Which sled to buy?

[m7freak]

Hello, my wife is getting into sledding and we are going to get her a sled. However I am having a hard time deciding what would be best for her. I have a 12 Pro 800 163 and she doesnt like the length or the tipsy feeling on the trails. However, she does take it off trail and enjoys the powder so a trail sled is not an option. She wants stability on the trail but the option to play and boondock. Any input what would be a good choice for her. She's pretty small framed. Looking at Doo and Poo. Would like to get opinions. Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[akpowderhound]

What's the budget?
Options sound like an Axys SkS or a Pro chassis Rmk assault.
Both great but are long at a 155".
144 assault would do, but don't want her getting stuck all the time.

 

[FatDogX]

155 Assault or an RMK with an Assault front end.

Just remember the Assault will have a different attack angle. Not a huge deal as along as the rear suspension is set up correctly.

That way your a little wider and she can get use to that. Then when she starts enjoying backcountry riding more, you still have the option of changing out the front end to narrower or throwing a set of off set spindles on, to narrow it up.

If she gravitates towards the trails more, you're still set with a sled that will perform in both areas.

I would assume you "yourself" are running a RMK ??? If you go with an assault it also opens up the ability for "you" to play on something a little different. Not that us guys ever think about ourselves in these decisions......

 

[m7freak]

Which Sled

YeahI can't ever see my self just taking her sled for a weekend long test drive..?

Good input, mine is a Pro RMK. We are actually updating to new sleds together at the same time. As far as budgeting goes we are planning on having to spend some $. Might try to find some holdovers.

 

[EBartling]

Switchback assault 144 with the 2" lugs

 

[Buchholz56]

My wife started on a 13 cat high country 141" x 2.25", hated the heavy steering, then was on a 14 doo summit 146" which she really liked except for the occasional unpredictable handling (her words), she totaled that sled so got a great deal on a 15 RMK 600 which she really loved until we had an epic week in CO last year and she was stuck every 10 minutes. Our guide let her ride his Axys 155"x2.6" and that's what I ended up buying her when we got home. We typically do 6+ trips riding in the UP and a few trips to CO and WY, trail riding very little to get to our off trail areas. She's set at the widest ski position and all the springs are turned way down to her weight. The Axys is the first sled that she can maneuver easily, huge confidence boost. She's 5'2" and 125 lbs geared up.

 

[takethebounce]

If you are looking to upgrade and get two sleds at the same time you are likely better off dealing with the same dealer on the same brand of sled, especially on hold overs as you can get some great deals on 17's right now and give it a month if the new releases have anything good for Polaris you may even have better luck.

 

[phews]

Mine is 120lbs dressed with a couple years mountain experience growing skills each year. She is on a 12 Pro 600 155 and asked me this year if she could get on a 14 Pro 800 163 3" to try it. Of course....
Both skis set to skinny position.

Her feedback surprised me when she told me the 163 felt much better to her, it felt lighter and has the power she wants to grab once in a while. The 163 is more predictable as it doesn't fish around as quick and dump her over.
The 600 was a huge confidence booster for her improvement. Very light for them, they can turn it over themselves if they believe they can. Recommend ES either way.

Have fun, its a hoot watching them own the snow.

 

[Drewd]

As a general rule of thumb, the wife sled is actually your backup sled so get something you like.

If that doesn't work, I suggest an 08-10 Dragon 700 (IQ chassis). It has a front radiator, larger tunnel radiator, doesn't overheat on the trail like a Pro does, is not as tippy as a Pro or Axys, and can be ridden off trail when needed.

The 700 is considered to be a bullet proof engine and has just enough power to take care of stuff off trail.

 

[mickyd32]

Where I am we are harder snow conditions. I have a 13 pro 155 and a 12 switchback assault for the wife. She hates the rmk for the same reasons. Too tippy and long for her to handle, where the assault is more forgiving in that regard.

If she's not going to actually ride it to its potential what's the point In a 155? Get her the 144 with a 2".