2011 Apex SE vs. 2011 Apex XTX? comments reviews all welcom

[nealchick]

tossing around these two, wondering anyone's reaction. I do 95% on trail, any negatives to the XTX on the trail, any reactions to the 128 track in the SE. I currently ride a 121 and was looking to go 137, but after seeing the XTX wondering, looking for input. BTW am 6'1" and 220lbs.

TIA

 

[Super Sled]

If I upgraded Apex's the XTX is the only model I'd consider......

 

[nealchick]

xtx

thanks for the response, please expound. Why exactly, and have you ridden either or both?

 

[Essarex]

There has been talk ever since the Nytro XTX model hit the snow, that the longer tracks would not give up any top speed to the short tracks. At the Novi snow show this year, I spoke to two techs in the Yamaha booth about this, and they both confirmed it. I still find it hard to accept, but they both confirmed that the XTX is faster on top than the SE, based in part to the better approach angle at the front of the track and the better departure angle at the back. The tipped up rails ease the transition of the track coming off the snow and returning back up to the drive shaft.

Given this, I don't see any reason to go short track, except maybe cost or trailer/garage space limitation.

Thoughts?

 

[ecopter]

I fumbled with the same question. While there's no question that the XTX will perform well in many conditions, my decision ultimately came down to the type of riding I do; and that's all trail. I personally didn't want to carry around several more inches of track and have to deal with that same extended track length possibly "pushing" me that much more into the far corner of a turn.

I spent 5 years on an Attak and really enjoyed the times I was able to ride the shorties in the tight trails. They're just so much more agile. They are a bit more squirrely, but maybe the extended length from 121 to 128 will assist with that factor.

I also wanted to stick with the monoshock suspension rather that have two more shocks to mess with in the longer 144. I've had good luck with the mono, and look forward to the Fox Mega in the SE. As for the bump bridging capability of the 144.......I really only search for smooth trails anyway and in my opinion, there are so many sleds out there that are 136 or longer, that most whoops are created by the span of their track length; thereby negating the bridging factor anyway.

I believe you should make your decision based upon what type of riding you do. They're both great machines. As I said, the XTX will be able to handle more types of riding good, but the standard Apex will handle trail riding much better than the XTX, but all other types not as good as the XTX.

jf

 

[ecopter]

There has been talk ever since the Nytro XTX model hit the snow, that the longer tracks would not give up any top speed to the short tracks. At the Novi snow show this year, I spoke to two techs in the Yamaha booth about this, and they both confirmed it. I still find it hard to accept, but they both confirmed that the XTX is faster on top than the SE, based in part to the better approach angle at the front of the track and the better departure angle at the back. The tipped up rails ease the transition of the track coming off the snow and returning back up to the drive shaft.

Given this, I don't see any reason to go short track, except maybe cost or trailer/garage space limitation.

Thoughts?

As for speed, it's been deemed to be so negligilbe between the Apex and the XTX that it's a non issue. I know there are a lot of riders on this site that do all they can to get every ounce of speed out of their machines, but for average riders it's really kinda silly. You're going to see well above 100 mph regardless of which one you buy, and even though I love going fast, I rarely hold the flipper to the bar just because I either run out of room, or the risks out weigh the rewards.

 

[Banks93]

I also fumbled with the same question and I went with the XTX. If you can get a longer track to handle like a shorter track then why not go with it. I have the 2010 Vector GT LTX and love it. If you look at the 2010 or 2011 Vector GT LTX it is the same length as the XTX and I can't wait to get it on the trail. I think it will handle just fine on the trail. I also do 95% trail riding.

 

[nealchick]

Banks93

I am also looking at the Vector LTX, but isn't the Apex XTX a 144 track and the vec a 137? I was already sold on going to 137, but it looks like in the apex there's a gap between 128 and 144.

N---

 

[blade072]

Yamaha XTX

I rode both sleds at Chautauqua Lake last spring.
I liked the ride of the Apex XTX much better and have since purchased one.. It seemed more stable and the traction felt better. I think these sleds have too much motor for short tracks. I just came off a Attak GT with a 136 inch Cobra track and I didn't see any short coming in the trail.
Once you get into a rythmn of entering corners and then powering out, it is hard to beat a long track.. If you are throwing the sled into a corner, you are probably on the wrong side of the trail coming out and that really pisses people off. I have yet to see a short track pull a long track out of the hole with both tracks not being studded.
Jim

 

[Banks93]

Re: Banks93

I am also looking at the Vector LTX, but isn't the Apex XTX a 144 track and the vec a 137? I was already sold on going to 137, but it looks like in the apex there's a gap between 128 and 144.

N---

They moved the skies back on the new Apex making it the same overall length as a vector GT LTX 136". My feeling is the new Apex XTX is going to be a more powerful Vector with EPS so it will handle better. If you want a great trail riding sled and don't care about being the fastest sled on the trail then save the money and go 2010 Vector GT LTX. If you want the best of both worlds my vote is get the Apex XTX. I went with the longer track because it is a smoother ride and it hooks up better. My feeling is the engineers got a better machine with the 144" and that is why they didn't go with a 136" model if you like the 136" models go with the 144".

 

[ITHAPPENS]

I can only base my decision on past experience. After listening to all the hype, I bought a 2004 Warrior and regretted it the whole season. Went back to a short track the next year and was very happy again! I think it boils down to how big a guy you are and how tight the trails are you normally ride on. Maybe the XTX with the tipped up rails is just as nimble as the 128" but I didn't want to take any chances. Now if it would only snow I would be able to give you a much better opinion on my SE shorty!

 

[RollRite]

After owning a nyyro xtc and loved it and riding all the 2011 demos I bought the apex se the fox mega shock was great in the bumps like riding on a cloud.

 

[Anonymous]

Sled lenght ? What really matters is the amount of track on the ground. The think the xtx may produce a better ride, floatation and added traction in deep snow. But I think the 128s will have the advantage in the twisties. The EPS may have some benefits but track lenght is still track lenght reguardless of EPS.

 

[Banks93]

There is a reason the ski doo 4 tec and renagade packages handle good. It isn't because they are 121" tracks. You guys do what you want. I was just giving my opinion and my experience on the sleds. You try justifying all you want old technology and short track. Like somebody else said you have too much power for that small a track.

 

[Super Sled]

Man, you guys are all getting way too bent outta shape about this topic. I think every 2011 Apex in existence will be a sweet ride. It all just depends on what you want to use it for and your own personal tastes.

Above I said I'd only buy the XTX. Maybe that isn't 100% true. I probably won't ever buy new, so it would depend on what some guy migfht be selling down the road.

I will say that I really, really like the Mono. It is a smooth as silk skid. And I love Floats, so the rear Mega Float would rock I think.

I bet the Mega Float really helps the Mono a lot in the places where it needs help: Namely big bumps, anywhere bottoming out can occur, and performance cornering.

I'm envious of everyone of you who has a 2011 parked in his/ her garage. Heck, I've always preferred blue over red Yamahas, but after seeing my neighbor's and FrostyNutz's red XTX's I'm digging that new red color......