2010 RMK700 or 2009 Arctic Cat M8 for CO Powder????

[SoCore]

Looking at getting a new sled this year. Mainly using it for ski access, some 2-uping, and minimal towing on fire roads.

Considering an even price (~$8,000), which would be the better sled?

They seem pretty even in reliability and performance, so its a tough decision.

 

[Watts24x]

m8 is the way to go.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I don't think either should cost $8k unless you are getting them brand new. The power up top is similar with the M8 being a little more torquey down low. I like the handling of the IQ much better as it is more upright and not the old school way down low chassis like the M. I think this is preference and you should ride both to figure out what you like.

Both sleds are excellent for reliability. The D7 is the best 700 made IMO. The M8 from 2009 and back were a little underpowered but I understand there are great mods for them.

One thing to keep in mind...the D7 has an aluminum rear bumper and doesn't make the best sled for pulling w/o modifiying the rear a little. In addition to that the WE shocks are soft in the back and the rear will sag a lot with two people on it. The RMK has coil over rear shocks (I think) so it might be a little better. Fat boy rear torsion springs will help this. Two people have a tough time fitting on that seat. I wouldn't be surprised if the M8 has the same characteristics.

There are a lot of people that are so brand loyal that they won't give you good info. I tried, but make sure you are careful in taking info on picking a sled. Just weigh the good and bad and try to ride both.

 

[SoCore]

Both are brand new.

I looked at getting a sled that is a year or two old, but for the $1500 difference I figured it was worth it to buy new and know exactly what the sled has been through, do the break-in on my own, etc.

I know the cat improved power a lot for 2010 and was worried about it being a little underpowered. Would these two selds have pretty similar power profiles despite the displacement difference?

Also, not worried about two people on the seat, was thinking about one on each board. Would one sled be better than the other for this?

Not looking to spend much in aftermarket parts either.

 

[SSWIM]

An 09 M8 is NOT underpowered. No, it is not as "lively" as a 2010 M8, but underpowered???? The 09 is a great sled. You will benefit from the M8s power at our elevation here in Colorado. The Polaris is a great sled, but if you are concerned about the 09 M8 being underpowered you will definitely not be happy with the Polaris.

Sam

 

[CO 2.0]

Agreed. I have a lot of seat time on both an RMK 700 and an 09 M8. We mostly ride at 12K ft. Stock for stock the M8 has much better power/torque IMO. We put a Pipe/can and SLP intake on the 09 M8 and now it hangs with my 2010 M8 all day long. We never ride the RMK 7 anymore since it has the least power since it's still stock, so now it's turbo time. Should bring the umph the RMK 700 needs up here in Colorado. I started out snowmobiling for 2 up boarding. 800+ cc is the way to go up here for that. Once you realize how much more fun sledding can be you'll soon start never bringing the sticks up ever again!

For fun factor both are great sleds. And both are equally reliable IMO. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[Qreiff]

m8 is the way to go.

Absolutely! Still no replacement for displacement.

I too have ridden both sleds and the fun factor is great on both sleds. (the Polaris 700 has an impressive engine for it's size)

But, day in and day out the M8 has great power, it light and nimble and reliable as heck.

IMO....M8!

 

[SoCore]

Any thought to the Polaris being a '10 and the Arctic Cat being a '09?

I know it shouldn't matter, should just get whatever sled is going to be the best for what I'm using it for.

But its still hard to pay just as much for a sled that's an additional year older.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Any thought to the Polaris being a '10 and the Arctic Cat being a '09?

I know it shouldn't matter, should just get whatever sled is going to be the best for what I'm using it for.

But its still hard to pay just as much for a sled that's an additional year older.

A brand new 09 M8 should be priced very competitively. Since there was big change in the HO motor in 10, I would expect a great price. The 10 D7 is the same as 09 except that there was no Dragon model in 10. The 09 D7 has the better plastic up front over the 07/08 models.

I still think you should ride both and decide.

 

[backcountryislife]

I think those are the two best sleds on the market. I like the D7, but I'd go M8 no question. The 09 M8 is a very easily modded pull & go sled that you'll never regret. The D8 is a great machine with even better handling than the M, but you'll likely want to upgrade eventually unless you add boost.

 

[Dogmeat]

Looking at getting a new sled this year. Mainly using it for ski access, some 2-uping, and minimal towing on fire roads.

Considering an even price (~$8,000), which would be the better sled?

They seem pretty even in reliability and performance, so its a tough decision.

Ford Vs. Chevy ...

They both work really well in light powder. They each have advantages and disadvantages. Overall, you can't really go wrong with either.

Some people like the M chassis better, some like the IQ.

IMO, the IQ chassis is a little more forgiving than the M chassis, but the M chassis definatley will surprise you with how nimble it can be when you aren't expecting it to be that way.

The IQ chassis tends to porpoise a little more than the M IMO, but it just teaches you to stay on the throttle...

I'd honestly say take whichever one you get the best deal on.

 

[Dogmeat]

Looking at getting a new sled this year. Mainly using it for ski access, some 2-uping, and minimal towing on fire roads.

Considering an even price (~$8,000), which would be the better sled?

They seem pretty even in reliability and performance, so its a tough decision.

Ford Vs. Chevy ...

They both work really well in light powder. They each have advantages and disadvantages. Overall, you can't really go wrong with either.

Some people like the M chassis better, some like the IQ.

IMO, the IQ chassis is a little more forgiving than the M chassis, but the M chassis definatley will surprise you with how nimble it can be when you aren't expecting it to be that way.

The IQ chassis tends to porpoise a little more than the M IMO, but it just teaches you to stay on the throttle...

I will say however that the Powerclaw track OWNS. If I ever own a Polaris in the future again and ever start modding it, its definatley getting that track unless Polaris somehow comes out with something better.

I'd honestly say take whichever one you get the best deal on.

 

[windsock]

Wife has the 2008 700RMK Polaris (we both love the machine)

I've got a 2010 M8 Cat. Almost bought another 700RMK Polaris. It is so darn close. On the trail, the polaris will run so much smoother.

Only difference I would say is the resale value on the 800 Cat 2 years down the road will likely be better even with the year's difference. It seems to be a bit harder to sell those 700s where as so many people are itching for the 800s. Not that one can always feel the difference.

I'd probably go with the better warranty and/or closer service/dealer.

 

[Timbre]

You will like whichever one you spend the most time on and learn to ride. Dont over think it.

Get a good deal at a dealership closest to you.... get on that bad boy, and squeeze the fun lever

Cheers!

 

[snokaw]

I've owned both the last couple years. Had an '08 700 Dragon and an '08 M8 last winter. Used them both for sledboarding and pure sledding with the guys. The D7 has great power for a 7, but when you are riding 2 up you notice. My wife would ride in front of me and I would stand up behind her and drive, I agree the 800 has the torque with the extra load.

The D7 is lighter weight in the rear, I used a lighter weight set-up for the snowboards on the D7. I use an X-Rack on the M8, it's a bit heavy but everything fits. I sold the D7 and will most likely replace it with another M8. Either sled will work great, I like my M8.