Assault vs RMK

[jakey-boy]

Alright people I cannot make up my mind. Have to order a sled tomorrow. Narrowed it to either an RMK or an assault. Had enough issues with the belt and I am tired of wondering if it will leave me stranded so I have ruled that out. Let's keep this poll on track as I am on a very limited time squeeze here.

Option 1 Assault: I like the shocks, the appearance however I would be doing a wrap most likely either way, I like the bar/switch setup but would be switching to RSI bars, and the drilled brake etc would be nice. The wide front end bothers me and I would likely try to narrow it up.

Option 2 RMK: Had a 12 RMK and liked it but I feel like they are harder to sell. The extra cooler is nice, The bars are better than the stock assaults but not as good as RSI, shocks would have to be upgraded to raptors or exits.

The assualt is $800 more than the RMK. Spend my money for me ready go!

 

[Shoefish]

Biased here as I just snow checked a RMK, but for my money the extra cooler was the differentiator- not having to stare at the temp gauge means I can think about other things...like how much fun I'm having. I will be upgrading the shocks too- not sure which kind yet. Good luck with the decision- I was debating the exact same one!

 

[Mike]

I am in the same situation. This will be my first Polaris snowmobile. I can't decide if I'm gonna put my faith in the MY14 Pro's "40% stronger QD belt" or go with the RMK or the Assault with the chaincase.

 

[Clumax]

I was in a similar boat.
My choices were between
The pro - put raptors all the way around
The assault - buy 39'' arms with 2 raptors (because of shock lenghth)

I went with option #2
Have the parts ordered already

 

[Mike]

I was in a similar boat.
My choices were between
The pro - put raptors all the way around
The assault - buy 39'' arms with 2 raptors (because of shock lenghth)

I went with option #2
Have the parts ordered already

Would you have planned on relocating the front mount on the rear suspension to the upper hole?

 

[Pro-8250]

Had enough issues with the belt and I am tired of wondering if it will leave me stranded so I have ruled that out.

Not sure I understand what you are referring to.

 

[waxer]

Option 2 here!

 

[Rain Man]

I bought late this year because of rebates and went with the Assault for one reason, reliability. I could've purchased any 13 RMK model and had a hard time deciding. In the end I drive out your way from MN to ride and would be bummed if I had issues and down time burning vacation fixing/waiting on quick drive or front A arm parts. I like the idea of the quick drive, and want to try one. Hopefully they get final production 14's dialed in, as I think Loudhandle has said on here and has a very good idea of what's going on with them. After having the Assault for a short bit here's what I've learned,

-Width doesn't bother me, have it on narrowest and still easy to lay over, coming from a Edge Chassis previous FYI. I'm sure a Pro is even sweeter.

-No front cooler not a factor in my eyes. Yes as MH says ice build up could be an issue, but as far as cooling on trail you need scratchers down anyway to cool slides, engine temps stay just fine with them down, powder I haven't had any temp issues with them up.

-Better shocks, would do that to a Pro

Few other minor reasons I can't remember right now, but if I were like you being from Idaho Falls with more opportunities to ride, I would probably consider a Pro more seriously. A break down isn't quite as devastating on off time from work for you "locals," theres always next weekend. Not to say an Assault/non-Pro RMK can't have issues, just going with the odds because of my time involved coming your way during my off time.

Again out of all the Pros sold the problems have been in the minority, just higher percentage than the time tested chain cases and welded A arms. I took the weight penalty for reliability. I'd bet next years model Pro will have less issues. Hope this helps.

 

[double trouble]

I have both, love the shocks on the assault, but are you going to trail ride or boondocks? the pro is way lighter, I have enjoyed my 13 pro through the trees and what not, but if your looking for a smooth ride on the trail go assault, the shocks IMO dont really make a difference in the powder, either way you will be happy!

 

[Clumax]

Would you have planned on relocating the front mount on the rear suspension to the upper hole?

I personally like the extra ski lift.
I feel, getting the front end lighter helps with slaying trees in the steep n deep.

 

[M8Chris]

Would you have planned on relocating the front mount on the rear suspension to the upper hole?

I had the same dilemma when I snowchecked my 2012's. went with the assaults and don't regret that decision one bit. I narrowed the stance to as narrow as it would go and rode the crap out of it. Can't even tell its wider then the pro. And I relocated the rear suspension so it's like the pro and made it climb a whole lot better! My vote is assault. Jake too bad I'm gone for the year working already if not I'd let you ride one of my sleds!

 

[FatDogX]

I personally like the extra ski lift.
I feel, getting the front end lighter helps with slaying trees in the steep n deep.

I've got an Assault with a powder track and for running that sled in the steep and deep and trees, I would definitely recommend relocating the front suspension to the upper hole. For going through the trees and climbing it will definitely perform better and trenches way less and gets up on the snow faster.

 

[Reg2view]

If the stock track doesn't matter (you can get the pow or stiffer track on the Assault, but only the pow track on the RMK), and you're not a flyer (Assault if you are) it comes down to two questions:

1. Do you have to have the extra cooler? If yes, RMK. Plan to spend on shocks at some point.

2. Are you willing to spend more coin on changing the Assault shocks/arms, IF you can't ride it as well as you'd like in your chosen conditions? If yes, get the Assault. You can always change the front arm location.

Unless you need the extra cooler, sounds like a new Assault is going to be in your garage.

I didn't want the QD or carbon issues, and wanted the extra cooler. I have Evol R's already. It was a 14 RMK for me. I gave up the 163 and cyclone. Swapping out bars anyways, will add the drilled rotor. Good luck!

 

[Mike]

It an Assault for me! Now I have hours to decide if I want the LE or not.

 

[Rain Man]

It an Assault for me! Now I have hours to decide if I want the LE or not.

Depends on if your going to wrap or not? I like that LE myself.

Your in a win-win situation either way, good luck!

 

[Mike]

No wrap here, I'm just gonna throw a skid plate on and ride her!

 

[Powderforlife907]

I personally like the extra ski lift.
I feel, getting the front end lighter helps with slaying trees in the steep n deep.

All I do on my pro is lean back, pinned the throttle, and it seems to slay the alders pretty good...
The pro sucks keeping it cool during spring riding. Always keep an extra set of scratchers in the truck. Otherwise it can make for a long weekend. I have had good luck with the quick drive so far.

 

[richracer1]

I checked the 163" Pro LE, but I also have my fully modded 09 777 to use as well.

 

[Mike]

I thought the Assault came with choice of track. Dealer is telling me the 2.4 series 5.1 track is only available on the LE

 

[waxer]

I thought the Assault came with choice of track. Dealer is telling me the 2.4 series 5.1 track is only available on the LE

I think he is right according to Polaris website.