It’s an all-new model for 2019—a new 600cc engine in the Rev Gen4 chassis. Only one other sled on my list is priced lower, making it a natural economical choice. It will go practically anywhere any other stock sled will go (and anywhere I want to go). Although you can get it with a three-inch track, I think the 2.5-inch FlexEdge track is more practical in most conditions. It has SHOT start, and it handles better than anything on the market. Retail: $12,099.
2—Ski-Doo Summit X 850 E-Tec 165
If I knew we were going to have a year with deep fresh powder, then I would opt to spend three grand more for a sled better suited for breaking trail. Not only does the 850 have sufficiently more power, but its powerband is much more friendly than other performance sleds. I would opt for the three-inch track because if I’m riding in powder, I want traction. Yet the track isn’t all that obnoxious on a trail. And of course I would have to have SHOT start. Retail: $15,149.