Not all mountain sleds make good trail sleds. And not all trail sleds make good mountain sleds. Ski-Doo has gone to great lengths to mold its cross-over line with snowmobiles that are suited for terrain but can perform on the trail, and snowmobiles that are designed for the trails but aren’t afraid to wander off into the powder.
Last spring during the 2022 Model Introductions at West Yellowstone, MT, the SnoWest test riders spent a little extra time looking at cross-over sleds, particularly the Renegade line for Ski-Doo. We found that even within the model line, there are some models better suited for the mountains and some that likely should remain close to the trails.
Our first observation is that there are six different models of the Renegade, and multiple track and engine options within those six models. Within these six models you can choose from three 600-class two-stroke models, three 900-class four-stroke engines (two with turbos) and the popular 850 E-Tec two-stroke engine. Not all engines are available in all models. Three of the models (Renegade X-RS, Renegade X and Renegade X-RS Competition Package) were only available during Spring promotions.
All six models come with a 137-inch track. But several models allow you to choose from three track options—Ripsaw 1.25, Ice Ripper XT 1.25 and Ice Riper XT 1.5. Some models feature Ski-Doo’s Smart-Shox technology; others have fairly basic suspension setups.
On the turbo charged models, one is performance-oriented, cranking out 180 horsepower while the other is more economy-oriented, cranking out 130 horsepower. The 900 Ace Turbo 130 delivers a soft trail ride that smoothly gets you up to top-end speed. The 900 Ace Turbo R will jump right out from under you and instantly get you to top speed.
The same holds true with the 600-class models. The 600R E-Tec found on the Renegade X-RS competition package is designed to perform. It pulls hard and is very quick responding. However, the 600 EFI on the Renegade Sport is designed for great economy on the trails. The Rotax 600 Ace, also available on the Renegade Sport, fits somewhere in the middle.
For western riding in more mountain terrain, the Renegade X-RS 850 E-Tec seemed to be our ride of choice. It has more performance and greater track speed to allow you to get through a little deeper snow conditions. We would recommend the Ice Ripper XT 1.5-inch track to help you through off-trail riding conditions.
Renegade 600R X-RS
For aggressive terrain riding it’s hard to beat the Renegade 600R X-RS. The Competition Package is for the hardcore terrain racers. The sleek contour of the seat allows the rider to stay forward and balanced on the snowmobile. Adjustable KYB shocks provide a smooth, controlled ride.
Renegade 850 X-RS
This sled is designed for the aggressive rider who attacks the trails. With three Smart-Shox settings, you can quickly change the sled’s demeanor from a comfortable trail rider to a slightly aggressive rider and on to a hard charger down the trail.
Renegade 900R Ace Turbo
For the ultimate in cruising down trails in style, the Renegade 900R Ace Turbo features plenty of performance to go along with a luxury ride. A fully adjustable suspension allows you to turn to the exact suspension settings you desire on the trail.
Renegade Adrenaline Turbo
Although this may not be a high performance turbo, the Renegade Adrenaline 900 Ace Turbo delivers a very smooth ride down the trail. It has an easily adjustable ride and is capable of carrying a heavy load.
Renegade Enduro
There are five engine options for the Renegade Enduro so you shouldn’t have problems finding the right one for your riding style. The 900 Ace Turbo features ski carbide adjusters so you can dial in how aggressive you want to be in the corners. You can also dial in to your sled’s gauges so you can get all the pertinent information you need on your screen.