2024 600-Class Trail Sled Shootout! MXZ XRS vs INDY XCR vs CATALYST

Nothing beats the smell of 2-stroke in the morning! AJ and Luke compare three high-performance 2024 trail sleds - the Polaris 650 Indy XCR 128, Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 600R, and Arctic Cat CATALYST ZR 600 in this exciting showdown!!
#polaris #skidoo #arcticcat #snowmobile #snowtraxtv
**************
SOCIAL MEDIA:
KZbin: / snowtraxtv
INSTAGRAM: / snowtraxtv
FACEBOOK: / snowtraxtv
**************
ABOUT THIS CHANNEL:
Celebrating 30 years of broadcast and hosted by Luke and AJ Lester, SNOWTRAX has established itself as the most watched snowmobile TV series in North America.
Throughout the course of each season, the SNOWTRAX crew guides viewers through informative and entertaining content; revealing the inside scoop on the latest snowmobiles, accessories and riding destinations which make snowmobiling winter's greatest adventure sport.
SNOWTRAX can also be viewed weekly during the winter season on cable providers OLN and Sportsman Channel in Canada and across America on Sportsman Channel. Become part of our community and subscribe to our channel today!

[@SkidooPro1]

I was never an Arctic Cat fan but when the 858 comes out next year I may give them a second look.

[@matthewblank214]

For trail performance, as purchased, hitting it hard in the woods 40-70 mph and holding the right side of the trail, the Polaris gets it done with extreme confidence everytime, it’s pin point accuracy in that front end

[@soddog4]

Guys, loved this shootout! A video that I would love to see is some detail regarding the fit and finish issues that you tend to talk about. What exactly are your issues with the fit and finish on the Polaris and the new Cat? How exactly is the Skidoo build quality better? Someone who can't ride all 3 brands for a day or tear all 3 apart and look them over, I would really enjoy a breakdown video.

[@208SledHead]

What I personally notice the most is how well the plastics fit together on the Doo's over the other two. And the motor purrs like a kitten where the Polaris and Cat sound more like a cammed V8. That can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you like. You'll notice less overall vibration on the Doo, Cat and Polaris feel more...raw I guess you could say.

[@lylejohnson5549]

For fit and finish, on my 650 VR1, I notice a lot of buzzing and rattling compared to a skidoo, and there are so many sharp unfinished edges on metal parts that I regularly cut my knuckles and fingers if I’m twiddling on it. It’s like the first goal of the engineering team was ride and handling, next was appearance, last was finishes/finishing and fasteners. In addition, the large factory accessory tunnel bag was mounted properly but still seriously and horribly scraped and dug up the top surface of my tunnel under the bag from vibration and jostling around. Looks nice from above, very practical, but they stopped short of the finish line in that regard. That said, 7S, smart warmers, 650 are great tech, and overall it looks and handles great and has been totally reliable and fun and a great value - no regrets.

[@joshgessinger4509]

Was kinda thinking the sane thing because i ride cats. My father rides doos and cats. Pro cross I could see that ski doos fit and finish was a little better. But far as dependability both very good. Fathers new catalyst looks amazing fit finish is there with ski doo. Riding the catalyst it just feels really tough no weird noises just a solid unit. Actually felt indestructible riding it lol!! Exhaust is louder on cat might make it feel a little violent compared to the doo. But i love the sound of that 600 its amazing.

[@FireRisinWithin]

Pretty good comparison. As a Doo owner... It's great to see that Arctic Cat finally has a modern competitive snowmobile. I think skidoo has the perfect snowmobile for their target audience. The perfect sled for the majority of us. It's hard to argue with their sales numbers. If they were real serious about being ahead in this category they would have a 650 motor. Part of me doesn't want them to mess with the superb reliability of the 600 etec. For me, I love a sled I can take out year after year and ride fairly aggressively with low cost of ownership and good reliability. From what I've seen, Polaris can't offer me that yet.

[@PartTimeYooper]

Ski-Doo could easily bump the 600 up to 650 with no loss of reliability, but at this point I just think Ski Doo doesn't care because they still dominate Poo in marketshare. They also want to give people reason to move up to a more profitable 850. Honestly if Doo made a 135-140 hp 650, I'd have no reason to buy an 850

[@riverrunner4958]

I dont agree with that as i have ridden a 600 doo for many years most of the time its fine but there are occasions i could use a little more power if i ride a powerline or the river, I finally decided to buy a 850 etec a couple years ago i like it but its just to much for where i ride most of the time on tighter trails and such i spend 90 percent of the time about quarter throttle i dont need or want a sled that can run well over 100 mph I can not see any need for 165 hp or more for trail riding it just gets you in trouble fast. If doo makes a 650 to 700 class etec i would definitely buy one as i just want a little more power than a 600 can put out. A 140 hp would be perfect for a ton of us trail riders. Just look at the polaris 650 it now out shines the doo because it just has that little bit more than the 600 which alot of riders are looking for.

