Looking at snowchecking a new sled. The difference between the RMK and the PRO is basically shocks and handle bars/steering post. For those who have ridden both: 1st; is there really much difference, and 2nd: is it worth the price? Please respond before April 19 deadline. Thanks for your input.
Is difference between RMK and PRO worth the $?
- Thread starter sledcaddie
- Start date
I have ridden both Dad has an 11 RMK and dads friend has a 11 PRO RMK and they handle the exact same in the deep stuff, on hard pack its not much but i could notice a difference in the way the shocks were set up but both machines still are great! They feel a little different because of the handle bars but thats pretty much it. I snowchecked a PRO RETRO because i just love the color scheme and the shocks is a plus and didn't care much for the standard RMK scheme for this year. If it was the 11 model colors i personally like the standard colors better.. basically what it boils down to other than shocks. Im sure either way you go you will have a permagrin.
Hear's my 2 cents. I have the rmk 155 my buddy has the pro 163 he snow checked, I bought mine in December 2010 He spent about $2500 more. To me not worth it, But in all honesty at the time I bought mine I could have got the pro for $800 more.
My personal preferences on the rmk
I like the stock handle bars better mainly because of the mode, headlight, hand warmer switches are next to the brake handle instead of on the gas tank like the pro I really don't like the switches on the tank.
also the rmk has 4 extra bogie wheels which is better when you hit the hard pack.
The rmk also has an extra cooler up front which I didn't think made any difference untill our last ride in superman snow his was running about 150 degrees and he was shoveling snow on the tunnel most of the trip while i was running around 125. In good snow the rmk runs 115-118 and the pro runs 120-125
what I don't like about the rmk vs the pro is the front track shock on the rmk is not adjustable and it is on the pro. I have priced the ryde afx adjustable shock and I think it is around $200 I am considering spending the money on fox shocks but haven't made it that far yet.
as far as ride the only difference I notice is on hard pack the pro seams to be a little better because of different shocks but not a huge difference. In the powder their is no difference.
I would recommend adding ice scratchers to the rmk to keep temps down on hard pack trails.
I believe the rmk is 9 pounds heavier 155 to 155 so where I am comparing to a 163 Their isn't near as much weight difference.
those are the main things I can think of for now. If I were to buy another it would probably be the rmk and I'd spend the extra money on shocks.
My personal preferences on the rmk
I like the stock handle bars better mainly because of the mode, headlight, hand warmer switches are next to the brake handle instead of on the gas tank like the pro I really don't like the switches on the tank.
also the rmk has 4 extra bogie wheels which is better when you hit the hard pack.
The rmk also has an extra cooler up front which I didn't think made any difference untill our last ride in superman snow his was running about 150 degrees and he was shoveling snow on the tunnel most of the trip while i was running around 125. In good snow the rmk runs 115-118 and the pro runs 120-125
what I don't like about the rmk vs the pro is the front track shock on the rmk is not adjustable and it is on the pro. I have priced the ryde afx adjustable shock and I think it is around $200 I am considering spending the money on fox shocks but haven't made it that far yet.
as far as ride the only difference I notice is on hard pack the pro seams to be a little better because of different shocks but not a huge difference. In the powder their is no difference.
I would recommend adding ice scratchers to the rmk to keep temps down on hard pack trails.
I believe the rmk is 9 pounds heavier 155 to 155 so where I am comparing to a 163 Their isn't near as much weight difference.
those are the main things I can think of for now. If I were to buy another it would probably be the rmk and I'd spend the extra money on shocks.
G
gman086
Well-known member
I've been very disappointed with the Pro shocks; if you ride aggro you'll be way ahead getting the standard RMK and putting the cost savings into a nice set of Fox Evols. The small exchangers on the Pro are also a joke - have to ride with scratchers down on the trail even with light fresh snow that any other sled would have no problem with! And I think I prefer the bar setup for the standard RMK too. No brainer to me, get the standard RMK!
Have FUN!
G MAN
Have FUN!
G MAN
Last edited:
Good points above...
The Pro has the Lightweight "sawtooth" brake rotor, tubular driveshaft (a bit lighter) and a better set of shocks...plus the different handlebars and controls.
