2023 Ski Doo Renegade X RS 850 Detailed Snowmobile Overview

[@kendallsherryleech7035]

I always appreciate Marks walk around! He tells it like it is

[@snowtrax]

Appreciate that.

[@fredbishop9434]

You ALL tell it like is. Appreciate the whole family!

[@randybuehler4274]

These new Ski-Doos continue to show why BRP has over 60% worldwide market share & why that keeps growing every year. Amazing technology, fit & finish & engineering.

[@GrizzlyCompany]

I picked up a 23 Gen 4 MXZ Blizzard last week and am heading to the U.P. tomorrow and I can't wait! Love your videos!

[@snowtrax]

Awesome! Thanks and enjoy!!

[@powderhound907]

I am really impressed with how easy it is to change and add accessories on the 850 X-RS. The windshield mounts for the larger shield are very easy to access under pop out panels next to the factory windshield. The glove box extention are super simple to install. The tunnel protectors (for you traction stud users) are very easy to install. They made the accessories as "plug and play" as possible. I opted out of the big display and smart shock package. The three position KYB's are very user friendly. The rear skid adjustability is absolutely amazing. Take the time to really use all of the adjustments and get the sled dialed in to your riding style. Top notch design by Ski Doo.

[@jhom2970]

I love all the videos you guys do, but marks walk-around videos are by far the best. He knows how to get what he's experienced out to the viewer

[@snowtrax]

That's awesome. Thanks John.

[@stevestickler8961]

Mark, I have 500 miles on my G5 850 XRS w/SmartShox. I did note the understeer in the corners with the stock skis and 6" Ace carbides. I have C&A XPT skis on my 22 850XCR and it rides like it is on rails. Put some C&A's on the XRS and did not notice much improvement, still understeer. Maybe it was snow conditions, but the XCR still corners better. Overall, you are spot on in the review and I am sure glad I got one. Just need to tweak the front end a bit... Thanks for the great walk around.

[@terryerickson3469]

Always look forward to Marks walk arounds. I’ve been reading his non biased informative articles for many many years. The videos are even better. As far as the sled goes it looks like a great ride but that narrow flat-topped seat looks uncomfortable before you even plant yourself on it. Looking forward to more reviews. Thanks again.

[@snowtrax]

Thank you Terry. Greatly appreciate your kind words.

[@MrJeffyb69]

I'm a "Cat guy" first, Polaris next, but damn, that is a sexy sled!! This is the first Ski Doo I have really considered as a replacement for my 2016 ZR 8000 limited 137 🙂 I've always been put off by Ski Doo, mainly because the owners are so "Pompous" and the G4's are NOT appealing with the "Angry Duck" look, but my opinions are changing! Good job Ski Doo!

[@denisbrisebois7658]

Thanks Mr. Lester, I always like and enjoy your walk arounds and reviews. Well done sir !!! A+++

[@snowtrax]

Thank you very much!!

[@hworkmaniv88]

You can only get the 10.25” screen on the GEN5 sleds in the X and XRS trail models. All GEN5 sleds only had the 850 or 850R this year. It makes sense.

[@pierre_desbiens]

An absolute weapon!

[@justinfranks2103]

Awesome job Mark I think you’re the best at explaining these sleds. I’m a Polaris fanboy but this sleds looks amazing and I’m sure it rides great 👍

[@snowtrax]

Thanks! 👍

[@darrylwebb388]

I was watching this video and began to wonder exactly when I started to watch Mark on Snowtrax, I’m 44 now, I believe at least since I was a teenager he has brought all the latest models and all the cool accessories to go with; maybe I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure it’s been that long

[@snowtrax]

That's actually pretty awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@patricklavictoire3235]

A trail sled with no windsheild,very smart,and a sticker price out of this world,at least it could look good,but it looks like a ninja turtle,yakkk,

[@snowtrax]

Looks are subjective. This windshield is terrible tho...

