Axys 163 vs. Axys 155 ???

[bradburck]

I have literally ridden every track type over the past 25+ years.. 136-163" tracks and 1.4"-3" paddles. My favorite track of all time are the 162-163 3" paddle tracks. I have ridden the axys in both the 155 2.6 length and the 163 3" and I just think there are few drawbacks to having the longer and larger paddle track, especially on a stock powered sled, it really is another level, allows for slower maneuver adjustments in the trees, just much more "fun" to ride on edge in deeper snow especially for larger dudes (I'm 6'2" and 215"). Just my take.. I ride a 155 turbo now and love it, but I have always enjoyed the shorter tracked turbo sleds. Really can't go wrong though, the axys is an amazing sled, another step up from the pro, be it smaller than the dragon to pro, but a step up for sure.

 

[snowmoherb]

To recap, you like the chassis/motor but are struggling withe the shorter track

I do think its a bit funny in most every other winter oriented sport running length is a byproduct of intended use AND rider weight. Bigger riders need bigger skis for the same float etc.


Burdant weighs nothing. Even Keith Curtis isn't big in the weight department. This, coupled with an uncanny ability to carry momentum, is why those guys can ride 155s places us normal folk couldn't dream.

At your weight, riding a 155 would be like Burdant riding a 146. Keep that in mind.

I see what you're saying, but don't quite agree. It's not like I'm getting stuck because I don't have enough flotation for my bigger beer belly. The front is lifting, and it's extremely nimble. With a lighter rider, it would lift even more. A bigger rider should help keep the front down and make it less squirly.

I think I just need to get used to the nimbleness of it and once I do, I'll love it even more!

 

[fitz20]

I'm 6'4" 400lbs. does that mean Ski-Doo 174 is my only option? Lol

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

I see what you're saying, but don't quite agree. It's not like I'm getting stuck because I don't have enough flotation for my bigger beer belly. The front is lifting, and it's extremely nimble. With a lighter rider, it would lift even more. A bigger rider should help keep the front down and make it less squirly.

I think I just need to get used to the nimbleness of it and once I do, I'll love it even more!

Sorry the opposite actually happens.
A heavier guy tips the sled balance back under acceleration/ weight transfer. Heavier guys also cause trenching/ ski lift.

I'm 6'2" 220# and wheelieing was impossible to control with stock suspension on my 163x3.
The sled still lifts and carves easier than a 155 pro but with a stiffer rear spring lets me hug the bars and keep the front down (barely)

 

[JJ_0909]

Sorry the opposite actually happens.
A heavier guy tips the sled balance back under acceleration/ weight transfer. Heavier guys also cause trenching/ ski lift.

I'm 6'2" 220# and wheelieing was impossible to control with stock suspension on my 163x3.
The sled still lifts and carves easier than a 155 pro but with a stiffer rear spring lets me hug the bars and keep the front down (barely)

This.

Not saying the bigger guys can't ride the 155s I'm just saying it may not be as appropriate for all around mountain riding depending on your objectives.

If you do go 155, especially 3" - plan to couple the rear skid using a KISS coupler or similar. (or at least going to a heavier RTS spring)

 

[CO Powder]

You guys having wheelie problems must be riding more set up snow. I am a big guy and have no wheelie issues. The only changes from the book set up are a few extra turns on the RTS because I was bottoming on some bigger whoops.


The skis coming up seems like a good thing when you a-arms are this fragile. Helps me keep them out of harms way climbing through the trees.


I have no problem running slow in bottomless powder on a 155. Don't have a wheelie or trenching issue and thus far it has left the rest behind.


I do prefer the more playful nature of the 155 and I do typically carry more speed than most. I just think it was designed to be ridden hard and shines when you do. I will be sticking with the 155s next go around too.

 

[edi1967]

RPM?

So how about power between the two? Does the 163x2.6 drag the engine down more than the 155x2.6? I'm curious to know what RPM/Track speed/elevation/clutch setup you guys are running between the two.

