sport fans
Amsnow
Polaris Super Sport
Grins: Solid value and very good performance
Groans: The Cat stole its thunder
The Super Sport has enjoyed best of class performance since the 550 fan engine debuted in '99. Its 60 to 65 horsepower output outran the Formula SL and Phazer's best efforts. This continued up through last year, although the Formula SL changed its skin for MX Z colors. The Super Sport's performance dominating days have come to a quick halt, though, with the release of the Z 570. However, the introduction of a solid competitor is not to take anything away from this sled.
Last season the Super Sport migrated from the Gen II to the EDGE chassis. The move surprised us all, but we were very grateful for the transition. The mill's muscle showed more of its potential in the lighter chassis.
While it's not a lake runner, the Super Sport is a fun trail sled. Its race-bred front and rear suspensions easily handled the nasty terrain we threw its way again this spring. Polaris uses Nitrex gas bag shocks on the Super Sport's EDGE front suspension. The system incorporates the Controlled Roll Center unequal length radius rod geometry to help the sled stay stable in the corners. Steel skis are among the components Polaris put on the sled to keep the price low. They're OK at best, but the sled would really benefit from a nice set of plastic skis with a good keel.
The EDGE rear suspension is outfitted with Indy Select shocks. The Super Sport spins Polaris' .82" lug track. For the engine's power output, that seems to be about the right size for holeshot and cornering traction.
The Super Sport offers consumers all of the ergonomic benefits that Polaris offers with the EDGE chassis. It has the left side control pod, comfortable seat, good handlebar configuration and a windshield that works. The tachometer fell victim to the low MSRP, but is available as an option.
Like the liquid-cooled Polaris sleds, the brake works well not only as a stopping device, but also an early warning system for anything within a quarter mile. It is a noisy bugger and that needs to be addressed.
All-in-all, the Super Sport holds its ground in the Sport Fans class. Our test crew rated it a very close second to the Z 570 SS. But dollar for dollar, this sled is the best value.