benjamingvsu
Expert
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- Stevensville, Michigan
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- Snowmobile
- 2014 Viper rtx se
I've lurked on this site for awhile, reading up on four strokes. I rode a Phazer for the first time this week - here is my review.
Me: 27, 5'10", 170 lbs. Currently riding a 2000 zrt600 and 2002 zr800 cross country. Riding since I was a kid.
I rented an orange 2009 Phazer starting mileage 337.
MPG, per fill up. 15 mpg, 15 mpg, 17 mpg, 18mpg, 18mpg.
Speed: Topped out at 93 on a slight flat downhill, otherwise I think the most I saw was 85. Very fast in the trails, 20 to 70 felt as quick as my 800.
Handling: Smooth trails awesome, stutter bumps awesome - rode 45-55 sitting down, didn't feel anything. On a poor trail with big bumps the sled performed poorly. Felt like the back end kept kicking back at me, the compression of the rear was great, never bottomed out, but the rebound was too much. I expect this could be easily resolved with proper set up.
Cornering: I never felt like the sled was tippy, steering effort was easy. Would like hooked end or wider bars, I felt like I could have turned tighter with them. I enjoyed being able to easily move around and control the sled, much easier than my other sleds and it seemed to beg me to ride it hard. Even when pounding the corners and bumps hard I felt in control.
Seating position: Awesome, knees did get a bit tight, but my back never felt a bump. Easy transition to standing, if I had better upper body strength I would have stood more, but It was difficult to hangon and turn, especially while accelerating.
Wind protection: This sled is colder than my cats. I would add the knee wind deflectors, and the liner back in my coat. It was weird hearing the wind so much on my helmet, 1 or 2 inches more on the windshield would get my helmet out of the airflow.
Headlight: My 3 bulb cat lights are better than the Phazer, but it might be because the Phazers light needed to be adjusted down, under any acceleration the front pulls up enough to pull the light off the trail.
Engine braking: First few hours it was very weird, I kept locking the track and falling forward trying to grab as much brake as I need to on the 2 strokes. I think as I got over 500 miles on the odometer the motor loosened, engine braking was greatly reduced and gas mileage improved.
Sounds/smells: It was louder than I expected at full throttle, but of course quieter than my canned 600. Nice sounding, and loved smelling fresh air. First time I went to bed after riding all day without a shower to wash off the 2 stroke stench.
Comparison to other sleds: I rode for about an hour with two Doo e-techs. They indicated they were getting 19 mpg, they weren't sure how much oil they used. We rode hard and stayed with each other through all the woods trails, but they did pull away a bit on longer straights.
Compared to my cats I felt the Phazer outperformed them in every area except the rails trails. The Phazer was cold and a bit boring here. Not much powder, but I did enjoy the phazer in an open field, easier to pull over and play with than my zrt, about the same as the Zr, except the Phazer was more fun to stand and launch off snowbanks.
At the end of my 24 hour rental period, I had ridden 444 miles, with 13 hours of seat time on the Phazer. If I was buying a sled today it would be the Phazer based on the review above and the fact that I don't think the E-tech is worth the extra money, and I haven't ridden the Jaguar (although I've read great reviews, and it may be a better "trail" sled, I'm not sure it'd be as quick and nimble).
Hopefully this review is helpful to others considering the Phazer.
Me: 27, 5'10", 170 lbs. Currently riding a 2000 zrt600 and 2002 zr800 cross country. Riding since I was a kid.
I rented an orange 2009 Phazer starting mileage 337.
MPG, per fill up. 15 mpg, 15 mpg, 17 mpg, 18mpg, 18mpg.
Speed: Topped out at 93 on a slight flat downhill, otherwise I think the most I saw was 85. Very fast in the trails, 20 to 70 felt as quick as my 800.
Handling: Smooth trails awesome, stutter bumps awesome - rode 45-55 sitting down, didn't feel anything. On a poor trail with big bumps the sled performed poorly. Felt like the back end kept kicking back at me, the compression of the rear was great, never bottomed out, but the rebound was too much. I expect this could be easily resolved with proper set up.