[@terryattewell5842]

Great video as usual Mark. As a Cat guy, I can't wait for the new Catalyst to hit the snow. Rumor has it, a big bore is in the near future. Looking forward to SnowTrax doing a review on the Catalyst

[@CCH-R]

Sad part is they usually poop all over cat. I’m a cat guy too

[@krisi.2011]

Arctic is 10 years over due . I hope nothing but the best for the brand as my first sled was a 1972 arctic cat 440

[@terryattewell5842]

Well to be honest Cat has not brought a lot to the table as far as a new chassis and motors lately. Suspension tech stuff, hell ya they have. I just hope the new Catalyst is a home run along with new engines to make the completion go back to the drawing board.

[@CCH-R]

@@krisi.2011 first sled I called mine was an 02 z570

[@RJ-wy6cx]

@@CCH-R I think that's the other way around cats much better product

[@adampetten1009]

All I want is the XRS to be an XRS again... consumer race sled not a big dick swinging trail sled. XRS is a Cadillac not an RS for consumers.

[@reellife7295]

Exactly I have a 2010 xrs 800 ptek and honestly think it’s the one of the last true consumer race sleds with high and low compression adjustments, chassis bracing and race sled engine feel with the flat slide 800r

[@pierre_desbiens]

Buy a Lynx Rave, the majority of the demographic spending 22k on the XRS is looking for a confortable trail weapon, not a snow cross sled. Skidoo does a excellent job at understanding the demographic they are selling too.

[@CDX7]

You guys are a very vocal minority. For years people bought the “race sled” models because they looked cool, but then suffered for it on the trail. The XRS is exactly where it should be - a highly capable trail weapon that suits 99% of the demographic who can afford it. If you want a mogul sled buy a Lynx

[@adampetten1009]

@CDH the XRS should be renamed X, kinda like we just seen with MXZ. want a boring trail sled buy the X, don't worry we have lots of models the XRS can be for the hard risers and X can be the Cadillac trail sled.. call super duper X or something for people worried about what it's called.

[@bedlambikes]

They make the XRS Competition. It’s perfectly suited for what a RS consumer sled should be except for the 137” track.

[@G.Bear89]

Love Mark's humour!

[@robertbeaudoin8012]

Can't wait for my 2024

[@redripper6944]

BRP makes the best sleds for sure

[@MrHugawa]

what a beauty of a machine, great job!

[@billbeam3811]

Great video well worth the time to watch.

[@rw3100]

Love wen Marks does the review of a machine from a same age snowmobiler 👍🍻 Can't compare 4 year warranty 2020 xrs900turbo

[@gtileo]

I didn't realise how high the front end of the G4/G5s sit, lots of front end travel but that can make for a pretty tippy feel. My XS's control arms sit pretty flat when I'm on it and still has enough suspension travel

[@afkjryt]

Had lots of trouble dialing in the G4's due to this issue... Fix is new springs and shocks and pull the limiter strap down.

[@rideswift]

@@afkjryt Totally not needed. The factory stuff is perfectly fine. Its all about the set up. I used to shorten the limiter, until I found the right way to set the sled up. That was my first G4 XRS, I've had 3, my system has been perfect and everyone who rides my sleds is blown away. They are smooth over chatter and flat in corners. The harder you ride the better they get. I'm also a pretty big guy, so the sled is having to work

[@Rehmer94]

Enjoyed the commentary. Thanks Mark.

[@snowtrax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@codyfryatt1672]

Love my Gen. 5 renegade xrs…

[@ML-lg4ky]

There’s a million of these for sale in my area. No snow 😢

[@snowtrax]

They'll all sell the minute it snows.

[@CameronYandt]

Killer review! Love to see what linq accessories they’ve made available this year

[@toddglime5209]

Mark Always Does Great Reviews. Skidoo has an efficient motor and Now Nice Screen. It's a Nice Looking Well Built Machine. But I'm Pretty Sure I'd Still Like To Ride My Polaris SnowCheck 2017 800 HO Pro S 137 Switchback REX Riser 1.25 Woody's Studded Track and Dual Woody's Carbides All Day Than Skidoo's Not Very Good Ergonomics and I Bet Their Front End Still Doesn't Handle as Good. Skidoo needs Smart Shocks To Ride as Good as My 800 Pro S Polaris. I Like My Tall Windshield To. Mine Goes Well Over 100 MPH with a Tall Windshield. We Ride OUR Snowmobiles and These Small Windshields are Ridiculous.

