New BTX vs XTX for off trail

[jjmoneysauce]

So I've been eyeing up BTXs for a while now. And now there is a new LE BTX iteration, as well as the SE ad LE XTX versions.

Almost all of the riding I do would fall into the off-trail category. Any "trails" that I do end up on are rudimentary compared to actual groomed trails. We do a bit of long lake stretch riding, bush trails, meadow shenanigans, this and that.

I've seen youtube videos of guys from Ontario with BTXs in situations that look a lot like what I get into; a good couple feet of off trail snow. But I'm intrigued by the new XTXs. I like the one with the fatter spindles, but all 3 of these look pretty cool.

Can anyone offer some insight as to what kind of off trail performance I could expect from the XTXs with their new skid configurations? Is 146 enough skid length, and how would that be affected by the new Versattak skid setups? Looking for any discussion or insight. Thanks.

 

[Fleecer]

Although the new fat spindles look cool, when riding off trail they will be a hindrance when carving. Hence why the BTX spindles are angled back. For the riding you describe I'd go BTX! Just my 5 cents.

 

[Dr. FeeLGooD]

My 19 xtx is a star on the trails. ( And its easier to tow it on the trails.) Not so much in the deep. 1.75 x 141 track. Maybe once I get the clutching right my opinion will change.

 

[jjmoneysauce]

My 19 xtx is a star on the trails. ( And its easier to tow it on the trails.) Not so much in the deep. 1.75 x 141 track. Maybe once I get the clutching right my opinion will change.

Hey fellow Saskie,

Yeah that's why the 146s are interesting. There's a whole bunch of new features in the way they are set up. That's kind of the dilemma; the BTX has a bit more length in the skid, which is usually nice, but the whole suspension on the XTXs is quite a bit different than the older 141s.

 

[errol]

Really like my 2018 BTX... For the type of riding you describe I'd go BTX with 36" A-Arm... way better off trail!

 

[dustin]

I have a 17 btx se. I really like it. I ride 50 50 trail and off trail. It's not the fastest cornering sled obviously. ( actually is a good thing, gets me to slow down a little haha) but it trails just fine for me. The 153 1.75 gets incredible traction on trails. Off trail riding the added length is nice. When playing off trail I always wish I could push a button and have that 2.25 track though. I also like the mountain spindles for carving. I'd buy a btx again.

 

[jjmoneysauce]

The new BTX with the 2.25 looks pretty good from that angle. But I can't ignore those XTXs either, they have some pretty enticing specs and some interesting updates.

 

[Swampfox]

I too am interested in the Xtx Le. But for different reasons. I trail ride mostly but want the option of off trail. My concern is it pushing like crazy. I kind of like the cat 1.35” lug option.

 

[jjmoneysauce]

I too am interested in the Xtx Le. But for different reasons. I trail ride mostly but want the option of off trail. My concern is it pushing like crazy. I kind of like the cat 1.35” lug option.

The guy from Snowtrax seems to really like the 1.6 lug tracks on the Riot and Backcountry XRS. Apparently they will do a shootout episode with all 3. Not sure which XTX they will use, the SE or LE.

 

[PeeWee86]

I would stay with the BTX or the 2020 XTX SE. They both have the 40 inch front end. Don’t underestimate the difference between the 40 inch front and on the BTX and the 42 inch front end on many of the XTX’s. I have to admit the 2020 XTX SE intrigue me. A 40 inch front end and a 146 x 2” lug track. The LE versions have a wider ski stance and a shorter lug track. Go figure.

I’m currently riding on a 40 inch front end and a 141 x 1.75 Backcountry X track. In the garage I also have a 2 1/4 inch track for it but I felt that was too much lug for the 50/50 on and of trail riding that I do. On trail braking performance and slider wear were concerns with the taller lug. I have felt that the 141 inch length has been a good fit for me but I only weigh 155 pounds. If I weighed more I would want the 146 or 153 inch length.

 

[jjmoneysauce]

Yeah it's currently sitting between the XTX SE and the BTX for me. I am hoping that Snowtrax will include the SE in their shootout.