.

Track: Assault 144 - 1.352" Cobra, Switch 136" - 1.25" Ripsaw. Both have 15" wide tracks.

Track longevity: Cobra is a softer compound, but overall seems to be a better track and more widely used than the Ripsaw. Many different reviews between the 2 as far as hook-up and stopping, the Ripsaw digs more in powder and better on hard-packed surfaces because it's a harder compound track, which is good for getting you out but can also get you stuck faster.

Front travel: 800 - 22.9cm, 600 - 25cm

The 800 is 6" longer too, has a mechanical fuel gauge versus the digital gauge on the 600.

You also mentioned you'd need to justify a 800 over a 600. I rode with some 600 guys this year with my F7, they have some pop to them. We switched sleds and rode his 600, was surprisingly responsive. I use to ride a 600, kept up just fine and had enough power in the powder.

Yes, the 800 would be NICE to have, the extra lug and longer track would be nice, but do you really need that big of a motor and that long of a track? My opinion would be no. I don't think the 144" will do well hauling/pulling cargo, that's my opinion.

My vote: 600 Switchback 136", BUT if you need more motor and lug because you know you have lots of deep powder, then the Assault 144 is the one for you, if you think it will haul well.

 

[NMRam]

Thanks Andy. I also found a 600 RMK on the contract, either 144 or 155. I am kind of leaning that way now (probably the 144) since it has the longer track with 2" lugs, is the lightest of all (by a small margin), and still has the ability to add a rack for some cargo.

 

[stadt11]

Thanks Andy. I also found a 600 RMK on the contract, either 144 or 155. I am kind of leaning that way now (probably the 144) since it has the longer track with 2" lugs, is the lightest of all (by a small margin), and still has the ability to add a rack for some cargo.

There's your answer right there!!

 

[NMRam]

Put in the request for two 600 RMK's today.......hopefully they get them bought without any problems!

 

[stadt11]

Sweet!

 

[~$t3v3-o~]

Good choice. I can tell you from experience that a 121 just doesn't cut it once you get into the powder. Can you make it work, yes, but it takes some rider skill and definitely hauling would be an issue.