Average Joe take on the Matryx Pro/Kahos, N/A or Boost.

[cateye5312]

Jaynelson - thanks for the thorough review!! Now I am totally stoked to get my new sled! Basically everything you said is what I was hoping for. Our riding area got seriously dumped on last night so now I just need my sled!! Looks like we'll see delivery status emails Monday.

 

[nater24]

Got a great ride on Sunday - Khaos Slash 165 pull start standard gauge mid bars. Interesting (not the best) snow conditions - good base with a firm but break-through-able rain/melt crust with ~6" of fresh on top. Rode with 3 other Slash units, all 165 Pro's, a new Doo Turbo and a 21 Khaos 155. All ran great with no hiccups, and you could climb anything in the snow conditions, so no comparison to be had there. Notes include:

- 7S gauge is way too cool, I should have ordered it on this machine. Even just from a visibility standpoint.
- I have only ridden 2.6" and 3.0" Pol tracks before - the 2.75" seems to have great traction and initial bite. It was also easier to turn with the new driver setup when dragging out of the trailer. Think it will be an all-around win now that the extroverts are finally in place.
- Everything ergos wise is a big win - more room on the console, new grips feel better, new brake lever better, more room for your knees, no more tight footwells, seat feels great, pull cord is in just the right spot, tether connector in the right spot, etc, etc. Sounds like fluff but it just makes it more enjoyable to operate, and the riding experience is more transparent.
- Sled felt very tight (motor and driveline) for the first hour or 2, and loosened up considerably by day's end. Track and belt will need to be snugged up before or after the next ride. As it loosened up, the motor felt more and more aggressive - I might be crazy, but it sounds a hair more PO'd this year. No running issues on any of the 4 Slash's on the ride (all on first ride).
- We had pretty marginal cooling conditions (low-snow/ice) for the first 10k or so - I was able to keep it in the 150's at the worst of it, but in those conditions, the cooling was definitely no better than an Axys - equal to an Axys with no snow flap best guess.
- Suspension at OEM settings feels stiffer than a 20 or 21 Khaos, and a little heavier on the skis. Hard to say tho, as the snow conditions and underlying pockets of rain runnels made for tough steering conditions on all sleds. The FTS preload looks to be backed off almost entirely from factory, so I will be adding some there and taking some out of the rear before next ride. Doubt clickers alone will overcome this on a 165. Also doubt I would have noticed in deep snow.
- Tried to bury it in a steep side hill as best I could, and it always clawed its way out no problem. Pops off the snow nice and easy on lumps and bumps, and seemed to fly nice and even (disclaimer my jumps are very un-impressive)
- There is definitely a case in these newer sleds, that a 16x length track is just not necessary in a lot of snow conditions - the chassis, tracks and traction/power to the ground is just crazy compared to what we used to have. You have already seen that trending backwards, and I think you will continue to.
- Glovebox is a big win - I had a good size tool kit, owners manuals, plugs, and my toque in there no problem.
- Call me vain, but these things look really damn good....easily one of the best looking sleds ever built, particularly those with a little colour

Overall I am stoked...haven't been as excited to ride a sled in years. Can't wait to see the boost, but the NA is basically an Axys that feels better, looks better, and is much more refined. Can't wait to ride it again, and the only thing I will be fiddling with is suspension.

This is a great review. Obviously not enough seat time on different snow conditions but curious of which of these NA sleds you would choose if you had to do over again. Specifically the 165 slash Khoas or the 155 slash Pro? Assuming that most of your riding is done is deep mountain powder. What's your opinion at this point?

 

[Jaynelson]

Thanks! I've said before and stick by.....a 16X Khaos is closer to a "16X Pro with lighter steering and better shocks"....than it is to a "155 Khaos that gets stuck less." A 155" Khaos is it's own animal.

For deep snow, particularly in the early season (pre February), and a rider focused on adventure style riding (as opposed to "play" riding), a 16X track is still the place to be. With the better shocks and more adjustability in play, I would go Khaos over Pro. If I were still riding 30+ days a year and never missing a big storm (pre-kids, lol), I would go 165 Khaos in your choices, because I would make sure I'm out there on all the deepest days, and likely wind up in more aggressive terrain.

