2010 M8 or XP ????

[trailtoy1993]

TrailToy...

Watch a film called 'HangFire'.
Apparently every guy in there is a 7ft. lead assed BEAST!!!

I'll do that. I watched the trailer and ordered the DVD and will reserve judgment til after more video watching. But, the trailer featured one dude on one XP and yes he did have skill for sure.

But, again in deep snow in every shot on the trailer. I want to see controlled downhill sidehilling in inches of mashed potato's on an XP not feet of powder.

My statement isn't that an XP can't do it, just that Poo's and Cat's do it alot easier.

 

[3revdooz]

engineered popcan!

I've spent some time on both and I'm very happy with my 09 M8. Rider style aside, you can't escape the fact that the Ski Doo is and engineered pop can. It's lighter weight comes with a price, if you accidentally hit anything with it, you will be disassembling the whole front end, and drilling out rivets to replace the "E" Module or "S" Module or whatever parts of the sub frame that bend before the A arms do. Replacing any of these parts seems to be a giant pain and if you pay someone else to do it, it'll cost you plenty.

Funny thing about this statement, yes I am an XP owner and yes they are light, and yes they can bend easy, however reading on the CAT forums seems as though CATS are also having light weight issues with bending suspension rails?????? At the tune of a hefty price to replace them. So don't bash only the XP for as you call it ENGINEERED POP CAN. Arctic cat is on a mission to try and stay up with the power to weight ratio wars, hence less weight and more power (that is what consumers having been wanting) they have also caused engineering issues. Not trying to start a who's best war but ALL SLEDS HAVE ISSUES, don't target one brand when other brands have similar issues.

 

[dl80camaro]

I would recommend just taking a look at the thread about XP issues http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166457 Im gonna say that no sled has a perfect record in this area but it seems to me that there are a lot of Doo riders working on their sleds. Also, that being said, a lot of the bugs SHOULD be getting worked out of the XP. The nice thing about the M...It's a very reliable sled. They have had the time to work out all the bugs and now its all about uping the performance. The chassis is the easiest to throw around. It does lack a little on the trail but it comes down to the rider if that matters to ya. Next, that new motor is incredible...Plenty of grunt. You could probably do fine with either. I may be biased seeing how I dont have a ton of seat time on the XP but I have no problem putting all my trust into any M series sled. The M8 would be my pick

 

[SN162]

I've had 4 Doos, last 2 pos's I bought brand new, 05 RT1000 then an 07 800R. Both of them burned down under warranty. the RT 1000 cracked the front heat exchanger in the middle of the season, so I took it to the dealer and Doo had one of there inspectors come out and look at it and he said that there was signs of abuse (scratches of the skid plate and a slightly dinged up a-arm) and they were not going to replace it, and after sitting at the dealer for 3 MONTHS they dicided to just weld it, then the season was over. Then I bought an 07 800r summit, rod bearing came apart and siezed the motor at 640 miles on the first season, once again I took it back to the dealer and they said that my wiring job on my aftermarket grip heaters which were butt connected, shrink wrapped, and wrapped with electrical tape could of shorted out my ECM causing a lean siezure, I argued with them and took apart my sled at the dealership to show them my wiring job was done right, so they had to argue with Doo and finally after 4 MONTHS, I got a new motor. Plus the sleds had 2 recalls each and the problems were better, but deffinatly not fixed, the 800r had clutching problems over and over and it could never be setup right. I dont know if Doo has fixed the problems since I sold the sled but I personally dont give a $hit because I am totally happy with my first Cat.

Just thought I would let everyone know about my experience with Doos customer service for when that XP breaks down. I have friends with XPs and they are frequently at the dealer.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

Funny thing about this statement, yes I am an XP owner and yes they are light, and yes they can bend easy, however reading on the CAT forums seems as though CATS are also having light weight issues with bending suspension rails?????? At the tune of a hefty price to replace them. So don't bash only the XP for as you call it ENGINEERED POP CAN. Arctic cat is on a mission to try and stay up with the power to weight ratio wars, hence less weight and more power (that is what consumers having been wanting) they have also caused engineering issues. Not trying to start a who's best war but ALL SLEDS HAVE ISSUES, don't target one brand when other brands have similar issues.

This is an abuse issue on both sleds, expect it to get worse in some areas and better in others.

 

[m7ascent]

Here's my cat selling point. Finally got one. 3 sleds...all stock, with proper clutching setup with stock components, and proper suspension setup.

1. '05 M7 153"X15"X2.25" Camoplast Challenger
2. '07 Rev 800 151"X16"X2.3" Camoplast Challenger
3. '09 XP 800 154"X16"X2.3" Camoplast Challenger

On saturday, all three of us dropped into a pretty good hole with a long semi-steep climb out the easy end of it. The conditions were about a foot of fresh powder on top of another few feet of dry endless type snow that you couldn't make a snowball out of if you had to. The way it went down was that my M7 was the only sled that could climb untracked out of the hole. I could climb out at any pitch I wanted, straight up or carving. The XP could climb out in my tracks in the half of the hole that was less steep. And me and the XP had to spend about 25 runs in the same spot packing it down so that the Rev could get out. The rev could pull half hill at best untracked, and the XP would pull closer to 3/4 hill. I will say that the doo's pull way better flat ground wheelies than my sled will think about, but I'll give that one up if I can leave em in the bottom of the hole. I like both their sleds, they are all 3 fun to ride in their own right, but when my M7 is worn out, I will be purchasing a M8 no doubt in my mind.

