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"A 600 is all you need."
We can't count how many times we've said this to folks asking for sled advice. It doesn't matter if you're an expert rider, just getting into the sport, a guy, a gal, short, tall, a size small or an XXXL, ANYONE can have fun on a 600cc snowmobile. This year, that line is even truer as there's a gaggle of 600s on the market to fit any rider.
For this down and dirty comparison we chose to focus on the high-end, big-bump taking, performance-oriented, hard-core riding, 600 crowd.
If you're like me, this is your style. We picked our favorite three 600 short-tracks for 2009 to compare: the Arctic Cat F6 Sno Pro, the Polaris IQ Dragon 600 and the Ski-Doo MXZ X 600 E-TEC. All have stellar qualities.
F6 Sno ProThe F6 does not come in a standard model, simply the upgraded Sno Pro with all the goodies. We enjoy the IRP (Infinite Rider Positioning) system with adjustable everything and believe the slide-action rear suspension system is possibly the best total suspension in the industry for taking big bumps.
We've discussed much of the changes made to this platform already this year, but the front-end (specifically spindle) refinements make this sled much more precise in the corners. Cornering was a detraction from the performance of last year's model and it has been improved by a large measure for 2009. Also, running board angle was decreased by 2.5 degrees (board clearance was increased too) which made rider positioning even more comfy.
There's a new "cut-out" rail design above the highfax for 2009, a weight saver, plus the FOX IFP shock in back works well. We also like the performance of the FOX Float shocks up front. These have been standard Sno Pro material for several years and our only suggestion is that you buy the Airshox Guards for them as we've seen them get dinged, lose their seal and then pressure.
Cat F6 trialsLike any sled, the F6 Sno Pro has just a few drawbacks. The high-tech batteryless EFI laydown 600 engine nicely adjusts for altitude and temperature and is very clean burning, but it's not exceptionally strong. While clutching seems better for 2009, top end is still not optimal when compared to the other 600s. The APV exhaust valves and pipe sensor help to ensure smooth running, but raw power seems lower than the current 600 bar.
Also, even though the F6 has a big 12.6-gallon tank, this sled uses more gas and oil than some other 120-horse sleds. We were happy to see that Cat came with a new electronic engine reverse this year, but the lighter-weight system did not make it onto the F6. Maybe next year! The F6 still is a heavy machine and this probably contributes to its poor mileage numbers too. We managed just 9.2 mpg in Real World testing of the F6 LXR last season.
Finally, running board snow-removal could be better. It's one of the few machines that we had problems with snow and ice buildup below our boots. Also, we would opt for a medium or tall windshield.
Polaris' fiery DragonUnder the hood, this sled has the most potent 600cc 2-stroke liquid on the market. That's right, the 125-horse, Cleanfire Injected twin absolutely rips. Harness that power with a 1.25-in. Camoplast RipSaw track, and you've got a 600 that will run with just about anything on the snow. You'll also get digital computer corrected temp and detonation sensors and more. No longer do you have to worry when you get bad gas… in your sled.
What else does the IQ Dragon 600 have going for it?
How about the best shock package in the industry! I probably sound like a scratched CD because I keep repeating this, but the Walker Evans remote reservoir compression adjustable shocks in the IFS, combined with Walker Evans center shock in the rear suspension and a Walker Evans needle shock with compression adjustability in the back, give the IQ the ability to tackle ridiculous moguls and terrain. The rear skid loves it rough and can handle big bumps at full throttle. At only 466 lbs., the IQ Dragon is on the lighter side of the 600 platter.
Additionally, a comfortable standing position and the trail-taming capability of the IQ rear suspension make this a sled for mogul masher's. You'll also get the best brake system of any 600 sled with the Dragon's Phantom hydraulic with light wave-type brake rotor.
I also like the sculpted gas tank and the Freestyle seat, but after a lot of miles the seat can get a little hard. The 5.25-in. tall riser makes standing easy and almost more comfortable than sitting. The sleek new front bumper and narrower plastic plate below it also make the Dragon more visually pleasing. The RAW look, unique handguards and graphics package all get thumbs up from us as well.
Position of the PERC reverse button on the handlebars of the Polaris sleds is perfect and the Dragon quickly and easily shifts into reverse.