 

[FatDogX]

Bump,

29th is the release date with snowcheck to follow.......

 

[snobyrd]

Im 165 lb in my birthday suit, i have a 155 2.6, with stock shock configuration i was wheeling alot, i tried stiffing my rear trax shox at 10.25 and it got worse, i than set the shok at 10.75 and got good results. My son has a 163 2.6 ,its more planted for the most part in verticle terrain, and in my oppion i cant really feel the extra length like i did on my 155 pro vs 163 pro. If i was gonna buy another axys it prob would be a 163 cause the riding effort to me is about the same.

 

[Sage Crusher]

One thing to consider is the sag in the rear-
cranking up the RTS helps us bigger guys control- the weight transfer.. ( 6' and 235 lbs)
I went to the standard Raptor RTS for sag and ride control since I had to stiff up the stock RTS..
Results: Ride is Fantastic!! sag is HORRIBLE!!

Putting on today, the Raptor heaver RTS to gain back my rear ride height ( before sags 2.5" just from a straight up pull on the rear bumper- no rider weight)-

Update: Finished the RTS- TRS install
The Heaver RTS makes the rear sit up nice and pretty and has about 2-1/2" of soft initial give-in/ ride-ability- can be adjusted with spring length ' Perfect!!!

So I would for sure put this on the list of things to get .
Cheap investment for the return you receive.
The 163 x 2.6 is very manageable- and is not a trench beast.

S/C

 

[Sage Crusher]

Here are the 2 raptor RTS comparison free length.
Coils on the heaver spring (right) are noticeable.
Left is the standard Raptor.

View attachment 267161
View attachment 267162
View attachment 267163

S/C

 

[snobyrd]

Here are the 2 raptor RTS comparison free length.
Coils on the heaver spring (right) are noticeable.
Left is the standard Raptor.

View attachment 267161
View attachment 267162
View attachment 267163

S/C

I just installed my raptors today, fts is a compleate raptor ,rts is just a 11 inch spring, but will be installing the whole shox when i get it modified. I set my spring at 10.75 and will go from there.
I watched a vid on utube yesterday by zbros, they were talkin about the axys pro and said the rts spring was its flaw. Also said to preload no more than half inch.

 

[Sage Crusher]

I just installed my raptors today, fts is a compleate raptor ,rts is just a 11 inch spring, but will be installing the whole shox when i get it modified. I set my spring at 10.75 and will go from there.
I watched a vid on utube yesterday by zbros, they were talkin about the axys pro and said the rts spring was its flaw. Also said to preload no more than half inch.

Yeah I saw that too-
I have raptor Springs all the way around- targeting the upper age group and wanted to have a cost effective alternative for my clients,as they didn't want to spend $2k for shock and springs.
So far it is a step up from the stock springs for
ride quality and handling for sure and wont break the bank.

S/C

 

[FatDogX]

One more bump as Snowcheck is here.

 

[papafinger1]

I have literally ridden every track type over the past 25+ years.. 136-163" tracks and 1.4"-3" paddles. My favorite track of all time are the 162-163 3" paddle tracks. I have ridden the axys in both the 155 2.6 length and the 163 3" and I just think there are few drawbacks to having the longer and larger paddle track, especially on a stock powered sled, it really is another level, allows for slower maneuver adjustments in the trees, just much more "fun" to ride on edge in deeper snow especially for larger dudes (I'm 6'2" and 215"). Just my take.. I ride a 155 turbo now and love it, but I have always enjoyed the shorter tracked turbo sleds. Really can't go wrong though, the axys is an amazing sled, another step up from the pro, be it smaller than the dragon to pro, but a step up for sure.