But now that I ride maybe 10 days a year and they happen....whenever it works out, I would lean 155" Khaos because I'll probably only hit a couple truly DEEP days. Even in "pretty good snow," the 155 goes great, and is more fun to goof around on when all focus isn't just on getting where you're going.

If you are going for a 155" because you value the "play" riding over the adventure style, and want to hang around sessioning re-entries for hours, I would go Khaos there for sure. And if you like the idea of a 155", but are worried about holding the front end down on steep climbs/terrain, that's where the 155 Pro would come in to play.

Also if you in good shape, sub 170-180lbs, and anything this side of a big hillclimb guy.....a 16x sled just might be overkill these days. Complicated answer to your simple question - my bad lol

 

[nater24]

Thanks! I've said before and stick by.....a 16X Khaos is closer to a "16X Pro with lighter steering and better shocks"....than it is to a "155 Khaos that gets stuck less." A 155" Khaos is it's own animal.

For deep snow, particularly in the early season (pre February), and a rider focused on adventure style riding (as opposed to "play" riding), a 16X track is still the place to be. With the better shocks and more adjustability in play, I would go Khaos over Pro. If I were still riding 30+ days a year and never missing a big storm (pre-kids, lol), I would go 165 Khaos in your choices, because I would make sure I'm out there on all the deepest days, and likely wind up in more aggressive terrain.

But now that I ride maybe 10 days a year and they happen....whenever it works out, I would lean 155" Khaos because I'll probably only hit a couple truly DEEP days. Even in "pretty good snow," the 155 goes great, and is more fun to goof around on when all focus isn't just on getting where you're going.

If you are going for a 155" because you value the "play" riding over the adventure style, and want to hang around sessioning re-entries for hours, I would go Khaos there for sure. And if you like the idea of a 155", but are worried about holding the front end down on steep climbs/terrain, that's where the 155 Pro would come in to play.

Also if you in good shape, sub 170-180lbs, and anything this side of a big hillclimb guy.....a 16x sled just might be overkill these days. Complicated answer to your simple question - my bad lol

That's a great reply. The more input the better so don't try to over simplify your answer for me

I've always been on the 155 skid but when I went to a higher boost turbo I swapped a 155 skid to a 163 skid (axys chassis) both with Pro rails. I've never ridden a Khaos and I know that the Matryx Khaos is different than the Axys Khaos. There are pros and cons both ways with the short vs long skid just like there are Pros and Cons with the Pro vs Khaos comparison I'm sure. Overall I'm super happy with the longer skid but ONLY because I'm turbo'd. I could definitely feel the longer skid being less playful but with the roughly 50% more HP of the turbo vs NA and wanting to be able to boondock effectively (maybe I'm just not a good enough rider to run the shorter skid while turbo'd and make it effective in technical terrain) it made the longer skid the better choice overall. If I had it to do over again I'd most likely get the longer skid (163) but in the Khaos version.

Because I'm thinking about going NA and still really wanting to be able to get the skis up effortlessly and yet still be effective in the trees my gut tells me the Matryx Khaos 165 is the way to go. It seems the Matryx Khaos is more playful than the Axys Khaos. And maybe just the fact that suspension on the Matryx Khaos is a pretty good upgrade over the Matryx Pro, that ends up being the thing that tips the scales.

How much more playful is your NA Matryx Slash 165 than a NA Axys Pro 155 would you say?

Here's something else I'm curious to hear everyone's opinion on (all NA options of course).... is a Matryx Pro 155 going to be more or less playful than a Matryx Khoas 165? Is a Matryx Khoas 165 going to be more or less effective in the Trees than a Matryx Pro 155?

I'm fully aware of how overly analytical this sounds and truthfully would be happy on either sled I'm sure. Just hoping for as many relative opinions before making a decision.

Thanks!!

 

[Jaynelson]

Can't say yet if a Matryx Khaos NA is more playful over an equivalent Axys....the spring rates and suspensions settings feel stiffer on the new machine. So until I have time to fiddle with that, it was actually leaning toward slightly more planted.

