Getting back into sport, what sled should I buy?

[beancounter1]

I took a 3 year break from sledding and now I am thinking about getting back into the sport. I had a 2008 Ski Doo MX-Z Adrenaline 600 SDI. I am leaning towards an 800 etec renegade, or a new cat Crossover. I have a 3.5 year old son who will be riding with me some of the time. I am simply looking for pros/cons on each sled I am considering, or I could be persuaded to try something else. I am a fairly aggressive trail rider, but also like to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. As for budget, that is really not an issue. Thanks!!!

 

[skidoowi]

I rode 2004 and 2007 Ski Doo 600 SDI's then changed to the 1200's in 2009 and another in 2011. Don't think I will go back to two stroke again. I have a 2009 Ski Doo GTX SE 1200 two up. Son who is 8 rides in front of me (and has last three years) and daughter now 13 rides in back of me. The quiet motor is great for the kids and the easy engagement of the 1200 at 2,500 rpm makes for an enjoyable ride for them.

I also have a 2011 Ski Doo Renegade X 1200 and my son has ridden in front of me but mainly my sled. Great for aggressive trail riding and enjoying the scenery. Its not as heavy as most would think a four stroke is. The low end torque is addicting and I enjoy riding all day more than I did with the 600 SDI's. Also, get the long track (137") verses short track.

Just my 2 cents. Give one a ride (as well as others) and see what you like best.

 

[momoney2123]

Everyone is really raving about the new 900 ACE 4-stroke in the XS chassis. Only thing I dont like about it is its only 90hp, but it is a really nice quiet ride. Havent heard one person who doesnt like the 1200 4-stroke. But personally IMO you cant beat the new MXZX 800 E-tec or Renegade X with R-motion for ride comfort, and power. Then you have the good fuel milage and low oil usage of the e-tec. Rode a 2014 MXZX 800-tec for about 75 miles and it is by far the best trail sled I have ever ridden. I personally ride a 2011 MXZX 800 etec and thought that was good over bumps but the R-motion is superior. Dont think anyone would disagree the R-motion is the best ride on the market right now.

 

[beancounter1]

Great, Thanks for the responses. I will try and ride a few of the ski-doo etecs, as well as the 4-stroke this weekend. I ride with guys who all have Apex's so I would like something with a little snort.

 

[ezra]

I would say with a kid growing up what ever sled u buy make sure there is a high quality 2up seat conversion for it .
not some crap pad that snaps on but a real seat with handles and a back rest.
have seen all my buds go through it .
I have to say my 1 bud just got a new etec 600 2 up grand touring. I road it a bit back seat was popped off at the time she was plush and had plenty of pep sweet sled .
more or less a renegade with a extra seat and a short lug track.
I have seen a few guys try the seat pads and what not still not the same as having the arm handles and back rest to lock the kid back there so u can ride worry free.
remember if jr is with u ridding it dose not count as playing it is father son bonding time and she cant say a word about it.

 

[beancounter1]

I had the actual 1+1 seat on my SDI for those times my wife wanted to ride along. I can't wait to introduce him to it, as he is getting very excited when we went to the dealer tonight.

 

[dfattack]

Great, Thanks for the responses. I will try and ride a few of the ski-doo etecs, as well as the 4-stroke this weekend. I ride with guys who all have Apex's so I would like something with a little snort.

I personally recommend the Apex XTX. That will be enough snort for you. If you are sold on Doo's then you have been told good advice so far.

 

[whitedust]

I personally recommend the Apex XTX. That will be enough snort for you. If you are sold on Doo's then you have been told good advice so far.

2nd that once you ride Apex XTX or Vector LTX with power steering you will be HOOKED! Visit Pat's test ride Viper, Vector & Apex XTX back to back & then try to walk away from eps ....just can't do it really is that good & Yam has engine 4s braking reduction = to 2s! Yam has come along way with handling & ride improvement & their 4s engines are the BEST!!

 

[Scandia]

My vote would be the new El Tigre from Cat in the 600 class. Incredible takeoff and aggressive trail riding ability. Or the XF8000, also a great trail sled if you want an incredible powerplant with 164hp. The new Cat chassis is amazing.

