Pro RMK 155 or 163?

[turbo daryl]

Just got done riding my buddies new Pro 155 and I must say it is the sickest sled I've ever touched. Definitely picking up a new Pro here in the next couple weeks. I can't decide on whether to get the 155 or 163. I am a smaller guy, 5'8" 155. I live in Tahoe and ride a lot of deep snow. My buddies and I use our sleds a lot for accessing ski and snowboard terrain and often have 2 guys on board while shuttling up. Looking for a powder hound but nervous about loosing significant performance and handling jumping up to the 163. Any thoughts or insight?

 

[m8sandman]

my last couple of sleds were 162's, went with the 155 this time. had noticed the shorter tracks seem to wind up a bit faster. figured with the weight shouldn't need the longer track. rode in snow over the hood this weekend with no problems. hopefully will get to spend this next weekend all off trail, my buddie has the 163 so we'll see if there's a great difference. side by side the 163 has 2 extra sets of paddles on the ground.

 

[VTMTcowboy]

That is a tough call for sure. Since you are going to be using it to haul up your buddies I would highly consider the 163. If you were just going to be riding as normal, then I would say the 155. And because you ride in Tahoe, the 163 might be a solid choice all around. Good luck, sorry I don't have first hand accounts of both sleds.

 

[Err]

I ride 2-up for snowboarding quite a bit. I have a 155 Pro but rode a 163 M8 back to back on the same terrain, same conditions this weekend. I was so surprised at how similar they turned. Both sleds will turn on a dime. I wouldn't hesitate to go with a 160+ track in the future for the extra flotation. That said, I can climb, side-hill, boondock, make downhill turns, etc on my 155 Pro with the wifey on it with me, no issue. We don't tend to climb steep/deep 2-up if it's sketchy/committing. We almost always do those climbs with 1 rider then come back and grab the second after the track is in place. So much of riding 2-up to challenging terrain is about the rider and passenger being dialed.

Bottom line - both will get the job done but you might have a slightly easier time with the 163. Neither will be a substitute for getting your 2-up riding dialed.


EDIT - Saw you were concerned about jumping. I have very little time on the 160+ tracks but the consensus is you give up a bit of jumping performance. Not that they can't jump, just not as proficient as the 155. I guess it depends on how much emphasis you want to place on jumping.

 

[IDAHO HOT SHOT]

It's funny I found this thread tonight. I've been tossing this same question around in my head the last couple days. It seems like the majority of the customer base has been 155. I am actually wondering how the 144 is working also. There probably isn't too many of them in the snow yet though. I am one of the poor sapps that has to wait until next year for a new pro. I am also curious how the jumping is on the 163. Another thing I'm curious about is how the wide assault handles in the powder vs the RMK. My 1st inclination would to be to buy the Assault and change the track to a Powerclaw. I am reallly impressed with the one on my 09 800. KEEP THE INPUT COMING, it is always appreciated.

 

[AkLogan]

163 will be far more forgiving for slow speed actions. I went 155 and have had zero issues with it. perfect length for my style of riding.

Idaho u wont see many 144 cause its the old style skid not the new coil over so most people wanted the new skid. there should be a few short track assualts out there tho with the 144x2

 

[IDAHO HOT SHOT]

Thanks Logan, I didnt realize that the 144 skid was old-school. I do realize the longer the slower effect. I would really like to hear some feedback on the jumping and leveling/ quickness. It would make sense to me that since the sleds are lighter, the 163 might feel like a 155, a 155 might feel like a 144- so on n so forth. I had an 07 M8 162 that was lenghtened from 153. I noticed better performance all around and it didnt "feel any longer" jumping and it leveled great, so I would think that the concept would coincide. Again, all of the seat-time experience is appreciated

 

[AkLogan]

My 155 levels pretty quick with a tap of the break and it's still nimble enuf I can whip it around in the air. If ur going to really be airing it out i would think the 163 is going to hamper u. If u just plan on playing and happen to stumble across a decent jump then go with the 163. The 155 should take the beating a little better cause the 163 has the tipped rails which IMO bend easier and being longer also helpsthem bend.

 

[turbo daryl]

my last couple of sleds were 162's, went with the 155 this time. had noticed the shorter tracks seem to wind up a bit faster. figured with the weight shouldn't need the longer track. rode in snow over the hood this weekend with no problems. hopefully will get to spend this next weekend all off trail, my buddie has the 163 so we'll see if there's a great difference. side by side the 163 has 2 extra sets of paddles on the ground.

Let me know how it goes.