Cornering: I never felt like the sled was tippy, steering effort was easy. Would like hooked end or wider bars, I felt like I could have turned tighter with them. I enjoyed being able to easily move around and control the sled, much easier than my other sleds and it seemed to beg me to ride it hard. Even when pounding the corners and bumps hard I felt in control.
Seating position: Awesome, knees did get a bit tight, but my back never felt a bump. Easy transition to standing, if I had better upper body strength I would have stood more, but It was difficult to hangon and turn, especially while accelerating.
Wind protection: This sled is colder than my cats. I would add the knee wind deflectors, and the liner back in my coat. It was weird hearing the wind so much on my helmet, 1 or 2 inches more on the windshield would get my helmet out of the airflow.
Headlight: My 3 bulb cat lights are better than the Phazer, but it might be because the Phazers light needed to be adjusted down, under any acceleration the front pulls up enough to pull the light off the trail.
Engine braking: First few hours it was very weird, I kept locking the track and falling forward trying to grab as much brake as I need to on the 2 strokes. I think as I got over 500 miles on the odometer the motor loosened, engine braking was greatly reduced and gas mileage improved.
Sounds/smells: It was louder than I expected at full throttle, but of course quieter than my canned 600. Nice sounding, and loved smelling fresh air. First time I went to bed after riding all day without a shower to wash off the 2 stroke stench.
Comparison to other sleds: I rode for about an hour with two Doo e-techs. They indicated they were getting 19 mpg, they weren't sure how much oil they used. We rode hard and stayed with each other through all the woods trails, but they did pull away a bit on longer straights.
Compared to my cats I felt the Phazer outperformed them in every area except the rails trails. The Phazer was cold and a bit boring here. Not much powder, but I did enjoy the phazer in an open field, easier to pull over and play with than my zrt, about the same as the Zr, except the Phazer was more fun to stand and launch off snowbanks.
At the end of my 24 hour rental period, I had ridden 444 miles, with 13 hours of seat time on the Phazer. If I was buying a sled today it would be the Phazer based on the review above and the fact that I don't think the E-tech is worth the extra money, and I haven't ridden the Jaguar (although I've read great reviews, and it may be a better "trail" sled, I'm not sure it'd be as quick and nimble).
Hopefully this review is helpful to others considering the Phazer.
Very nice review.Thanks!Do you have any pics of your ride?Sounds like you had a blast and that seems to be what the Phazer is all about.Just plain old good FUN.
benjamingvsu
Expert
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- Stevensville, Michigan
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- 2014 Viper rtx se
rawb
Newbie
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2009
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Hey, thanks for the review. Until I saw the photo I was wondering if you rented them from us -- we just bought 2 Phazers to try out as rental machines this winter, as a replacement for Polaris Supersports.
We've heard of cold knees once or twice so far. Also surprised at how loud the machine is -- sounds like a pretty open intake and exhaust.
Glad you didn't mention tippiness or inside ski lift in corners, as that's one thing we're worried about with first-time riders on the Phazers.
444 miles! Wow, our average 24-hour renter does about 100-130 miles.
We've heard of cold knees once or twice so far. Also surprised at how loud the machine is -- sounds like a pretty open intake and exhaust.
Glad you didn't mention tippiness or inside ski lift in corners, as that's one thing we're worried about with first-time riders on the Phazers.
444 miles! Wow, our average 24-hour renter does about 100-130 miles.
phaze5
TY 4 Stroke Guru
riding them is a riot, fixing them all the time not so much , its funny to hear you say your upper body is weak, because i had the zr8 and that is exactly what ya need to ride that monster, the phazer is effortless,
I worry about letting 1st timers on mine because of tippiness also.But you know what.The smart ones take it easy at first like any firsttimer should and get used to it.Now first timers with Motorcycle experience just love the Phazer and dont worry about ski lift at all as long as it still turns they just go with it.The whole key is to not push anyone into riding over thier abilities even if that means letting them lead.Its not like you have to suck in 2st exhaust anymore.Just kick back and enjoy.Speed comes with time.Smile that is on a first timers face after a enjoyable ride is priceless.
madthumper
Extreme
I also took my first ride on my Phazer last night. I picked up a used 08 for my daughter. I wouldn't say I was either impressed or dissapointed with it. The skis and track need to go asap, and I need to close off the tunnel. I was surprised how much ice build up there was in 25 miles of trail riding.
