Thoughts on SW S-TX DX 146 vs Apex XTX

[cgwiz]

I'm looking at upgrading my 2012 Apex XTX this year and narrowed the choices down to the SW S-TX DX 146 and Apex XTX. I am not young (65) and found the power steering on my Apex, was able to keep me in the sport for the last few years. My riding is primarily trails in the UP & Algoma district in Ontario, although occasionally will find myself off trail. With my wt (100 kg) and off trail, I prefer the longer tracks. I have had a number of yama's ( Viper, RX1, Attack, Nytro, Apex X3) but I have always wanted a turbo sled. My only concern with the SW is whether the steering effort will be a limiting factor in allowing me to keep sledding the entire day. I have read about different ski's (eg curves, pilots) improved handling, however, my experience with the steering/handling on my Nytro has me cautious on pulling the plug with the SW. I would appreciate any input and guidance from those owners who had sleds with power steering and then went on a SW.
Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[DGZRT]

https://ty4stroke.com/threads/power-steering-for-sidewinder.148349/

This thread tells it all. Buy the Sidewinder !!!

 

[biffdotorg]

In the same boat here as well. I am following both threads now that we have a season on the SW, used and carry over sleds are out there. A person can save enough to easily put the money into the power steering add-on! The closer the sidewinder gets to $10k, the more it will be feasible for the average sledder.

 

[XP123]

I say if you want a turbo the SW is the only good choice. I really like mine and while the power of the twin Cat turbo was impressive I never wanted one. I never trusted the add on turbos and only wanted a factory installed unit with extra warranty. As far as the steering goes I'm also an older guy who likes to ride long days and find the steering with Pilot skis to be pretty easy with proper set up. There is the easy steering option as mentioned.

 

[thor452]

I wont be able to comment on this till we get snow, I just picked up my SW and am selling my 2012 apex xtx. loved the PS hope I will love it.

 

[BTbt]

Went from a 2012 Apex XTX to 2014 Viper LTX, then to 2017 Sidewinder LTX LE, do not miss the power steering. I have Curve skis on Sidewinder and were on the Viper, only time power steering would be nice would be on tight turns on firm trails when skis bite hard.At most trail speeds not hard to steer.I am 60 now, no regrets going to Sidewinder,better ride and handling than Apex, quieter and faster as well.Apex needed power steering, Sidewinder not so much.

 

[actionjack]

Semi-agressive snow trackers on my Winder and it honestly doesn't need power steering. My wife will not go near the Attak now. Now I need another Winder. Add Travis' mechanical advantage steering if needed.

 

[cgwiz]

Thanks to everyone who replied! Going with SW and changing the ski's to pilot 6.9.

 

[Finesy]

Went from a 2012 Apex XTX to 2014 Viper LTX, then to 2017 Sidewinder LTX LE, do not miss the power steering. I have Curve skis on Sidewinder and were on the Viper, only time power steering would be nice would be on tight turns on firm trails when skis bite hard.At most trail speeds not hard to steer.I am 60 now, no regrets going to Sidewinder,better ride and handling than Apex, quieter and faster as well.Apex needed power steering, Sidewinder not so much.

This 57 year old appreciates hearing the opinions of a 60 year old going to a Sidewinder!!! Especially a fellow Ontarian.

 

[cgwiz]

Maybe Tom should consider having an separate sub forum for the "old fogies". Although 60 is the new 45, physically we have different demands, such as more frequent pit stops for urgency. A new forum would allow more open communication in our age group. Unfortunately we're not in the demographics companies like Yamaha are targeting.

 

[s-moe]

Just informed that my 2018 STX-DX 146 has arrived and ready to assemble and be picked up. I can't wait to give feed back on the ride compared to my 2011 Apex SE.

 

[hardfacer]

I am 57 yr old and did test riding with Travis in the development stages of the MPS end of last season. Compared my 2011 Apex (EPS) to his 2017 Sidewinder LTX DX (MPS). Depending on the setting the steering effort was comparable to the EPS. So if you miss the EPS on your new sled the MPS gives you an option. The heavy steering was the thing holding me back from going to the new SW/Viper Chassis, now that is not an issue anymore.

 

[hardfacer]

I will be on a 2016 SR Viper LTX LE this year with Dealer installed MPI Turbo this year. It is not a SW but the price was right.

 

[Caveman]

I'm looking at upgrading my 2012 Apex XTX this year and narrowed the choices down to the SW S-TX DX 146 and Apex XTX. I am not young (65) and found the power steering on my Apex, was able to keep me in the sport for the last few years. My riding is primarily trails in the UP & Algoma district in Ontario, although occasionally will find myself off trail. With my wt (100 kg) and off trail, I prefer the longer tracks. I have had a number of yama's ( Viper, RX1, Attack, Nytro, Apex X3) but I have always wanted a turbo sled. My only concern with the SW is whether the steering effort will be a limiting factor in allowing me to keep sledding the entire day. I have read about different ski's (eg curves, pilots) improved handling, however, my experience with the steering/handling on my Nytro has me cautious on pulling the plug with the SW. I would appreciate any input and guidance from those owners who had sleds with power steering and then went on a SW.
Thanks in advance for your reply.

Drove my '12 Apex XTX 100 miles to a demo last spring and rode every SW they had available. Maybe it's the crap stock skis and the heavy steering that comes with it but I left thinking if it's not the skis - or until they fix the heavy front end feel, whatever it is, I'll take my Apex with the Star kit, trackers, higher seat mod and other goodies over any Winder I rode that day.

 

[cannondale27]

The vast majority of Sidewinder owners I met were very happy with just a simple tightening of the rear center shock spring specifically to address heavy steering.I believe factory put so much weight on front via that center shock spring to help the Tuners turn. There is also heavier rate springs available that will further help if needed. Most I helped went almost 3/4in tighter on spring. Huge difference but then you do have to have decent skis to avoid push in corners.