[@sunsettrailrider]

I want all 3!!🙌🏼

[@camaro69green31]

I'll take the Cat all day, everyday. Great review again guys no doubt. Lots more to consider in this segment too I believe.... Price, durability, Belt drive (AC), clutching, serviceability, and MOST importantly Does it come in GREEN!! and... sponsorship pays the bills, I get it.... cough cough.

[@pajamatime5750]

Durability. Yeah, cause we know how durable and reliable a Catalyst will be because it’s been on the snow for years. Come on. It’s a nice sled from Cat but we don’t know how it’ll hold up yet….

[@stianmathisen4284]

The review is not so great if you want Arctic Cat to survive....!

[@paulbennett9002]

Been watching the show for years and is still the best !!

[@snowtrax]

Appreciate that so much!! 🙏

[@pajamatime5750]

Now that’s a comment I can LIKE!

[@stianmathisen4284]

Yeah, the best marketing channel for BRP and Polaris that is!

[@CCH-R]

Good to see ski doo at the bottom of the pile! Plus cats ctec 600 is bomb proof. I’ve seen manyyyy with over 10,000 miles. Although cats 600s have always been amazing.

[@rideswift]

And yet ski doo sells 100 times as many sleds ... interesting LOL I really like the new Cat to be honest, I hope they do well with it

[@CCH-R]

@@rideswift I really don’t know why they sell more… but yeah I hope the cat does well. I’ve never had an issue with cat so I keep going back. 10,000 miles on 2 different motors. Sold them without touching them.

[@wasupfool5692]

The 600 etek is an amazing engine as well. And crazy good on fuel

[@bedlambikes]

@@rideswift Toyota sells a ton of Prius’s…does that mean they’re the best cars on the road?

[@rideswift]

@@bedlambikes Yes, Toyota makes some of the best cars on the road, good point.

[@ianlemieux7208]

Very nice snowmobiles. More snow comes before ergonomics. Lots of riders still havent broken in 2024 snowmobile engines. Worst winter ever. Lets see what hapoens 2025 and beyond. Quality detailed testing review by snowtrax. Ride safe everyone.

[@tyhungerford5543]

Having gone from skidoo to polaris this past year, I think it's worth noting that while the Rmotion is smoother than the pro-cc (especially in smaller stuff), it definitely takes a lot of fun out of the sled and doesn't transfer nearly as well. The r-motion makes the skidoo front end feel very planted whereas the polaris feels light on its skis.

[@pavmentsurfer13]

This plays strongly into why we feel the polaris has so much of the "fun factor". Its an engaging sled to ride. I agree fully.

[@kenguyer1897]

Ditto. The Doo is almost too good and just leaves the rider with a “flat” feeling ride. Definitely more fun factor from the PoPo. I can’t speak for the cat but I’d love to get the chance to ride one.

[@shelhawke7206]

Informative as usual ! Can't go wrong with either of those sleds !

[@kevingysen2602]

Loved it guys . Nothing better than an honest opinion from the guys who are lucky enough to get to do this for a living . Subscribed for life . Keep up the awesome work !!!!!!

[@snowtrax]

Really appreciate that!!

[@stianmathisen4284]

I bet they live good from the BRP and Polaris sponsor "wages".....

[@Joeys990]

I’d say that’s a very honest review. Thanks guys!

[@sergebasque8460]

It is time for a drag race on the lake with the three skidoo’s let go , do it we’re waiting. Great content.😎👍🇨🇦💪

[@208SledHead]

Where are the other 2 Doo's?

[@davidkendall1614]

@@208SledHead If your name is “sergebasque” and you are from Canada, everything with two skis and a track is called a “Ski-doo” 😊

[@snowtrax]

We have all three of these sleds on the ground right now plus both turbo 2-strokes, a 900 ACE Turbo R and a Sidewinder, but conditions are like early November around our base. If we get some cold weather and snow, you'll see a race day like no other. Just waiting impatiently for winter to finally stick...

