800 vs 600

[couch]

Looking at a 2013 pro rmk holdover ...
How much of a real difference is there between the 800 and 600 especially riding at lower alt / sea level.
Coming off a N / A Nytro how do the 800 and 600's compare.

 

[tinkerjohnson]

600

I have not rode the 600 pro I have an 800 but I have been on the older iq 600 and they run really good I would assume the 600 pro would be a really good sled no comparison to the nitro, the hp would be close but the handling and weight difference alone would make it feel like an 8 from what your used to on the nitro, if I could get my wife into it I would have a 600 pro also and I would probably ride it myself (I love the challenge) I would love to see what it can do

 

[granto]

the 600s are great but just don't have that little extra power when you need it i would go with the 800. Ive rode both and i own a 800. Either sled is a great choice though.

 

[owenbstory]

600

The Pro 600 is way overlooked by most people. I have spent 500 ish miles on the pro 600's both 155's. One 2012 and one 2013. These sleds are very capable, the liberty 600 is a very reliable, quick reving powerplant. They lack the torque of the 800 but otherwise just as much fun. At 7-8000 ft. you'll notice it more than low elevation. If polaris offered a 600 standard I would have bought that instead of my 800.

 

[NDFARMER95]

I've rode both and that little 600 rips. All depends on rider weight. If your over 180 or so I'd say go to the 800. But the reliability of that 600 is phenomenal.

 

[Powderforlife907]

The 600 is a lot smoother and faster revving but IMO there's no comparison to the 800. The 800 has a lot more untapped potential... At the sand time I am a bigger guy at 260.

 

[Pro-8250]

Just curious here now. Why would you want a PRO RMK at sea level?

 

[LoudHandle]

Just curious here now. Why would you want a PRO RMK at sea level?

I don't know about the OP'er but I live in Valdez, Alaska which is at sea level. We average more than 35' of snow a winter at sea level here and much more as we gain elevation. The mountains actually start underwater and go up to 6000' to 8000' all around us. I can leave my garage and be at 7000' in less than 15 minutes without ever starting a truck, or hitching up a trailer, just grab the Loud Handle and ride.

Guessing that might give you some insight as to why?

 

[couch]

I don't know about the OP'er but I live in Valdez, Alaska which is at sea level. We average more than 35' of snow a winter at sea level here and much more as we gain elevation. The mountains actually start underwater and go up to 6000' to 8000' all around us. I can leave my garage and be at 7000' in less than 15 minutes without ever starting a truck, or hitching up a trailer, just grab the Loud Handle and ride.

Guessing that might give you some insight as to why?

Sea level yes - flat land no. Conditions here are somewhat similar - the hills start at sea level but they don't top out as high as the western mountains - they are quite steep though.

I don't ride trails - sorry to the trial warriors but that usually gets boring in the first mile. Pounding over yes mamm's is not my idea of fun either likewise seeing who can rip down a lake the quickest is not my preference either. Not looking to be king of the hill or climb ridiculously steep chutes.
Prefer breaking trails, trees, and riding / exploring off trail in the back country with two or three other riders.

Pro RMK because it's the lightest stock sled and from reviews seems to be a solid performer (other than the whole 2 stroke thing).
I love the power & reliability of the Nytro but unfortunately its in a crap chassis and I don't think that you should have to throw another $6000 + (front end / shocks / skid / track / steering post relocate / boards / etc.) on a new sled to get it to ride properly. Likewise I don't know for sure if the AC chassis with the Yam power plant solves many of the issues - verdict is still out but I don't want to ride the Nytro in stock form for another season

I also have a Phazer Mtn - its more fun / nimble than the Nytro but lacks in power and is still a bit top heavy. The Nytro (stock) is OK in open spaces with decent snow but not ideal for poking around in tight places.

So the question becomes 800 vs 600 and whether the power difference is readily noticeable at lower altitudes for my riding preference and which engine is more dependable / least issues / etc.

