How much better are newer mountain sled body styles?

[Jlager]

I have a 2002 RMK 800 which is a lot of fun but I keep wondering if the newer style sleds with the much narrower body are a lot better in getting through deep snow?

I've never been on one but it seems like they can plow through deep snow much easier. Mine looks a bit like a fat pig next to them so I would imagine it has to make a difference.

 

[ape]

I just went from a 2003 summit to a 2010 summit and I cant tell you how much of a difference there is. Last week was my first ride in the deep stuff on the 10 and it was incredible compared to my 03. So to answer your question yes there is a huge difference between new and old.

 

[jonjean]

Its a completly different game. Each year they get better and better. Just think about how far technology has come in the last 10 years. Look at slednecks videos from 2002 as a great example.

 

[Himark]

I rode your sled for years and thought..."just cant get any better". Then moved up and will never look back.

BTW, A buddy had a serious modded 02 Edge a few years back and I jumped on it for ole time sake and thought..."How the heck did I EVER ride this".

 

[The Fourth Wolf]

I have a 2002 RMK 800 which is a lot of fun but I keep wondering if the newer style sleds with the much narrower body are a lot better in getting through deep snow?

I've never been on one but it seems like they can plow through deep snow much easier. Mine looks a bit like a fat pig next to them so I would imagine it has to make a difference.

This year I went from an '03 Edge 151 to a '12 Pro 163. I still have and love the Edge and intend to keep it until there are no longer parts available for it. (so like a hundred years)

The difference between the two, in terms of manueverability, rideability and "stuckability", is like going from an ATV to a dirt bike. Night. And. Day.

I can pull lines on my Pro that I wouldn't have attempted on the edge. I have already said to myself numerous times "If I was on my Edge I'd be stuck as a m.....f...er right now", where the Pro just popped out and kept going.

I have a little seat time on my buddy's M-8 and they're very impressive too...nimble and smooth power.

 

[skibreeze]

I had an 02 Vertical Edge and the IQ chassis was much better. The differences with the Pro over the IQ are very pronounced, especially the rear suspension. You're living in the stone age with the 02.

 

[skidoorulz]

I went from a 74 Scorpian to a 80 Kawasaki and I said Holy crap what a sled. Then went to an 85 SkiDoo with IFS and I said Holy crap what a sled. Then went to a 93 Polaris and I said Holy crap what a sled. Then went to a 97 Doo and said holy crap what a sled. Then went to a 99 Doo and said holy crap what a sled. Then went to a 03 Doo and said holy crap what a sled. then went to an 06 Doo and said holy crap what a sled. If I ever get uncheap and spring for a new Doo I am sure I will say holy crap what a sled!

 

[bubblyjock]

I just went from riding an '05 King Cat to a '12 Summit and sledding is now a totally different experience. I would be extremely tired and sore after a full days ride with with the Cat, now with the Summit I feel I could keep riding with the energy I still have. I can put it this way, I feel like I am able to ride the Summit to where I want all the time and if I get stuck then I am at fault. Where as with the Cat, I know many times when I was stuck it wasn't due to my lack of ability but the sleds.

 

[Chris6060]

Night & Day difference! Even the M-Chassis is a great maneuverable chassis and they go for decent prices depending on what kind you look for.

All the new 2012 & 2013 sleds are great!

 

[rmk4ever]

I've got the 02 vertical escape 800, wrp seat 159 x 2.25 track, single slp. I rented a 2012 800 rmk for the first 2 days, what a blast... Spent the last 3 days on my 02, got out of breath real easy couple of times just moving that thing around. Never should of rented that 2012. I was able to go twice as far up the hill with the 2012 then I was with my 02. It's like all you have to do is "think" right & the sled goes right. So now i'm in the market for a 2012 pro or 2013.

 

[Coldfinger]

My comparison is like this -

My 2010 M8 162 compared to my 99 670x 136
is like
My 99 670x compared to my 95 670 136
and
My 95 670 compared to my 92 580 Plus 121


and

ergonomics as said, are much much better. Much easier to ride standing up and much easier to go from sitting to standing.

 

[spark'd]

Hey if you want you can try my proclimb next time were out.

 

[rwebb35]

05-011 M chassis! Only way to go! ProClimb, Pro RMK, and Ski Doo all require way more energy to ride in the mountains! Oh sure they will say I am crazy but you are asking for opinions here and IMO M chassis all the way! I have ridden all of them from 87 to 012 in the mountains!

 

[MORSNO]

05-011 M chassis! Only way to go! ProClimb, Pro RMK, and Ski Doo all require way more energy to ride in the mountains! Oh sure they will say I am crazy but you are asking for opinions here and IMO M chassis all the way! I have ridden all of them from 87 to 012 in the mountains!

Yes, you are crazy. Newer technology has made all of them easier to ride. I love my '07, but it in no way is better than a '12...okay, it looks better in my opinion.

 

[ak powderhound]

02 edge <12pro ,

my 02 ve 156 turned into a163. this sled had all of the mods. carbon fiber , billet alum, pipes seat all of it. what a pile of money. enough said, my new sled 2012 163 stomps all over the old dog . buy a new one.

 

[Leardriver]

I tried an '08 dragon, and went back to my '05 edge.

Like the seating position, stability, ride comfort better.

Plus, on a sled that was bought and paid for new, it is virtually free to go sledding.

Someday I will get a used Pro, but I am in no hurry.