New to Snowmobiling. Looking for 1st Sled.

[TWA]

Hey, so yep, new here, new to the snowmobile world.

I live in the Wasatch, have for a few years now, and it is time for a sled. I will be using it for mainly accessing new stuff to ski, cruise around with some friends, and well, ski! No crazy stuff like high marking but I will be romping on it some and having fun.

From what I know now I guess there are three main brands, Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, Polaris. I have checked all three out, and they all look similar to me (I am a noob). All that really stands out is the looks of the Ski-Doo's over the other two.

From what friends have told me I am going to want a 154" track, and looking for an 800 over a 1000. I am also a smaller guy (5'9" - 140) so lighter the better.

I guess I will be looking used for now, maybe trying for the $4-$6k range so I don't have to go to the bank for money. What should I be looking at for hours in a used sled? Also, anything else to keep an eye out for?

Any help appreciated. Post in the thread I guess because I am not sure how or if this forum has private messages.

If this is in the wrong section, sorry, please move it to where it would be better.

Thanks!

 

[mtn_rider08]

Welcome to the Forums

In that price range you should be able to find a pretty nice sled. If I were you I'd try to find a 2005 or 2006 M7, maybe a little new M8 even. The Arctic Cat M-Series sleds are great for smaller people or people that are learning to ride.(or both)

The polaris 700's are pretty good too. But you might want to stay away from the newer 800 Polaris's, quite a few problems, from what I hear. Sorry, I don't know too much about Polaris.

Ski-doo makes a good sled too. You could find one in your price range very quickly, I would think.

I am sure somebody else will help you out too.

 

[BROX]

They all have their strenghs and weaknesses. Have you riden any of your buddies? They all handle a little different, I would reccomend that if possible. I think ski-doo and polaris are at the opposite end as far as handling with cat in between but closer to polaris. I have riden them all and i prefer cat and polaris. Nothing against the doo, my buddies ride them and they go great, i just don't care for the handling. No one on the internet is going to be able to pick the right sled for you. Good luck and have fun.

 

[TWA]

Thanks for the help so far!!

I have not been a sled besides my work sled (Yamaha trial sled) I have a bunch of hours on that, but it is nothing like what I am looking to get...

I used to ride quads a bunch back in high school. Had a Blaster, small quad, but still fun. Easy to handle for me.

Any more advice appreciated!

 

[snowmobiler]

go xp

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

They all have their strenghs and weaknesses. Have you riden any of your buddies? They all handle a little different, I would reccomend that if possible. I think ski-doo and polaris are at the opposite end as far as handling with cat in between but closer to polaris. I have riden them all and i prefer cat and polaris. Nothing against the doo, my buddies ride them and they go great, i just don't care for the handling. No one on the internet is going to be able to pick the right sled for you. Good luck and have fun.

this is good advise..ride them all and see what fits you....just because this many ride that brand or this brand doesnt mean anything..every sled has its own feel and while a good rider can ride anything...he can ride the sled that fits him even better...also, consider your local dealer, ask around and find who's the best in your area, cause a good dealer is priceless....also, if you can I would consider spending a bit more and buying 1 yr old stuff...2011 polaris and skidoo sleds are excellent sleds (the cat is as well but a more dated chassis/riding position)I know 11 sleds in excellent condition are for sale in the 8-9 grand range and most should still have a few years of warranty left and are much better sleds then even the 08-09 yr sleds.......

 

[jaysonfreerider]

2002-2005 Polaris 700 RMK. Almost a bullet proof sled and will keep up with about anything if you really want it to. and easy to get used to riding.

 

[jaysonfreerider]

and DONT get a 2000-05 800. Piles.

 

[1Fast68]

Look for a 2006 Arctic cat M7 or Ski Doo Rev X 800.

Both great sleds and should bring you in under your budget. If you find something local to you on CL or KSL or wherever, don't hesitate to ask for opinions on if its a fair deal. Its summer, so sleds will be cheap.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

Where do you ride. For the money and reliability I would say M7-M8, maybe a 06 ski-doo rev, the others just don't stack up around here, so it depends where you ride.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

Get this video while your at it http://youtu.be/2wQHPnCi2T0?hd=1

then ask yourself if skiing is really that great. lol

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

get a stock apex...... and do a lot of squats.

 

[polaris dude]

Id say 07-09 m8. Should be in your price range with a few miles and from what I hear they are pretty bulletproof. Same goes for 07-10 700 polarises.

 

[Bkinz]

Another recommendation for the 07-09 polaris 700, ive ridden one for the past 3 seasons and its been incredibly reliable sled. It's got enough power to get you where your buddies go. And I might just have one for sale if your real intrested.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

a good 09 m8 is far better than the older m-series sleds, they are all tuff and good sleds but the 09 will spank the old ones. If you could find one for that kind of money it would be the best.

 

[SledsWest]

Have you riden any of your buddies? They all handle a little different

Uuhhhhh, WHAT????

Thats a different forum. BWAHAHAHAHA

Seriously though, I started out on an 07 Ski Doo REV Summit and loved it. I've ridden an early 2000's Polaris RMK and they sit very low to the ground and are difficult for a newbie to maneuver. Arctic Cats also sit lower to the ground than a Doo does. The Doo sits you up high and allows you to tip the sled over and gives you more leverage since you and the handle bars sit taller. Its all a matter of how you like your balance, low to the ground and a little wider or tall and narrow and a little more tippy. All the sleds have their demons, Doos are notorious for needing clutch work and exhaust valve updates. Cats have issues with their diamond drives and Polaris' just have "issues" in every respect of the word.

 

[TWA]

Stoked on all the feedback so far! Thanks.

If I am going used, what hours/miles should I be looking for. I am not sure what is "a lot" in the snowmobile world.

 

[PowderCrew]

What I've found over the years... is that I learn to adapt to the sled. Have ridden sometimes up to 3 different sleds in the same season... and while yes, they're all different, there isnt a one that was "hard" to ride. (except when the Yammi RX-1 came out, had trouble with that sled) In your price range, they're all good. I also have heard about Polaris issues, rode an XP and didnt care for the feel, but LOTS of peeps like them. LOVE the Arctic Cats... where your at, try ksl.com classifieds. TONS of sleds for sale. I know of an '07 M8 down at Sequoia Motorsports in Salem. (i bought its brother) My vote is the M8.

And yes, you ride with "sledders" a couple times.... you'll start to leave the "skis" at home!

 

[PowderCrew]

Stoked on all the feedback so far! Thanks.

If I am going used, what hours/miles should I be looking for. I am not sure what is "a lot" in the snowmobile world.

Most mechanics will tell you new pistons at 2000 mi. Sleds will run well waaaay past that though, its just a recommendation. "How" the sled was ridden is a big factor in the mtns. Look who your buying from (young or old?) and condition of the sled tells you a lil' how it mighta been maintained. Read up on the sleds in the brand forums so you get ideas what to look for. A-Arm bushings on the cats, clutch cracks or worn weights, drive axle bearings, cracks in the tunnel.... etc...

 

[fasta76]

I would ask around the place you live for a recommended dealer! Talk to friends or other riders in your area. Not sure what your mechanical ability is but all the older sleds have issues. I love my M8 but i'm also not afraid to tear it apart in the summer to make sure everything is in great shape for the season. If your not that into working on your own stuff a great dealer can make or break your season!