Which Assault - RMK or Switchback?

[snowpromod]

Looking to pick up a new Polaris and I am wondering which one to get? I would say we run 60% trail and 40% off trail. I originally thought the sleds were the same and just different lengths - but after further reading they have a lot of differences. With the switchback I plan on running a 2" track, so any other thoughts before I finalize my order?

RMK Assault +'s
- 2.1 " track
- better skis
- rear skid

Con's
- 155 length - for the trail
- no sway bar - for the trail

Switchback +'s
- 144 tipped rail
- sway bar

Con's
- need to upgrade to 2" track
- skis - need upgraded
- rear skid?

Thanks

 

[pura vida]

i would say the rmk, actually i would say just get a pro and upgrade the shocks if that is the motivation for the assault. there are a few things with the assault i don't like vs. the pro. there are other issues between the rmk and switchback. the switchback is based off the rush where the rmk is closer to the pro chassis. the rear skid alone would be enough to me to get the rmk over the switchback.

pv

 

[akgiauque]

Looking to pick up a new Polaris and I am wondering which one to get? I would say we run 60% trail and 40% off trail. I originally thought the sleds were the same and just different lengths - but after further reading they have a lot of differences. With the switchback I plan on running a 2" track, so any other thoughts before I finalize my order?

RMK Assault +'s
- 2.1 " track
- better skis
- rear skid
Con's
- 155 length - for the trail
- no sway bar - for the trail
Switchback +'s
- 144 tipped rail
- sway bar
Con's
- need to upgrade to 2" track
- skis - need upgraded
- rear skid?
Thanks

I ride about like you 50-50 or close. The trails are getting to the riding "spot" and most of the time we are on the move. I had a 144 and went to a 155 Pro without much hesitation. I am the youngest of the riders in our group but the biggest. We all were on 144's or 141's, I like the additional floatation of the 155 and the pro rides better than my 2010 RMK 144. I like the sway bars, and am able to slide the sled on the corners without it pushing. I do feel some push at slow speeds. I was in the similar dillema as you, assault 144 or Pro 155. Went with the Pro and have not been disappointed yet.
Buy the RMK, If you do not like it buy the shocks or aftermarket rails and set up the way you want with the $ you save. You asked, that is MHO.

 

[GoBigParts]

I'm a flatlander and have the Pro155. However, We travel out west and travel to the deep snow areas of the U.P. We ride off trail as much as possible. However still have to take the trails.

I am coming off of 144 RMK 600. Loved that sled. One thing to point out with the pro is if you truely going to run trails you should consider the standard RMK to get the heat exchanger up at the front of the track. I hope I didn't make a mistake by going to the pro. Time will tell. I think if you plan to trail ride on a regular bassis I would get the swithback assualt 144 with the tipped up rails.

 

[snowpromod]

I guess I did not realize there was that much difference between the PRO RMK & RMK Assault, I sorta like how the Assault looks . . .but that is easily changed!

There are days where I will have to trail ride it 180 - 200 miles, not saying that is the norm . . . but it happens a couple times a year for sure!!

The dealer I am dealing with only has the Assaults! Hmm, now I'm scratching my head a little!!!

 

[adamg]

The "International" version of the SB Assault comes with the 2" track and RMK skis.

 

[enis750]

Ok keep in mind that a majority if guys here ride deep snow all year
If you are doing 60% trail get the SB Assault
It has the extra cooler up front, extra bogies to keep ur hyfax cool, tipped up rails to turn easier, a better steering post for both seated and standing

Dont worry about the narrow skis
There will be a ton of guys switching out their RMK grippers skis so u can pick em up cheap
Or go aftermarket
Get the 2" track for sure tho no doubt about that

I too was in the same dilema and actually went w the RMK 600 base model
It has all the same stuff as i mentioned above and the same running boards etc as the SB Assault too
I just didnt need the 800 power plant and i got it for under $10k.... Which was a huge diff in price

If it was me..... Id be getting the SB Assault no questions

Or if u want all the same options as the SB assault, and wanna save a few bux, the same sled as mine is an option
But if an 800 is what ur after than again the SBA is ur sled of choice IMO

 

[06IQRMK]

My .02

I ride in similar conditions as you... and heres my take on this. I live in iowa, ride 500-750 miles on trails and ditches. I also take 2-3 trips out west every year and put on around the same kind of miles. I went with the SB Assault last year, and after riding it for a season traded for a 2012 SB Assault with a couple modifications. I added grippers. I snowchecked with a 2" paddle and it DID NOT Come with the grippers, but they were a necessity for riding out west. I love the versatility of the SB and have owned a 2009 and 2010 Assault RMK with that "competition" track, and will tell you from my combined 3000 miles of experience on one with that track, you will not be happy with it. For your money and conditions You wont be disappointed with the Switchback. You want to put a little into it for mods i would definitely go with the grippers and 2" track and you will go just about anywhere the 155's go. I chased around a Pro RMK 155 last year that wasnt clutched quite right and had no problem getting around everywhere he did. You wont be happy with that 155" on the days that you put in a couple hundred miles strictly on the trails, but if you would rather have a little more fun in the powder and could get ahold of a PRO or standard RMK 155 with the 5.1 on it Im sure that would keep you smiling long enough to forget about the extra hyfax you had to buy the day you ran 200 miles on hardpack. (even with the scratchers it just isnt enough).... Anyway... I put my money on the SB Assault. Talk your dealer into switching the skis out for you in the purchase agreement. Ive heard a couple good dealers out there have done that for guys like me that wanted to switch.

 

[KillerSBA]

Switchback without question. you can turn it into a very competent Mountain sled with just skis/clutching and gearing if it comes with the 2" track. You can't really turn the RMK into a trail sled with the ski stance and suspension

it will go anywhere you need to go east of rockies in stock form.

 

[enis750]

good point on the gearing
the 1.3 Assault is 23/39 for more top end trail riding
the 2.0 Assault is already geared like the RMK Assault @ 20/42

so if you get the 1.3, change out the track to the 2" lug, wide gripper skis and gearing to 20/42 and your machine will RIP!

 

[skyler.hager]

The SB has wider running boards too which are pretty nice!! I kinda wish my RMK assault had wider boards, that's my only beef of the whole sled. That's just another difference just thought I'd point it out!