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In our first series of tests (Lake #1) we used a long lake pull. Conditions were 2-3 inches of hard-pack snow, with semi smooth ice underneath and outside temps were in the mid-low 40s (Fahrenheit) or 6-8 degrees Celsius, and no wind, fairly favorable test conditions. The test was simple, we rode multiple passes using the GPS data logging equipment going both directions and took the best result of 6 runs. We then took the data and plotted it side-by-side on a graph showing each sled’s performance. This test was then repeated on a different lake (Lake #2) which had less than 1 inch of hard-pack snow. We compared the results.
Conditions throughout a normal day vary greatly, so we took these tests in isolation. It would be hard to apply it against other models of sleds at other times of the day, places, temperatures. Much of this is due to the huge variance in track grip. That being said, you can directly compare these two sleds’ results as conditions were kept as equal as possible.
At Lake #1 both sleds struggled to launch from the line, the small amount of snow on the surface was spun down to the smooth bare ice underneath on most runs. Overall speeds on Lake #1 were slower. The 60-ft. times were very close and on the fastest runs and the 2008 Ski-Doo MXZx 800R posted 2.02 seconds in 60 feet, while the 2012 Polaris Pro-R 800 posted 2.22 seconds in 60 feet. However, once the sleds started to grip the MXZx 800R pulled away in the midrange. This was the same result in all the tests. Final Elapsed Time varied only slightly.
The Pro-R lagged slightly behind the MXZx until it reached the ¼-mile end. This was a curious result as we thought that the Pro-R (from some articles we have read) would have beaten the 800R out of the hole. BUT we are sure the 1.5-inch studded track on the 800R played a big role in beating the Pro-R. The MXZx was stock from the factory with a 1-inch track which does have an effect on terminal speed versus the 1.5-incher. The 2008 MXZx 800R posted a final ¼-mile time of 13.163 seconds at a speed of 90 mph, and the 2012 Pro-R 800cc posted a final time of 13.203 seconds at a speed of 93 mph. If this was a heads up race it would have been great, only decided near the finish line, and certainly at the start with reaction time. We took the reaction time factor out by using a data logger.
The 800R, at all speeds up to a ¼-mile distance, has an advantage. Swapping to a 1.5-inch may be in order for many after seeing this ‘Average Joe’ test. The speed loss at top end is minimal and getting there is the real fun anyway!
Out of curiosity we let the GPS data logger run past the ¼-mile distance up to 3,000 feet so we could get a true top number. Just past the ¼-mile distance the Pro-R takes the lead! The 800R starts to level out about 100 mph and the Pro-R reaches a top speed of 101.9 MPH. Here we see differences between the 1.5-inch studded track and the 1.25-inch track. So, unless you are racing past a ¼-mile distance, smaller lug tracks could be at a disadvantage versus a larger lug 1.5-inch track. I would wager differences would be even greater in deeper snow where a larger lug would have more effect.