2021 Polaris 850 Switchback Assault 146 Snowmobile Review

In this TEST RIDE AJ evaluates the 2021 Polaris Switchback Assault 146 in the all-new MATRYX chassis featuring the power-packed Patriot 850 engine.
#LetsRide #polarisSWITCHBACK #SNOWTRAXTV
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ABOUT SNOWTRAX TV
SNOWTRAX airs thirteen episodes from December to April and has established itself as the most watched snowmobile television series in North America.
Each week the SNOWTRAX crew guides viewers through an informative and entertaining half hour revealing the inside scoop on the latest snowmobiles, accessories and riding destinations that make snowmobiling winter's greatest adventure sport.
Affiliated with national broadcasters such as OLN and Sportsman Channel in Canada and Outdoor Channel in the United States, SNOWTRAX effectively reaches over 72 million national households with 24 million of those households being located in the North American snow belt.
SNOWTRAX has and will continue to attract and retain viewers by virtue of its unique, informative and entertaining cinematic format.
SNOWTRAX 2021 evaluates all the top snowmobiles and snowmobile products like the 2021 Polaris snowmobiles, Yamaha snowmobiles, 2021 Ski Doo and Arctic Cat snowmobiles. Some evaluations include such vehicles as the Ski Doo 850 Turbo, Yamaha Sidewinder Turbo, Polaris Khaos 850, Yamaha Mountain Max 2021, Ski Doo Expedition Extreme, Yamaha Nytro, Yamaha Viper, Polaris Titan and more!

[@brianrice6993]

Haven’t watched this yet but I’m gonna go out on a limb and say this is there favorite sled of all time

[@mainetroutwhisperer]

You nailed it.

[@zboarderz9728]

Yeah because it’s an amazing sled, I test drove it and it’s very good. I’ve test drove all brands and these matryx selds are the most fun I’ve had on a sled

[@rgr798]

Thats an understatement

[@LiamG903]

To be fair it is the best 50/50 out there.

[@snowtrax]

Great sled. You should try it before you tell us we're wrong.

[@tomandrilissanettling9362]

Thanks to you, and these videos, I just bought this exact snowmobile today. This is my first brand new snowmobile in my life. I've been riding since 1984. This Assault does not disappoint, and its a world away from my older machines.

[@EmilForsberg_GRYBO]

That switchback Assault is just looking better and better every year.

[@snowtrax]

Gorgeous sled.

[@davidrowley8251]

Most of the people that have ridden production Matryx VR1 or SBA 146 sleds with the Velocity IFS and the Velocity Needle RTS, are impressed with how comfortably they ride, but the progressive resistance of the shock, keeps them from bottoming. If you don't have heavy enough spring settings for your riding weight, and they sag close to mid travel, THEN they might be stiff riding. The cooling system is doing a good job even during break-in and sometimes limited snow on the trail this season. The SmartWarmers work as promised: Set your desired temperature, they warm at fast even at idle, and you don't have to mess with it after that, unless you change your riding gloves. When the sled starts, the left hand control shows you what you were set at when it was shut off.

[@clarknawrocki9718]

I have been riding snowmobiles since the 70s and live in Minnesota and it's polaris

[@fredbishop9434]

So glad you guys are back. Love the review! I just want to thank you guys for your in-depth and honest reviews. I spent 2 years watching all your videos and reading all the sled mags b4 jumping back in and buying a couple sleds this winter. Your advice was invaluable. Keep up the hard work and don’t pay any mind to the haters. Thanks again!

[@snowtrax]

Really appreciate that! Thank you very much for your support and for commenting. Welcome back!!

[@brado647]

I'm not sending this to my Polaris buddies. They already know how good this unit is. I'm sending it to my Ski-doo and Artic Cat buddies. So they can see the light. 🙂

[@snowtrax]

LOL! Awesome.

[@spyder3777]

Is all that storage area for extra spark plugs or have they gotten better?

[@gregharwho62]

I'm picking up my 650 assault tomorrow, quite excited :)

[@pajamatime5750]

You’ll have to come back and let us know how you like the sled with that 650! It’s getting good reviews! Congrats!

[@davidbills4785]

@@pajamatime5750 coming from a ski doo rider there great

[@pajamatime5750]

@@davidbills4785 good to hear!