[@sergebasque8460]

@@davidkendall1614 yes have the three brand on a lake who will be the fastest .👍💪

[@bedlambikes]

Lets not forget (once again) Braking = Polaris Electronics/tech = Polaris Customization while ordering = Polaris

[@wasupfool5692]

Yup, but dependability and fit and finish is definitely not Polaris

[@davidkendall1614]

@@wasupfool5692Correct…which I will take any day over modest improvements to individual performance categories to deliver a better overall package to live with. Not like there is any dog here in terms of performance.

[@sledduck]

Spot on review guys!!! Thanks for all the great info/impressions on the 600 class. Nobody does it better than Snowtrax.

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!!

[@dougpullman3699]

You guys usually bring up the fun factor, i'm curious which one you thought overall was the most fun.

[@troyt5309]

I have a 2024 XR-S 900 Turbo R and a 2017 XCR600 and love them both equally for trail riding. I also want a Catalyst now, I'm not brand specific and find things I love about each of them. I love the look of a Green Cat and the 2025 Atak's have the new display that will put it on par with the others. All of them would be fun to drive if we actually got some snow!

[@FalvyPollard]

XCR!! I took delivery of that exact sled ( except black spindles) this year.

[@andrewwebster13]

Ford truck Cummins diesel Allison transmission. I want it all!😩

[@Just3adventures]

Great review!

[@jasoncampeau2948]

When the 600r starts , moves.: there is barely any smoke. She purrs at idle super smooth.. the 650 smokes more at idle when it’s cold..she rattles more and you can hear the engine way more. 600r feels more powerful out the hole , where the 650 is similar to the 850 has a lot of mid range .. I drove both this weekend for 300km

[@wko78ms]

Should have used the 600rxc

[@208SledHead]

Luke and AJ know what they are doing. If they decided that this is a fair comparison, then it's a fair comparison.

[@wko78ms]

@@208SledHead yes sir thank you sir

[@stianmathisen4284]

@@208SledHead Yeah, and Joe Biden is the best president because the majority said so!

[@davidgoodman2099]

​@@208SledHeadits not, though. The R-xc is the direct competitor and the suspension is a step above the Atac. They wod have used one if they had it in their fleet.

[@208SledHead]

@@davidgoodman2099 So then the Polaris would’ve been the VR1, and the Cat would’ve been…?

[@chadgale9305]

These guys are Polaris guys, idc what they say. Glad for Cat, they finally have a good sled to build upon and push the big 2.

[@snowtrax]

FINALLY! SHEEESH. So sick of being accused of being only biased towards Ski-Doo. Get it right, guys!!!!

[@cbr600rrturbo]

That new Cat looks cool

[@coldairbuick]

Nice review! Thanks for making this video. I went with the 2024 Catalyst because it is really a looker and I believe Cats 600 engine has a great reputation for reliability. The IFP shocks are pretty low-end. That little seat kinda sucks and the battery compartment under the seat is a great idea but the wire routing is very poor. The hood can be removed super easy and changing spark plugs is no problem at all. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of these 3 sleds. It all comes down to features and personal preferences.

[@austanhall]

Skidoo needs to bring back the 670

[@SnowmobileHomeMovies]

Tough but fair!

[@jmangames5562]

Great video Guys!! I am wondering do they make any sleds for comfort anymore? All those are sporty and fun but long rides are awful for me. I have to admit it may be me as I still prefer sleds from 2006 and older as any rider forward really hurts my back, knees and my groin and after 20-30 minutes I have to stop. I want a comfort cruiser like skidoo use to make the GSX with air ride. Think I might look for one, as I get older I less need to jump and all that and just want a comfort cruiser that will also rip down the field/lake.

[@tonyciriello6872]

Thanks for the good review. But, which sled can you ride faster for longer? Which sled gives you the best confidence when pushing hard? Which sled is going to let you beat your brother?

[@markfeasel9431]

I would only ask one question. Something that you never talk about. Gauge cluster. Speedometer tachometer etc. who is better. And lighting. Head lights and tail who's head lights work better on the trail. Is there a difference in headlights.

[@huronv9500]

A category that should be considered is the ease of working/maintenance of the sleds. The Polaris and Cat hood and panels come off with ease, allowing you to get engine area. The Ski-Doo is not so easy.

[@pavmentsurfer13]

This was actually a point we DID make but had to cut out due to time limitations on TV.

[@mikedesantis733]

i owned two pro rides/three axys and three maytryx each model gets better in all ways

[@jasonarbour1616]

The shootouts are amazing this season 👍 I put grippers and studboy shaper bars on my 2018 renegade xrs 850 this season and it's a whole different sled. The pilot TS skis pushed thru turns awful, now it turns thru every corner. You guys ever tried this setup?

