2009 M6/M8/M1000 Owners Weigh In!!

[Dcat]

I’m looking at buying a 2009 holder over sled after the season and was wondering what people would recommend. I like to boondock and do moderate hill climbing. My main concern is floatation in the deep off trail powder.

I have yet to see any published weights and hp numbers of the 2009 M’s. For the type of riding I do, which sled and track length (153” or 162”) makes sense? I weight probably 180 lbs suited up. I want something that is light, but has some power in stock form.

All opinions from people riding these sleds are appreciated.

 

[buster888]

M8 153

 

[arcticmountain]

Just my input, but I went from an 05 M7 162" to a 09 M1000 162" Sno Pro and I hate trail riding with a passion!!!!! Ride 8000 to 10000' and couldnt be happier choosing the 1000 over the M8. The power just fits me well. Hard decision I know your delima. Good Luck

 

[buster888]

M8 153

Based on the riding prefs that you listed.

 

[summ8rmk]

The M8 is lighter than the M6 and has more power. The 153 powerclaw has awsome floatation, most fun factor, if you want to do extreme hillclimbs then go 162. I have the 09 M8 LE and cant see the need for the 162 unless the snow is reeeeealy deep and you want the highest mark on the hill. I came off an 03 summit X 159. The powerclaw 153 has way better floatation and the summit (I sold to my buddy) can't come close to keeping up to me in the deep.(meadow or hills) When I sno-checked my sled I couldn't decide wether I wanted the 153 or 162 but I knew I wanted the camo so cat decided for me (the M8 camo only comes in a 153). and so far I'm glad I have the 153 because everyone I ride with can't keep up with me. If I had the 162 they would be even further behind. So far this is the most fun sled I have ever ridden. and its hard to get it stuck, I'm usually helping everybody else get un stuck.
This is my opinion sorry it's so long winded.

 

[GlennRMK]

I had an 2006 M7 162 LE

Picked up an 2009 M8 162 Sno Pro

I am very happy with the M8

A ton more low end and throttle response then the M7 with a little more on top.

I personally find the the M1000 to handle like a totally different sled. Feels nose heavy to me.

The M7 and M8 feel the same and are a blast to ride.

Verry happy with the M8. Only way it could be better is with a turbo

As far as 153 vs 162, I was on the fence about that too. I've already been snow deep enough to get stuck on almost flat ground. Glad I went with the 162. The Powerclaw rocks no matter what length you choose.

 

[AKboondocker]

If youre a light guy youll never need more than the 153, even in deeeep snow. The M's float great and the 153 is a better boondocker and jumper if thats your thing.

 

[Dcat]

Pros/Cons to 162" and 153"

What are the pros and cons of each track length? I'm leaning towards the M8 and a sno pro. How much weight does the non sno pro add the the M8?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[WyoBoy1000]

not enough to matter. road my stock 09 m1000 today and it goes almost as good as my 07 m1000 with slp pipe and intake cone that ripped as well. Very Impressed with the way it hooks up and rips. The stock skid float system is worse than the 07 in my opinion, will have to get some different springs and revalving done.

 

[alexhack]

I love my M8! Good power, light, and most important...FUN! I couldn't justify paying $2000+ more for 20HP. I went with the 153 because its more boondocking friendly and will still go up the mountain good.

Which ever you decide, get the Sno Pro. Fox Floats, Adjustable Riser, Premium Gauge(altimeter is nice to have) and slightly less weight(due to Floats) all make it worth the extra coin.

 

[Going West]

the group i ride with has bought 4 09 m100 162s and 1 09 m8 153. We are by far most impressed with the m8, it run great stock and was almost keeping up to the 1000's. All the 1000s load up at 3/4 throttle around 6300 and they dont handle as nice as the 8 (though they do still handle very well) If your not planing to mod and with your lighter weight id diffently go with the 8 and for deep snow i like the bigger track iv found they dont handle that much different then the 153.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

A 153 will not float or climb as good as a 162 unless the snow is hard or wet enough for it to hook up. in MT WY CO ect... a 162 rocks because of the dry power in WA a lot of people like the 153 in the heavier snow. If you like to jump get a 153 if you like to climb get a 162. I ride a 162 and do both along with boondocking, but I'm a bigger guy to.

 

[Dcat]

I love my M8! Good power, light, and most important...FUN! I couldn't justify paying $2000+ more for 20HP. I went with the 153 because its more boondocking friendly and will still go up the mountain good.

Which ever you decide, get the Sno Pro. Fox Floats, Adjustable Riser, Premium Gauge(altimeter is nice to have) and slightly less weight(due to Floats) all make it worth the extra coin.

How is the altimeter working? Is it acurate?