I just find it hilarious though seeing people making fun of the M chassis for being out dated. I've got the first year that they came out, every year since '05 they have made lots of improvements, and I still keep up with the XP's on 100 less CC's.

 

[summ8rmk]

Here's my cat selling point. Finally got one. 3 sleds...all stock, with proper clutching setup with stock components, and proper suspension setup.

1. '05 M7 153"X15"X2.25" Camoplast Challenger
2. '07 Rev 800 151"X16"X2.3" Camoplast Challenger
3. '09 XP 800 154"X16"X2.3" Camoplast Challenger

On saturday, all three of us dropped into a pretty good hole with a long semi-steep climb out the easy end of it. The conditions were about a foot of fresh powder on top of another few feet of dry endless type snow that you couldn't make a snowball out of if you had to. The way it went down was that my M7 was the only sled that could climb untracked out of the hole. I could climb out at any pitch I wanted, straight up or carving. The XP could climb out in my tracks in the half of the hole that was less steep. And me and the XP had to spend about 25 runs in the same spot packing it down so that the Rev could get out. The rev could pull half hill at best untracked, and the XP would pull closer to 3/4 hill. I will say that the doo's pull way better flat ground wheelies than my sled will think about, but I'll give that one up if I can leave em in the bottom of the hole. I like both their sleds, they are all 3 fun to ride in their own right, but when my M7 is worn out, I will be purchasing a M8 no doubt in my mind.

I just find it hilarious though seeing people making fun of the M chassis for being out dated. I've got the first year that they came out, every year since '05 they have made lots of improvements, and I still keep up with the XP's on 100 less CC's.

I had completely different results when I had my 06 Rev 800 151. All of the M7s 05-06 153s(including my sisters even with me ridding) had to side hill the top 1/4 of the hill on the deep snow days to climb the hills that I could go straight up with my stock Rev( but man was i jealous watching them side hill with ease down in the ravines). The 07 Rev would straight whoop me on a steep hill(over and over again) A stock M7 would not stand a chance against an 800R.(unless the Rev has the challenger lite)

Now to the present date. My 09 M8 is a huge improvement over my 06 Rev in all ways but on the trail. The XP is also a huge improvement over the Rev but does not fit my riding style as well as the M8. Now after a long hard ride I sometimes miss the ride of the Ski-doo on the whooped out trail back to the truck. I said sometimes. In the deep the sleds a very close in handling, with less than a foot of powder the M is easier to throw around and sidehill.

I personally think the Ski-doo is a better built machine (fit and finish). I'm waiting for them to make a sled handle like the M off trail so I can come back too doo.

 

[silvester]

Funny thing about this statement, yes I am an XP owner and yes they are light, and yes they can bend easy, however reading on the CAT forums seems as though CATS are also having light weight issues with bending suspension rails?????? At the tune of a hefty price to replace them. So don't bash only the XP for as you call it ENGINEERED POP CAN. Arctic cat is on a mission to try and stay up with the power to weight ratio wars, hence less weight and more power (that is what consumers having been wanting) they have also caused engineering issues. Not trying to start a who's best war but ALL SLEDS HAVE ISSUES, don't target one brand when other brands have similar issues.

Those "issues" were exactly what I was pointing out. No one likes bending A-arms but it happens, I'm just glad I don't have to replace half the frame when it does. I hear ski doo dealers keep a nice pile of E-modules around for these occasions.

 

[Destroyer]

I'm on my first cat. 2010 Crossfire with a pclaw track and powder pro's. last year I was on a hillclimb edition doo. Cat wins so far hands down. It's so much easier to control in tight situations. I've only been on doos since 1995. the 141 climbs as good as the 154 believe it or not. Momentum is king. I've seen 55mph track speeds and climbing! I'm To excited to look down. If you can keep that up you can climb alot. And turning out is a dream with this little demon.

On the same hill a 155 polaris 09 800 sidehilled to get over. I kept my momentum up and literaly wheelied straight over the top.

But to answer the question. I'de pick the cat. And I've had alot of xp experience. Xp's. Xp's fly better and they are better on the trail. But the control of the cat dominates. So predictable. And the fun factor is definetly higher.

 

[boondockinboy]

M8 YiZZLE!

