Next years options

[max_overload]

Considering a couple of choices for what to do next year given a couple of the dynamic changes Polaris is making for 2013.

Current:
2012 600 Pro 155
Light mods, clutching, anti-rachets. Super cool gfx. wrap.
Been a blast all year. Heard a lot about the flickability of the 600's and can certainly say they are ridiculous. Same token, I had a tough time in some spots this year. I either needed more track speed, or more footprint on the snow. Not sure, but got stuck more often than usual while watching my buddies stock M8 with a 153 walk over my trenches.

I'm 5'10", 240. Athletic. Ride in the Northwest, Canada (McCall, Island Park, Priest Lake etc.) - I take on steep ridge climbs and long sidehills through trees just as soon as I will jump off a 50' cornice down a chute into some gnarly hole.

So, options for next year:
1. Put a damn turbo on the 600 and rip it. I don't like the idea of running 110, but I would be willing to run 100LL in it.

2. Snowcheck a new 800 163?/155? and maybe put a BD pump gas turbo on it after break-in.

Collecting thoughts through the power of crowdsourcing...

 

[FatDogX]

At 240 I would vote for the 13 / 163. I go about 220 with no gear and I'm leaning towards my next being a 163 to pick up some flotation.

No complaints with the 155, just thinking about trying something different.

 

[papafinger1]

you will certainly gain hp on the top with boost on the 600 but where you see the 800 163 shine with low end grunt and larger footprint that same boosted 600 will still lack on the bottom. Just my opinion but a boosted 6 is a completely different monster than the 8.

I say check the 13. rip for a yr then think about boost after everyone else works the bugs out....

 

[theultrarider]

I'm 6'1" 240. Another vote for the 800 163. It'll take a ride or 2 to get used the the 163 after riding your short track. After that, you will never go back to the shorty. And at our weight, the high strung small blocks just don't cut it on the bottomend. There is no replacement for displacement when it comes to boondocking when you are a big guy.

 

[F-Bomb]

Based on your explanation of your interests I'd say HP isn't really your issue. Low end pop and flotation. Think in terms of being stuck and how many times was it that your PRO 8 155 got that way after being at speed full tilt.

For the things you are describing it basically all boils down to weight/footprint and how quickly you can build HP from engagement on (to hop on plane). If you are getting stuck on a PRO where your buddy is walking around on a much heavier sled you need more footprint and more initial snort to get things up on plane. 163 or more for a big guy like you and add compression with proper clutching. SIMPLE

(if you are a good rider as I'm guessing you are based on your comments of terrain and the problems you encounter with your current setup track length is a non issue. Trust me here...I've ridden just about every variety of track and length anyone has put on a PRO from 152 cat to 174 extreme....this sled is so easy to ride in the $hit that added length will add performance for you as opposed to raw HP especially turbo style results)

 

[Scott]

I think Fbomb is right.....(and to play devil's advocate).......OR MAYBE some of it is riding technique.

I know a lot of people that can put a 144 600 in places where guys on longer 800s have a hard time getting to. Guys on those 144 600s can keep out of holes that longer 800s...(or BIGGER) are buried to the gills.


There is also that factor.


BUT, on the same token, if you ain't wreckin', you ain't ridin'.

 

[max_overload]

Thanks for the reply's. Excellent input from everyone, really appreciate it!

The '13 8 163 was the direction I was leaning. After riding a buddies stocker last weekend up at Roman Nose for a few hours, it was staggering how much less work was involved when boondocking through tight trees. Less time spent at full throttle and wheelie riding.
@F-BOMB: When you put it like that, thinking back on riding this year it all makes a lot more sense.
@Scott: No doubt there's a problem with the rider! My skill level is probably mediocre at best, but I push myself harder than most riders I go out with. I see lines on hillsides that are otherwise tracked up and wonder why someone hasn't popped over a sidehill and topped out above those rocks. Then I go find out. Ya know what I mean?

Sledding is like breathing for me. Essential for life.

Well, anyone interested in a mint condition 2012 600 Pro?