I am picking up a 163 x 3 axys with tki belt drive on saturday on my way to the mountains. I have been battling this same debate all season and ultimately decided on the longer track for the same reasons you have mentioned. I enjoy technical "steeper" tree riding but don't necessarily have the ability to carry enough momentum at all times to keep the 155 rolling. I feel the 163 gives me a bit more forgiveness to make moves at a slower rate helping me not to throttle past my riding ability

 

[tmanker]

I'm just getting in to the sport. I will be buying a new pro rmk 800. Would you recommend the 155 or 163 for a guy like me? I'm 6'-1" 195 lbs in birthday suit. I think the 2.6 track is the right answer for me, but not sure on length. The biggest appeal to me is, if in fact, you can ride slower in the trees. I may end up putting a silber turbo on it as well, if that matters. My riding will likely be at Togwotee or Cooke City. I may ride at Snowy Range if I'm in dire straits. Thanks.

 

[snowmoherb]

Put the K.I.S.S. coupling bracket from Zbroz on last week, that definitely helped keep me on track when going uphill in the technical stuff. Going to Mt. Baker this weekend, will be riding steep hills in the trees and make a final judgment, but so far, so good!

 

[FatDogX]

I'm just getting in to the sport. I will be buying a new pro rmk 800. Would you recommend the 155 or 163 for a guy like me? I'm 6'-1" 195 lbs in birthday suit. I think the 2.6 track is the right answer for me, but not sure on length. The biggest appeal to me is, if in fact, you can ride slower in the trees. I may end up putting a silber turbo on it as well, if that matters. My riding will likely be at Togwotee or Cooke City. I may ride at Snowy Range if I'm in dire straits. Thanks.

My biggest suggestion to you, if your just getting into the sport is to hold off on the turbo for a little while.

Learn to ride the sled otherwise, like many others I've seen, the turbo sled ride the rider!!!

As far as length, I've had 155 and 163 and my next will be another 163. I guess I've never got to a point where I thought to myself......man I wish I had a shorter track.

 

[1500psi]

You guys having wheelie problems must be riding more set up snow. I am a big guy and have no wheelie issues. The only changes from the book set up are a few extra turns on the RTS because I was bottoming on some bigger whoops.


The skis coming up seems like a good thing when you a-arms are this fragile. Helps me keep them out of harms way climbing through the trees.


I have no problem running slow in bottomless powder on a 155. Don't have a wheelie or trenching issue and thus far it has left the rest behind.


I do prefer the more playful nature of the 155 and I do typically carry more speed than most. I just think it was designed to be ridden hard and shines when you do. I will be sticking with the 155s next go around too.

You probably have a 6.0L ford diesel and haven't ever had any issues with it and it has 400,000k on it too. Just about everything you've said about 155s isn't even close to how it works in the real world sorry. 155s don't go in bottomless, they don't ride the steep, they don't work in the deep and they certainly don't keep up with 174s in any of those conditions. Your Friends with 74s need some riding lessons obviously, I think there's lots of openings at places right now. Not to mention your in Colorado making even less HP. 2016 axys 155 tried hanging out with us in Revy Thursday- Saturday. His sled has 360 miles on it, blew a belt everyday. 55 Can't even compare to a 74 in real snow in the trees and climbing was 1/4 of the way up a hill at best to something a 74 would barely make. I've taken so many Poo 155 guys because of my post now and they all do about the same.

 

[turboless terry]

I am a 155 guy but took my wife's 174 out on a little sh!tholin day with a buddy on his 155. It was really deep. It was like I was riding by myself all day. I have so many pics of him stuck and still poke fun of him to this day. So yes I agree that they can't ride if a 155 has to break trail in the deep. I said before that you have to ride like a retard to get one stuck. The problem is I said that with my wife there and she did get it stuck a few times. If all you ride is super deep snow they would be great but they take the fun out of it. It is more about how than if or when. I don't want or need it easy. I will also admit that they don't seem as long as they are. I only had a couple of times where it was too long but they have enough traction that you can work something else out. Each to there own but I will stick with a 155.