S
sled-fiend
Well-known member
I ended up on a 162" Apex at the end of this year, I wouldnt complain comparing to the 153" that I came off.
153 or 162?
- Thread starter Chris Parker
- Start date
If you're buying a used sled, then I'd concentrate more on finding a good deal on a sled in the best condition and whatever track it has, go with it. I haven't felt that the 162 is harder to handle than the 153 in set up snow and can't imagine it's harder to roll over in the pow (only had my new sled in spring snow). That said, the 153 went anywhere my 2 buddies on 163 and 159 Doos went last year in DEEP snow.
When I bought the M1000, I was looking for that sled, didn't really matter what track length it had to me.
It depends on the type of riding you like best. I own 2 sleds with 162 tracks and 1 151". Ive no need to be the himark king so i ride the 151 most, are you getting an M8 or M10? M8 i would go 153 on the M10, 162 longer track takes more hp to turn it. Just my .02
Goin from a 151" to a 159" to a 163" the last 3 years, & I've never questioned going back. Like mentioned before, get a good set of skis, and the longer tracks turn just fine. Any of the newer sleds turn a lot better than a sled 3 or 4 years ago. My 163" can turn a tighter circle than a 04 with a 151" under it. Then on the bottemless days, you'll be going a lot more places with the longer track.
Its hard to tell what the next year will bring, but try to decide how many DEEP DRY powder days you will have per year, then try to decide if you want to get stuck less, stop in questionable areas and be able to get going again, and whether or not you will care about getting the highmark.
You are going to have a blast on either sled, and on most days the longer track will be almost as easy to manuver as the shorter one.
Both will perform well and put a smile on your face, and I also beleive that you will not totally dislike either one.
You definately will have some advantages both ways.
Even though I'm a 153 guy, I beleive the lesser of 2 evils if your not quite sure would be the 162.
For me, I realize the limitations of the 153 and am willing to deal with them.
I enjoy jumping and spring snow riding on a shorter track.
Don't get me wrong though... There are always a few days a year I wish I had a 162.
I've decided to go with the 153. I'm relatively new to the sport and I think it would be best to work my way up to the longer tracks as my skills improve. That's 10" more track than my last sled (which was my first sled) so if nothing else, it will be an improvement in both power and flotation so i won't be dissapointed.
Remember that 10" is only about 3" on the snow. The 162" will be about 6-7" of track on the snow. The longer the track, the easier it is if you get in the deep stuff.
every one thinks that bigger is better and truthfully if the only thing you enjoy is to go up and up a 162" is good for just that..... everyone i ride with own 151's and ill tell ya they will out do a 162 every where else but the vert and even then there still right on the tails of guy's riding the 162 its a freaking train ...
killerk put it well. Chris sounds like you made up your mind,which is great ,but I would add that riding a 153 you need to be more aggressive as in deep powder you need to be able to keep it pinned ,no time to rubber neck looking for the best line or slow way down to get around a tree. I really noticed this on my friends 162, it felt like I could make mistakes or just ride slower and not need to worry about it. This isn't to say that guys with 162 can't ride, only that they are more forgiving.
Thanks a lot guys. I have an 05 mountain cat 600 141 that I bought when I was 19 (I'm 23 now) and rode it around in central Idaho. I moved to Illinois for the last couple years and now I'm moving back out west but to colorado, the colorado springs area specfically... I only have a couple of seasons riding experience so I guess I'm still developing my opinions.
Im in CO as well and love my 153"!!! a 162" yes can get you someplaces that a 153" wont but it also has alot to do with rider experience. I wouldn't ever buy a 162", they are just to heavy, especially when you do get them stuck. I have friends that ride with me every weekend that ride 144" and they dont have any problems handling anything in CO or in the snowies.
C
CreteRider
New member
I went from 159 to 154 last season.........as I'm getting a long in tooth. Mistake! Have 163 sno-checked, at 6'3''-250 you can always use flotation.