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Contrary to what you might hear from some media types, we think Ski-Doo was right-on in offering the Freeride 137 this year. We have mentioned in other crossover and hybrid comparisons this season that the line between what is considered a crossover sled and what is considered a mountain sled is becoming more blurry each model year. With that said, we still believe the Freeride is really a mountain sled, not a trail sled.
Here are some reasons why, as well as some additional test ride observations.
It’s a Summit
There’s a reason why Freeride is in the Summit line. Even the guys at Ski-Doo still consider this a mountain sled. It is the shortest of the Ski-Doo Freeride models, its brethren having 146- and 154-inch long tracks.
So who is responsible for blurring the line with the Freeride being possibly considered a crossover model when it is clearly a mountain model? Well, guys like me!
Many of us spend considerable time riding in places like Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula, northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, even northern Ontario, New York, and Maine - places that are not necessarily considered “mountainous.” However, these places get a lot of snow AND have plenty of opportunity for off-trail riding. Many of us off-trail guys, even with our receding hairlines, still like to think we are the hip young bucks we see in videos. We like to boondock through the forests (where allowed, of course) and revel in the powder-filled abandoned logging roads that fill so many of our favorite secret spots.
Here is where I feel the Freeride 137 is at home. It is NOTICEABLY less effort than its closest brother (the Renegade Backcountry X) when you stick a ski into the powder to attempt a sidehill, and the Freeride is more predictable to hold that powder carve angle. The Freeride comes with either a 1.75-inch lug on its PowderMax track or a bigger 2.25-inch lug. For my riding, the 1.75-inch lug is perfect, but if you are using this sled in the Rocky Mountain States or Provinces you’ll certainly want the 2.25-inch lug.
Which brings me to my next point, if you are a western rider who fancies him or herself a backcountry free-rider extraordinaire, with a desire to really test your skills then this Freeride is a great option. With its shorter track it challenges you to hone your technical skills in the powder, but rewards you with quick maneuverability and a super-light feel. Mountain riders from Alaska to Colorado will also enjoy the flickability of this sled, and its light weight.