Well if you want a 144" you're looking at the pro ride. It's pretty much the same as the iq in a 144". You'd have to go 136" or less to get the "rush" suspension. I'd prefer to have the rush suspension in a 136" to help bridge moguls better. I don't need more than 136" even in 4 feet deep of snow. I can take my 121" through that with a cobra track; I just have to move quicker. You must ask yourself; does anyone really need more than 136" in the UP or wi? Anything over that is total overkill unless you want a skinnier ski stance.
As the earlier poster mentioned- the 'pro-ride' (funny looking, new/rush style rear suspension) is only offered in the 121 or 136 (switchback). And 2012 is the first year it was offered in the 136. If you want 144- it is the standard/IQ suspension.
My husband just bought a 2012 800 pro-R (121 length track) and it's AWESOME! The rear suspension was 'good'- but it was set up for him, not me- so I didn't really get to experience it's full capabilities. But it's hand-adjustable- no tools. They give you a little chart/gauge you can keep in your pocket and you turn the shock to adjust to your weight. Then, there is a walker evans shock where you can fine tune further to a harder or softer ride (depdending on your current conditions). You don't even have to get off of the sled to do this, just stop, reach back, turn it a few clicks, and you're off again. Pretty impressive. But what really impressed me- was the steering/handling. It was so easy and effortless. No ski lift- just turn and go. I have a 2009 800 dragon (IQ chassis) that I never really thought was hard to steer, but the ski lift did kind of bug me. But we stopped and switched in the trail and I rode that new sled for a solid 10 miles and was AMAZED. My husband said- funnest (is that a word?) snowmobile he's ever owned. Makes him love the sport all over again.
How does the 121 Rush compare to the 136 Switchback Rush in the trails? I'm considering the same on whether a 136 is better, but like a sled that handles well in the turns.
Polarice- yep, the rear suspension is different starting in 2010. 2010 was the debut of the 'rush' and the funny looking rear suspension. Only offered in the 600 motor. Then they offered it in 2011 in the 600 & 800. In 2012, they introduced it in the 136/switchback model. So just pointing that out- if they want longer than 121 track, you're looking at a 2012 or newer to get that new suspension.
And yes- my sled has total inside ski lift. The people that ride behind me laugh- if we're riding twistys, I spend more time on one ski than 2. Which is fine, I'm used to it. But my husband's new Pro-R didn't do that at all. And aside from the ski lift difference- it felt very 'light' to steer. Meaning, it was effortless. No sore arms/back after a 200+ mile day on that thing! I'm sure I could make some adjustments on mine to reduce it. I'm just one of those people who doesn't mess with things. It could probably be better, but I feel like I know exactly how it rides, so don't want to go changing things. Logical right? =)
Well if you want a 144" you're looking at the pro ride. It's pretty much the same as the iq in a 144". You'd have to go 136" or less to get the "rush" suspension. I'd prefer to have the rush suspension in a 136" to help bridge moguls better. I don't need more than 136" even in 4 feet deep of snow. I can take my 121" through that with a cobra track; I just have to move quicker. You must ask yourself; does anyone really need more than 136" in the UP or wi? Anything over that is total overkill unless you want a skinnier ski stance.
Its funny to me when people say you dont need anything more than a 136 in the UP. They never seem to be around to help dig me out when im stuck ! I had a 800 146 summit with a 2 1/4 track burried up to the handle bars stuck in a gully last weekend. The people that were with me on 136's had to hike in about 250 yards on foot to help me get out. Had to dig it out by hand because they would get stuck before they could even get close to me let alone get within snobungi range!
It depends on where you want to try to go when in the UP. If your gonna stick to trails and logging roads . then YES a 136 is all you will need. Most if not all longer than 136 sleds have tipped up rails and the trail ride fine. I would ride any mtn sled on the UP trails all day with no problem. But you have to be honest with yourself as to what kind of riding you really do. Most consider themselves boondockers but really just ride powerlines and logging roads. Rush suspension is nice but longer bridges the moguls better imo
Go with 144 no matter what riding you do if its mainly UP. IMHO. Gives you way more options if you decide one day you wanna see if you could go down into that gully and make it back out!