Would I Be Able To Handle/Control This Sled?

[Sjr881]

Hey, I am a 16 year old guy looking for a new sled. I currently own a 600cc 2015 Ski-doo renegade sport ACE but after 2 years of owning it, I have completely grown out of it. I am looking at a sled with more power and deep snow capabilities but don't know whether 800cc is too much for me or not.

I weigh 120 pounds, I'm 5'6 tall, have 500km of experience riding snowmobiles and have been riding atvs/4 wheelers for years.

I ride in northern Canada, mostly around Saskachewan in a hilled backcountry area typically around 3 feet of snow

I am looking at the 2016 Arctic Cat XF 8000 High Country Limited. Would I be able to control and handle this sled or do you think it's ahead of my years/experience? Should I go for this sled or get a 2017 XF Cross Country 6000? Which would be better for me and my riding style and experience?


I mostly ride off-trail but I still ride some ditches and trails, 4/5 off trails 1/5 trails/ditches would be accurate to my riding. Never in 4+ foot powder.


Other Questions:

How much money would a 250km 2015 Renegade Sport ACE (tons of features + perfect quality) be worth? (Not my sled, asking for my buddy)

Any other suggestions for sleds? I am open to any sled manufacture as long as it fits my riding style and would be higher-end.

Which sled, regardless of engine/power, would be better for me and what I ride? The XF 2017 Cross Country Limited or the 2016 XF 8000 High Country Limited?


Thanks!!

 

[joshkoltes]

The ace is a four stroke correct?

Given your size these new 600s two strokers probably do everything you need and more

Why are you switching brands? Closer dealership? Price factor?

 

[Sjr881]

The ace is a four stroke correct?

Given your size these new 600s two strokers probably do everything you need and more

Why are you switching brands? Closer dealership? Price factor?

Yeah it is, appreciate the response


I am switching brands mainly because of dealerships and price factor, where I live I had terrible service when buying my Renegade and it was a really bad experience. I was also kind of looking for something new; I don't hate my sled, it's a great starter but it has no power and ****s the bed in deep powder.

I've narrowed it down to a Ski-doo Backcountry, the 2016 8000 XF High Country and the 2017 6000 XF cross country. The different quotes I got had differences of 3000 dollars which is quite a lot considering how happy I would be without.

I live in a small town so not a whole lot for options.



I have very limited options here so do you think I would be able to handle the sled? Preferably yes/no. I know the 600 would be enough for me but if I can handle an 800 sled than I will go for that


Also with the 2017 XF Cross Country 6000 would I have any troubles at all in up to 4 feet of powder? I'm worried that if I get something other than the high country I will be disappointed with the off trail performance..



Thanks!

 

[volcano buster]

Can you handle it?

You don't have to run it WOT all the time!!

 

[rdr99]

Can you handle a 800? Probably yes. Riding a 600 will make you a better rider...

 

[Pro-8250]

I don't know anything about the sleds you are considering. I will try to help the best I can. Volcano Buster is right on for one thing. On the Polaris side, the 600 and 800 are basically the same weight but I don't know if that is true in your case. My kid was riding a 600 144" when he was 12 and went to the 800 155" when he was 15 or 16 and never looked back.You are only going to get stronger and better so I say go with the 800. Just use your head and be safe because the people that care about you want come back in one piece. Good luck.

 

[Sjr881]

Appreciate all the responses! Very helpful

 

[sdsnocop]

Going from the Skidoo 600 ace 4 stroke to any of the 600 2 stroke would be a huge jump in performance. The 600 ace has good low end grunt but does not run very high rpms and is slow on the top end and track speed. The ace is good for low speed trail riding (top speed 60mph) and pulling utility sleds.

 

[MountainJunkie]

Yes, you will be able to handle it.

Just make sure to be cautious when you're cruising down the trails, or up the hills, etc... 120lbs or 220lbs doesn't always make a huge difference if you accidentally grab a handful of throttle at a horrible time, so focus on throttle control for a while if you're concerned.

The reality is, the sled will fight you a little more but if you've been riding for a while you will know what to expect and how to fight back.

 

[Powplow]

I've never been able to grow into less power but always able to grow into more power. Get the 800, you'll be fine.

 

[Sjr881]

Would there be much differential between the 2017 Skidoo 800cc freeride 137' and the 2016 Arctic Cat XF High Country 8000 (141')? If so what would be the main differences and which would be better for my riding style?


I ask because the dealership where I live just got one in stock


Which sled would be more like the high country? The Skidoo backcountry or the Freeride?

 

[8secolds]

The cat 800 engine is more reliable.

 

[low slung]

Skidoo renegade 600 sport has good power(Much more than the ACE 600)and its the only 600cc two-stroke that needs 87 octane plus its easy on fuel,15mpg.Another option is the Phazer XTX,but you should ride one before pulling the trigger,alot like a sport atv.800cc sleds are big power which can get you into trouble much quicker with your limited experience on a sled.Small steps lead to a better rider.Also a ZR4000 might be another upgrade but its only a 129 sneaker underneath.

 

[Shattered1]

Would there be much differential between the 2017 Skidoo 800cc freeride 137' and the 2016 Arctic Cat XF High Country 8000 (141')? If so what would be the main differences and which would be better for my riding style?


I ask because the dealership where I live just got one in stock


Which sled would be more like the high country? The Skidoo backcountry or the Freeride?

This is coming from a mountain guy, so take it with a grain of salt, but I would always opt for a longer track.

I have been able to make a mountain sled work on trails, but trying to make a short track work in the back country isn't so easy. Short tracks are good for established trails and lakes, but not a lot else. I've seen guys put paddle tracks on short tracks and ride them in the mountains, but it's usually in the spring when flotation isn't so important.

And I also would recommend an 800. Just because there's more power available doesn't mean you have to use it. I have about 150 hp available on my sled, but I don't use more than half or three quarter throttle unless I'm pulling a big hill or something. So more power shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Evanbcx]

You'll be able to handle It I would recommend a 154 2.5 850 summit sp.