To tell you truth, im sure both are great sleds all about getting used to it and your dealer

 

[powwow]

Bought a new 2010 m8. This is the funnest machine I have ever ridden. Ran 70 miles yesturday. 48 on rough trail and 22 in 4' of untouched powder, the only muscle strain was from the grin on my face. Find it hard to stop riding. Cannot go wrong with this sled. Fuel economy is very good also (had a few pigs before, nice not having to worry if you can make it out). This sled loves powder

 

[backcountry yardsale]

I have ridden with alot of XP's. I own an M but was a skidoo fan. I am being honost and not biased. If you like to climb XP. Boondock and sidehill M. I have ridden XP all it does is fight you back to the ground. What happens is the clutching on Xp is above one another and with that it creates a Gyro effect. Always wanting to bring you back to the ground!!! It climbs great straight up and looks cool but honostly that is all it has on the M.

Just my 2

agreed.. came off an 09 xp last year to 10 hcr this year just be different from all my buddies and don't think i'll go back. the xp is good for one thing and thats goin straight up hill in the deep stuff but when it comes to boondockin and ridin that actually takes talent the m is the way to go. not to mention my hcr runs awsome in all snow conditions compaired to my xp which i was always messin with my weights trying to get in to tac above 7800

 

[Dan2009]

5 guys i ride with have 2008-2009 XP 800's and have evey one of them have gone through both clutches, 3 new motors and warn out suspension. The rails on the tunnels almost bend to the ground if you jump the XP.

 

[B00nd0ck3r4lif]

I've ridden an 09 dragon, 2010 M8153 and a 09 summit X154... All friends of mine. I have a nytro and Im about to sell it and buy an 800

What I can say about the three sleds has already been said just scroll up.

However, I went riding yesterday and I saw some extremely experienced riders out yesterday. They had ridiculous skills, doing jumps and all kinds of tail whips in the air on jumps and 180s on hilltops like they were sponsored and they were on Skidoos (1 rev 1 xp). Some of the things they were doing was downright outrageous and I honestly don't know if an M or a Drag could do that stuff. The doo is soo damn lightweight!

Then one of the guys failed to whip his tail and landed vertical right on his track/tunnel and right on a slightly buried rock. Bent his rails so bad his track was barely hanging on. It took us 4 hours to pull him back to the trucks.

My point is. I think that there are some insane things that a skidoo can do that probably no other sled can do, but honestly from some of the maintenance issues ive heard about and the fact that I simply cannot afford to ride my sled with reckless abandon and push an XP to its limits I think I will steer clear of the doo.

IMO that crazy stuff is cool, but only when you have enough money to have a spare sled sitting in the trailer

 

[Freakasnow]

grow a set!

get a M1000 and throw a light weight can on it and you will never regret it. My 08 rocks hills or B docking its all good. Though if your under 200lbs opt for the 8 as it takes some man-handling to throw around. I am 210 decent shape and desk job and I have no problems riding it like I stole it!

 

[Dmill]

came off an 05 rev... loved it .. "upgraded" to an 08 xp this year... hated it at first but after some trial and error with the sled have it figured out.. definately a different beast than anything i have ever ridden.. i can side hill, climb, 180 downhill back up hill, pretty much anything... now the downfall, to get the sled to perform well it takes hours of suspension changing, clutching, tons of mods, etc... all this adds up to more money.. you hit a tree... they break and bend, and to fix is not cheap... in the end the only day i have fun on it is when there is tons of pow.. i want to enjoy my self every time i go up.. that is why im switching to m chasis .. for the same price as my xp , if not less i can get a m7t, with more power then the xp, fuel injection, and rider ergonomics...

not saying the xp is a bad sled, but if you want to hop on your sled, enjoy it every time you ride it, and not have to dump money into it to make it work. then go with the m

ill leave by saying stock to stock (unless you got a 10 m8) you just cant beat a xp...

 

[KAWGRN]

Well I have ALL three and there all GREAT sleds each has its own positives and negatives but one is not that much better at anything its all about set up!!!and I lazy thats why I'm have 3

 

[LoneStar]

The choice is simple.

Buy American.

 

[rlt504]

Just look at the used prices on XPs their super cheap because they all want to sell them to buy a new M8! 2010 M8 is hands down the most fun sled I have ever ridden. Had my friend who has a XP ride my M8, first time he tried to carve the M8 on its side he ended up face first in the snow because he was trying to ride it like his XP! You dont have to muscle the M8 like the XP.

 

[MT rydn]

you can learn how to make an xp do exactly what you want. once you learn how to ride them they are easy/fun/and will go exactly where you want them to go. i ride AC and love how they ride powder, both old 1M's and M series! but you defintely have to ride them differently.
you have to learn the xp tendency to get back on both skis when you let up from side/side weightshifting-countersteering.
when i put my AC on it's side for sidehilling/donuts/180 degree quick turns it stays where i put it on it's side but then when i want to flatten it again i weightshift/steer it back flat. the xp will go on it's side but will go back flat on it's own rather than requiring the rider bring it back - so you just let up on your weightshifting and it is a passive process for it to get back flat/straight -that's been my experience.
the guys i know riding xp's can make those things do anything and with ease! it's all technique in my opinion, they do have to be ridden differently.
i'm deciding on a M8 or summit based on reliability/problem free riding as in the deep/off trail/in trees stuff both are excellent sleds.
please let me know more about service issues with these sleds!