pro rmk 155 vs 163

[rotax]

I'm a 155 believer. I'm 6'1" ~175# geared ready to ride.
I've rode some 16x159, 16x162s (not on a Pro); they were all too long for my person and my style.

Shorter trackers are more playful, more forgiving, and for a first sled, you won't get yourself into as stupid spots. And these Pros will get you into some very very stupid situations; that a newbie really should not be capable of getting into.

End of the day, I'll get my 155 wherever a 160+ track is going.
I don't do huge chutes/climbs however.

I think the 160+ is great for heavier guys and or for those riding in bottomless blower pow a majority of the time.


I had a 159x16 on a Rev, I shortened it to 151x16. I had a 162x16 on a Impulse Nytro, it always felt like it was too long and hindering my abilities honestly. I would have prefered a 156x15 on that sled. But turbos are a different animal when attacking boosted ski lift...anyway.


I'd say start on a 155, just to keep you from getting into quite as much trouble. By which I mean, it'll allow your buddies to still get to you to help you out of those stupid situations.

 

[Quicksand]

I had blown my sled up the first day in revelstoke last year so I had the opportunity to rent the new pro (2012). had the choice of either 155 or 163. I went with the 155, Absolutly amazing sled, playing around in the trees on frisby, it was SO sick, felt like it could do anything I asked it to.

About noon the sled started acting up and shutting down on its own. rental company installed a cheap-*** tether on it and it was causing it to shut down.

Called rental company and they said they would bring out another sled. they brought me out the 163. EVERYTHING the 155 did, the 163 did BETTER.
It took a very slight bit of extra effort to throw it around and get it to turn and carve but not much.
Rode the 163 for the last 2 days of riding and had an absolute blast.

There is now a 2012 163 in my garage and after riding another 155 in golden this year (buddy's sled). I'm SO glad I bought the 163.

 

[savagecanuck]

I had a demo MY13 163 out last Saturday to compare it to my 12 155.The only thing my 12 did better was surfing back and forth.Everything else was better on the 163.The 163 jumps right out on top real fast,carves and holds a line just as good,163 is smoother over the chop on the way up on the trails.No real disadvantage other than quick back and forth surfing which requires more effort and a less tight line than my 155.Could not tell much difference between the belt drive or my old chaincase.That being said nothing wrong with a 155 for your first sled

 

[Geezer]

Words i have never spoken "man i sure wish I had a shorter track today"

longer the better in my opinion.

 

[Scarff Boy]

I had a 2011 RMK 155, and it was a decent sled.
I now have a 2011 Pro 163, best sled I have ever owned. very manouverable, because the polaris chassis is amazing and manouverable no matter how long or short the track may be go with the 163.

 

[Nvr2deep]

Boondock 155 point and shoot 163!

 

[sledneck_03]

I really think its a power to weight issue. I'm stupid heavy at 260 but I'm far stronger than "normal" guys that are 200-220. I'm no huge fat guy but not in super shape, I use to play foot ball and still go to the gym off and on. As far as I'm concerned I could throw around say a 163 assault (if the made them) as easy as a 200 lb weaker guy can throw around a pro 144 (if they made them) just for comparison. So if your big and strong get the 163 to float more and your strength will handle the length. If your a smaller guy you can get away with the smaller track and it won't wear you out as fast.

 

[allied1]

No matter what you get, make sure to set it up or get some help to do so. TONS of good info on here and good peeps willing to help a guy out.
Gearing, clutching, suspension, power upgrades(if you choose to go down that road) to match your riding style IMO is more important than track length. I see a lot of peeps tearing around on poorly set up sleds they keep struggling with and could do way better on a proper set up. Learn how to change your set ups for changing conditions, altitude and your own riding improvements It's all trial and error to get to where you want to be but sledding is a hobby and that's part of the fun! Good luck on your choice and have a SAFE ridding season.

 

[dropitbuster]

Also to consider is what your buddies ride and what type of riding you will be doing. If your going to be jumping and dropping cornices you will prefer the 155 and less likely to bend rails and tunnels. If your group likes to take billy goat trails to the secret powder spots than a 163 may be a better choice.