[@TRAIL325]

i have 30 miles on my 650 137 and you can tell the increase in power from the previous 600, i love it so far

[@gregharwho62]

@@TRAIL325 Mmm yeah, I've done a couple miles now but we're still lacking snow so i'm trying to take it easy. So far the power seems to be there.

[@robertbartholomew4473]

My 2018 Assault is the best sled I've ever ridden...I can't wait to jump on the new VR1 Assault, but if they come out with an SKS or KHAOS with the Matryx chassis I'll be grabbing it at end of season.

[@bradenshones2423]

One of these is my dream sled

[@deanretzlaff2253]

I’ve been riding snowmobile for 49 years now and I’m only 54.been on a Arctic Cat for 26 years now...I think the new Mytrix is top of the line..will have to sell my sleds and switch brands..thanks alway for the honest opinion.

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!!

[@pajamatime5750]

What a gorgeous sled. Wish we had the snow to ride but my ‘17 assault hasn’t moved this year yet.... If things are looking good next year I may have to try a matrix.... What an awesome looking machine! Thanks snowtrax for bringing us the reviews! Keep em coming!!

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!!

[@robertbartholomew4473]

This sled gives me the "giggities" just looking at it. I had the pleasure of driving one of these already as a demo model...and it's hands down better than my 2018 Assault. On the trail it is insanely intuitive, and off trail it's so flickable and light feeling...and that engine..wow.

[@dirttraxtv]

Couldn't agree more, its taking something really really good (Previous Assault) and completely out doing themselves ~AJ

[@nsa6790]

Amazing review guys! Going to send this to some of my Polaris buddies I’m sure they’ll love it.

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!!!

[@dennisstapley1357]

Oh I’d love to see Polaris get back into PWC market. As leaders in SXS , ATVs and Sleds I think it’s time for water! Lets Go!

[@dirttraxtv]

That would be pretty cool, they built some great watercraft during their time. ~AJ

[@tannerhartl5175]

Its weird that they dont. They still make boats. Could be because they earned a reputation as being HORRIBLY unreliable pwcs in the 90s. Every slt I see on marketplace is blown up

[@travisdavies8039]

Thank you snowtrax. Nice to see the season is going again. Thank you for the review. Can’t wait to own one next season. Sounds like a great sled.👍

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!

[@jasons6301]

My first sled in 20+ years and love it. Great review and accurate, thanks Snowtrax

[@mikewheaton7231]

Spring checked 2022 Assault 850 after watching this.

[@yeboidustin8725]

Wish I could get some snow around my place, I'm sick and tired of sitting in my house all day for 10 months in a row

[@homyra3069]

Really love the design they used for this assault

[@timfrost5457]

Hey AJ excellent video on a excellent sled I have 800km on mine and the side panels need more engineering but a sweet sled

[@kwmiked]

Whats the problem u are seeing with miles

[@MrBigbennybang]

Great review AJ ! love your pure honnesty like always !

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!!

[@martin4749]

I wish they would offer an adjustable ski stance since they killed off the SKS for next year. I prefer a narrower stance.

[@jeepmedic2126]

excellent video. Just snowchecked mine for next year

[@waylonolsen]

My Snow check for next year!!!!

[@EthanAdey]

I like the Axys better

[@JC-xy7pb]

@@EthanAdey have you put seat time on a Matryx?

[@EthanAdey]

@@JC-xy7pb no

[@JC-xy7pb]

@@EthanAdey so based on looks you like the Axys better? Ride a Matryx...they are pretty awesome...

[@EthanAdey]

@@JC-xy7pb I can’t, eastern Newfoundland doesn’t have any snow :(

[@kevinmartin3124]

Glad they changed the hand warmers to adjustable settings. On my 144 they're either too hot when it's more mild, or when it's cold you can't feel them at all

[@snowtrax]

The new hand warmer tech in the 7S display is incredible. Works so good.

[@1984TarpeN]

I want this in RMK mode ;D 66mm track and react 36" front :D

[@dirttraxtv]

That would be sweet! Who knows maybe that'll happen! ~AJ

[@lucsergerie1835]

Rumours are it is coming :)

[@snowtrax]

@@lucsergerie1835 :-) We gotta think it'll be the next step for this new design, should know in the very near future!

