S
snow-seeker
Well-known member
Last Sunday, I was able to sneak in at the last moment to join the VIP Demo ride of the new XM's at Quartz Creek BC. I was not on the list, and luckily one of the other riders didn't show until after the ride was due to leave. The Doo rep was kind enough to let me stay one the ride, which I am now really thankful for.
The ride started up the trail to their cabin, not being there before I didn't know what to expect. The trail was well groomed and easily handled by the XM. I had a thought of it being like my 08 XP, great trail sled, pain in the but every where else.
The terrain was not too steep or treed in the riding areas we went to, but there was some nice deep fresh snow on a couple of faces to play in.
I started off on a 163 Sp. And I will admit, this would not be my first choice in sled.The power was good, clutching spot on, but it handled like a bit of a truck. I am more into a responsive sled and although it floats better than anything else I have ridden, it just doesn't turn the way I would like.
I spent most of the afternoon on a 154X package. This was a much better fit. The bars are more angled and have an up tilt to them that suits standing much better. I didn't get to ride this one on a trail so I can't comment on that, but side hilling and climbing this sled out performed my expectations. Several times I was side hilling above another track, and the snow would give way into the lower trench. The sled mould go tail low, and loose momentum. All I needed to do was lean into the sled and move my foot forward about a step and the sled would climb its way back to level. My Cat would have beep planted in a whole about then.
It was easily "flickable" and didn't display the traits of my old 08 xp of sitting flat no matter what. I have spent just a short time on a Polaris Pro, and would say if you ride trees and only trees it may be a better choice. But if you switch between trees, open meadows, trails to the areas and are a general back country rider, the XM is worth a serious look. The sled would go really easily from downhill to uphill in powder as well. As good or better than the other sleds I have ridden to date.
I also got to try a 154 SP and a 146XP. the 146 was a treat. It felt so responsive it was like a cross over more than a mountain sled. It was what I rode down to the parking area. I would say it was the quickest sled through the ruts and bumps that I have ridden since I lived back east. Overall allot more fun than I thought it was going to be. I hadn't seen the plus side of 60mph on a trail in a long time.
Thanks again to the Doo crew who took us out. And thanks to Doo for organizing a demo tour the other companies should be envious of.
I now have a hard choice as there will probably be a 2014 XM with me next season, do I do X package, or SP and put RSI bars and risers on it????
The ride started up the trail to their cabin, not being there before I didn't know what to expect. The trail was well groomed and easily handled by the XM. I had a thought of it being like my 08 XP, great trail sled, pain in the but every where else.
The terrain was not too steep or treed in the riding areas we went to, but there was some nice deep fresh snow on a couple of faces to play in.
I started off on a 163 Sp. And I will admit, this would not be my first choice in sled.The power was good, clutching spot on, but it handled like a bit of a truck. I am more into a responsive sled and although it floats better than anything else I have ridden, it just doesn't turn the way I would like.
I spent most of the afternoon on a 154X package. This was a much better fit. The bars are more angled and have an up tilt to them that suits standing much better. I didn't get to ride this one on a trail so I can't comment on that, but side hilling and climbing this sled out performed my expectations. Several times I was side hilling above another track, and the snow would give way into the lower trench. The sled mould go tail low, and loose momentum. All I needed to do was lean into the sled and move my foot forward about a step and the sled would climb its way back to level. My Cat would have beep planted in a whole about then.
It was easily "flickable" and didn't display the traits of my old 08 xp of sitting flat no matter what. I have spent just a short time on a Polaris Pro, and would say if you ride trees and only trees it may be a better choice. But if you switch between trees, open meadows, trails to the areas and are a general back country rider, the XM is worth a serious look. The sled would go really easily from downhill to uphill in powder as well. As good or better than the other sleds I have ridden to date.
I also got to try a 154 SP and a 146XP. the 146 was a treat. It felt so responsive it was like a cross over more than a mountain sled. It was what I rode down to the parking area. I would say it was the quickest sled through the ruts and bumps that I have ridden since I lived back east. Overall allot more fun than I thought it was going to be. I hadn't seen the plus side of 60mph on a trail in a long time.
Thanks again to the Doo crew who took us out. And thanks to Doo for organizing a demo tour the other companies should be envious of.
I now have a hard choice as there will probably be a 2014 XM with me next season, do I do X package, or SP and put RSI bars and risers on it????