Assuming average-ish rider skill (like me), and not dying for fancy stuff like bow ties, etc....a 165 Khaos would be more effective in the trees than a 155 anything. You can go slower, have more time to make decisions, and its more forgiving when you get it all wrong. There is tons of adjustment in the suspension, and with a 165 track length, I think it will be easy to find a balance between good climbing/deep snow capability, and being able to pick up the skis when you want to.

That said, the 155 sleds will always feel more playful and get the front end up more than a 165 (even a Khaos) ....so if those items are priorities, I would skip the 155 Pro and go 155 Khaos. And if it's a bit much, then dial the extra wheelie out of it if needed. Disclaimer - haven't ridden a 155 Pro since a 2019 model. Have more recent seat time on all other combos (16x Pro, Khaos, and 155 Khaos).

 

[chevy_man]

As I said before, the Yamaha viper is essentially an arctic cat. They aren’t the yamaha 4 strokes of old. They are way lighter so their easier to ride. Friend has one that’s pushing 260hp. Nothing compares to the torque of a 4 stroke, but they aren’t for everyone.

Yeah, all that down low torque....

Isn't the whole purpose of a CVT to pull max hp rpm at all times?
And isn't it weird how half the strokes rev to peak hp in half the time?


A turbo 2t will out pull a turbo 4t all day long. The only reason you can buy a turbo 4t is because a n/a wouldn't sell since it couldn't keep up with any 2t anywhere, and Yamaha thought they were ahead of the EPA curve.

It's funny how the guys on 4t dirtbikes get pissed when I holeshot them on a 2t also, because they have "all the torque". They don't know how to ride, because a 4t let's you ride lazy and get there most of the time.

 

[jrusher]

Yeah, all that down low torque....

Isn't the whole purpose of a CVT to pull max hp rpm at all times?
And isn't it weird how half the strokes rev to peak hp in half the time?


A turbo 2t will out pull a turbo 4t all day long. The only reason you can buy a turbo 4t is because a n/a wouldn't sell since it couldn't keep up with any 2t anywhere, and Yamaha thought they were ahead of the EPA curve.

It's funny how the guys on 4t dirtbikes get pissed when I holeshot them on a 2t also, because they have "all the torque". They don't know how to ride, because a 4t let's you ride lazy and get there most of the time.

Getting off topic here again . Not sure what turbo 2 stroke you ride or been around but every turbo 2 stroke poo or doo silber / boondocker / areocharger etc that I’ve ridden or have rode with arent even close when it comes to hp/torque and track speed as my boost it viper @ 10 pounds boost. Some of the 2 stroke kits were lower boost kits some higher . Could they make the same climbs or pulls sure but at way slower speeds . Clutching , gearing , turbo size and different inter coolers all come into play . So many variables . I’ve seen some boost it 2 strokes pull some wicked chutes in Revvy . 3 of my buddies have sidewinders running a supposedly 270 hp tune @ 19 pounds and my viper at 10# pretty much destroys them on pulls/climbs . Winder has a small turbo can only push so much air then becomes inefficient

Anyways I got 200 km on my slash last weekend hope to get out this week again as it’s dumping in the hills . The sled feels awesome as a stocker. There getting so much closer to the mx bike feel I luv it . I had a pro for my daughter 7-8 years ago so been awhile since I spent a bunch time on a smoker . I was surprised how planted the sled was doing the same climbs as my buddies yammies were pulling I thought she would come back over on me more but it stays planted nicely . I had to work harder going up the same pulls but it’s fun and more of a challenge then point and shoot . In the tight trees it’s effortless to maneuver and so forgiving to stop and go again when making decisions on lines. I’m not used to that riding the yammies I have to plan way ahead and keep the momentum going . Cant wait to try a boost model and see how they hold up this season I might have to upgrade next year if that engine holds up

 

[snobyrd]

