Assault vs. M8 HCR

[Braaap12]

I have an 09 m8 and a buddy just got an 09 assault. The assault has a little more go and looks cool as heck. But for me to get on it and try leaning it over and sidehilling after getting used to my sled is almost impossible, the sled feels so weird for me. The M chassis is the best for boondocking IMO

 

[backcountryislife]

I was debating the same thing last year, and ended up going with a crossfire. With a 141 powerclaw it does much better than the 146 assault, and is just as much fun to ride.

I rode a few assaults & they just didn't compare power wise, I think the cat motor is just hands down a stronger setup.

 

[brendan ross]

rode them both dont mind the assault but love the m and the 2010 hcr is by far my favourite sled besides an m8t

 

[captcolby]

Okay, now that I got some info on the HCR, what does everyone think about the M8 SnoPro 153? Seems to have better shocks but a different track. Any input? I am still a month away from buying as I am out of Alaska until first part of Jan.

 

[Alaskan_awd]

Okay, now that I got some info on the HCR, what does everyone think about the M8 SnoPro 153? Seems to have better shocks but a different track. Any input? I am still a month away from buying as I am out of Alaska until first part of Jan.

Same track, softer rubber (80d instead of 90).

I rode my 10 M8 SP for the first time last weekend (coming from a poo iq chassis, first time on any cat ever) It felt great, my favorite thing about the IQ chassis was the ease to roll it over, I was so suprised to jump on my cat and have it feal so natural to what I am used to. I love the IQ chassis, infact I would have gotten a dragon rmk if it weren't for the 800 problems, but now I am glad I got the cat, I know I made the right choice.

As for the assualt, great chassis, great skis, (hopefully a great power plant now) not so great track unless all you want to ride is spring snow. There was a thread in the AK section not to long ago about people changing them out to Polaris 5.1, Challenger Extremes or Powerclaws and how happy they were once they did.

 

[YMEOFCR]

With what the snow is like around Lost Lake I would say HCR. Check out the Cat dealer in Homer he seams to wount to sell sleds and still give you good service. Soldota dealer is not so good. Eagle River is good too.

 

[air-x]

I had a hard time deciding between these two sleds. I decided on the assault and am happy with my decision. It was cheaper also. I dont think you could go wrong with either sled...they are both really good.

 

[F_ast]

I am almost thinking the Assault is a little closer to the Crossfire equipt with a 141x2.25" track (like a powerclaw) than a Full 153 M8 since the Assault is a 146". I guess it kind of splits the difference, but I am super happy with my 09 xfire 800snopro. I really dont think it is as down on power as people think, it is just smooth on the power that it doesn't seem like it has it. Even with the 60/60 gears on the Xfires you cant keep the skis on the snow.

Both sleds look very similar and seem to have similar ergos, but i have never had a chance to hope on a Assualt so i cannot add any input there.

I will be interested to see if Burandt can accomplish similar insanity on the new poo though... not meaning to open a new can of worms or anything.

As for the cat engine (before '10 models) the 800 is one of the industies best in accepting mods and making big power for relatively low dollars... RKT head and bolt on packages, SLP pipe kits and D&D shim kit are just some of the no nonsense mods come to mind when talking low dollar mods making 10+ pony... they just take so good to mods its crazy.

 

[captcolby]

Did you get it through ER Polaris Arctic Cat?

 

[ripsass]

I agree that the CF8SP is a better comparison to the Assault.

I've ridden them all and love my CF8SP. Especially since putting on the Power Claw and 57/63 gears.
Thing's a BEAST now!

 

[captcolby]

I like the input about the CF8SP. I found a good deal on one, any idea about a track for powder and how about a different seat??

 

[ripsass]

Power Claw track from "freeagent" (member on here) and Boss seat.

Theres a nice 09 Boss/Cat seat in Wasilla on craigs list for $300. Add is a couple months old but guy still had it a week or so ago.