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Group therapyWe couldn't be happier that Arctic Cat, Polaris and Ski-Doo have decided to offer a more free-ride, race-orientated version of their mountain snowmobiles. Each of the three machines in this focus group are slightly different and come with varying degrees of modification over their standard deep snow model brethren.
The Assault is not really presented as a race sled, but it's still the choice of the majority of the Polaris riders in the stock 800 hillclimb class. It is marketed and styled more as a backcountry free-ride machine and its performance and specs back up this image.
On the other hand, the Summit XR-S is being presented as a true race machine, from its race-orientated graphics to its suspension and data-logger gauge, the XR-S screams racing.
Meanwhile, the Arctic Cat is a more subtly styled machine and differs the least of these three from the standard deep snow M8. That being said, it still offers the wide front end, upgraded suspension and stiffer track.
These snowmobiles are versatile mountain machines that perform better in a range of conditions than their solely-focused deep-snow orientated brothers. The suspension and extra front-end width is really nice on the trails on each and when you get off the trail you don't sacrifice much in deep-snow performance.
The only exception to this would be the track on the Assault, its stiff profile is not ideal for deep snow performance. But for riders looking for a better deep snow track, Polaris is offering accessory tracks including the Series 5.1 for deep snow and then the Cobra that is more trail focused.
The suspension on all these machines is set up aggressively with the Assault being the most aggressive, and the stiffness may be an issue for some riders. However, riders who push their sleds to the limit will welcome this stiffness and extra bottoming resistance.
It's hard to tell how big the market is for these machines especially considering that each manufacturer already offers a premium mountain model, (Polaris Dragon, Arctic Cat M-series Sno-Pro and Ski-Doo Summit X).
What this really comes down to is if a buyer wants the shorter/stiffer track and the wider front end. Such a buyer will welcome the better suspension and other small features and will be able to buy a stock machine that fits their riding style.
If you're the kind of rider that frequents your local snowmobile dealer for replacement suspension parts and rails throughout the winter because you've taken some big-hit landings on your sled, then you'll love these machines. Pick the chassis and brand you are most comfortable on and you're set.