[@j-sammys5549]

Awesome video as always guys. Seriously considering this sled

[@snowtrax]

Wicked.

[@derekslate908]

I would love to see you review the switchback 146 Xc 2022. Love the reviews you guys do

[@bennyb6071]

Did they fix the issue with the engine blowing up?

[@brontoab1]

You don't need no stinkin engine!

[@jromem7313]

Going on 3 years on 850 no issues yet neither does my bro same sled. I no bias either love ski doos just wanted to try something different and now i cant get off it

[@snowtrax]

Fixed any reported issues under warranty and then extended their warranties even further. Polaris took responsibility and then stepped up big time for its customers.

[@oldslow3694]

sir if you know please inform us how many 850 engines failed out of how many were built . why is it no owner of that engine posted it was bad & polaris did not stand behind it it is always everybody's uncle that make claims of engine failure

[@jromem7313]

@@oldslow3694 I can only speak for my dealer. Not 1 sled since 2019 has came thru his shop blown up. Dont believe all the internet b.s. Was there sleds that grenaded of course probaby hundreds and like aj said polaris took care of it. Most issues was early 19 production mine was built in dec. 2019. Think of how hard these sleds get ridin in the worst, coldest conditions imaginable. No matter what at some point its gonna happen

[@michaell8791]

Polaris hands down the best in the industry.🤘

[@donavonkuzak6569]

I'm gonna snowcheck one this summer

[@byoder0420]

Thanks for the information. Beautiful sled!!

[@snowtrax]

Thanks for watching!!

[@PartikleDestroyer]

“Luc said that the Indy VR1 is the best riding trail sled that he’s ever ridden. And this Switchback Assault 146, is the best ridding crossover that I’ve ever ridden”. Sounds like you guys are going to have to have an arm wrestle to determine who wins the 2021 Sled Of The Year.

[@snowtrax]

LoL, I guess we will. I'll just kick him and run, I'm the little brother. AJ

[@hawkofthenorth4829]

You know what the Best snowmobile is? The one you can get on and ride. Sure we all want a new sled and those that can afford a new one that's great. Just give me some snow and I'll have a sled to ride!!!

[@snowtrax]

Well said.

[@brandon65678]

Nice handle bar pad

[@chrisbanks5098]

Awesome sled but I’ll be keeping my 17 xcr for a few more years

[@snowtrax]

Great sled.

[@northerntoyota7584]

Is it really that good? Or another pro Polaris review from snowtrax ? Hopefully it is that good and pushes the other manufacturers that much further

[@snowtrax]

It is really that good.

[@dirttraxtv]

@@snowtrax We aren't pro Polaris, we are pro good sleds, and this is just that. Gimme an amazing sled, any brand and we will tell it like it is. This years SR Viper LTX GT is a great example, might be our favourite 4 stroke ever. ~AJ

[@LiamG903]

Look at their past sleds of the year man, they never bash anyone really. Some machines have a few more cons but like they never make video where they much bad about any sled. It's one of the few channels that do great prices on sled, places to go and trail systems. Not sure why people get so hung up on their brand vs the good the show does for the sport.

[@jeremy8726]

Ok idk I love my Renegade Backcountry 146 800 E-Tec but it still looks like a nice sled I definitely would go take her for a rip lol

[@georgef1176]

Wow Polaris is on track too surpass skidoo, they have become incredible

[@dirttraxtv]

They are pushing pretty hard, Ski-Doo has big marketshare but I would assume this season Polaris has grow in sales quite a bit ~AJ

[@BlackwellManagement]

Wow, amazing video and review of a worthy sled! I love the matryx chassis with very slick looks and styling! Good job guys! Got a new sub from me!

[@fniezaby]

Cool, thanks for the honest review.

[@VonSpud]

Has me thinking of not buying a Skidoo for my first new sled ever. If Skidoo can match the 7S display and the Assault handling there may be a chance I'll consider BC XRS or Renegade for 2022. A tall order.

[@snowtrax]

You should check out AJ's comparison of the 7S display vs the Ski-Doo display.