[@snowtrax]

We've got Woody's traction products on our sleds. Have a segment coming featuring the XRS Comp Edition.

[@709rider5]

Been a loyal snowtrax fan for years. I could not wait for this shootout. Been a cat fan since I was a kid. I must respect the polaris for winning, but would buy the cat on brand loyalty. Here in nl, Canada there's no snow yet at all. Seems evey year the season gets shorter. It must affect snowmobile sales, making it easier to find new sleds a year or two old at great discounts..

[@snowtrax]

Keep in mind that all these sleds are amazing and the preferences are by very small margins. The CATALYST is a great sled for Cat. Excited to see it evolve with the 858.

[@709rider5]

Thanks for the reply, me as well. I've owned firecats and currently a xf800 and a snopro 500 for my kids. I won't part with the snopro500 but am looking at pullin the trigger on a new catalyst 600 or perhaps order a 858 for next year.

[@Kq750.]

If you ever need a rider,iam pretty close to you guy's. Take you on an epic trip to Temagemi

[@SLSledders]

I do feel you guys do a great and honest test I'm a doo rider and have been for a very long time I know you just test them as built which is the goat way to do it .....that being said if you ever want to fox Mia some of the complaints you have with the Ski Doo front suspension ditch the pilot skis they seem to exacerbate every little horrible tendency I usually switch the sleds to the ds2 ski and they get 50-60% more predictable and almost no push in the corners in loose snow I'd love to hear your take on this if you ever try it out

[@askmeaboutarcticcats]

I cant argue with the results too much, but my only thing on build quality is the fact that you are comparing a pre-production Catalyst to production model sleds of other brands. Maybe there is no difference other than the "smooth" black hood plenum pieces. But Id be curious to see if your thoughts were the same towards the production units. Thanks again for the best sled show out there!

[@stevenheon5512]

When it comes the rear skid frame when you test these sleds, are they set on factory set up? We are hard trail riders in Aroostook County Maine and Northern NH where the pucker factor in a corner at good rate of speed comes into play. We on every sled we ride, , shorten the front limiter strap on the sled. This plants the front end at speed and under throttle. Do you guys test the sleds, making any of these adjustment's. I totally understand we loose top end with the front end planted, but willing to give that up. Anyone can go fast in a straight line. I love to be in total control in the corners at speed.

[@pavmentsurfer13]

No, we dont mess with limiter straps. Only shock settings. We could make dozens of changes to each sled to get it to perform differently, but we have always tested sleds ONLY how they come from the factory. Its the only way to make it even. Interestingly, the changes you make to your sleds are the opposite of what id make. I dont like the skis on the ground ALL the time. I want a sled to transfer weight. Id set the skidoo up with the front arm in the other hole to get some of that weight transfer back.

[@mikebodnarchuk2056]

Motor reliability at least in my area Cat wins every time you cannot find a used Polaris or Skidoo that hasn’t had the motor rebuilt on the buy and sell pages here. For every one cat you see with a rebuilt engine you will see at least 10 of the others

[@desmo8755]

So a 650 wins the engine category in a 600 competition, you know, for having a broader power spread and all.

[@jadosa29]

Did it bother you when the 850 etec came out and it won it’s category for power? The other two manufacturers are allowed to make 650’s too. Polaris made an 850. Cat is in the process of making one.

[@desmo8755]

​@@jadosa29 No it didn't bother me that Polaris offers the 650 at all. Sleds used to offer umpteen engine packages from 440, 500, 600, 700, 800, etc. If you wanted a little more, you could get a little more. Choice is good. My comment was simply that awarding a 650 engine honors against 600s is kind of silly. I mean, why not throw an 800 into the mix? That's only 150 more than the 650. How much difference is too much when making comparisons? (Reminds me of when Kawasaki dropped a 636 into a Ninja to compete in the 600 class)

[@jadosa29]

@@desmo8755 you didn’t answer my question. When the 850 etec came out it was compared to the other sleds in its class, which were 800’s. Was that silly too? The 650 Polaris is priced comparatively with the 600’s and customers looking for that class of sled are cross shopping them. It’s perfectly valid to comment on how they compare. It’s information a buyer would like to have. Is the extra 50cc really all that noticeable? Is it enough to sway my decision if I’m undecided which route to go?

