From a 155 Pro to Axys or Doo

[qbeam]

I'm currently on a 12 pro with a Carl's 900 kit. I've been considering moving up to the Axys or a Doo G4. Seeing as this is the Polaris forum I'd like to see what you guys think about the pros and cons of each.

I really like the way my Pro handles and I've been on the XM with the teeter totter. It was ok but I liked the pro better. I've heard the G4 is a much better handling sled than the prior generations. And it sounds like the 850 is a great engine.

I am not a point and shoot guy. Measuring high marks is not my thing. I want a sled that handles well in technical situations.

 

[goridedoo]

I would ride both. I have been on Pro's since 2012 and now have a 2017 Axys 155x2.6. I have put about 150 miles on the Axys. I rented an 850x 165x3 on Sunday. There is really no comparison in power, the low end and mid range of the 850 is AWESOME, it just jumps out of the snow. The 850 feels lighter on the snow as well, super easy to lay over and you can do alot of steering with your feet. Handling is much improved over the XM (I have never been on a T3, only 2013 and 2014s).

850 Pros-
Power
Handling
Gets on the snow extremely well

Cons-
Bars too high
TERRIBLE on the trail
Small gas tank
Can be unpredictable when crossing tracks
Wide boards

Axys Pros-
Predictable
Vertical steering
PIDD option
Belt driven
Super easy to work on

Cons-
Stock spindles/arms weak
Underpowered compared to the Cat and the 850

Both are really great sleds. I think the Axys certainly looks better on paper (lighter, belt driven, taller chassis, coil over rts, best stock skis, just built like a mod sled out of the box) but holy balls does the 850 just plain work, it really is an impressive sled, you just have to ride one.

Its hard to give a real GOOD review having not spent a ton of time on either and having only ridden them in early season snow. Everyone will have different opinions, best thing to do is make the $12000 decision yourself. You should be able to rent either sled within a few hours of SE idaho for around $250 a day. It will be well worth it and that way you can buy the sled that YOU like better.

 

[Griff]

....a well set up Pro with a 900 should hang tough......or better. I wouldn't trade it for an Axys and the track will be the difference on the new Doo would be my guess. I'd keep my hard earned cash. Nothing more fun than running the old iron and outperforming the new stuff.

 

[Wapow]

I'm considering these same sleds myself right now. I've only ever ridden Doos, but have no doubt I'd love an Axys. And, I can get a holdover '16 Axys 154"s right now for just over $10K (before tax, a cover, extra belt, etc.), whereas the G4 is $13k. The price difference has me looking hard at the Axys. I do a lot of sled access backcountry skiing, and we go late into the spring. The approach roads can be really hard on cooling. I'm concerned that the Axys is not particularly good for those conditions (no front cooler or bogey wheels, etc.). Can anybody comment on how the Axys works in crusty conditions? The '15 Doo T3s attempted to copy the Pro (deleted front cooler and no bogies) and it didn't work out well.

 

[goforbroke]

I'm considering these same sleds myself right now. I've only ever ridden Doos, but have no doubt I'd love an Axys. And, I can get a holdover '16 Axys 154"s right now for just over $10K (before tax, a cover, extra belt, etc.), whereas the G4 is $13k. The price difference has me looking hard at the Axys. I do a lot of sled access backcountry skiing, and we go late into the spring. The approach roads can be really hard on cooling. I'm concerned that the Axys is not particularly good for those conditions (no front cooler or bogey wheels, etc.). Can anybody comment on how the Axys works in crusty conditions? The '15 Doo T3s attempted to copy the Pro (deleted front cooler and no bogies) and it didn't work out well.

The Axys cools a lot better than the pros do. I've never gotten hot on the Axys and my pro does often, but a front cooler helps it cool even more. See if you can get an SKS as it has the front cooler.

 

[89sandman]

I know this post is probably not going to be taken well but you might take a spin on a 16-17 Limited Cat or 17 Mountain Cat. I was set to buy a Axys till I rode the Cat. I guarantee you will be surprised at how nice of a sled they are.