[@VonSpud]

@@snowtrax I watched it thanks, it was a great review 🙂

[@JDRTRM]

Yeah I wish there was snow in my state all year round ! Then I could justify the price of these machines now , there going to keep going up ..

[@peterjensen9218]

Tabernak, these Polcat guys have made a sled better than the Ski Dog Guys in Valcourt!

[@dirttraxtv]

LoL, they are doing good work ~AJ

[@PS-pf7lh]

I am so torn between snow checking one of these next year or the ski-doo xrs Renny.... the display is great in the polaris. I am a 80 percent on trail and 20 off but want a playful sled that handles the trail great. From what I can see the polaris will do that. I have ridden a 850 renny x and thought it was great but this switchback has my head spinning.

[@camdenbarker5522]

My question for snow trax is would you guys like to see ski doo bring back a mach z 1000 and put it on an xrs package?

[@MrThegabbster]

Polaris is best hands down

[@snowtrax]

Love iconic names being resurrected in snowmobiling. Modern package, modern engine. Wicked.

[@EmilForsberg_GRYBO]

Well as long as the engine doesn't break down after 2km it would be pretty awesome i think 😂

[@snowtrax]

AJ Here. I'd love to see it. What I would prefer though is not a rebrand of a 900 Turbo with the name and graphics. I think it would be cool for one of the Manufacturers to resurect a big mill sled with an added HP upgrade. I mean thats what we all knew from back in the day. I think Cat should bring back the ZRT, probably my favourite all time triples, but then again I was always biased towards AC's graphics and the sound that came from a ZRT (Any Displacement)

[@tannerhartl5175]

@@snowtrax They probably dont want to step on the thundercats toes

[@colinmacneil3497]

Quick question, how is it for carving in the powder? Its a debate between this and an sks...please help...lol

[@mainetroutwhisperer]

But how many miles can you put on it before you have to rebuild ?

[@dirttraxtv]

LoL, well the 850 is proving to be pretty reliable. Yes they had a manufacturing issues at the start with 850 but they covered everything and we hear most folks even recieved an extra years warranty and free upgrades. To me that says a lot. And since then we haven't seen any 850 issues, they are doing well. Mind you if you want ultimate durability Yamaha's got that corner covered with their engines. ~AJ

[@LiamG903]

All two stroked are pretty much the same if you want 30k get a four store for sure. Last two 2 stroked I rebuilt at 8k and 10k

[@dukekelloway5328]

I'm confused. I've watched a bunch of these videos today because the weather is crap here and I'm left with little to do. I can't figure out which sled is best or if all of them are best. I'm going back to watching Scotty Kilmer because he tells it like it is and not how the dealers wish it to be.

[@GenSparks]

My next sled for sure I got a axys assault love mine I'll wait 2 more years but I love my poo

[@snowtrax]

AXYS Assault is a great sled.

[@martys8283]

You say the 1.5 track rides good on the trails. How would you say the 2" is on trail? Thanks. Great video!👍👍

[@LiamG903]

So last weekend we had a 2020 switch pro s and a new switchback matryx in our group. We took turns riding them everyone seemed to agree the pro s rode better rear suspension wise and most of us liked the fox qs3 shocks more. We all loved the narrow matryx between the legs and thag gauge is amazing. We all found the velocity shocks way too stiff. We didnt bang off trail much mind you. Just wondering if you guys like the qs3 more and what are your thoughts on the older pro s rear

[@snowtrax]

Love QS3 shocks for their simplicity and ease of adjustment. Sometimes it is nice to have the ability to make more complex adjustments to suspension that just the three settings though.

[@LiamG903]

@@snowtrax probably the case for us, easier to dial in for the average person. Thanks for the reply

[@sorbeticecream5455]

Are you guys going to do any vids in Ontario this year ? Or no because of COVID

[@snowtrax]

Yes, we have a double feature on Algoma! Part 1 posted today and part 2 next week. It was filmed at the end of last season.

[@javonysparks5004]

How would you compare and rate this sled against the 2022 Ski-Doo Backcountry XRS? As far as trail/off trail riding, flickability, throttle response, power, etc etc?

[@Ben-rz5wl]

Isn't the rear suspension basically the same as the SKS 146" in Axys? Same ratio, same IGX 146" and same stiffner points as the SKS. Probably just different shock valving?