 

[Pro-8250]

I don't know about the OP'er but I live in Valdez, Alaska which is at sea level. We average more than 35' of snow a winter at sea level here and much more as we gain elevation. The mountains actually start underwater and go up to 6000' to 8000' all around us. I can leave my garage and be at 7000' in less than 15 minutes without ever starting a truck, or hitching up a trailer, just grab the Loud Handle and ride.

Guessing that might give you some insight as to why?

Nicely done!!

 

[Pro-8250]

800. Don't look back.

Sea level yes - flat land no. Conditions here are somewhat similar - the hills start at sea level but they don't top out as high as the western mountains - they are quite steep though.

I don't ride trails - sorry to the trial warriors but that usually gets boring in the first mile. Pounding over yes mamm's is not my idea of fun either likewise seeing who can rip down a lake the quickest is not my preference either. Not looking to be king of the hill or climb ridiculously steep chutes.
Prefer breaking trails, trees, and riding / exploring off trail in the back country with two or three other riders.

Pro RMK because it's the lightest stock sled and from reviews seems to be a solid performer (other than the whole 2 stroke thing).
I love the power & reliability of the Nytro but unfortunately its in a crap chassis and I don't think that you should have to throw another $6000 + (front end / shocks / skid / track / steering post relocate / boards / etc.) on a new sled to get it to ride properly. Likewise I don't know for sure if the AC chassis with the Yam power plant solves many of the issues - verdict is still out but I don't want to ride the Nytro in stock form for another season

I also have a Phazer Mtn - its more fun / nimble than the Nytro but lacks in power and is still a bit top heavy. The Nytro (stock) is OK in open spaces with decent snow but not ideal for poking around in tight places.

So the question becomes 800 vs 600 and whether the power difference is readily noticeable at lower altitudes for my riding preference and which engine is more dependable / least issues / etc.

I would go with the 800. For me anyway, I never have wondered if I should have gone with the 600. In 2007 I had two 600's. In 2009 I had two 800's.
In 2011 two 800's. 2013 one 800. 2014 one 800. I know what you mean about trail riding also. But it's all we have here in the Midwest and Canada. Our passion is mountain riding. I envy people like you and LoudHandle that get to live where you live. But I am a slave to money and for me the money is here. This is where I have to live for now.
Next summer, my job may take me to Valdez, Alaska. We shall see.

 

[catothom]

I have been trying both 600 and 800 pros and I love the little 6.
It`s so fun throwing it around and it runs like a champ.
Yes like the other say, it does not have the top end power like the 8, but I can guaranty that you WILL have lots of fun!!

And the little less power can be fixed with a Big Bore kit from Indy Dan or so if its lacks of power for you

 

[Flying Dutchman]

I have a '13 Pro 600 and don't regret it one bit after one season. Put on 1400kms without a hiccup. Sure it has less HP than the 800 and it won't follow an 8 in every situation. But I have never been left behind because I have the 600.
My last machine was an Edge RMK700. From experience, I have learned when to turn around of what lies ahead. Now I blast past those points and it has surprised me on where it can go. Maybe it's the Pro chassis and the easy handling?
I've been riding for many years, and this Pro has changed a lot of things. I find myself standing most of the time, which surprisingly is very comfortable, carving through the trees is pure happy.
Our riding sounds very similar to yours. Exploring the back country, breaking trails, and not worried about the high marker.
Hopefully that helps a bit, good luck with your shopping.

 

[couch]

I have a '13 Pro 600 and don't regret it one bit after one season. Put on 1400kms without a hiccup. Sure it has less HP than the 800 and it won't follow an 8 in every situation. But I have never been left behind because I have the 600.
My last machine was an Edge RMK700. From experience, I have learned when to turn around of what lies ahead. Now I blast past those points and it has surprised me on where it can go. Maybe it's the Pro chassis and the easy handling?
I've been riding for many years, and this Pro has changed a lot of things. I find myself standing most of the time, which surprisingly is very comfortable, carving through the trees is pure happy.
Our riding sounds very similar to yours. Exploring the back country, breaking trails, and not worried about the high marker.
Hopefully that helps a bit, good luck with your shopping.

Thanks for all the helpful comments.
The 600 may be big enough to suit ... not concerned with going fastest / highest just want something fun that works and is dependable. Would rather trade a bit of hp for more durability / longevity.

