my wife and I are New to the whole sledding thing but we are absolutely loving it, even with the low snow so far this year. My question to all of you is what size sled did you put your wife on? We live and ride in the Pacific north west. My wife is typ. 5'6 130lbs. Pretty agile. A new sled is not out of the question if it will help her out. her biggest complaint has been that she feels she just isn't strong enough to push them around. She has ridden a 02 summit 600, 01 rmk 700 and tried my 09 summit 800. I'm thinking about renting a rmk 550 that are new 2014's to see if that fits. I was convinced maybe a new summit 600 with the 146 track, But after looking at the specs the 800 is only a few pounds heavier. I know this is a pretty open ended debate but really i'm just looking for some direction from some one who has already been down this road. Thanks
your wife's sled
- Thread starter snohomish
- Start date
My wifey is 5'4", 115 lbs.--tiny. She rides a '13 Pro 800. At first she had a hard time with it. Then we swapped the bars, removed the sway bar, backed the springs off, got a lower seat. Much better fit, but still not there handling wise. Then we put on the Alternative Impact 36" kit. It transformed the sled from something she was fighting to something she was driving. She's happy, I'm happy.
I'd really recommend taking a clinic with Amber Holt as well, she's a great instructor and the same size as your wife. After your wife sees that it's possible for a smaller woman to rip, she may look at things differently. My wife wouldn't be anywhere near where she is now without the skills she got riding with Amber.
I'd really recommend taking a clinic with Amber Holt as well, she's a great instructor and the same size as your wife. After your wife sees that it's possible for a smaller woman to rip, she may look at things differently. My wife wouldn't be anywhere near where she is now without the skills she got riding with Amber.
Amber lives in Idaho, but travels. She was up in the Kalispell, MT area last week. Her website is http://backcountrybasics.com/
She ended up with the 800 because it was a great deal. You're right, weights are the same. If I was to do it again I'd probably get her the 600 as she doesn't need the power of the 800 and the 600 will use less gas/oil. The general consensus is that the 600s are 'easier to ride', with mixed opinions as to exactly why.
She ended up with the 800 because it was a great deal. You're right, weights are the same. If I was to do it again I'd probably get her the 600 as she doesn't need the power of the 800 and the 600 will use less gas/oil. The general consensus is that the 600s are 'easier to ride', with mixed opinions as to exactly why.
My wife is the same build as yours, she had a 2011 summit 600, and I had a 2012 summit 800.
One day we switched for a while and after riding my 800 she said the next year either I had to ride the 600 or she was getting a new sled.
Well, she now has a 2013 800 XM and just loves it.
Good luck
One day we switched for a while and after riding my 800 she said the next year either I had to ride the 600 or she was getting a new sled.
Well, she now has a 2013 800 XM and just loves it.
Good luck
I'm 5'1 and spent the last 8 yrs on an M7 153. Just got an 800 XM with 146 track and luv it. I like to ride in the trees and this is very easy for me to roll around!
Being in the PNW, you wont lose alot of power to altitude, so not a big reason for her to get a 800 unless she likes the power of yours.
If she will be carving/off trail alot and progressing then any of the newer machines with good ergos for powder, 05-up Cat, 08-up Poo, 11-up Poo even better or 13-up Doo will be the best.
Dont waste your $ on a 550 IMO. Resale sucks (unless you take it to AK), runs out of power quick. They are reliable but I'd go for a 600 liquid minimum.
A 146 or 154 XM would be great.
My wife is on a M7 153 and other than no elect start she still loves it even compared to my Pro and a XM she rode. She is comfortable on all 3 but not big into powder riding.
If she will be carving/off trail alot and progressing then any of the newer machines with good ergos for powder, 05-up Cat, 08-up Poo, 11-up Poo even better or 13-up Doo will be the best.
Dont waste your $ on a 550 IMO. Resale sucks (unless you take it to AK), runs out of power quick. They are reliable but I'd go for a 600 liquid minimum.
A 146 or 154 XM would be great.
My wife is on a M7 153 and other than no elect start she still loves it even compared to my Pro and a XM she rode. She is comfortable on all 3 but not big into powder riding.
Wifes sled is a 2009 Polaris RMK 700 155 with ES,light and reliable.Electric start is a must for the ladies,I never worry when I take off that she can't start her sled.
F
fatguyonthedock
Member
wife's sled is 600 pro. she has been riding my father's 800 pro so I guess she wants a 800 pro 155, I just got a Assult Switchback 144 so when i go out west I guess I will have the option of either, b est of both worlds.
Another thing to look at is what track length she wants? The shorter the track the easier it will turn but the easier it will be to get stuck too. I found a 162 to be a good learning length just because it can sidehill easy and it floats well so you arent stuck all the time. Only thing is it takes a bit more effect to turn sharply.
But at the same time maybe a track in the 153-155 length is all she needs because she is a smaller rider. I say you need to go to your local dealer and tell him she needs to try a sled, most dealers I know of have some type of demo program.
But at the same time maybe a track in the 153-155 length is all she needs because she is a smaller rider. I say you need to go to your local dealer and tell him she needs to try a sled, most dealers I know of have some type of demo program.
I would also recommend Amber Holt. she is a really good instructor. I would say stay with at least a 600 with a mid length track 153-155. suspension and rider position are key factors. I would find one that she feels most comfortable or neutral riding. Which one is easier for her to stand up from a seated position and/or moving from side to side. Each one will be a little different so she need to find one that works for her. After that you just have to dial in the suspension to her weight and riding style. Its more about rider position and technique then it is about strength. I have read more and moire threads on here about women really liking the Pro RMK or the M series chassis.
I would guess that many of us guys could also learn a lot from a female instructor.
We (guys) naturally use our upper body strength to muscle through maneuvers that could easily be finessed with proper technique.
We make riding a lot more physically demanding than it needs to be.
We (guys) naturally use our upper body strength to muscle through maneuvers that could easily be finessed with proper technique.
We make riding a lot more physically demanding than it needs to be.
Thanks to all who have replied. I have been back and forth 600 vs 800. The little group I ride with seems to be predominantly skidoo. some with the newer Tmotion. I am really leaning towards that. I still debate the power issue, I do like the Idea of another 800 being a backup sled. The track length is really the hold up. I think the 146 makes since, however my local dealers say that is kind of the odd size here, the 154 is the go to. I guess I really need to put her on a 154 tmotion for the day and see how she feels. I like the idea of getting her into the class with Amber. It appears from her website she can accomadate up to 4 women. it would be nice to find a few others so as to maybe convince her to come west for a class. Thanks again for everyone's input.
R
rmscustom
Well-known member
Do yourself a favor and don't get her the 146 and go with the longer track for more floatation and less stucks for you to deal with
As for the 800 vs 600 I've seen some women that were flat out scared of a 800 and would be much better off on a 600. I've also seen a lot of guys that would also be better off with less power to. If needed you would be fine on a 600 for a backup. IMO
As for the 800 vs 600 I've seen some women that were flat out scared of a 800 and would be much better off on a 600. I've also seen a lot of guys that would also be better off with less power to. If needed you would be fine on a 600 for a backup. IMO
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