[@prisma9963]

Shame no big channel is doing Lynx reviews, even if they're a smaller manufacturer they still produce snowmobiles that are different from the others, not just the same old

[@patricklachance5380]

Lynx is a skidoo with different badges what would the point of this be ?

[@pajamatime5750]

They’re not a small manufacturer they’re BRP like Skidoo.... Also, you can’t buy them in North America so I don’t see the point in doing reviews on them. People have been saying this for years but unless they start selling them in NA I don’t see the point.

[@prisma9963]

@@patricklachance5380 if only it was, they clearly arent. You can say that about arctic and yamaha 2 strokes

[@prisma9963]

@@pajamatime5750 i assumed they were because not many ride them, also yes i know they share engines but id only expect someone from na to say reviews are worthless just because na dont get them

[@snowtrax]

We've been trying to get Ski-Doo to arrange a Lynx for us for years!! If Doo can't come through for us, next time we get a chance to go to Rovaniemi we will work our butts off to arrange a new Lynx to evaluate.

[@reggiewhite4111]

So.... The one thing that set the axys assault apart (as well as the rush) was the sleds ability to pick the skis up at will. Its playfulness. No one ever mentions it in their online reviews, but I'd be willing to bet its a big factor for the guys who buy these sleds. Why is that simple thing an elephant in the room? Also, does the matryx assault get the skis up like the axys?

[@alex12435]

Wow. I want one.

[@vinceschaeffer]

I miss when the cowling used to be in the picture, you lift it up and EVERYTHING is right there...dumbass panels always break when its -10 outside

[@jennabeck7574]

great video

[@snowtrax]

Thanks!

[@Ben-rz5wl]

I still believe the #1 crossover sled is an SKS 146" with a track swap to the new Matryx 146"x2" track. The prosteer skis on the stock Assault suck off trail. Grippers are night and day difference. But can still rail on trail with shaper bars and shims. The Assault doesnt come with an adjustable width front end. Because of this, it will never be a perfect 50/50 sled. SKS 146 already has the following: 1. rear suspension that the Matryx Assault has. 2. Gripper skis. 3. Adjustable front suspension. Just needs a track swap.

[@medievalman3737]

Put the react front end on and done!

[@lavingunn4468]

For the life of me I don’t know why they have pro-steer skis on this sled VS. Gripper skis

[@kevinglenister6520]

AJ are you going to do a review of the 650 patriot in the assault platform. Currently driving an 850 Backcountry but I’m really interested in switching to an assault.. not sure at my age I need an 850 for trail riding and ice fishing..

[@snowtrax]

We do actually have a 650 Matryx Assault on hand. Might not do the full test ride, but I'd bet AJ will do a walk-around overview and address any questions you have.

[@kevinglenister6520]

@@snowtrax Thanks look forward to the walk around!

[@snowtrax]

@@kevinglenister6520 Hey Kevin, if you put up some question in a reply here I'll try to make a walk around and post it for ya next week if you'd like ~AJ

[@kevinglenister6520]

Ok I’ve watched every review on you tube in regards to the Matrix assault and every one is with the 850 patriot... Everyone loves it, what I really want to know, does the 650 come close to the old 800 in corner to corner low end acceleration. You know the giggle factor that you get when you squeeze the throttle! My understanding is that the clutch in the 650 is running the same if not heavier weights than the 800. I’m assuming that the features of the Matrix assault are the same whether it’s a 850 or a 650 correct? Thanks for responding, I look forward to what ever you come up with as a review.

[@kevinglenister6520]

Just wondering AJ did you ever get any seat time on the 650 assault? I spring check a 650 assault so may have to do my own review next year 😜😂!

[@jaredgulaga8367]

Polaris just went from making arguably the nicest, most aggressive-looking snowmobile chassis ever produced (Axys) to one that looks like a mosquito on steroids (Matryx).

[@snowtrax]

AXYS looks awesome and I think this one does too. Looks are subjective.

[@mattsauriol6349]

AJ! Can you do a review/install on screw in studs on a 1.6 Cobra! Would be super helpful!

[@dirttraxtv]

Let me see what I can do. I might have some Woodys screw in's around here ~AJ

[@3gasman]

Is this an uncoupled suspension to get faster transfer and front lift?

