Thinking about jumping ship

[Driver]

As season starts to be on its end, here is what I have seen on our riding group.

G5 pops up on snow better than Matryx, new rear suspension and track are home run from Doo. G5 Turbo has better power to weight ratio than Boost though Pol is lighter. G5 expert turbo dominates drag racing on steep and deep compared to Boost. Matryx tunnel, runningboards and front arms are weak. G5 has more centered weight than Matryx, you can put scales on 3 points (under the skis and the track) and see it on yourself. G5 is 9cm (3,5") narrower than matryx on its widest point, you can also measure this by yourself.

Skidoo has more technology, direct injection engines and shot for example. Etec runs smooth without bogging in any given condition. Doesnt burn plugs and always starts on first pull. No lag unlike boost has. Doo has quick adjuster limiter strap, so basically you have either Khaos or RMK on same sled, just pull the lever.

Matryx holds sidehill better, more predictable. Doo would need new spindles and front suspension geometry needs to be rewised. New spindle on ´24 freeride is a step on right direction. Matryx is lighter, but it has its cost.

Afterall its about preferences, buy whatever you feel is best for you. In my opinion, Polaris needs direct injection tehcnology to keep up with engine department. Also their electrics need a huge improvement on quality. Stronger A-arms and tunnel would be plus.

 

[mn.nytronut]

This is absolutely false.

Unbiased and honest people will all agree that the Polaris has the better chassis for mountain riding. Has nothing to do with forums dude. Facts are t

 

[mn.nytronut]

This is absolutely false.

Unbiased and honest people will all agree that the Polaris has the better chassis for mountain riding. Has nothing to do with forums dude. Facts are facts

 

[mn.nytronut]

There you have it folks. Dizzle has so wisely pointed out that my preference is flat out a lie and that to say anything other than Polaris is the best sled on the market is BLASPHEMY. To Dizzle and all of the other "honest" people I sincerely apologize. I will attempt to echo what ever popular opinion gets me back in good grace with the mountain sleder community.

 

[Frankthetank79]

This is absolutely false.

Unbiased and honest people will all agree that the Polaris has the better chassis for mountain riding. Has nothing to do with forums dude. Facts are facts.

[emoji23][emoji1787]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[snosumitcsr]

All the scientists agree, the Polaris is the best! lol. Both great sleds!

 

[christopher]

This is absolutely false.

Unbiased and honest people will all agree that the Polaris has the better chassis for mountain riding. Facts are facts.

Dude
What a total load of CRAP.

The Gen 5 Expert will ride TOE to TOE with any Poo.

 

[10003514]

Dude
What a total load of CRAP.

The Gen 5 Expert will ride TOE to TOE with any Poo.

In deeper snow yes it’s 85-90% there with a matryx for handling. In marginal and spring snow the difference is bigger. I’m a skidoo fan for many reasons but spring riding now I hate the Gen 5’s characteristics and want to be back on my Boost immediately. Never spent time on both in marginal conditions and it’s very noticeable, really surprised me.

 

[christopher]

In deeper snow yes it’s 85-90% there with a matryx for handling. In marginal and spring snow the difference is bigger. I’m a skidoo fan for many reasons but spring riding now I hate the Gen 5’s characteristics and want to be back on my Boost immediately. Never spent time on both in marginal conditions and it’s very noticeable, really surprised me.

Just want to be sure we are comparing APPLES TO APPLES.

ONLY the Gen 5 EXPERT is comparable.
NO T-Motion
NO Flex-Edge Track.

 

[10003514]

Just want to be sure we are comparing APPLES TO APPLES.

ONLY the Gen 5 EXPERT is comparable.
NO T-Motion
NO Flex-Edge Track.

Yup stock Gen 5 expert. I’d like to get my Gen 5 expert out with spindles, skis, and suspension to see the difference but still waiting on chaincase parts. We have 1 Gen4 2022 turbo expert in our group and no one wants to ride that sled now.

 

[Driver]

In deeper snow yes it’s 85-90% there with a matryx for handling. In marginal and spring snow the difference is bigger. I’m a skidoo fan for many reasons but spring riding now I hate the Gen 5’s characteristics and want to be back on my Boost immediately. Never spent time on both in marginal conditions and it’s very noticeable, really surprised me.

Take grippers from your boost and your G5 will be different animal on spring snow too.

Though I like new DS4 ski on deep and steep, it still has same problems on spring snow as old DS3 has.

 

[10003514]

Take grippers from your boost and your G5 will be different animal on spring snow too.

Though I like new DS4 ski on deep and steep, it still has same problems on spring snow as old DS3 has.

I run Mohawks on my Gen 5, it’s just in the shop. Never been a fan of the single deep keel design of skidoos ski.