Getting off topic here again . Not sure what turbo 2 stroke you ride or been around but every turbo 2 stroke poo or doo silber / boondocker / areocharger etc that I’ve ridden or have rode with arent even close when it comes to hp/torque and track speed as my boost it viper @ 10 pounds boost. Some of the 2 stroke kits were lower boost kits some higher . Could they make the same climbs or pulls sure but at way slower speeds . Clutching , gearing , turbo size and different inter coolers all come into play . So many variables . I’ve seen some boost it 2 strokes pull some wicked chutes in Revvy . 3 of my buddies have sidewinders running a supposedly 270 hp tune @ 19 pounds and my viper at 10# pretty much destroys them on pulls/climbs . Winder has a small turbo can only push so much air then becomes inefficient

Anyways I got 200 km on my slash last weekend hope to get out this week again as it’s dumping in the hills . The sled feels awesome as a stocker. There getting so much closer to the mx bike feel I luv it . I had a pro for my daughter 7-8 years ago so been awhile since I spent a bunch time on a smoker . I was surprised how planted the sled was doing the same climbs as my buddies yammies were pulling I thought she would come back over on me more but it stays planted nicely . I had to work harder going up the same pulls but it’s fun and more of a challenge then point and shoot . In the tight trees it’s effortless to maneuver and so forgiving to stop and go again when making decisions on lines. I’m not used to that riding the yammies I have to plan way ahead and keep the momentum going . Cant wait to try a boost model and see how they hold up this season I might have to upgrade next year if that engine holds up

For some reason, all off the slash models feel planted in stock fourm.
Im currenty working on changing that.

 

[Motorbreath_]

Last thing I thought I'd see when I clicked on this thread was a comparison of a Matryx to a Yamaha..

Has anyone noticed the 155 Pro being more playful than other years? I remember seeing a video last year of some guys doing hopovers and reentrys on a matryx pro like it was a joke... I'm curious what that was all about.

 

[Rdeleers131]

I spent all weekend on my 22 165 Khaos 2.75. Last season started with a 163 pro 850 which ended with the same sled being Khaos converted with ice age rails and fox shocks. I also spent some considerable time on a a 2021 Khaos 165 2.75.

Over all, all I can say is wow. The difference is extremely noticeable. The sled is better in every category than it’s predecessor. It is more responsive it’s more predictable. It climbs on the snow better and the motor seems to be a little bit more angry. It’s not huge wild differences but it takes the awesome characteristics of the axys and amplifies them.

I’ll have to say at the end of the day the most noticeable difference is the tunnel. It allows you to react fast and is way more forgiving in the tight steep stuff. The panels help there to.

I am a steep trees drainage guy who switched to the khoas platform for shocks and the ability to set the sled up for when I wanna do bow ties and returns. It bridges that gap even better than my last rides.

Over all I am very happy

 

[rmk_indy]

So as I'm sitting on my computer being jealous of seeing peeps getting their new Sleds or renting the new Matryx I'm seeing very little feedback on the performance of this new sled. With that being said, I know Burandt and other pros have posted videos and comments on them but I know there are plenty others out running these new RMK's but don't see much on real world from them.. Are they having to much fun to post? Is there no snow anywhere? or are people just not seeing that much diff. from Axys? IDK.. Please chime or cut and paste previous comments so us dreamers waiting for our sleds can REALLY dream!

Colorado boy here. Couple of factors going on: No snow unless you want to burn it up or smack stumps. Perhaps a bigger problem, just picked up a matryx slash 850 snow check and am awaiting to hear if it’s part of a recall involving an engine replacement to fix. Heard all Axys chassis’ also require the new engine before they are delivered. So, unsure if I have a live grenade or actual sled. Also heard they are having issues fulfilling turbo sleds. Thanks Polaris, all because of crank bearing failures, supply chain delays and not informing your customers well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jaynelson]

definitely sounds like you have your finger on the pulse

 

[Teej83]

Four feet of baseless, windloaded, faceted crap - steep uphill start, and the 155 Khaos Slash just walks up it like nothing.

Spent 2 hours helping my buddy's 14 summit get up the same slope. Thing got stuck even starting out flat.

