Viper LTX/DX Vs Ski-doo Renegade Etec 600

[sfraser]

Hey guy's I have posted some topics/questions in the last month regarding the viper and how it compared to my current Apex etc. Everyone has been quite helpful. As I mentioned before I will be doing a spring order on something, but still trying to determine what. I took a Viper RTX out a month ago , and it handled so bad (pushing) it scared me. Everyone convinced me it was just the set up...or lack there of.

Over the past few days i had the opportunity to try a 2011 BRP GSX 600 ETEC and a 2013/14 Indy 600. The trail conditions were mint during the rides and the GSX handling really impressed me. The harder i pushed it through the corners the flatter it cornered, and the more confident it felt. It was quite an eye opener. Now the sled owner has the sled dialed in perfect, and he is about the same weight and riding style as me, so that really helped. I tried his wifes Indy, and it was fun as well, but not nearly as inspiring as the GSX. I really like the riding position and comfort level of the GSX as well.

Last night I had the opportunity to spend about 1hr on a LTX-SE. the riding conditions were icy and the carbides had about 4k on them, so I had to take it easy in the corners. I did notice a big difference however between the LTX and the RTX. while the conditions wern't perfect, the handling "promise" was there. I really wished I could have tried both the GSX and the LTX on the same trails back to back. So questions to you guys, how many of you currently riding LTX-SE/DX's are coming off of late models GSX's/Renegades etc? An what is your opinion of the two after spending some serious seat time on each? I realize the GENISIS motor is going to be faster than the 600 ETEC. But that is not as important to me as comfort, handling and the ability to do high mileage days without feeling like a train wreck. Any comments suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

Scott

 

[number1kyster]

I have not ridden the Viper yet. IMO it is very hard to beat the DOO chassis for trail riding. I had my Apex dialed in perfect for both ride and handling and My buddies 09 Renegade X 600 Etec would amaze me every time I threw a leg over it. That sled rode and handled like a dream!

In my area Ski-doo's have the highest resale value by far. Your choice should depend on how long you keep a sled. My buddy has 6,500 miles on his 600 Etec. It is on it's second motor (Bad ring pin from the factory), gets 20 MPG when riding easy, 16 when beating it. It uses very little oil. I would not hesitate to buy one new as long as I got an extended warranty on the motor. The amount of oil they burn ends up being to equivalent of a 4 stroke oil change. Good luck with your choice!

 

[Bad Attitude]

I have not owned a Skidoo since the late seventies. So I can not tell you how a new one is. I do own a 2014 Viper LTX SE. Was the RTX a sled owned by a friend and setup to his riding style? How about the LTX? Where they studded? Stock skis and carbides? I have a set of curve skis on my sled with 6" of carbide up front and it rails. I have not touched my rear suspension yet. Played with the pressure in the front shocks. Added 1.5" riser on my handle bars. Been very impressed and have no complaints.

 

[stingray719]

Viper comes shipeed set VERY stiff for shipping reasons. If dealer does not back off front skid shock it will ride HORRIBLE. Just an FYI.

 

[Mile9c1]

The LTX should push more than an RTX. Longer track = more push.

 

[sxr70001]

I have a riding buddy that bought a brand new 800 etec this year right around when I bought my RTX. We have traded off quite a few times. His sled rides good, but it feels like a little toy after getting off my Viper. I actually feel like I might break it feels so delicate. We both like each others sleds, but I would not trade my Viper for it. It's just the difference between riding a big stud or a little pony to me. I think the viper is just better for my size and I love the low end grunt.

 

[loudelectronics]

I have a 800 renegade backcountry, viper and nytro. The nytro is modified with elkas and skinz front end, 39". The viper is narrowed to 38" and gade is 38".

The gade also has Elkas which were a huge improvement but otherwise stock. The gade is also the WORST handling sled out of my lot. It feels like a toy and is very nervous. Just does not have that planted feeling like the viper or nytro have. I know people have issues with the nytro, but it is probably the best handling sled on trail that I own.

The wife drives the gade but prefers the viper the best. For trails I prefer the nytro the best and for boondocking, the viper is best (Turbo and better balance).

So they all can be made to ride good, just have to be set up. I personally just like the feel of how planted the Viper and Nytro feel. At speed i feel more confident as the gade feels to nervous. The gade handles speed well as you can drive it hard but does not have that same hug like feeling the others give me.

 

[sfraser]

I have not owned a Skidoo since the late seventies. So I can not tell you how a new one is. I do own a 2014 Viper LTX SE. Was the RTX a sled owned by a friend and setup to his riding style? How about the LTX? Where they studded? Stock skis and carbides? I have a set of curve skis on my sled with 6" of carbide up front and it rails. I have not touched my rear suspension yet. Played with the pressure in the front shocks. Added 1.5" riser on my handle bars. Been very impressed and have no complaints.

Both Vipers were dealer demo sleds. The RTX suspension was tinkered with by one of the techs who was using it up north for the weekend. The LTX was stock except for studs. The LTX had promise, as I said in my original quote I wish the trails were not so icy, or i could of pushed it a little harder. My question is can the LTX with studs and tuners ski;s handle as well as the GSX or Renegade? While I got to try both over a few day period, the conditions were quite different, and it is difficult for me to determine.

Don't get me wrong, I bleed blue with the best of them, but it bug's me a little when you buy a sled ...and then drop additional $$ into it, so it handles as well as the other vendors sled which likely has a lower MSRP in the 1st place. I am trying to determine it that will be the case with the Viper /Renegade comparison .

 

[sfraser]

The LTX should push more than an RTX. Longer track = more push.

I did not experience that, but it was likely a poor set up issue with the RTX. (poor setup for me anyways)

 

[sfraser]

I have a riding buddy that bought a brand new 800 etec this year right around when I bought my RTX. We have traded off quite a few times. His sled rides good, but it feels like a little toy after getting off my Viper. I actually feel like I might break it feels so delicate. We both like each others sleds, but I would not trade my Viper for it. It's just the difference between riding a big stud or a little pony to me. I think the viper is just better for my size and I love the low end grunt.

I like the 4 stroke grunt as well. I agree the ski-doo's look a little flimsy, but I don't see them breaking much, other than some engine issues. Has there been any real issues with the late model ski doo skids or suspensions?

 

[sfraser]

I have a 800 renegade backcountry, viper and nytro. The nytro is modified with elkas and skinz front end, 39". The viper is narrowed to 38" and gade is 38".

The gade also has Elkas which were a huge improvement but otherwise stock. The gade is also the WORST handling sled out of my lot. It feels like a toy and is very nervous. Just does not have that planted feeling like the viper or nytro have. I know people have issues with the nytro, but it is probably the best handling sled on trail that I own.

The wife drives the gade but prefers the viper the best. For trails I prefer the nytro the best and for boondocking, the viper is best (Turbo and better balance).

So they all can be made to ride good, just have to be set up. I personally just like the feel of how planted the Viper and Nytro feel. At speed i feel more confident as the gade feels to nervous. The gade handles speed well as you can drive it hard but does not have that same hug like feeling the others give me.

See, I thought the GSX was more "planted" than the Viper. Viper seemed to have more inside ski lift and a little more vague in the corners. But thanks for the good information, which stage Elka's are you running on your sleds?

 

[loudelectronics]

I run stage 5 on the nytro with skin a arms and the renegade. I have the fox evol3 on the viper only because they were cheap. I will be getting elkas later when I save some funds. They make a huge difference on the handling.

Keep in mind all sleds are set at 38" wide.