Steve Janes (SnoWest Senior Editor)
Within hours of Ski-Doo releasing its new 2020 Summit X 850 with the Expert Package, a friend called and asked if I thought this was going to be a significant improvement over the 2019 models. “Do you think it will actually be a noticeable improvement on the snow … or is it merely cosmetic?”
What he didn’t know at the time was that I had already spent some significant time on the 2020 Summit X with the Expert Package in deep snow conditions and wasn’t trying to base my opinion on media hype, but rather from actual riding conditions.
From what I found, there are 10 significant improvements in design on the Expert Package that will be noticeable on snow. They are: significantly smaller snow flap, shorter tunnel, better running boards, improved front suspension, improved rear suspension, lower and lighter seat, lower handlebar risers, smaller diameter handlebars, adjustable limiter strap and improved ski boot.
Although I could go into detail on each of these improvements (something that will happen in future SnoWest issues), there are a couple that jump out when you ride this sled.
First, the tunnel/snow flap combination allows the Summit X with the Expert Package to cruise through much deeper snow easier. There is less drag, and less snow being recycled back through the tunnel which tends to rob you of horsepower.
This improvement also allows your reverse to work much better on the Expert Package. You no longer back over your snow flap. We actually found that you could back up in almost any conditions … at least enough to change direction or create a better base under your track if you need to jump out of a hole.
Everything about the Expert just seems to work. It’s quicker, better in the bumps and easier to control/predict in the snow.
Although some will feel the handlebars are a tad low (you can always increase the height of your risers), you will notice that the smaller diameter handlebars will feel much more comfortable and will reduce arm fatigue.
The Expert is a better sled … and one that makes you a better rider. So when my friend asked if I thought it would actually be a noticeable improvement on the snow … or just merely cosmetic, I just smiled.
The Expert Package delivers everything I want in a mountain snowmobile, and then some.