Best budget sled for wife

[stewy42]

I'd like some opinions on what you guys would look for for your wife/girlfriend assuming she is a decent rider but doesn't need a huge sled to try to throw around. Assuming your budget was $5,000 or less. Some on trail riding of course but also need the ability to get off trail and ride the mountains. She's not afraid to climb but definitely doesn't need to hit the top of the mountain. What do you think? I know the obvious choice is a 600 with a 144. Opinions on a 136 with 2" lugs?

 

[cascadesnowjunky]

arctic cat m7 153, properly set up they run. BTW I am a polaris guy too but the facts are the facts for a smaller cc sled they run awsome and are bulletproof.

 

[slaggster]

X2 and only $2500-3500 they will go 6000 miles+ with regular maintence.

 

[AZ800]

Hard to beat M sleds for reliability and ergos/handling (not the best on the trails, but very few sleds are good trail machines and easy to toss around off trail).
Getting towards $5k even gets you into '09 models with engine reverse and all the newer updates. I''d love for my wifes M7 to have reverse, but she'd probably just go thru 5 sets of scratchers a year!
Best upgrade to the M7 for my wife other than fixing the rear suspension geometry, was getting a '10 model high rise seat for it.
I always thought the IQ Poo chassis sleds handled well too RMK600 IQ would be another good choice.

 

[Snowlover]

Poo 600 IQ chassis. Reverse, estart, 144, non-carb sled. You might end up riding it when she stays home.

 

[94fordguy]

If it wasn't for no reverse on the M7 I'd say that's a good choice, but that can be a major drawback at times. I'd say look for a 07-10 700 IQ RMK. Very good handling, reliable, and good power when needed. A 600 RMK would be a good choice too and available in a 144 if you don't need a 155. Both are getting to be pretty cheap now and easy to find clean used ones.

 

[stewy42]

I've been leaning toward the IQ 600 and 700 144 or 155 or maybe even a Rev 600 with a 144. If the older M's had reverse they would be more of an option for me. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

 

[winter brew]

I would keep an eye out for a 600 Pro, might be a little more $$ but they should be getting close to that price range....much friendlier and lighter sled than the IQ.

 

[AZ800]

I've been leaning toward the IQ 600 and 700 144 or 155 or maybe even a Rev 600 with a 144. If the older M's had reverse they would be more of an option for me. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

Bet you could get a M6 with reverse well within your budget. Even a 07-08 M8 in decent shape should be under $5k. They do not have much more snort than a M7.

 

[MikeMetzger]

Currently selling my 05 M7 for $2500 No reverse though.....PM me if your interested. I live in the Seattle area.

 

[sno*jet]

600rmk

 

[wfieldin]

Don't forget the simple things, working HOT hand warmers, got to have reverse, comfortable seat (does she sit or stand?) pick seat accordingly, right height bars, adequate windshield for protection (my wife likes to be warm), easy to steer and not twitchy on the trail) may require different skis (Simmons Gen 1 great for this). Storage bag for stuff (removable). Lastly and this will get you some when you get home ELECTRIC START!

 

[321sledman]

no ****ty kittys 600 pro only !!!!!!!

 

[Matte Murder]

Get her a puppy. Not worth the hassle to buy her a sled, maintain it and teach her how to ride. I'm cold, this is hard, I'm scarred, my boots hurt, can you start it for me, why are you such an a whole?, I didn't know that sound was "severe detonation", I can't see with my foggy goggles, warm me up, I'm tired, I WANT A DIVORCE!!!! etc. It will cost you 5 seasons just so you only have to wait MOST of the time for her. I know I am going to catch hell for this but unless your wife is truly hard she will take all the joy out of sledding for you if you are an aggressive mountain rider. And yes I know there are some women who can ride ok but they are rare and even more rare is women who can hang with the boys without complaining. At least where and how we ride. The best I have ever seen is really good riders "squirreling" with their wife sitting in front of them while they rip. Treadway was a ninja at it.

 

[fisherman]

YOU RIDE WITH WRONG GIRLS

 

[Nads]

My 137" freeride is for sale and it has 1 3/4 lugs.

Lady ridden and loved with a new engine.

 

[elkhunt]

I have an 05 M7 153 with 3100 miles that is in excellent condition with a RKTEC secondary, aftermarket belt adjusters, van amberg tunnel /rear bumper mod, cat mountain seat, windshield, handle bar & tunnel bags and tank cover. Also comes with a spare track. NO dents or cracks! $3500

 

[stewy42]

Hahaha. Matte Murder, I will not show her this post. I'm not worried about her ruining any of my days. She already rides and is not afraid to push her abilities. She's actually the one that got me into sledding as she grew up riding sleds with her dad. She won't always be able to get out because we have two little girls and our youngest is still too small to ride along. I get a kick out of riding with her and sometimes she surprises the hell out of me. As far as complaining, well that's just not her style. Thanks for the input though. Besides, puppies need way more maintenance and a sled wont sh@t in the house.

 

[Matte Murder]

Well I tried to talk you out of it, lol. I would get her a similar sled to what you ride. Same power, same track length, same lug depth. I think less power and less track just puts people at a disadvantage. I would buy the best M8 you can get. Or maybe an M7 that somebody lightened up a bunch. Super reliable, handle great, sidehill easy. Find one that somebody put a bunch of money into or never rode much. I see 5 year old sleds for sale with 500 miles on them. My buddy bought similar sleds last year for like $3000-3500 and they ran all year with just gas and oil.