Real Advice Pro VS XM

[beeler]

Im a real Polaris guy I still have an 800 edge and love it. I switched to Ski Doo in 09 for a few years. Loved the engine hated the chassis. Great trail sled crappy mountain sled. All the things they say are true hard to sidehill blah blah its all true but it ran hard and climed like a beast if you can just hold on and not get bucked off.

So Im down to a pro or xm. I havent really ridden either much. I did ride an 11 pro for a few minutes way up at about 11,000 feet in Wyoming and it felt like a 600 for power compared to my 09 xp 800 stock.

Im a big guy about 300 lbs. Tell me your advice I like the pro chassis better but the motor just feels weak.

 

[jakey-boy]

Buy the XM. If you are used to riding a ski doo you will love the feel of the XM. There's no doubt that power is lacking on the polaris but strong clutching makes up for it most of the time unless you are climbing straight up. I'd still say do the ski doo. Definitely going to handle better than your old XP and just a more finished sled than the polaris I think.

This coming from a guy that is on his 3rd new polaris in a year. I like the polaris for me and my riding but I like the doo a lot too just never got used to riding them and the XM is much better than the XP but still a little different.

 

[ice man]

rode polaris rmk since 2001, rode my ski doo 08 xp,dj clutch kit for 3 years,was a great sled, now love my 12 pro now ,same power ,buy this thing side hills and takes me more places in the steep boondocking,rode an xm for a day,great sled, big motor,but does not side hill like a pro,less fatigue.both are winners

 

[tek9tim]

My 2 cents from a demo ride last year: http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338669

 

[sledhead9825]

My 2 cents from a demo ride last year: http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338669

I agree 100 %

 

[Dizzle]

@ 300 lbs. I'd be looking at the Cat 1100 turbo.

 

[FCR112]

Agree @300 I wouldn't be riding a stock pro, ever. The tunnel's weakness has easily been exploited by my 200lbs. You'd need to beef it up for sure... And the power differential would be more noticeable at that weight. Then there is the whole extra inch of track width for more floatation with the doo...
I just recommended the xm to another bud who is 280. IMO that's a much better choice and cheaper in the long run.

 

[turboless terry]

The newer pros are snappier than the 11 but don't have the power of the xm. I have had every year of pro but am going to try an xm this year. I think they are both good. It sounds like you already know what you want so i wouldn't let anyone tell you what to get. You don't know what I like or how I ride and vise versa. Handling is the most important thing you can get in a sled. Power can be remedied. If you think you could like the xm then go rent one for a day and make sure. If you like the pro then go for it.

 

[Leaf27]

The Pro gets the power to the track more efficiently than any other sled, who cares what the motor makes at the crank. With any sled you purchase your going to have to beef up your shocks.

You are coming from a Doo, I would go with the XM.

 

[wellfed777]

2 questions
who is the better dealer to work with ?

what kind of riding do you do/like

let it snow

 

[OuraySledder]

I demo'ed the XM's last spring. I am not sure why all the Doo guys claim the XM is so much better than the XP? Near as I can tell, it is the same sled with a funky rear suspension design. It doesn't sidehill anywhere near as well as an old M-Cat. It doesn't change direction without a big wieght transfer, it is still a glorified trails sled, as are the current Cats.

Of course I am biased because I just pulled my new PRO into the garage last night. I have been riding Cats for 5 years, rode the Polaris Edge prior to that. I wanted to like the Doo but frankly the chassis blows compared to the Pro. I don't buy them for the motor, if that was the big concern the 1100T would get the nod for cheap sick power levels.

No offense but 300 lbs can't be healthy, that is where I would start. No 400-500 lb sled is going to cope well with that kind of body mass.

 

[Reg2view]

Not mentioned, which steering post angle are you most comfortable with? You can adapt to both, but most peeps have a preference. FWIW. I won't get into the 14 M, that's up to you.

 

[geo]

Any sled you get will benefit from big guy springs and valveing if in your budget. Seems like test riders are all lean and small types. Not really the real world is it?

Stick to a long track if you want to do powder. If you pick the Pro you would benefit to gear down (expensive) to the other brands ratios then the power thing probably will not be noticed.

 

[Pownar]

I have a 13 800 and rode a 13 xm last year in the same conditions. I think it I really depends on where you ride. I believe the pro is going to hold a line in the tight trees much better but the xm is a little easier to initiate turns. The xm will washout before the pro on steep side hills. As far as power goes I would only feel that the xm had more power on the road but in the powder there was no difference between the two. In fact the way the pro Gets out of a downhill to uphill turn is what sets it apart for me.not that the xm can't turn but The xm tends to take a little longer to jump back on top of the snow.

 

[cateye5312]

If the last Poo you rode was in the Edge chassis you are in for a big surprise my friend!! The Pro is flat out awesome! But I agree with a couple of the other posters. The Poo really works best with a lighter rider than you - the Doo is going to handle your mass better IMO. You didn't say you were overweight, just that you were 300 lbs which means if you aren't overweight you are a big guy. The Doo will fit you better.

That said, if you are overweight the number one best thing you could do to improve your riding enjoyment would be to lose weight! And then buy a Pro -

 

[2XM3]

heck, i'm 6'6" and 295 I throw my pro around like a kids toy, amazing sled all in all (yeah do rear spring/shocks though)

 

[Going West]

All you guys who think that sleds have a weight limit sound like a bunch of ignorant azz hats. I'm 6'3 270lb and probably in better shape then most of you couch potato key board jockeys. Weight effects all sleds the same. My bone stock Polaris takes me anywhere the XM's in our group go and there 60bls lighter then me. I wouldn't take a Doo if you gave it to me. I'm pretty sure he never asked for any health advice so Im not really sure why its being offered by complete strangers.

 

[turboless terry]

heck, i'm 6'6" and 295 I throw my pro around like a kids toy, amazing sled all in all (yeah do rear spring/shocks though)

I want to derail and see more pictures and hear more of your sprint boat.

 

[Slick]

Definition of self absorbed ---- guy asks for advice on which sled to buy,
- gets a bunch of advice and opinions about his stated weight.

I'll bet he needed your comments re his weight, cause you are obviously far more intelligent and aware of health dangers than he is.
Sheesh.

 

[TIM]

xm if I was buying this year.

I am a nondenominational sledder.