[@wyattneiber8192]

Have same sled, love it!

[@dirigoelectric]

I just bought a snowcheck someone didn’t take. Lots of people ordered last year not realizing what food, gas and interest rates would be. Every dealer I visited had lots of sleds in every style. If you want a new sled it’s easy. My neighbor is a Polaris dealer. He has plenty.

[@MosleyOutdoors]

Skidoo sure builds some nice sleds!

[@stuartsimek9393]

You guys always do a nice through job with your reviews. Well done!

[@snowtrax]

Thank you very much!

[@bartunertl302]

Great review as always, Mark!!

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!

[@Agent_954]

Such a beautiful machine with a boring colour! Bring back the 2020 Manta Green colour combo! Great overview Mark.

[@HankAaronJoseph19]

I made mine manta green

[@jamescantlin1072]

I bought two mxz xrs with smart shocks they are the best of anything to ever hit the trails.

[@wesleyviola2823]

Only "gen 5" sleds get the led headlight and the 10.25" gauge. For 2023 gen 5 sleds only come with 850 etec engines. All 600r etec, 900 turbo, 900 ace, ect are still being produced in the gen 4 platform.

[@bedlambikes]

The 10.25 gauge is only available as a big money option. Not standard on any model “gen 5.”

[@hairyyeti21]

great review

[@sledfam3659]

Love the review. Dealer in Port Huron has three with SS For Sale

[@LiamG903]

Great walk around Mark

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!

[@apexandtalon]

Semi active suspension is amazing. I have this technology on my bmw motorcycle. It works more or less in all the modes ot has to keep it as soft as it can until it needs to firm up on bumps and its case to firm up for cornering. Does the skidoo's system work similarly? Does it have modes? Now if skidoo had controlled feedback steering, through powersteering, then it could be winner.

[@snowtrax]

We did a deep dive into this technology last season. I put the link in this video's description. Worth checking out.

[@KTMsoldier1988]

Pretty soon you won't even have to put your hands on the handlebars and the sled will do all the work.

[@Outdoors-and-Sports]

Ha ha imagine if Tesla made a self driving snowmobile... I know how make a self driving snowmobile. You need duct tape and a snowmobile. I think you know where I’m going with this...

[@KTMsoldier1988]

@@Outdoors-and-Sports seen too many videos of those mishaps. 🤣

[@romper4444]

Autonomous driving snowmobiles.....gaaayyyyyy

[@KTMsoldier1988]

@@romper4444 i just feel like they are becoming too luxurious and way over priced....hell i still have a blast riding a '77 pantera.

[@PartTimeYooper]

@@Outdoors-and-Sports be nice on the long rides home at night

[@wasupfool5692]

Sweet

[@sambuvca22]

they look very small to me. i chose the expedition extreme for my 23 spring order

[@snowtrax]

Quite a bit smaller than the Xtreme.

[@eberhoozen]

Can’t wait for 24’s

[@jean-francoisdupras2357]

Wish next year it i will be back in Yellow!

[@bedlambikes]

There’s literally a mustard yellow one in the video. Doo just doesn’t believe in giving buyers many options when spec’ing a snow check.

[@snowtrax]

The one in the background is actually an MXZ Blizzard.

[@bedlambikes]

@@snowtrax Correct, and the Blizzard seems to be moving a bit uptown from previous versions. Very nicely equipped machine. Its better than the X packages of yesteryear. The bottom line is, Doo should be offering their sleds in a multitude of color options by now. Heck, consumers can purchase a $89 dollar Keurig coffer maker in 8 different colors now. A 18K Doo? Black or flavor of the month - and then exit stage right.

[@jean-francoisdupras2357]

@@snowtrax Talking about XRS Renegade Color

[@jean-francoisdupras2357]

@@bedlambikes Agree with ya! blizzard packages is nice! Hope whey will to the same for Renegade as well.

[@scottmcnabb9122]

You know maybe I am old school why are they not putting windshields on them now . Couldn't stand riding without one .

[@Freneticburn]

same reason they don't give you a spare belt or toolkit on a new sled...$$$$

[@snowtrax]

Give me the tallest, warmest windshield available please.