I thought it was pretty snappy, but you guys who say you are running with a 600 class sled, I don't see it. Not a fair comparison at all, but it is not remotely as smooth or quiet as my Doo 1200 which is the only 4 stroke I have to compare it to.
I thought the suspension was pretty good, maybe a little soft. It actually felt a lot like riding a Rev.
I thought it was pretty snappy, but you guys who say you are running with a 600 class sled, I don't see it. Not a fair comparison at all, but it is not remotely as smooth or quiet as my Doo 1200 which is the only 4 stroke I have to compare it to.
I thought the suspension was pretty good, maybe a little soft. It actually felt a lot like riding a Rev.
Heck I have to help my 800cc riding buddies set thier sleds up just so they dont cry too much.Dont even think about the 600's much anymore!
I admit lot of it is rider and just attitude.Need to just enjoy and the fun comes easy then.
I admit lot of it is rider and just attitude.Need to just enjoy and the fun comes easy then.
Ruckus
TY 4 Stroke Master
The phazer permits you to use all of the 80 hp all the time whereas other sleds allow 100% of the 2T power 1% of the time and only 20-50% of the power the rest of the time due to suspension and chassis limitations.
CLARS2006
Extreme
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- Jan 24, 2009
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- 08 Venture Lite
Great Review, for the Price the Phazer Line has no equal. I have a VL and 300 km Days are affordable Fuel wise and with no Back Pain. Bang for the Buck I guess.
benjamingvsu
Expert
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- 2014 Viper rtx se
Yes, I agree very good value, especially when I see lightly used ones for 4,000 - 4,500. There are no other comparable sleds in that price range. E-techs, Jaguars, and other Yammies are all more.
As far as running with a 600 class sled - yes it does! The e-tech guys I rode with always had a surprised look on their face when they turned around to look for me at the stop signs, and then realized I had already pulled up alongside them!
I agree that traction could be improved with a better track, but I didn't notice any issues with the ski's.
I've never ridden a dirtbike, and only a motorcycle a couple of times 10 years ago; but the Phazer felt natural, and I didn't think it was tippy - but you have to be willing to be an active rider. I could see it would be tippy if you sat in the center of the sled and yanked the bars with no body english.
The zr8 took a fair amount of effort to turn sitting down, yes (and I never rode it standing up, bars were too low). But for me the Phazer was hard to drive standing up, the angle/height of the bars and the torque pulling me back didn't work for me.
As far as running with a 600 class sled - yes it does! The e-tech guys I rode with always had a surprised look on their face when they turned around to look for me at the stop signs, and then realized I had already pulled up alongside them!
I agree that traction could be improved with a better track, but I didn't notice any issues with the ski's.
I've never ridden a dirtbike, and only a motorcycle a couple of times 10 years ago; but the Phazer felt natural, and I didn't think it was tippy - but you have to be willing to be an active rider. I could see it would be tippy if you sat in the center of the sled and yanked the bars with no body english.
The zr8 took a fair amount of effort to turn sitting down, yes (and I never rode it standing up, bars were too low). But for me the Phazer was hard to drive standing up, the angle/height of the bars and the torque pulling me back didn't work for me.
Prav
Pro
I came off a similar sled to your zr8 (I had a zr6). I had an 8" riser as you can see in the pick and rode this thing standing up all day long so I didn't have stiff back the next day. Coming from this to the Phazer... I figured I'd still be standing all day. I was wrong. I find myself sitting almost 90% of the time b/c of the great seat position. Transition to standing is also VERY easy on the Phazer.