 

[druchti]

Im in the same boat. Cant decide.. Just got back from west yellowstone last night and while i was there i rented the new 850 165x3" and 17 axys 163 x 2.6" with a silber turbo and i also rode a buddies 16 axys 155x3". I thought after i rented and rode both id have a clear idea of what one i wanted but no such luck.. Lol.. Im coming off a 2011 rmk assault and think that both the axys and 850 are extremly nice sleds and both are easier to throw around then my assault..the 850 had a really strong bottem end id say noticibly better then the axys but expected with 50 more ccs ..the axys was a little more nimble but i liked the stability the g4 had at times..i found that the 850 liked you to be a little more back on the boards then the axys ..this could be diffrent with the 154?? The axys would dive to the left on me at low speeds and i feel this was rider error on my part with foot placement or something with the front shocks not set up correcly and could be fixed if i set it up right or after i had some more time on the chassi?.. Any one else have this problem?? Id really be intrested in hearing peoples opinions that have a good amount of time on both..idont feel that a couple rides was enough for me to see a clear winner.. The only thing that realy pushes me towards the axys right now over the g4 is that if i picked up a carry over 16 i could slap a silber on it for not to much more then the g4 costs new...and man does that silber put a smile on your face ...if i could get either set up for the same price i think id try the boosted g4 just for the fact that nobody in my grouo has one and ive never owned a skidoo and wouldn't mind trying somthing new ...bottom line tho i dont think you will be dissapointed with either.

 

[aksledjunkie]

I would ride both.

850 Pros-
Power
Handling
Gets on the snow extremely well

Cons-
Bars too high
TERRIBLE on the trail
Small gas tank
Can be unpredictable when crossing tracks
Wide boards
Bulkhead is weak

Axys Pros-
Predictable
Vertical steering
PIDD option
Belt driven
Super easy to work on

Cons-
Stock spindles/arms weak
Underpowered compared to the Cat and the 850

Both are really great sleds. you just have to ride one.

Added one thing since the Polaris had the weaker spindles and arms.

 

[goridedoo]

Added one thing since the Polaris had the weaker spindles and arms.

I wouldnt say that yet, what, 1 or 2 smashed bulkheads have showed up online and there have been hundreds of these on early season snow over the last 3 months.

 

[aksledjunkie]

I wouldnt say that yet, what, 1 or 2 smashed bulkheads have showed up online and there have been hundreds of these on early season snow over the last 3 months.

I'm being a bit facetious, I've only heard of 4 different incidents. Hardly an epidemic that's for sure haha.

 

[Jaynelson]

I think a guy would be pretty happy either way.

There's a reason this type of thread show up less every year; when it used to be every other thread. And that is...they are all really good. With the evolution of sleds and riding styles, it really boils down to the rider. None of the new sleds will go places the others won't, or do maneuvers the others won't...that's all on you. It comes down to slightly different ergos, different approaches to building the machine, dealer and what you like the look of. JMO

 

[ggcustoms]

..they are all really good.

X2, I'd take any brand right now as long as I like the color. We're getting spoiled. Fun is to be had no matter what brand you ride. But I am sure the brand bashing within each group won't stop, but then again that's a little fun too.

OP, go with your heart, you'll make the right decision. Hell, you can't go wrong.

 

[turboless terry]

I know this post is probably not going to be taken well but you might take a spin on a 16-17 Limited Cat or 17 Mountain Cat. I was set to buy a Axys till I rode the Cat. I guarantee you will be surprised at how nice of a sled they are.

Rode my first 17 mountain cat today. I was riding my wife's 850 165. Haven't had my axys out yet. The cat feels like a sluggish turd compared to the doo. The mapping seems off. A little slobbery down low. The doo bottom end throttle response is so much better and the handling is so much quicker to respond. I'm sure it's a good sled but with 2 rides on the doo and dialed to that I would throw rocks at the cat. One of the cat riders, who was on a 17, said he loved the 850 and would ride one in a heartbeat.

 

[89sandman]

My 16 rocks, but I've never rode the 850. Several rides on the Axys though and I liked the Cat over the Poo, it just fits the way I ride. Everyone has a feel they are looking for and the Cat and me were a match. Mine is crisp and pulls hard from top to bottom with the only engine mod being a can.


http://www.snowest.com/2016/12/these-are-the-days-we

 

[die hard poo]

I only have a few miles on my new 8fiddy and I own a 16 Axys 155x3 with a bmp pipe/tune.
-The Doo absolutely has better throttle response over the Axys which blew me away since I thought the Axys had the best throttle response last year.
-The etec feels more sophisticated and smoother than the Polaris motor.
-It is also more smooth as far as drivetrain. My Axys vibrates your feet when rolling, done it since day one.
-The Doo still handles like an XM IMO, goofy steering and very unpredictable to me. I was over-riding the doo like crazy. I hopped back on my Axys and immediately felt at home. Take this from a guy that has been riding polaris since I was kid so I know it will be a bit biased view. And my Axys has a 36" front end on it as well. It truly feels like an extension of my body. No fear pulling lines.
-Overall I think I just need more seat time on the Doo to really get the feel of the yoga ball feel of the Doo.
-Oh and Polaris engineers know how to build a chassis to work on. The Doo is stupid to take apart. 6 screws to take the hood off is ridiculous!