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Summit 800 H.O. HMXSki-Doo surprised us with this year's HMX offering. The 2006 800 Summit H.O. PowerTek motor in the HMX package is definitely our favorite for '06.
It didn't take long for the team to recognize the Summit's near 25-pound weight loss. This may not sound like much, but in terms of power-to-weight ratio, it translates to oodles.
Our favorite chassis was the 151. With its 16-inch wide Powder Max track and deep 2.25-inch lugs, we like how light and nimble the sled feels in our hands. This is a great package in many different conditions, including deep powder, mountain trail, spring conditions AND steep climbing.
The refined Rotax 800 motor has afterburners - it hauls, pulls and continues reaching for more. Mountains are not tall enough for this sled. The compression ratio, increased from 12 to 13.5 psi, elevates the motor's horsepower by 7%. And to protect the engine this Ski-Doo features a knock sensor to feed information to the motor's DPM to control timing. Exhaust ports also are larger than before.
We also love the HMX's ergonomics - the riser-block handlebars, running boards, toeholds and seat allow the driver and sled to move as one. The only thing it doesn't offer is a stiffer handlebar center strap. We also dislike the RER button. Its position is a bit awkward, and sometimes when grabbing the bars, the thumb or palm can easily hit the switch. As with the 1000 Summit, we really like the seat material - sticky stuff.
Summit also has a great rear tunnel extension and hooks-galore for binding down a gear pack and a fuel can for those long treks in the backcountry.
On the trails and through slaphappy moguls, the HPG aluminum gas shocks held the nose and rear skid true. The REV chassis works effortlessly too as the introvert and extrovert drivers spin the track.
This Summit also includes some of the MXZ and MXZ X racing components that are mountain-friendly. Thus, it features such amenities as a lightweight seat, racing brake and lever and HPV roller driven clutch.
New for the whole Summit series is Ski-Doo's new Pilot 6.9 dual-runner ski. We like the deep center keel that allows the ski to hold a line and track in deep snow and its shorter outside keel that helps the ski bite snow when powering into a corner.
If you're thinking that the REV Summit, in its third full year, is outdated - don't. It's sweet