 

[ak]

Sea level yes - flat land no. Conditions here are somewhat similar - the hills start at sea level but they don't top out as high as the western mountains - they are quite steep though.

I don't ride trails - sorry to the trial warriors but that usually gets boring in the first mile. Pounding over yes mamm's is not my idea of fun either likewise seeing who can rip down a lake the quickest is not my preference either. Not looking to be king of the hill or climb ridiculously steep chutes.
Prefer breaking trails, trees, and riding / exploring off trail in the back country with two or three other riders.

Pro RMK because it's the lightest stock sled and from reviews seems to be a solid performer (other than the whole 2 stroke thing).
I love the power & reliability of the Nytro but unfortunately its in a crap chassis and I don't think that you should have to throw another $6000 + (front end / shocks / skid / track / steering post relocate / boards / etc.) on a new sled to get it to ride properly. Likewise I don't know for sure if the AC chassis with the Yam power plant solves many of the issues - verdict is still out but I don't want to ride the Nytro in stock form for another season

I also have a Phazer Mtn - its more fun / nimble than the Nytro but lacks in power and is still a bit top heavy. The Nytro (stock) is OK in open spaces with decent snow but not ideal for poking around in tight places.

So the question becomes 800 vs 600 and whether the power difference is readily noticeable at lower altitudes for my riding preference and which engine is more dependable / least issues / etc.

Get a 600 it will blow the doors off a stock nytro in the handling and climbing ability.

 

[LoudHandle]

Additionally the 600 at sealevel has more snort than the 800 at altitude. Which is where a lot of the ones dissing the 600's potential ride. Which is understandable from their perspective. The 600 at sealevel is far zippier than the 800 and since the rotating weight is less on the six it is even easier to throw around which is why I am building a PRO 600 for the wife this year in hopes she will go riding with us at least occasionally this winter.

 

[Mr.Blizzard]

i have a 12 800 standard rmk,a 13 pro 8oo rmk and a 13 pro 600 rmk.after running them together ,same day,same snow ,i actually might buy a 600 for my personnal ride next time.i have riddin mtn sleds more than 30,000 miles over the last 20 years so i am not a novice rider.the 600 runs very well but i am in ak and ride 0 to 5000 ft

 

[RockyMtn.Kris]

I think theres a few questions you have to ask yourself,....

What is your riding style?

How much do you weigh?

Who will you be riding with and what are they riding?
(this may be one of the more important ones)

Hows your ego?

First off you will love either over a nytro for sure! If you like tree riding or hillclimbing maybe you want the 8. Maybe you are a smaller guy and the 6 will get you there. If your riding group is all on 800/163s you may want to re-think the 6. If the biggest sled in your group is a 600/155 then its a no brainer.
Personally I never in 20 years ever said I wish I had less power, BUT my last sled had 50 more hp and 50 more lbs and the Pro is soooo much more fun even with less power. So maybe comming off a Nytro to a Pro 6 would be the same for you?
Maybe you look for both and just buy what ever is the best deal, either way I know you will love your new Pro

 

[mange_boy]

I was in the same seat as you last season. After riding Nytros since -09 it was time to swap for something new, which meant selling my, by then, one year old 2012 153" Nytro.

Like you I had my mind set on the Pro RMK, but couldn't really decide on which engine. I ended up buying the 600 and I couldn't be happier. It currently has about 1500 miles on it with zero issues.

After I bought it I've had the oppurtunity to try an 800 as well and I can honestly say I wasn't impressed. I did expect a lot more from the 800 since the 600 ran so damn great.

The 800 obviously runs a bit stronger although it's not that big of a difference and since I, just like you, ride at sea level I don't think you'll miss having the 8, especially since it doesn't seem to be as reliable as the 6.

Anyway, don't take my word for it, scroll to the bottom of this link and see for yourself (600 Pro RMK at sea level):

http://www.sledtrax.se/articles/1213/members/2013-02-22_12_de/index.shtml

 

[LuckydawgAK]

Hey MB,

What kind of riding do you do and where?