Trim Packages
Although the Matryx VR1 trim is a spring-only snow check model, Polaris decided to offer its Launch Edition trim for in-season purchase. The major differences between the two are in the high-end technology features in the gauge and suspension packages. Both will come with three track options (1.25-inch Ice Ripper, 1.35-inch Cobra and 1.5-inch Storm) and either the 650 Liberty or 850 Liberty engine.
The VR1 trim comes with Polaris’ latest “intelligent technology” 7s Display with Ride Command gauge. This is the most intelligent technology on snow and features a full-color touch screen GPS-enabled display. This allows you to track your group, create travel plans and collect data on the ride. It comes with a left-hand control on the handlebars for changing views and functions. It allows you to customize your view for your gauges. It also features USB and Bluetooth Connectivity to control media and pair your devices, and comes with the WER Velocity front shocks.
The Launch Edition trim will come with the Polaris MessageCenter Gauge and the WER Force front shocks. However, it will be built in limited numbers so it might be hard to find if you wait too long.
The Switchback Assault will only come in the VR1 trim (spring only) with the two engine options and four track options (1.35 Cobra clipped, 1.6 Cobra, 1.5 Ice Storm and 2.0 Crossover).
Unique Features
The Matryx offers some industry-first features that will certainly cause the other manufacturers to take note. For example, Polaris has designed “Smart Warmers,” which are handlebar warmers that are programmable (you decide how hot the High setting gets and how “not hot” the Low setting gets). There’s also a Medium setting that you can program. The heat will quickly acquire the exact setting temperature and maintain that temperature, which means the temperature won’t fluctuate with the engine rpm.
The Matryx also introduces Cool NightBlade LED headlight. NightBlade features six projector beam optics to direct light exactly where you need it for exceptional nighttime visibility.
Also, the Matryx is designed to accommodate Polaris’ Lock & Ride accessory options.
How’s The Ride?
For a mountain rider, spending time on a trail sled represents some unique challenges. For example, in terrain you tend to have options on the lines you pick. On the trails, especially where trails offer restrictions, you basically have an 8-foot strip of compacted snow and logic dictates that you “stay in your lane.”
Both the 650 and 850 have incredible bottom-end performance. Most western trails don’t require top-end speeds, so we found the 650 offered more than enough performance.
The engine package of the 650 Liberty was based on the 850 Liberty. Basically, both have the same bottom end. The difference in displacement comes on the top end where the bore is not nearly as big. But compared to the 600 engine, the 650 represents a power increase of about 10 percent. The 650 is also designed to have better fuel economy.
We found that for a trail sled, it’s hard to beat what the Matryx has to offer. And if you spend time on the Switchback Matryx, you find that you still have superb trail-taming characteristics and you can still wander off trail in western terrain and for the most part go where you want to go.