[@jacebigelow]

I got a '23 sidewinder L-TX LE EPS and no spare belt either ! I need that and a little bit taller windshield.

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

I sure hope this "smart" suspension is way smarter than Arctic Cat's Smartride setup on the 02/03 ZL-SS sleds. That was my first new sled and I bought it because it was lauded as the best ride on snow. It was awful. It never worked and I bottomed that sled constantly. I eventually swapped in ZR shocks & springs.

[@snowtrax]

You're talking about tech from 20 years ago. It's the difference of the invention of the wheel vs time travel.

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

@@snowtrax yeah, it is definitely older, but the media hype was exactly the same. "Best thing ever!" "Best ride on the snow!". It was awful. Hopefully this actually lives up to the hype.

[@iwejun]

Excessively huge is the operative word

[@CDX7]

Does the front arm adjustment help with the initial turn in confidence then? Felt that line of thought got cut short.

[@MrJeffyb69]

Thats what she said @ 3:36 LOL!! 😄

[@snowtrax]

Nice! 😄

[@RiotRider218]

I believe there are only 3 smart shocks. The front skid shock is not smart.

[@snowtrax]

The front arm does have a dedicated sensor. The shock itself is not reacting to inputs but the front arm is involved in collecting input.

[@artieshuster8013]

Same smart shock as on last years mach z correct (which I love to ride)

[@krisi.2011]

The worst part of the newer sleds is the warranty 2 years on a 20k machine is pure garbage a 2021 has the same warranty as a 2023 complete trash

[@jasonbrushett2005]

I have to agree

[@stav55]

Are you riding the Madison Arm loop in West Yellowstone in parts of this video?

[@toddbunnett640]

Smart shocks the talking point of the sled???? You sure it isn’t that windshield? Haha

[@bigchaloopa]

One other great feature of SAS is the affects on turning. Stiffening the outside shock preventing body roll and keep the inside ski on the ground carving.

[@krisi.2011]

Smart shocks are dumb now when you have 3 setting .

[@MBTUE]

Is it a cold sled to ride ? I doesn't look to have much protection for your legs let alone your chest and head.

[@bartunertl302]

I rode one a few weeks ago with a medium windshield and to answer your question in one word, YES!!!! It was a great sled but l'd rather ride my G4 900Turbo r. I'm not out to look like a racer, l just want to be warm when it's -20°F.

[@MBTUE]

@@bartunertl302 I haven't seen one with a tall windshield yet. We often ride in -20 temps and in reality wind protection is very important when it's that cold. Cheers !

[@leslewis687]

Does this model sled come as an opinion, a 150 something track?? we ride here in Colorado and need the longer track!!

[@snowtrax]

Freeride. Shootout coming soon!

[@krisi.2011]

The colour combo being unique limits you to adding to this sled making it your own .

[@robgrady8924]

What options are available for Windows?

[@snowtrax]

I think it's Windows 11 now...

[@lucascady4992]

Personally I don't like the gray... I'm sure it's a ripper!! Seems like they are building Sled's for the Old Man who road Sled's in the 80's and now wants all the comforts of his SUV? Out of touch with the newbies that want a sled to use 2-3 months a year for less than 10K.. 😡

[@bedlambikes]

This is their best sled. They make MUCH less expensive sleds for the “newbies” and casual riders who ride a lot less, all the manufacturers do.

[@snowtrax]

I definitely would not accuse Ski-Doo of being out of touch with what snowmobilers want.

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

@@snowtrax😂the prices of sleds are completely out of touch for most

[@tomburger3399]

START the engine. We need to hear it run.

[@snowtrax]

He did at 3:30. Watch the segment.

[@alexandregauvin5570]

Just sold my mxz xrs 2023 850 with the new screen it was an awesome sled but underpowered and slower than the 850 patriot and that’s not even talking about the boost .. they need a power upgrade asap … got back to a srx with 250hp

[@TheLeblancGroup]

I have one, I find it a VERY boring sled. Skidoo took the playfulness out of the sled. The Lynx’s is so much more fun

[@snowtrax]

Rave is awesome.

