2010-2013 Ski Doo Renegade 800 or Polaris Switchback 800

[fastmax05]

I am looking to move up to a late model crossover sled and I am looking for honest opinions on ride, reliability and any other information that may help me in my decision - I am someone who has had the same machine for about 8 years and recently sold it - I know the obvious anything newer is going to be a serious improvement on my old sled in handling, ride quality as well as mileage etc - I am 40 years old and still like to let it rip so power is a consideration as well as a sled that can handle on trail, rough trail and hitting the powder when it calls for it - I am really impressed by the crossover segment but am not a brand specific buyer at this point - Please any and all comments, suggestions are welcome I really want to hear what others have to say.
Thanks all!

 

[schnook]

I think you would enjoy the switchback, the longer track makes rougher trails seem smoother and it is quite capable of going off trail. i have a 600 cc 136" track and really enjoy the ride it offers.

schnook

 

[laugy]

I purchased a 2013 SB Pro R 800 for this year... Absolutely love the sled. Getting about 12 MPG. NO problmes at all with 800 miles on it so far. It is great on the trail and thru the rough stuff. Have not had a chance to get off trail much yet. The ride is great, brakes awesome and engine just pulls. We were up this past weekend and one buddy had a '12 F8 and i was really pleased on how well it ran with that sled which is 15-18 more hp. Basically whoever got the launch off the line would stay that way thru out the run. Sometimes it was me ahead and other times it was him. This is a sled that needs to be driven and not ridin in order to keep good ski pressure and weight transfer all working the way it should. The only complaint is is a little cool on the legs. Thining about getting the side wind deflectors.

 

[zimmer1310]

I am in the second year of owning a 12 GSX 800etec 137'(pimped out Gade) and love it. Have 800 miles on it so far and heading somewhere the next two weekends to put some serious miles on. The engine is unbelievable both winter and summer(fogs itself), sips gas and oil and a great machine. Hoping to ride a SB this weekend. All the new iron is great so good luck.

 

[snowchief]

I ride a 2013 800 pro r switchback got 1100 miles on it I would say on the trail i have never myself rode anything that could compare to this machine great handling and the smoothest ride hands down got a chance to ride a little powder this past weekend up on the lakes and it seems to do just fine way better than my 2010 dragon switchback im sure all the new sleds are nice but i picked this over an assault switchback and i have yet to regret the decision I also am getting over 12mpg not that i worry about mpg when i ride but couldnt believe it i usually get under 10 with 2010 sled. Good luck im sure whatever you get you will be happy

 

[misty_pines]

I have a 2011 Renegade Backcountry 137"x16"wide track with 1.75" lugs. It has the 800 etec engine. I have loved the sled both on and off trail. The regular Renegades come with a 1.25" lug track. Also, keep in mind that in 2010 the Renegade 800s came with the Powertek engine with altitude/temp adjusting carbs. In 2011, they starting putting the 800 etec with direct injection in the Renegades as an option. My etec really sips the gas compared to the other sleds I ride with. I have loved the etec so far after 2-1/2 seasons of riding. I have heard good things about the Switchback also but will defer to others for their first hand opinions. Even though the Polaris 800 has slightly less hp than the 800 etec, I have read that they hold their own regarding power to the track although the fuel mileage in most conditions will be lower. Good luck with your choice; both great sleds.

 

[ezra]

if looking at the poo dont do a 10 it is hit or miss 11 and up only.
look at the out of the box dyno numbers feb American snowmobile mag.bit shocking but may make your decision a bit more ez to make.
yeah yeah I know they all get more hp once broken in usually about 4or5 hp max