apex 128 vs apex xtx question

[roofman65]

Looking to buy newer apex I currently ride a 2010 apex ltx and want to upgrade to power steering ride mostly in the U.P. 90% on trail wondering if xtx would be overkill and would sacrafrice handling and ride over the reg apex could spend hours reading post but thought i could get current input

 

[Murse]

I was looking at same thing, new sled SE or XTX, came across this the other day. I'll be going for SE 128 inch lots of traction. Hope this article helps you as it helped me. http://www.supertraxmag.com/article.asp?nid=2400

 

[xt_gt]

i'd say go xtx. it's got tipped rails if i'm not mistaken, which would help turning. but then that time you do want to got off trail or in deep fluffy powder, you will have the bigger footprint with the xtx.
plus on the trails, the xtx will bridge the bumps a little better.
but i'd wait to hear from the apex guys on here for experience.

 

[Murse]

Read the article, I've been told by my dealer that his XTX and his buddies SE handle differently XTX requires more work as would a long track sled. The tip up design is a good idea for ideal trail condition on groomed trail and hard packed sure but any fresh snow and that tip up is not doing much.

Read supertrax's article does a good job at explaining this.

 

[thor452]

love my xtx pats yamaha in the UP dont even sell the se the xtx all the way for me love it

 

[ecopter]

Rode both; prefer the shorty. XTX is too much track if you're a trail rider. It's not necessary. The tipped rail is a gimmick as it's only tipped slightly and will typically always be in contact with the snow (as someone above eluded).

I must say the XTX does have better traction and does lessen the possible darting effect. However for true trail riders, the short track is much easier to corral.

jf

 

[Agman 57]

I rode both and prefer the xtx, not enough traction with the se. The xtx is a great all around sled.

 

[viper50]

This review of the 2011 XTX by Luke from SnowTrax helped me decide on the XTX. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHpbynxkKdM

 

[Master of Faster]

The difference in feel between the XTX and the SE is more a function of the suspension difference and setup than the track length. The only way you are going to feel the XTX push any more is at real slow speeds through real tight corners.

When choosing between the two you should be deciding based on how you ride and the importance of comfort to you. If you want a little more off-trail capability and a better big bump skid go with the XTX. If you want a cruiser suspenion that is great in the chatter bumps and you don't off trail much go with the SE.

Don't let handling make the decision for you because what you sacrifice with the longer sled on most trails, especially in the UP, is negligible.

A buddy and I both bought 12's last winter within a week of each other. He bought the 128 and I went 144 and have spent time on both in the trails, and they are both great.

 

[monte1214]

- I was at my local dealer yesterday sniffing around for a '12, and had a good chat with the owner, who is regarded as having a wealth of sled knowledge.

- I told him that I was going to be looking for an XTX in the near future, and to let me know if he came across one.
- I'm on an '08 Apex LTX GT 136 right now.

- He is well aware of my riding style, and where I ride 99% of the time, and he said I'd be ALOT more happier on the SE, then the XTX!!

- I was really surprised, thinking that the XTX was the way to go.
- Not sure if I want to go back to 128 or not, but he says he won't be on an XTX this year, he's on the SE.
- I will be putting some serious thought into it...

- He also said that with the changes coming in 2014, the Vector "may" be dropped to support a new model.

 

[Fusion]

I've been going back and forth on both of these exact models.
Spent so much time thinking about both, I've lost TWO 2012's to other customer sales.
I really want the 128 for the riding I do, but there seems to be alot more XTX's out there.
I guess if there's more XTX's on the market, it means either they produced more of them OR, they aren't as much in demand.
With the weather here in WI, it isn't looking like a good start to the season, so I'm leaning more toward keeping what I have.

 

[monte1214]

With the weather here in WI, it isn't looking like a good start to the season, so I'm leaning more toward keeping what I have.

- I hear ya!
- I was thinking this was my year for a new ride, but my current sled only has 4500kms (2200mi) on it, and there's nothing wrong with it, so I'm keeping it.

- I had the opportunity to ride an '11 the year before last, and was hooked on the power steering. That's my main reason for wanting a newer ride.
- I had same experience when I rode the first '07 Grizzly that had EPS. I was sold right away!! At that time, I was on an '05 Grizz.

- I can definitely say that this time next year, I'll have a shiny black '12 Apex in my garage...but I can't say whether it'll be an SE or XTX!
- I'll be asking lotsa questions at trail side stops this season to pulse real world riders.

 

[sleddog66]

As master of faster said, the skids have more to do with it. XTX better in big bumps, better hook up and better high speed stability. Also better off trail. The shorty is more plush in the chatters, and more manuverable through the twisties. If you ride the u.p. at higher speeds like I do, and through the sweepers at 100 mph., then i is not even a question.....XTX. If you ride the twisties in wisconsin, with icy corners, and picks hanging out of your track, then the shorty.

 

[sleddog66]

deeper snow

 

[Fusion]

With the weather here in WI, it isn't looking like a good start to the season, so I'm leaning more toward keeping what I have.

- I hear ya!
- I was thinking this was my year for a new ride, but my current sled only has 4500kms (2200mi) on it, and there's nothing wrong with it, so I'm keeping it.

- I had the opportunity to ride an '11 the year before last, and was hooked on the power steering. That's my main reason for wanting a newer ride.
- I had same experience when I rode the first '07 Grizzly that had EPS. I was sold right away!! At that time, I was on an '05 Grizz.

- I can definitely say that this time next year, I'll have a shiny black '12 Apex in my garage...but I can't say whether it'll be an SE or XTX!
- I'll be asking lotsa questions at trail side stops this season to pulse real world riders.

I have 2100 on the '09 LTX GT - bought a new Vector last year.
Make sure you let us know what you get for feedback from owners on the trail.
Seems about as close to a 50/50 split as could possibly be.