I find this 4 stroke talk quite interesting, and I believe that I am highly qualified to lay out a legitimate opinion on the matter. I feel like I have always ridden what I thought was the best offering by the sled manufacturers. Maybe not always in the stock form, but what I thought had the most potential for what I was after. In 03 I rode a Cat 900 and back then I was always of the feeling that whatever sled had the most power was the best. It was all about setting the highmark and having the fastest sled. It was this sentiment that forced me to fall in love with the boosted power of the 4 stroke Yamahas, and since 06 I have owned 5 different Yamahas, including 2 turbo Nytros, a supercharged Apex . and a supercharged Phazer. Some of which I also had when they were just stock. For sure these sleds have a place in the market and even in the mountains. If you are after straight power/trackspeed with proven reliability, you need look no further.
Now…fastforward several years to 2012. For me, and many others the sport has evolved so much into something totally different. It’s not about bashing an open hill, it’s more about taking your sled to the spots that were previously untouched, the spots that I previously only went to get out of the wind to have lunch. THE TREES
I ride my Nytro in the trees all the time, it can be done, but it is a FAAAAAR cry from a Pro. This year I have had several opportunities to ride 2011-2012 Pro’s. Needless to say, to most of you, I am sold. That sled is like cheating. It is so effortless to ride. Don’t get me wrong, I love the 280hp of my Impulse Nytro, but if I could only have 1 sled in my trailer, it would be a Pro. Kinda crazy huh? I would now prefer a sled that would cost me 1/2 of the cash. Looks like I will have two sleds, 2012 Pro…here I come. Well, not quite.
Today I got the chance to ride a 2013 Pro in waist deep powder. While the 2013 does not take anything away from the 2012, the improvements on the 2013 although some of them small, have made a MAJOR improvement on an already incredible sled. This sled felt absolutely as though it was an extension of my body and brain.
A subtle tap of the toe in deep pow and this thing responds. I was able to do simple simple things on it that honestly took this sled to another level above a 2012. I was able to ride 2012 and 2013 back to back and wow…it’s that much better. Polaris really has their stuff together! I was amazed at how in waist deep powder I could half throttle the sled through stuff that most other sleds would be rapped out. While the Pro has what feels like just a fraction of the power of my Nytro, it flat out gets on top of the snow and works. Thank you Triple S for a great opportunity today.
You guys were great! They even started my sled for me several times. I think they were just trying to wean me off my electric start.
In addition to the fact that this sled is amazing, a couple other highs and lows to be noted:
• Running boards: I just wish they were a tad wider towards the back.
Love the new design. Best stock boards, but not the best available. Although not worth replacing, I prefer my Airframe boards, but I’m sure they are heavier. If the weight is more than a couple pounds I would go with the stockers.
• Seat: Loved it. It’s a bit slippery, but I loved it.
• Suspension: Wasn’t overly wowed by the suspension in the bumps. For stock it’s fine, but I may see a Kmod w/Raptors under mine. That setup is also a whole other level!
Basically, I am really excited to be sporting a new Pro next year and I will be adopting the old saying, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”.