Dragon's downfallsUnfortunately, the handling of this sled, is not on par with others in this class. After solid improvements the last 2 years in front end handling and cornering, the 2009 Dragon did not improve. It's entirely possible that the other OEMs have just improved more than Polaris this year and that's why it falls to the back of the pack in the corners. There's unpredictability in ski-bite, and chassis roll here. It's not as bad as the old Fusion, but it's hard to hold the inside line without wrestling the handlebars.
Two other problems are the lack of windshield and storage. Both can be thought of as a rider preference though because some riders prefer the look of a razor thin windshield and don't like clunky storage bags or trunks. One other thing, removing and re-installing the side panels when trying to get at clutching or other vitals is not easy, especially with gloves on in -15 degree weather.
Finally, gas mileage with this liquid twin is not exciting. Best case scenario, you might get 13-14 mpg, but most riders will get 10-12.
A new 600 Doo!The snowmachining crowd now has a new 6 to chase and it comes in the form of the MXZ X 600 E-TEC from Ski-Doo. Before we get too high on this sled, it's important to realize that this is a first year powerplant and our field reports can't predict 100% on how it will hold up to consumer abuse. Here's what we like so far.
If Ski-Doo's claims of 20+ mpg are even close to correct, then this direct-injected sled should have a 200-mile range. That's awesome for a 2-stroke! In pre-production testing we've seen gas mileage throughout the teens depending on the driver. The E-TEC is certainly more sensitive than most to heavy throttle usage in its relation to mileage. In our experience, you won't do any better on fuel or oil consumption than the SDI, or even the carbed 500SS motor, if you constantly mash the throttle.
Ski-Doo also says it will use half the oil the old SDI engine did, and initial claims were nearly 300 miles per quart. Oil changes most likely won't be needed until a minimum 800 miles, but there will be some leeway here and you can probably safely go more than that between changes. Ski-Doo's tech staff tells us that just as much engineering effort was spent developing the SDI after the old carbed 600 as there was moving to the E-TEC 600 from the SDI 600.
We certainly noticed that the fuel-cooled, batteryless E-TEC hums more quietly than many 4-strokes, turns over easily even in extreme cold and has no visible or choking exhaust fumes. The sparkplugs that sit adjacent to the high-tech injectors will actually be warrantied for 3 years or 6,200 miles.
This sled also has a mode on the gauge pod for auto-summerization. The first sled of its kind with this feature. No more engine-fogging in springtime!
But best of all, even with all its new gadgetry and technology, the MXZ X 600 E-TEC still handles incredibly well and is the lightest 600 in its class. In our opinion, there's not a better handling 600 in the corners or through tight trails than this machine. This thing rails! It's just smoother and more predictable than the competition.
Doo notsThere are only a few areas where the new E-TEC doesn't stand up to the other 600s.
First, throttle response is not as snappy as with Dragon the older Ski-Doo SDI, or even the 500SS. This may be clutching though, as we think the spring may be a little soft on the E-TEC. Wind-out is good, but when you let off the throttle and then try to get back into it, there isn't that 2-stroke crack of power that you're used to in a well-tuned Ski-Doo 600.
It's also important that you put premium gas in these sleds. The E-TEC will run on less than 93 octane, but not well. Just a few gallons of old gas from a tiny station in the boondocks dropped performance in our pre-production sled considerably.
As with all the X-sleds, we would get rid of the tiny windshield for at least a medium height one and put the accessory wind deflectors on the sides as well.
Best 600The best short-track 600 2-stroke this year is the Ski-Doo MXZ X 600 E-TEC. All around it's the best handling, most economical, advanced and fun to ride 600 out there. Our hats are off to Arctic Cat though for creating the most comfortable, and adjustable 6 with the F6 Sno Pro. Polaris also gets a nod for the best rough trail shock set-up on any 600 on its Dragon.
Hmmm, can we combine all three?
ODDS & ENDSPolaris IQ Dragon 600The "clunk" you sometimes hear with Polaris' PERC reverse is caused by the backlash in the driven clutch helix. This clunk can occur when accelerating hard right after braking or when shifting into reverse with a parked sled. The greater the amount of backlash in the helix for the reverse notch, the more clunk. The new P2 secondary has reduced that backlash by 35%. The clunk is still there, but it's not quite so harsh.
Ski-Doo E-TECBecause the ECM (Electronic Control Module) on the E-TEC sleds is processing and working so hard, it gets plenty warm and is cooled by fuel and a radiator inside it. With sensors to read barometric pressure, air temperature, RAVE position, knock, crank position and more, this is one sophisticated 2-stroke.