What's the prefered track length for a 800 Summit X

[Frostbite]

If a 170 175 pound guy (without gear) was going to buy a 2009 Summit XP X for mainly boondocking with some hillclimbing (to keep up with his turboed Yamaha buddys), what would you recommend as the ultimate track length?

I see everyone raving about the 146". The 154" is the middle of the road and the 163" is the way I am leaning.

I had a 151" x 15" on my RX-1 Mountain and it sunk like a rock. I went to a skidoo 159 x 16 power trench track and it was better but, when I put on the camo extreme 162" x 16" now the sled floats well.

I know the Skidoos are at least 100 lbs lighter than my Yammy. That's why I'm wondering if I will need as much track length?

The riding area is north and central Idaho, NE Oregon, Eastern Washington with elevations from 3,500 to 7,500 feet.

Thanks

Frosty

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

151 for the boondocking, thats a easy track length to throw around, but the 159 is always addicting to climb with.

i would definately put the 151 as more all around, the 144 is a tad to short for most people i think.

 

[Tackbtch]

We have a 144-2.3 on the wifes 800 Mine is a 151 -2 . I prefer the 151, seems to get on top quicker. Had a 159 once great for the bottomless pow, but as said above a little tougher to get between trees. All around the 151 is my favorite. I weigh the same as you. Dino

 

[High Voltage]

For your weight 151 would be my vote. HV

 

[BoneStock 600]

Track Length.

Why get off in Chicago on your way to Newyork? Go with the 159 and you will be very happy. Handles very well and hands down way better than the 151.

 

[redneckj]

Track

I had the stock 144 track on my 06 REV last year. Trail riding and spring it was good , other than that not near enough track. I went with the suspension and track from a 2008 163X sled. Totally AWESOME. I would say go with a 159 setup and you will never look back.

 

[SnowSnob]

If your going to try and keep up with turboed Yammis I'd probably go 163, that things a goat.

 

[winter brew]

163.

 

[Frostbite]

Thanks guys, I see some guys are actually going to 15" wide tracks to make the sleds a little more nimble? Yes, I would think a 163" is probably the way for me to go too but, it sure sounds like everyone sure loves their 146" Summits. That sounds way too short to me but, I see the Free rider sleds all have 146" tracks too. So I got to thinking that a 146 x 16 actually has more track in the snow that a 153 x 15.

Frosty

 

[Chubbydog]

I've had them all, and the 163" is by far the best track. For the riding your doing, just go with the longer one. We do the same kind of riding, and the 163" gets up on top of the snow alot better, and just climbs better. You'll have no problem getting it through the trees.

I always said I'd never go any longer when I had the 151", but in 07 I decided to go with the 159". In 08, I went with the 163", and I can honestly say I'd never go back. The only reason to get the shorter track would be for jumping it.

 

[Griz]

I'll qualify my answer with the fact that im 240 pounds.

My last sled was the 04 rev 151, buddy who is bigger and stronger and a better rider bought an 05 159 and hated it for boondocking. I tried it a couple of times and didn't like it either, not easy to throw around. Last year got the 08 154 and because it was wide tracked thought it would be equivalent to the old 159 for flotation. Found it way easier to throw around compared to my rev. I have had the oppertunity to ride the 163 and find it is about equal to my old 151.

I wish I would have bought the 163!

 

[rockymking]

163" all the way ... you won't be dissappointed

 

[Wyoming T/A]

159 was my favorite length---154 is ok but lacks a little when real deeeep

 

[triple7]

Go 163 and never go look back. An XP with a 163 is pure enjoyment in the mountains. It climbs like a goat, climbs to the top of the snow amazingly quick, and will knife through the trees better than any other chassis with a 151. Go 163 IMO

 

[sixpack]

163 is the only way to go,I've rode all three and 163 hands down is the best.

 

[Truckeedoo]

146 works for me

It comes down to personal preferance and the terrain you are riding. I have had 3 151's, 2 144's and now a 146' (my last 3 sleds were 151). I planned on getting a 154 or larger. I ended up getting a good deal on a 08 146xp and I think it does as well as or better than most 151's and 163's that I have ridden with. For me it's more nimble and seems to have a higher track speed, for me I can get up the tree covered hills better. In open areas and above tree line a bigger track is definately better, for me I can also throw 146 around better and sidehill better, especially without the sway bar connected.

That being said I am 150 lbs, though I do carry a ton of extra gear on the back which gets heavy. The other day I was charging past a 2006 heavily modded 151 in the deep stuff next to a rider that is better than me.

That's my scoop. Ideally I would have 2 sleds, one with a huge track but that's just not in the $ cards. Most of our riding is in the tight trees.

 

[summitking]

i went from a 162 to the 146 and im loving it, on straight pulls in the super deep days my buddys can out pull me on there 154 and 162s

 

[revrider1]

After reading all these responses, it seems to be personal preference. I ride a 151" rev but if I got an xp i would opt for the 154". I mostly boondock and it suits me fine, im 5'11" and 200 lbs.

 

[gmaredd]

Are you kidding? Go 163" and don't look back - you are in Idaho right?


I do understand different people have preferences, however the 163" will satisfy more people more often.

 

[Frostbite]

Wow, great responses. Thanks guys.

If the weight penalty was 20 lbs to go from a 146" to a 163" I think I'd have to think a little harder about this issue but, the weight difference is so negligable that if the 163" doesn't drive like a station wagon through the trees then it sounds like it's the answer. Especially since I'm already use to riding a 162 x 16 camo extreme already.

Although, I do remember a Skidoo demo ride I took a number of years ago. I was really wanting a 670 Summit with a big 136" (it may have been a 151"?). We mostly rode the trails and on the way back to the trucks I hoped on a MXZ, I was in love. It was so much lighter and more nimble than the long tracked summit that it felt almost like a toy. I know things would have been different off the trail but, I ended up buying a used MXZX and long tracking it not too long after.

I see why guys like the light and nimble 146" summit but, will it allow me to hang with my buds on their turbo Yammys? Unfortuately, the answer is probably no.

Frosty