Refined
Just the turbo alone makes the Summit X the headliner in the class of 2021. But Ski-Doo didn’t stop there. The Summit X has a list of new features and refinements which makes it handle and perform better on the snow.
First, the new engine necessitated a new hood. So Ski-Doo took the time to figure out a way to lose a little weight (just over six pounds) by creating a one-piece polypropylene hood designed to optimize ventilation for heat dispersion. And naturally, noise reduction was also included in the package (not a big deal for use but certainly a big deal for the environment-friendly community).
Weight and balance goes hand-in-hand for how a snowmobile performs in deep snow. Although Ski-Doo engineers try to make the Summit X as light as possible, they also recognize that if you can evenly distribute that weight, the snowmobile will float better in the snow.
So by lowering and centering the center of gravity (lower seat height, shorter riser, rider position forward) the Summit will provide better balance and an easier ride. Subtle improvements such as a smaller diameter handlebar just make the riding experience better.
It’s also important to note that the Turbo was not an afterthought during the design process of the 850 E-Tec engine. It was included in the original design concept and was also part of the engine’s evolution process (in manufacturing you always design with a multi-year plan so you can continue to evolve your product and create continued excitement and sales throughout its projected lifespan).
Ski-Doo also designed its new pDrive primary clutch, to improve response by 30 percent to take advantage of the instant acceleration.
Another innovation which will improve both clutch performance and belt life is Ski-Doo’s Belt Monitoring System. Now before you reach the point where your belt blows up like shrapnel, Ski-Doo engineers have added a belt monitoring system. This features two sensors that provide an early warning when certain stress point criteria are reached, including belt temperature and belt overload. This gives you time to back out of the throttle and allow the belt to relax just a bit.
Made For Deep Snow
The turbo may give you the power to reign in deep snow, but other refinements allow you optional mobility … such as a shorter tunnel length that facilitates optimal maneuverability in deep snow due to exceptional snow evacuation.
Although the Summit X features a shorter snow flap, for those who prefer the more traditional rear snow flap (for added cooling benefits and more trail-friendly use), Ski-Doo offers LinQ-ready attachment points to attach an optional removable long snow flap.
The Summit X also features revised ski spindle and ski stopper for more predictable handling and a confidence-inspiring ride on steep sidehills and rough terrain. There is also the tMotion limiter strap adjuster to allow quick changes in the length depending on your desired ski lift.
Finally, rigid full-length extruded aluminum grid-style running boards are designed with wide openings for exceptional snow evacuation and superior grip. They also provide flat foot positioning for comfort and control.
Although we really haven’t exhausted the list of improvements, refinements and innovations, we believe we have covered enough features to prove our point that the Summit X Turbo deserved all the early-season attention it received.
The sled works as promised. It is responsive, powerful and refined. And it has set the bar higher for the competition when it comes to mountain riding.