[@tomshebuski5664]

Why don't u give the price? Crazy expensive I'm sure. If u have to ask, u can't afford one, rt?

[@snowtrax]

Sometimes we give the price in these reviews and sometimes we don't. This overview was done in spring like about a week after the 2023 sleds were announced and I don't think we had a firm idea what the official MSRP was at that point. In the future I'll make sure to at least include the pricing in the description when possible.

[@chrisrogers3175]

Not a fan of the head lights, g4 looked way better

[@snowtrax]

I remember when G4 was introduced. Everyone HATED how it looked. The negative comments on this thread about the G5's appearance don't even compare to the negativity the G4 received. Guess it'll take a season or two of seeing these in real life before it is accepted.

[@chrisrogers3175]

@@snowtrax true just don't like the headlights on the g5

[@chrisking6911]

only three shocks are smart. and also only theG5 can get the 10.2 gauge.

[@snowtrax]

The front arm has a dedicated sensor. The shock itself is not reacting to inputs but the front arm is involved in collecting input.

[@heatmoon]

Man these guys really have to talk themselves into the Doos as if they are unbiased. I feel a little more at home? Why's that, cause your personal sleds are all doos

[@aaronzimmermann8203]

The smart shocks are not that impressive. Not sure what other people think but it's slightly better.

[@jasonbrushett2005]

I'm a SkiDoo guy.......but damn this thing is ugly.

[@snowtrax]

Disagree.

[@jasonbrushett2005]

@@snowtrax to each their own!!

[@funtyes1970]

So brand new sled come out and can't buy at ski doo dealership, nice job ski doo SMH

[@snowtrax]

I would wager that Ski-Doo is thrilled its inventory is sold out.

[@scottmcnabb9122]

I disagree I hate studs can't drive into my shop without wrecking my floor . If you ride ice and lakes for sure . if you don't I think there a waste of money and time . And they are hard on the roads crossings and life of your track . And in soft snow not going to help you I think there over rated .

[@recentlyretired]

Depending on we’re you ride . In places like the North East you cross a lot of lakes and hills , if it warms up a little then freezes you get ice and need them, we had one guy who didn’t have them and couldn’t make it up the icy hill that everyone else made it up . He had to reroute 20 plus miles to meet us

[@FATBIKEMIKE]

Me and five buddies going around the corner looks like snow turned out to be ice The only corner with ice on it we would’ve never known four of us with studs made it but only guy without studs in a tree and is enjoying brain trauma. Enjoy your nice unscratched floors.!!! Just saying

[@skidrue]

But can it go in the snow, not places I can drive my Subie. If I had to ride trails like that, I wouldn't even own a sled.

[@snowtrax]

Those trails were mint, but if you're an off trail rider, this isn't your sled.

[@kwmiked]

We're u cold or Nervous? U sound unsure what u are saying

[@snowtrax]

COLD

[@yvanconstant936]

En français svp

[@RJ-wy6cx]

That has to be one of the ugliest snowmobiles to come out in the last 20 years

[@snowtrax]

Disagree.

[@BorealEDC]

I definitely do not like the look of this sled. It looks 'old' and round, and the grey panels and grey tunnel make it look 'utility'.

[@aaronirish7841]

compared to the previous model design......meh. its more rounded, less angular.....don't like it.

[@snowtrax]

Ok

[@MrSnowman427]

These sleds are so overpriced!! It’s ridiculous!

[@snowtrax]

Expensive.

[@thegrantdanielsband]

Sounds like a lot of junk to go wrong and will not last!!! No thanks 🙂

[@snowtrax]

This comment always gets me. Everything nowadays has a lot of stuff on it that could go wrong. On average though, it usually doesn't. I love driving a 5-speed, but my truck is an automatic. Lots could go wrong, but I've personally never experienced a transmission issue in any of my trucks. That said, buying a vintage or even a 10 year old sled could present a ton of issues as well. You roll the dice anytime you buy something with an engine.

[@Kevin-ix4qz]

As awesome as these sleds are.... Is there any options (full review) for normal/regular buyers?

[@snowtrax]

Have you watched Mark's overview of the Blizzard? Link is in the description...

[@carykokkonen9268]

Great review