Attachments
phaze5
TY 4 Stroke Guru
i am definately not brand loyal, i like to keep an open mind and see for myself but there are so many guys that speed is where its at,
back wheni rode the 150hp sleds people would say im ahead because of hp,
so when i got the phazer, it was mainly for my kids sake, but i went on a trail ridewhere i was the slowest sled and easily made my way to the front and shut the non beleivers up.
i don't let anyone except my buddy that has rode for years with me. ride my sled, i just let them wonder how i can go fast seeing the sled is slow,
ruckus pretty much hit the nail on the head, when you canstay onthe throttle a couple seconds longer, you can out run anyone overtime,
the bigger and heavier the sled fatigue becomes a factor, sure some good riders will have the stamina to endure, but i rarely get tired riding, especially when i am in the zone, i forget all about the guys behind me and then they are gone.
back wheni rode the 150hp sleds people would say im ahead because of hp,
so when i got the phazer, it was mainly for my kids sake, but i went on a trail ridewhere i was the slowest sled and easily made my way to the front and shut the non beleivers up.
i don't let anyone except my buddy that has rode for years with me. ride my sled, i just let them wonder how i can go fast seeing the sled is slow,
ruckus pretty much hit the nail on the head, when you canstay onthe throttle a couple seconds longer, you can out run anyone overtime,
the bigger and heavier the sled fatigue becomes a factor, sure some good riders will have the stamina to endure, but i rarely get tired riding, especially when i am in the zone, i forget all about the guys behind me and then they are gone.
madthumper
Extreme
benjamingvsu said:
I guess I was referring to a few guys here that said in a drag race it wasn't much slower than 600 LC 2 strokes.
I was riding a bunch today with my brother on his 600 Doo....we're pretty much equal ability riders. In the woods, where speed didn't matter of course we were right together. Aside from the bucking in big bumps, the sled handles nicely and I rode it HARD. As I said earlier, it's very similar to the Rev in the way you use the transfer to go hard into a corner. In the open fields with sweeping corners it was everything I could do to keep him in sight. I had the Phazer to the bar in every field and took a bunch of sweepers much faster than I expected to be able to but it still wasn't enough to keep up to his 600.
The handling of this sled is not even close to the handling of my Doo XR, but it shouldn't be...they are on a little different level.
We also dragged once, and only once as the result was so not close I would never drag race a 600 class sled with the Phazer again.
Prav
Pro
[/quote]I guess I was referring to a few guys here that said in a drag race it wasn't much slower than 600 LC 2 strokes.
I was riding a bunch today with my brother on his 600 Doo....we're pretty much equal ability riders. In the woods, where speed didn't matter of course we were right together. Aside from the bucking in big bumps, the sled handles nicely and I rode it HARD. As I said earlier, it's very similar to the Rev in the way you use the transfer to go hard into a corner. In the open fields with sweeping corners it was everything I could do to keep him in sight. I had the Phazer to the bar in every field and took a bunch of sweepers much faster than I expected to be able to but it still wasn't enough to keep up to his 600.
The handling of this sled is not even close to the handling of my Doo XR, but it shouldn't be...they are on a little different level.
We also dragged once, and only once as the result was so not close I would never drag race a 600 class sled with the Phazer again.[/quote]
I second this. The Phazer can hang out of the hole but once you hit midrange the Doo 600's will be long gone. This sled is very good from 0-65 though... just like it was built to be. Can't beat the 4 stroke torque, fuel economy, no oil consumption and feel of the Phazer though.
I was riding a bunch today with my brother on his 600 Doo....we're pretty much equal ability riders. In the woods, where speed didn't matter of course we were right together. Aside from the bucking in big bumps, the sled handles nicely and I rode it HARD. As I said earlier, it's very similar to the Rev in the way you use the transfer to go hard into a corner. In the open fields with sweeping corners it was everything I could do to keep him in sight. I had the Phazer to the bar in every field and took a bunch of sweepers much faster than I expected to be able to but it still wasn't enough to keep up to his 600.
The handling of this sled is not even close to the handling of my Doo XR, but it shouldn't be...they are on a little different level.
We also dragged once, and only once as the result was so not close I would never drag race a 600 class sled with the Phazer again.[/quote]
I second this. The Phazer can hang out of the hole but once you hit midrange the Doo 600's will be long gone. This sled is very good from 0-65 though... just like it was built to be. Can't beat the 4 stroke torque, fuel economy, no oil consumption and feel of the Phazer though.
