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What exactly is a 50/50 crossover sled?
Many variables make the four sleds in this comparison more or less compatible with trail or mountain riding. Track length, lug height, suspension, weight and skis all play a role. Conditions make a big difference too! Out West a “50/50” might be more 70/30 in hard spring snow.
Ultimately you need to look at the area you ride and ask yourself how much trail vs. off-trail riding you actually do. If you are riding off-trail, is it in the deep and steep? If so, a longer track and lug would be better suited. If you have to ride 30 miles of trail before any deeper snow riding, then a more trail oriented sled might be for you.
For this article we gave each sled we tested an “AmSnow Crossover Rating.” The first number is the percentage that we felt it was mountain capable and the second number was its trail capability.
A great car salesman told me once “you don’t want to buy a vehicle for what you do 5% of the time.” Does it ring true for you?
¦ 2019 Backcountry X-RS 146
This was a really fun all around sled, a 70/30 crossover. The 2.0 Powdermax track had plenty of hook-up both off the trail and on the trail. The 850 E-TEC also has the power to put to the track and get you wherever you need to go quickly. Wheelies are great fun! The cMotion works great to give you both on and off trail control, and the big knobs on the KYB Pro shocks make it easy to adjust the suspension and ride to your liking whether you are railing hard through the turns or riding the deep powder.
The RS running boards let snow sift through them and help keep your feet planted. This is built for the aggressive rider and likes to be ridden that way. It is solid and rigid, but also nimble and compliant where you need it to be. Built on the Gen4 platform it is easy to turn and the skis hook up incredibly well, it feels stable with the 40.2-inch ski stance going down the trail. The narrower 38.4-inch off-trail ski stance makes it easy to boondock regardless of conditions. At only 471 pounds, it takes less rider input and is easier to fly through the air. The chassis, rails and suspension worked in harmony making for easy transitions on a drop or hit. This is a great crossover and hot color!