[@pedrohizzle2835]

Is the riser adjustable? I’m 6’3 and like to stand a lot when I ride

[@marclapalme1394]

So 50/50 eh? On the trail how well does it compare to the Pro S 800?

[@snowtrax]

It is awesome on trail.

[@dirttraxtv]

@@snowtrax Compared to the Pro S it's for sure not as planted but thats because you've got that big old track out back, however it isn't far off. Is it a trail sled, not a dedicated one, but it's confident and responsive in the corners and I can keep up with a pack of trail riders any day, head off trail though and I'm playing while they are all stuck lol ~AJ

[@boser1212]

Can’t believe none of the sponsored riders built this sled into a 155 mountain sled.

[@dirttraxtv]

Good call, that woulda been pretty sweet. ~AJ

[@andrewlindner4061]

I’m thinking about buying this next year but I want my dad to be able to use it on the trails. Will he notice a huge difference between the axys rush and this?

[@snowtrax]

Yes.

[@cudwood]

Nice Machine..but Man I hope they have some Nicer color graphics for next season

[@snowtrax]

We got a VR1 in our test fleet that looks beautiful. It all depends on how you customize them. Try it out on the Polaris website.

[@MrMad4mud]

@@snowtrax is the VR1 THAT much better on the trial than this new assault?

[@bolognabowl]

Ahhhhh the polaris 850 plug fowlers......

[@oldslow3694]

my 019 850 xc 129 has 1700 miles on oem plugs

[@actZR900]

Really torn between matryx chassis vr1 or an mxz

[@MrJohndeere3720]

i need to get into snowcating.

[@MrTB321]

Make a pro rmk with this chassis

[@martin4749]

Riders with OCD are seeking therapy. The cockeyed decal placement is driving them mad. Seriously. I've seen a bunch of guys complaining about it on FB. They don't realize they are meant to be angled that way.

[@dirttraxtv]

LoL, if thats messing with them I think they need to get out and ride more ~AJ

[@412griffon]

Is the 850 worth the extra $$ compare to the 650 on the assault 146?

[@LiamG903]

We had a 650 and and 850 and 800 out last weekend. 650 is more than enough, but if you want it all get the 850 it Def has more power. If I was going straight trail sled if do 650 better on fuel and you wouldn't miss much

[@flyin427ford]

Well that's gonna get all the 'Yellow Undies' in a bunch! ^_^ Love it AJ Wonder how many of the whiners actually realize you raced Doo, lol

[@braydenboulier1357]

Dream sled other than a khaos

[@dirttraxtv]

Yeah that Khaos is pretty sweet! ~AJ

[@lvdb4808]

i was just wondering, how much hp does it have?

[@flyin427ford]

Common knowledge... Google it.

[@lvdb4808]

@@flyin427ford why an answer like this I'm just asking because I can't find it on the internet

[@bolognabowl]

Anyone having plug fowling issues with the 850s?

[@flyin427ford]

Nope, not one fouled plug since 17 on my SBA's 800 and 850

[@brycensloss2946]

I don’t like the looks of the new chassis

[@snowtrax]

Fair enough! Looks are subjective.

[@shawnquirrion717]

I don’t like the looks of the front of it I like the old style looks for plastics

[@augustcordell5036]

17,000 bucks but cool.

[@wasupfool5692]

Seriously, 2 inch longer track equals about 1/2 inch to the ground. That aint going to do anything. You had me until you said that. Beauty sled though

[@pajamatime5750]

All he said was the 146” track is lighter then the 144” and you get an increase in floatation. And, while not significant, it’s still technically a larger track therefore there’s increased floatation - Even if it isn’t noticeable!

[@snowtrax]

@@pajamatime5750 Yup your correct, and while there isn't a whole lot different out back the overall sled is significantly different. ~AJ

[@snowtrax]

If you're only looking at the length of track, sure it's not a whole lot different as I said, look at the rest of it. Worlds different. If it was an Axys Assault with a 146 over the 144 I'd totally agree, not enough substance, but it's not an Axys. ~AJ

[@oldslow3694]

wasup fool so you are expert just wondering after all

[@wasupfool5692]

@@oldslow3694 you love following me around dont ya lol