BM, I started riding in NY, around the Buffalo area, and a bunch up on Tug Hill. I was the most aggressive rider in our group of pretty aggressive riders, figured I new which end of a sled was up anyway. I came out here (Idaho), bought a used mountain sled and went riding with some buddies from work that are very good. Lets just say I was humbled in a big way. Riding in the mountains and in several feet of powder is WAY different than NY trail/bar blasting.
The only reason I bring this up is that the first year or 2 out you'll be learning alot, you really don't need a turbo sled right off. IMO you might be better off buying a used RX-1 Mtn with the appropriate mods (longer/wider track, new skid, skis, etc) and learning with that, then decide which way you want to go. That's the approach I've taken anyway, traded up from a Mountain Max to an RX-1 last year, just finished installing the new skid and a 162. If you don't mind doing your own wrenching to get the mods in place, these things are a ball to work on, will last forever and don't bleed you like a new machine.
Of course with the well set up turbo sleds your seeing it would be tough to turn one down!
