What to buy?

[Bigblue1]

So I missed out on buying a last edition SRX which would have been perfect with power steering and adjustable handlebar and shocks. I had just rebuilt the chain case on my 2017 RTX LE and really like that sled plus just a timing thing. Anyone with young teenagers in sports knows time is just a blur. Part of the hesitation also was the question of going to a new chassis technology. True blue Yamaha with 2002 Viper triple, 2011 Apex and the Sidewinder. So what to buy? On paper the answer would be buy a certain type of ski doo. Pick your poison…lots of offerings, great sleds, suspensions etc. But in my mind too clean…too corporate… too boring. Never liked following the crowd either. Then Arctic story hit in 2024 and I thought what a bunch of bs. We would be down to one American company. Polaris sleds are great too buy the way and do push the envelope. But, I could not help but feel for AC. Besides thats what I’ve been riding for ten years with a Yamaha engine. Then when the locals got together again ( with help) to buy the company and bring it back, and they came out with a decent line up in such a short time it stuck with me. There was the old brashness in their line up. Raw sound, bold moves …..risky …..cool. So, I’m leaning toward a 858 catalyst with eps and C&A’s. Light, new tech, eps and they apparently got the bugs out of the stroker. With no new Yamaha options in this space. What do you think. BTW have to be a white one …. not green. ;-).

 

[STAIN]

For me, it is hard to get away from the power and reliability of the 4 stroke, especially a 998.
I have a chance to ride 850's every now and then and they seem like slugs after getting off a 998.
If you ride tight trails all day, then I can see the allure of some thing lighter.
It all depends where you ride I guess.....


I will never ride a Polaris.

 

[Turboflash]

So I missed out on buying a last edition SRX which would have been perfect with power steering and adjustable handlebar and shocks. I had just rebuilt the chain case on my 2017 RTX LE and really like that sled plus just a timing thing. Anyone with young teenagers in sports knows time is just a blur. Part of the hesitation also was the question of going to a new chassis technology. True blue Yamaha with 2002 Viper triple, 2011 Apex and the Sidewinder. So what to buy? On paper the answer would be buy a certain type of ski doo. Pick your poison…lots of offerings, great sleds, suspensions etc. But in my mind too clean…too corporate… too boring. Never liked following the crowd either. Then Arctic story hit in 2024 and I thought what a bunch of bs. We would be down to one American company. Polaris sleds are great too buy the way and do push the envelope. But, I could not help but feel for AC. Besides thats what I’ve been riding for ten years with a Yamaha engine. Then when the locals got together again ( with help) to buy the company and bring it back, and they came out with a decent line up in such a short time it stuck with me. There was the old brashness in their line up. Raw sound, bold moves …..risky …..cool. So, I’m leaning toward a 858 catalyst with eps and C&A’s. Light, new tech, eps and they apparently got the bugs out of the stroker. With no new Yamaha options in this space. What do you think. BTW have to be a white one …. not green. ;-).

Did "they" get the bugs out of 858?! IDK.
Why were there so many major engine failures, on stock sleds even?

 

[Bigblue1]

For me, it is hard to get away from the power and reliability of the 4 stroke, especially a 998.
I have a chance to ride 850's every now and then and they seem like slugs after getting off a 998.
If you ride tight trails all day, then I can see the allure of some thing lighter.
It all depends where you ride I guess.....


I will never ride a Polaris.

Oh I will not get rid of my sidewinder period. Best sled I ever owned. Plus fun to get on Apex once in a while. Just thinking try new something newer while supporting a US company. You are right about poodog.

 

[Bigblue1]

Did "they" get the bugs out of 858?! IDK.
Why were there so many major engine failures, on stock sleds even?

All the test reporters seem to think so. Even those in the tank for ski doo IYKWIM. A buddy rides arctic cat and he rides tough. Rides a 900 RR and No issues with his catalyst 858 for two seasons. I guess they had exhaust valve and airbox issues they fixed

 

[number1kyster]

We purchased a Polaris 850 VR1 with Dynamix for my wife last year. There is a lot to love about that sled. It is so easy to ride fast through the woods. Good on fuel, great power, and awesome handling and ride. If wanted to buy oil for two sleds , it would be my choice for a 2 stroker.

I do love the idea of supporting Cat. I am on a Doo 900R right now. I am riding it one more year in hopes that Cat comes out with a 4s Catalyst. If they don’t, I will likely be shopping for a hold over Thundercat or 9000 Riot.

 

[Bigblue1]

We purchased a Polaris 850 VR1 with Dynamix for my wife last year. There is a lot to love about that sled. It is so easy to ride fast through the woods. Good on fuel, great power, and awesome handling and ride. If wanted to buy oil for two sleds , it would be my choice for a 2 stroker.

I do love the idea of supporting Cat. I am on a Doo 900R right now. I am riding it one more year in hopes that Cat comes out with a 4s Catalyst. If they don’t, I will likely be shopping for a hold over Thundercat or 9000 Riot.

No doubt. Dynamix and the ski doo version are great. Ride a buddies XRS also. I guess the best way to describe my not going with them is. It’s like comparing an American sports car to a European one. Sure the sure the EU one is engineered excellent and checks all the boxes except one. The raw emotional connection you get from an US V8 and the feeling of driving something that has you laughing in your helmet because it’s so much fun. My Apex and Sidewinder does that in different ways so I’m hoping I get the same even if it is not as torquey or powerful. If it’s fun, it’s a win for me.