 

[Snowman10]

There you have it folks. Dizzle has so wisely pointed out that my preference is flat out a lie and that to say anything other than Polaris is the best sled on the market is BLASPHEMY. To Dizzle and all of the other "honest" people I sincerely apologize. I will attempt to echo what ever popular opinion gets me back in good grace with the mountain sleder community.

You have 12 likes so far on your post and Dizzle has non. END OF STORY!

 

[BBIS1]

As season starts to be on its end, here is what I have seen on our riding group.

G5 pops up on snow better than Matryx, new rear suspension and track are home run from Doo. G5 Turbo has better power to weight ratio than Boost though Pol is lighter. G5 expert turbo dominates drag racing on steep and deep compared to Boost. Matryx tunnel, runningboards and front arms are weak. G5 has more centered weight than Matryx, you can put scales on 3 points (under the skis and the track) and see it on yourself. G5 is 9cm (3,5") narrower than matryx on its widest point, you can also measure this by yourself.

Skidoo has more technology, direct injection engines and shot for example. Etec runs smooth without bogging in any given condition. Doesnt burn plugs and always starts on first pull. No lag unlike boost has. Doo has quick adjuster limiter strap, so basically you have either Khaos or RMK on same sled, just pull the lever.

Matryx holds sidehill better, more predictable. Doo would need new spindles and front suspension geometry needs to be rewised. New spindle on ´24 freeride is a step on right direction. Matryx is lighter, but it has its cost.

Afterall its about preferences, buy whatever you feel is best for you. In my opinion, Polaris needs direct injection tehcnology to keep up with engine department. Also their electrics need a huge improvement on quality. Stronger A-arms and tunnel would be plus.

I've seen a lot of interesting suppositions about these sleds abilities. Having owned a ton of sleds, and being a current owner of both sleds in various length. I can personally tell you that both sleds will outperform one another on a sidehill or otherwise depending on setups, modifications, and rider input/ability. The Gen 5 Doo expert must have the limiter strap all the way loose, that is imperative, or it will wash out. Once set up correctly, it's glued to a sidehill. And, if you get rid of the torsion springs (a SkiDoo flaw IMHO) with an aftermarket rear suspension, you will be riding a similar sled with a lower center of gravity. I would stop trying to compare the 2 sleds in any manner. My 36 yr old son is the best rider I've ever seen, and he can put any sled in places most people won't even look at, Doo or Polaris. Preference and familiarity are also just huge factors, as previously stated. No one has even touched clutching and gearing topics yet to any extent, and that's a whole huge can of worms when it comes to getting on top of the snow quickly. SkiDoo should've had a reliable belt drive by now, and that's just a fact. My 9R 155 3" gets on top of deep snow nearly as well as my 24 165 Turbo R expert, and the expert is geared down, clutched, and has an MVM belt drive. So I can't agree with anyone on which sled gets on top of the snow better or faster.
Fact is, they are all just incredible sleds that have been designed with certain conditions in mind. I will publicly say that I'd give the Doos a thumbs up for reliability, with a weight penalty. While I love riding my 23 Khaos Boost 155 3", it's had multiple warranty issues related to fuel and boost. Now that I've got it dialed with the dealer's assistance, it's awesome. The 9R has been absolutely flawless in 2 seasons and it's bone stock and a riot to ride in its element.
Polaris A arms do suck, but the Matryx tunnel adds wicked lightweight feel to the sled, and it can be easily reinforced with the right rear bumper. There is an aftermarket TKI produced intake product that cures any bog and lag. It would be nice to have perfection in all new sleds. Direct injection alone is an engine killer. The Doos are great because they are not just direct injected.

This is not a cheap sport, and the aftermarket combined with rider influence are certainly driving a lot of improvements. I would take a 23, 24, or 25 Doo Expert Turbo R over an Axys chassis sled any day of the week, even stock. We all need to praise these manufacturers for getting better and better every year. Price is an ugly discussion. No matter which sled you choose, it takes time to dial them in and grow with the sled. I just want people to stop saying things like "this brand can do this better than that brand". If that was the case, there would only be one obvious choice, and that is just untrue.
Probably the most overlooked sled performance adjustment ever, is getting into top physical condition and losing about 20 to 30 pounds. It's amazing how much better your sled will perform on a sidehill or anywhere! Just saying.

 

[caper11]

Here are the facts, if you want to ride, the doo is a more reliable sled. Yes it has its flaws, but if you know the product, those flaws are remedied with the latest updates. I have driven a modded boost, with a tune and doo track. I say its comparable to a stock doo. I must say tho its the first time I actually felt comfortable getting off a doo and not over riding the Polaris, which made it a easier decision to take in the trees. The doo does have nervous steering when sidehilling, and I am wondering if the 2025 ski cut will help, I haven’t tried it yet. I know guys who went to Polaris from doo and regretted that decision. Riding in the super deep snow, I have not seen a Polaris keep up as of yet. I had one boost owner ask me how I was getting around so effortlessly with my jerry can and my tunnel bag still on the back, in over 4 ft of fresh. I credit it to suspension setup, and yes the torsion springs are still there, and my limiter strap is in the stock location.
The G5 is in a different league over the G4.