The Matryx with the 2.8" goes through the deep noticeably better than my 16 axys, turn in is a bit quicker, all while being a bit less harsh (some of this is undoubtably the shock setup I had on the axys). Khaos is playful now that I tightended up the FTS. Really excited to try more advanced manuevers once our snowpack improves

 

[turboless terry]

Great to hear but a 14 summit is not much to compare to. They were the trenchingest sleds in the world combined with a wide body and boards. Climbed great if those were weeded out but not in baseless powder. I'm sure the matryx kaos is a better easier riding 21 kaos.

 

[Teej83]

Great to hear but a 14 summit is not much to compare to. They were the trenchingest sleds in the world combined with a wide body and boards. Climbed great if those were weeded out but not in baseless powder. I'm sure the matryx kaos is a better easier riding 21 kaos.

Superior to my 155 2.6” as well.

I hate my buddy’s sled. So much

 

[Thatzme]

Sorry for the photo dump. Got my khaos 155 slash out for a couple weeks of good riding and wow this thing is insane. Never been on a mountain sledding before this so I'd say I'm below average Joe and I can't believe how easy it is to throw this thing around. Only landed on me a few times lol

Off topic of the post but does anyone have pictures of the small Burandt bag with the shovel attachment on their slashes? Doesn't seem like needing extra fuel on the tunnel will be much of a problem for me like I was originally thinking

 

[MTsled3]

Colorado boy here. Couple of factors going on: No snow unless you want to burn it up or smack stumps. Perhaps a bigger problem, just picked up a matryx slash 850 snow check and am awaiting to hear if it’s part of a recall involving an engine replacement to fix. Heard all Axys chassis’ also require the new engine before they are delivered. So, unsure if I have a live grenade or actual sled. Also heard they are having issues fulfilling turbo sleds. Thanks Polaris, all because of crank bearing failures, supply chain delays and not informing your customers well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The recall was back in like August and only affected the Axys sleds that were built early. As far as I know Polaris had new engines sent out for those a few months ago.

 

[MTsled3]

Last thing I thought I'd see when I clicked on this thread was a comparison of a Matryx to a Yamaha..

Has anyone noticed the 155 Pro being more playful than other years? I remember seeing a video last year of some guys doing hopovers and reentrys on a matryx pro like it was a joke... I'm curious what that was all about.

One of my riding buddies has a 155" Pro and it does seem very playful. He accidentally came over backwards a few times on our first ride.

 

[Jaynelson]

 

[Jaynelson]

Went for a "quick ride" in our record-level snowfall yesterday - turned into a full tank, well after dark ride with headlamps type ride. We got a conservative 3 feet in 18 hours - both in-town and on the mountain, it was absolutely wild. It was fairly cold out as well, so nice dry stuff. The photo is right on a road/trail, and the snow was that deep for the entire ride.

Khaos 165 NA box stock - I will confidently declare the deep snow performance on these new Slash sleds is no joke - the best I have ridden hands down. Everyone's main sled concern these days seems to be what does the best bowties or whatever - this guy still likes deep AF snow where the main "trick" is breaking trail while avoiding landing yourself in a 2 hour stuck. This sled is an absolute unit for that application by any definition or comparison. Compared to even early Axys chassis sleds, the difference in the deep is amazing - it just wants to keep going and found traction in situations I did not expect to get away with. I'll also 2nd my claim from earlier that the motor feels very strong - maybe it's just better power transfer through the new driver setup - ? Not sure...but it hauls and sounds very happy at full chat. Even in this deep stuff, you really don't "need" it full pin the vast majority of the time, which attests to how well the track/driveline/chassis is working to keep the sled up in the snow. I don't know if it's a heavy thumb keep things warm or what, but I never had any belt slip even though the sled was underneath the snow for hours. The OEM suspension settings that I commented were not as "playful" as possible, where on-point for mega-pow, where you definitely don't want a wheelie/trenchy setup.

No issues or glitches the entire time, just one the most ridiculous rides I've ever been on never left the road/trail. The biggest challenges were keeping airflow to both the sled vents, and more-so to my face/lungs LOL