 

[beancounter1]

Great feedback, my only concern with the Yammi's is the heavy feel to them. The apex I rode was a 2007, and it felt like a tank. It flew, no doubt about it, but the weight difference between the apex and the doo chassis is considerable. I guess I will have to start testing and make a decision. I will have to look at the thread about the 2015's as well.

 

[gogebictodd]

I rode 2004 and 2007 Ski Doo 600 SDI's then changed to the 1200's in 2009 and another in 2011. Don't think I will go back to two stroke again. I have a 2009 Ski Doo GTX SE 1200 two up. Son who is 8 rides in front of me (and has last three years) and daughter now 13 rides in back of me. The quiet motor is great for the kids and the easy engagement of the 1200 at 2,500 rpm makes for an enjoyable ride for them.

I also have a 2011 Ski Doo Renegade X 1200 and my son has ridden in front of me but mainly my sled. Great for aggressive trail riding and enjoying the scenery. Its not as heavy as most would think a four stroke is. The low end torque is addicting and I enjoy riding all day more than I did with the 600 SDI's. Also, get the long track (137") verses short track.

Just my 2 cents. Give one a ride (as well as others) and see what you like best.

For Trail Riding 4 stroke for sure, just my 2 cents

 

[goofy600]

One thing I will add, get the harness that straps you and the child together weather in front or behind you when they start falling asleep it holds them from falling over or off. I had the renagade with the 1+1 seat and the harness worked great. Then when my boy hit the 10 to 11 age and he wanted to drive the 1+1 it pretty comfortable.

 

[indy_500]

I wouldn't let a 3.5 year old ever ride behind me, truly depends on size but I never rode on the back until I was 6 or 7. I wouldn't worry about the 1+1 seat too much, most people upgrade sleds every 3-4 years, probably would have a different sled by the time You'd feel comfortable letting him ride on back but that's just me.

 

[ezra]

I wouldn't let a 3.5 year old ever ride behind me, truly depends on size but I never rode on the back until I was 6 or 7. I wouldn't worry about the 1+1 seat too much, most people upgrade sleds every 3-4 years, probably would have a different sled by the time You'd feel comfortable letting him ride on back but that's just me.

nanny state for u.when I was 6 I had a 292 lynx that I was trail riding by my self with grandma leading and gramps taking up the tail we road every weekend they were running.first new brand new sled at 11 yammi enticer 300 was ridding alone in the woods privet property on the cat at 7 but then in those days no real trails deff no grooming and only place u would see other sleds was at the bar

 

[indy_500]

I started riding an indy 400 around when I was 6 but most 6 year olds are too small on the back seat they don't weigh enough and can get thrown around and bucked off

 

[goofy600]

I started riding an indy 400 around when I was 6 but most 6 year olds are too small on the back seat they don't weigh enough and can get thrown around and bucked off

That is why I used the harness it straps between the legs around the waste and over the shoulders it holds them to you so they can't fall off. When they are little the harness works if they are in front of you also, great cheap investment.

 

[whitedust]

Great feedback, my only concern with the Yammi's is the heavy feel to them. The apex I rode was a 2007, and it felt like a tank. It flew, no doubt about it, but the weight difference between the apex and the doo chassis is considerable. I guess I will have to start testing and make a decision. I will have to look at the thread about the 2015's as well.

Are you bench pressing the sleds or riding them?lol Sure eps models are probably heavier but sure don't ride that way. EPS steers with less effort than models without eps. EPS really does mak a diffence with 4s sleds.

 

[ezra]

Are you bench pressing the sleds or riding them?lol Sure eps models are probably heavier but sure don't ride that way. EPS steers with less effort than models without eps. EPS really does mak a diffence with 4s sleds.

do u think a gut looking in to a x fire or renegade as his first 2 options is planning on just riding groomed super highways ?

 

[xcsp]

beancounter1, maybe the MY15 Ski Doo 1200 replacement, rumored to be a 1330 ACE, would be worth waiting for?

Doo makes it easy to go from one-up to 2-up seating.

 

[beancounter1]

Yep, I have been instructed from the wife to wait for 2015's to make sure I get exactly what I want with the newest and latest technology. Limits the ability to ride them prior to purchase, but that is the chance I take. I do go out west, so it is not 100% groomed trails. Thanks for the input, but I am leaning towards the ski-doo or a cat.