 

[BBIS1]

Here are the facts, if you want to ride, the doo is a more reliable sled. Yes it has its flaws, but if you know the product, those flaws are remedied with the latest updates. I have driven a modded boost, with a tune and doo track. I say its comparable to a stock doo. I must say tho its the first time I actually felt comfortable getting off a doo and not over riding the Polaris, which made it a easier decision to take in the trees. The doo does have nervous steering when sidehilling, and I am wondering if the 2025 ski cut will help, I haven’t tried it yet. I know guys who went to Polaris from doo and regretted that decision. Riding in the super deep snow, I have not seen a Polaris keep up as of yet. I had one boost owner ask me how I was getting around so effortlessly with my jerry can and my tunnel bag still on the back, in over 4 ft of fresh. I credit it to suspension setup, and yes the torsion springs are still there, and my limiter strap is in the stock location.
The G5 is in a different league over the G4.

I agree with your statement about super deep snow. I have a modded 165 Doo Turbo R Expert for the 3 feet plus days. I'd suggest you try one with the Tom's rear suspension and Fox QS3 Evols. The lockout on the QS3 RTS is a gamechanger on a super deep day. I'd also diconnect the sway bar, it relieves a lot of the nervous steer.
My Boost is a bit modded and has the QS3 shocks and is a 155 Khaos. It's light and playful in that 1.5 to 3' deep powder compared to the Doo. And, it can be locked out and can climb when it's steep and deep.
The answer to why the Doo handles 4' deep pow so well is partly the track (165 too). Although the 16" wide track is weak and easily breaks track rods, and paddles, it is a deep snow floater. I also think the Doos are better in deeper snow because of the engine torque curve. I'm geared down on mine with the belt drive, plus I have the Tom's Clutch Kit. It's pretty tough to beat in deep snow and trees. It has very smooth low RPM initiation and gets on top easily.
For sure I agree that overall the Doos are more reliable. Obviously, I'm not brand loyal and I actually like both Polaris and SkiDoo. I truly like discovering their strong points and weaknesses, then tearing them apart and fixing my concerns.
If you are a Doo fan, I'd suggest getting to know Tom at Tom's Sierra Snowmobile in Sierraville, CA. His dealership and expertise are second to none. He's reasonable on price and has most mod parts in stock to make your Doo perform it's best. He is willing to get down to the details with individual customers and share his passion. His team is awesome. They are big mountain riders selling to and advising riders.

 

[caper11]

I use enzo racing for my shock service the stock shocks are easily revalved and customized, he has been tuning the factory doo racers for a very long time, I have been using enzo for almost 10 years on 4 different sleds.
The torsion springs provide way better spring rates. I use the Ibackshift clutching with his mew flyweights, it pulls on yah hard.

 

[BBIS1]

I've never heard of those guys but sounds good. Tom also rebuilds shocks for lots of the "who's who" including a lot of the Polaris guys on their factory sleds. Tom valves the Fox shocks for me right at his store at purchase. It is truly a custom experience.
I've heard some great things about the Ibackshift cluthcing, but have not tried it. How many grams are the weights? Spring lighter/stronger? SkiDoo does an OK job for stock clutching. I don't care for the banging, and I really like the low engagement RPM and never ending hard pull of Tom's. The elevation range of Tom's clutching is impressive too.
Haven't looked where you are located or ride, but it's nice to see there are people passionate about understanding the differences in these modern sleds. I've got a buddy who's a die hard CAT guy and he's got a new 858 ordered. I haven't had a CAT since 2011. About 50% of the guys I ride with are Doo and 50% Polaris. They are always amazed that my son and I ride both. It's gonna be a fun year. Hopefully we don't have to wait til January to find out like last year!

 

[Turbo Thompson]

If doo is so much better on a deep day then why does everyone say poo gets on the snow better? I’m thinking about jumping ship to Polaris this year after 17 years on a doos. I’ve ridden with poos in 8-13 ft of fresh colorado champagne powder on a few occasions and they far outperformed 54 and 65 doos.

 

[caper11]

I am from Alberta Canada and Ride in BC Revelstoke etc. Enzo has a shop about 3hours from my house. My shock has the same type of adjusters as the Summit HCE from last year, its a KYB part.
The spring rate I actually cannot remember at the moment but my sled engauges at 3300rpm and is snappier than a stock G5 turbo with the heavier 57g flyweights.