M series or Nytro????

[mountainman900]

I am a member of Search and Rescue. We are buying some new mountain sleds in the next few weeks and there are different opinions within the group as to which machines to get.

The machines being considered are a mix of new 08, 09, or 10 M8s or M1000s or 09 and 10 Nytros. We will be getting 4 to 6 sleds.

Now I am not asking this for you to convince me, as I already know what the general consensus will be and I know this isn't much of a comparison. But, for the sake of being able to show the people who will ultimately make the decision, I wanted to ask those who would know from experience which machines you would want coming in after you if you were stuck/lost/hurt way out in the steep and deep.

Thanks for your help.

 

[jgw50]

I ride an M8, its awesome, but if I were maintaining 4-6 machines, trying to keep them all running with many different people riding them, and risked more than just a bad day due to mechanical breakdown, i'd go with yamaha reliability hands down.

 

[94fordguy]

Personally, I would pick the M1000... My buddies 08 has not missed a beat in 2,000 miles...

 

[akstormin]

Seems to me that the issue here is reliability and maintainability. For SAR duties you don't need the best climbing or boondocking sled, you need a sled that is capable of doing those things relatively well, yet is low maintenance and ridiculously reliable. While the Cat has a good rep for being a reliable sled, I think the Yamaha is going to win in those two catagories. All you do is put gas in it and turn the key, doesn't get much easier to maintain than that. Plus when you are looking for funding from non-riders for the SAR group it might be nice to be able to say that you have four stroke sleds that are both quiet and easy on the environment.
I guess the best news is that no matter which sled you pick I don't think you will have made a bad decision.

 

[Hardass]

Ok here is the real deal Either one have some draw backs ok. If your just going up trails and such the 4 stroke is probably your answer but if you have to go in the back country the 8 or the 1000 will be best. That said there will be some set up in either one that you must consider.No one can argue this point. Also there is absalutely no replacement for experiance in riding the sled of your choice. If you can not rid3e it your not going to be helping any one. So my advise is to really ,and i mean realy think about what your asking and doing. People will be counting on you in these situations, so you better know your stuff now mattewr what you choose. It is a hughe responsibility no matterWhat you choose. CHOOSE WISELY AND TRAIN.

 

[mountainman900]

Thanks for the replies. You all have really good points.

Maybe I should have just titled it "which is best for the steep and deep". I think that would have given much different responses.

I have been riding 18 years and most of the team can hold their own. The newer guys are learning quickly but our sleds are 10 years old (which is why most of us ride our personal machines).

The truth is, people don't usually get lost on the trail on a sunny Saturday afternoon. The hardest, scariest riding that I have ever done has been on searches and it has been very rewarding.

I know the reliability of the Yamaha is proven but at 3 am with 10 ft visibility and DEEP powder, I just want to keep moving and not get stuck.

We train and train often but you have to ask yourselves when you are waiting for SAR, do I want them coming on Nytros or M's???

 

[akstormin]

You're correct, had you asked which sled is better on the steep and deep I think everyone would say the M sleds without question, especially in stock or near stock form. Not saying the Yammi can't do those things, but for starters you are comparing a 130 hp 500+lb sled to a 150-170hp less than 500lb sled. More HP and less weight, makes it a pretty easy decision if that's what you want. In the end it all probably comes down to what the guys who will be riding them are comfortable on. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[knee deep in it]

or

 

[ruffryder]

Where do the oars go for the speed boat?

 

[SLY]

You should get at least one Nytro 162, that way you know you can ride home

 

[Lake Cle Elum]

I'm on the SAR for my county. They just bought a Nytro to add to their 3 800 Ski-Doos for this reason:

Many complaints over the years about the person being towed in the rescue sled getting sick from 2-stroke fumes....For this reason, the Nytro was added....I think the Ski-doos are in the fleet due to a friendly local dealer......

 

[Mafesto]

Good arguements all the way around.

All I can add is "Thank you" to anyone who is part of a SAR team.
We've never needed those services, but damned glad they are available!

 

[mmsports]

Getting stuck?

You all have very good point. I have never got a Nytro stuck but I have stuck many of M8 and can always get my self out. I am thinking it is going to be a bit harder to do so with a 4 stroke. It might be an option to get 2-4 mix.

 

[philsummers21]

2010 Nytro would be my choice. If can't get the 2010 then id agree with the M series and i hate to say that cause i hate the M Series platform.

 

[M6johnny]

2010 Nytro would be my choice. If can't get the 2010 then id agree with the M series and i hate to say that cause i hate the M Series platform.

Whats the reason for hating the M??? Jealous of M riders being able to go wherever they want. hahaha JK

I have an M and I have rode the nytro and I know that I will never buy a yammi. I did however hear that they made some really good improvements to the nytro in 2010. So, if your looking at a yama-anchor get the 2010.

 

[mountainman900]

We currently have in our fleet a turbo Bearcat and rescue sleigh for hauling people or sleds out.

We demoed (that word doesn't look right) Nytros and M8s M1s on Saturday and I can honestly say now that these are not even in the same class!

My personal sled is a MC 900 and the Ms are rediculously easy to ride up through the trees compared to mine.

The Nytros on the other hand were really torquey and were fun to ride on the meadow but I could not carve with it and could only pull the hills if I was poaching.

Don't get me wrong, the Nytros are nice. But, they would be on the bottom of a long list of mountain sleds for me.

 

[snowww1]

It all depends on the ability of the rider. I ride an M series sled and suggested that our group get two Nytros. Reason was that they are easier to start and operate at low speeds for the inexperienced riders in our rescue group. Also less finicky in warm temperatures and towing out victims at low speeds. M's are not made for going down trails at 10-15 mph. In many areas S&R volunteers are not very proficient snowmobilers. We had members who could not start a two stroke and would get stuck in the easiest terrain. After they blew a few engines, we went with the 4 stroke. We also have two Summit 800's and an M8.
I would suggest a mix of M's and Nytros. Definitely get M's so the experienced riders can access the tough areas, but also get a couple of Nytros for hauling loads, slow speeds, inexperienced riders and warm temperatures.
Skis are quicker than snowmobiles if they don't know how to ride. We are selective on who rides off trail on tough missions. Nothing slows down a rescue more than an inexperienced rider in powder.
Hope this helps. The variety works well with our group. Mike Duffy
Vail Mountain Rescue Group

 

[White Rad]

if i were waiting to be rescued it would take another M to get there and the sound of a two stroke coming my way would be music to the ears.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

I'm on the SAR for my county. They just bought a Nytro to add to their 3 800 Ski-Doos for this reason:

Many complaints over the years about the person being towed in the rescue sled getting sick from 2-stroke fumes....For this reason, the Nytro was added....I think the Ski-doos are in the fleet due to a friendly local dealer......

Most likely a tree huggin whiner complaining.

Personally, I'd go for the lighter and faster two stroke. I know if my life was hanging in the balance, I most certainly would not want a SAR rider wearing a 75 pound pack trying to hang on to a 650 pound sled at 3am in freezing cold, 3' foot of fresh snow.

 

[Duke]

if I were maintaining 4-6 machines, trying to keep them all running with many different people riding them, and risked more than just a bad day due to mechanical breakdown, i'd go with yamaha reliability hands down.[/QUOTE]

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