The Std. has the front tunnel cooler on the bypass circuit which does help with cooling since the new chassis tunnel coolers are significantly smaller in capacity compared to the IQ chassis before.
I DO like the clean bars of the PRO with the switches in a less vunerable location... plus the PRO master cylinder will take a harder tree-hit...
I like the pivot steering post and prefer the non-rise/lo-rise handlebars to the plate style steering post of the pro.
If you ARE going to change the shocks... IMO... the Std is the better choice with enhanced cooling (especially if the sled is a Turbo).... To me the 2.5 lbs diff from the driveshaft/rotor is not much of an issue... The Rotor can be changed inexpensively if you really need the 1 lb savings or cool look. The std will weigh about 8-10 lbs more because of the lack of lightweight goodies and the cooling system.
The Pro has the Lightweight "sawtooth" brake rotor, tubular driveshaft (a bit lighter) and a better set of shocks...plus the different handlebars and controls.
The Std. has the front tunnel cooler on the bypass circuit which does help with cooling since the new chassis tunnel coolers are significantly smaller in capacity compared to the IQ chassis before.
I DO like the clean bars of the PRO with the switches in a less vunerable location... plus the PRO master cylinder will take a harder tree-hit...
I like the pivot steering post and prefer the non-rise/lo-rise handlebars to the plate style steering post of the pro.
If you ARE going to change the shocks... IMO... the Std is the better choice with enhanced cooling (especially if the sled is a Turbo).... To me the 2.5 lbs diff from the driveshaft/rotor is not much of an issue... The Rotor can be changed inexpensively if you really need the 1 lb savings or cool look. The std will weigh about 8-10 lbs more because of the lack of lightweight goodies and the cooling system.
Last edited:
I
Impatientforsnow
Well-known member
Also the 4yr warranty is only offered on the snowchecks right?
heat exchanger
So, Mountainhorse, do you notice your PRO running hotter because it doesn't have the heat exchanger?
So, Mountainhorse, do you notice your PRO running hotter because it doesn't have the heat exchanger?
On hard pack trails with the scratchers down... no... no scratchers yes... the base model we were riding with did not have the temp problem... but it might also be from the lack of holes on the snowflap.
Yes the snowflap does look cool but doesn't work . Non ported flap is the way to go.
I should have mentioned that my buddy did get the 4 year warranty and I only got a 1 year. So that is part of the price difference.
The pro handlebars are too tall. Like the pro taper bars. They just need to be shorter. The shocks are worth it. I don't like controls on handlebars because you always bump them. That is a plus on pro. The pro doesn't have enough heat exchanger the regular one does. I would imagine the shocks would cost a bunch to upgrade on the rmk.Not sure on price difference between models.
Anyway to add a heat exchanger to the Pro? I do ride in Michigan also so I am a little nervous on my decision to buy the pro now.
Has anyone taken the time to compare temps between the holed snow flap and the not holed? I have a few guys that are having heating issuses but you can't tell em they need a switchback cuz it hurts their feelings so if the snow flap helps I'll put em on.
G
gman086
Well-known member
Yes, Fastrax has them and I'll be getting one for mine!
Have FUN!
G
PS - As for the Pro having better brakes... well mine (like many - do a search) continue to drag and make noise even after break-in. The reservoir is huge and easily catches on trees for tree riding so I really can't agree with mountainhorse's assessment. I'm even thinking of going with SLP's Wilwood brake system to ditch the lame Hayes system from my Pro. Other than the BNG and 4 yr warranty, there really is no advantage to owning a Pro.
Last edited:
FWIW, my Pro brakes have been flawless for 900 miles, not rubbing it in, just sayin. I do like them better than the STD brakes, ride with some STD's, and with handguards, no issues with trees (or fewer issues I should say, the guards to to help avoid that dreaded tree brak'in, and finger sav'in.) I will say, coming from doo brembo's, I'm not anymore impressed with the cyclones. Not that brembos are that good, just more of the same. Cat's new brake system should be interesting next year, maybe it will start something. Like the long lever leverage, easy one finger...
G
gman086
Well-known member
Leverage is key! I have a short throw AMP brake lever on my '07 Summit for 1 finger braking and it RAWKS! The Pro def needs something!!!
Cheers,
G
