Which Mountain Sled

[AZ800]

Ride them both and see what you like! Personally I think you would be splitting hairs and it is rider preference.

This^

I have a '12 Pro, coming off a M1000 mod.
I bought it because it was a screamin deal last year, not because I HAD to have a Pro. Love the chassis. As easy to maneuver as my M7, but more user friendly. In stock form I think it will lack hp more than the other 800s at altitude. My riding is all 1000-4000' now, so it has good power.
Got the chance to ride a XM last weekend.
The ETEC is better than the Poo motor for running quality, but didn't notice much seat of the pants power difference at all riding them back to back through about 2' of fresh.
The XM does handle great in the powder now. You would have had a hard time giving me a XP or Rev from the ones I've ridden, but all the upgrade gizmos to the XM worked.
Slightly different turn in effort than the Pro or M (which I feel have very similar balance points carving and sidehilling), but after a few minutes of getting used to it I would say I was as comfortable on the XM as the Pro or Cat.

 

[Butta]

2 words: Dealer support.

We are fortunate to have a choice between excellent performing, out of the box mountain sleds. However, like has been said, they all have their own weaknesses from time to time. If you've got a great X dealer, get the X brand, because if and when you have issues, that will be the point which makes you either happy or disappointed with your choice. I drive over an hour to my dealer because they are outstanding and know how to set up a machine for my riding. No issues on my '12 Pro. You couldn't give me a different sled because without the dealer support I think any great sled could turn into a nightmare....sled choice and dealer support is all one package.

JMO

 

[m8braaaap]

the pros are junk.get an m series and ride instead of work on the heap of chit pro.

 

[Pro-8250]

the pros are junk.get an m series and ride instead of work on the heap of chit pro.

And what planet do you live on?

 

[m8braaaap]

And what planet do you live on?

not Minnesota!! where I live you need a reliable sled or it could cost you your life!! and that is why I ride a cat!! go ahead and flame me, I can take it

 

[OuraySledder]

I am riding one of Cats greats, the old M7. It has about 2500 mountain miles on it now. I have had to replace the primary clutch, had to be towed out. The diamond drive went, left it in the woods overnight, came back two days later replaced the DD and rode it. I have done the top end, I had a scuffed piston. I have broken the steering post and all of this without ever really chashing it bad.

Reliable my a$$ dude. Between my buddies and I we have 7 M-cats, M7s M8s and M1000s, all GREAT sleds no doubt.

I am most likely going to buy a '13 Polaris Pro today though. The motor problems are not nearly as bad as they have been made out to be. There are engine updates for '13 (cylinders) and '14 (pistons) on the Pro motor. There are inexpensive fix kits including RKTs with the head good for 15 hp and better cooling.

I rode the XM at a demo ride last spring. It does absolutely NOTHING for me. Initial turn is effort is rediculously high compared to an M-cat and sidehilling with the gimmick suspension is a joke compared to the old Cats. I have seen my budy put more pistons in XP and XM Doo's than I have even seen any brand replace.

Facts are, the Doo and new Cat are just too heavy. The Polaris is the best ride with some motor issues. Mine will have a warranty and I have good spare sleds to ride. At the end of the day I want the most advanced chassis and Polaris has it. All 2-strokes are time bombs in my experience, and I will NEVER get more than 3000 mtn miles out of ANY sled without major repairs, just the facts. I want the best boondocker, I can deal with the motor.

For what it would cost to get the Doo or Cat down to the Polaris wieght, I could put an Indy Dan motor in with a three year warranty.

Like it has already been said, pick your poison! Ride Hard!

 

[Deep Powder Guy]

Bought a 2014 XM 164

DPG

 

[idahoskiguy]

Rode a lot of sleds last spring...PRO, Assault, Cats 2 and 4 stroke, SkiDoo Summits.....and snow checked the one I found the easiest to ride.

Took delivery of my 2014 Summit X 163 last month.

 

[doorider]

Which sled?

I like CAT because the engine and bulkhead are both very tough. I agree that a good servicing dealer important, however the closest dealer is nearly three hours away, one way, from my house; So my perspective is from the point of which sled I am willing to work on and what kinds of issue/challenges I want to face. Owners who suffer from weak chassis designs and engines that seize up from piston failure may need the help of a professional repair shop. I avoid owning sleds that have a history of these kinds of failures. My own general experience. IMO