[@desmo8755]

@@jadosa29 I've never owned a Cat so I'm not saying this as a fan, but in the past many years every time their 800 was compared to a Polaris or Doo 850 and the consensus was that it was a little down on power, and in 3rd place ... it's like, "thanks captain obvious." Putting a 650 next to a 600 and liking it more because it's got a broader spread of power or more peak power, is not much different than putting Cat's 800 next to the Polaris 650 and saying the same thing. Or back in the day, putting a 700 in the 600 class for a comparo. If someone turns out a 700 now, maybe to upend Polaris, then the lines all get blurred again. Fine by me ... there's nothing sacred about limiting the 2-strokes to two classes. So, in the comparison, it'd fine to inform people how much stronger the 850 is than the 800, or 650 vs 600s ... but ranking engines of different capacities and using that to determine a winner in the "600 class" is "silly" imo ... yes.

[@stianmathisen4284]

One thing i knew for sure before i watched this video, and that is that Cat wasn`t gonna win, Cat never does with these guys!!!

[@MiK3Y13]

Follow the money!

[@stianmathisen4284]

@@MiK3Y13 I think that Skidoo and Lynx 60-70% marked share is not justified by its quality or technical advance alone, but rather more a result of the "candy for the eye" design strategy! Most people seems to favor this motivation when bying stuff these days, if quality meant something Yamaha would not be history of the past!

[@blazenamber9176]

Pretty much, lol

[@joeleaton607]

Cat fell off but they are starting to come back

[@675tbone]

Because they are the lowest of the 3... Simple

[@jmudd5449]

So arctic cat for the win .

[@joshpitts7256]

If your into Ditch Pickles

[@jdcarguy1242]

Same sleds only three years old the skidoo is worth the most and still is perfect. Spend wisely.

[@208SledHead]

"Perfect" is winning 1 out of 5 categories??

[@Timcanniff311]

Hopefully the catalyst will win sled of the year at some point

[@fasterdura1772]

Oh we all know it’s winning sled of the year even tho it’s a 600.baby 600

[@jonathanegrass2833]

Do you guys ever consider including the ease of access for wrenching under the hood?

[@joelaichner3025]

If the Polaris is running the same bottom end as the 850 , and is 50cc’s more than the other two , isn’t that a Power Advantage ?

[@jadosa29]

And it won the power category, so 🤷‍♂️. If your argument is that it’s an unfair advantage, you’re wrong. They compete in the same class and are priced similarly. Nothing is stopping Cat or Ski-doo from making a 650. Polaris made an 850 after Ski-Doo did it, and now Cat is following up with one next season. That’s how competition is supposed to work.

[@joelaichner3025]

@@jadosa29 a long time ago , P.S.I. Was taking a 700cc motor from Polaris and turning it into a 890 making 180 hp , and an 800 twin into a 920 , making a 190 hp motor , in the 90’s

[@joelaichner3025]

@@jadosa29 17 plus hp on an 850 Polaris naturally aspirated motor with just SLP twin pipes , that’s 185 hp plus

[@justsomeone6835]

And they also went Boom 💥 strung out and unreliable

[@joelaichner3025]

@@justsomeone6835 my Buddy in 1999 , had an 920 P.S.I motor in his machine , mine was a 220 jugged ported , piped 700 XC , he walked me ! Couldn’t hang with him , his motor never blew up !

[@dskofich]

I think the Ski Doo needs the 850's front shocks

[@kain4645]

Where’s the drag race?

[@snowtrax]

Where's the snow? 🤷

[@miclinda256]

AC rxc is the one you should compare! But then the AC would be the one and only 💪🏽🤩

[@remistrailcamvideos6306]

If Polaris can buy the patent for the Hygear design for the Polaris rear suspension it wouldn’t be as close at is was

[@kevindust2712]

Hopefully the long tail torsion spring (from the 2024 Cross Country race sleds) makes it's way into the Pro CC skid next year. Combine that with the Hygear and the R Motion may no longer be top dog.

[@jonstevensmaplegrovefarms3754]

I would grab a draggy and take the sled to the lake and run them. I would also find a professional rider and Have him take a sled around a course. Each week he gets a different machine. And you make notes about weather conditions and track conditions for the different times

[@snowtrax]

Sounds great. Weather conditions are wet at the moment...

[@pavmentsurfer13]

We ARE professional riders. Lol

[@jonstevensmaplegrovefarms3754]

@pavmentsurfer13 yes you are, did not mean it as a put down, more like a rop gear with the stig. Have fun with it

[@jonstevensmaplegrovefarms3754]

@@snowtrax we have zero snow. It's nice to see some people out there.

[@dtracy03ss]

I'm hoping these Sled companies will come out with Turbo 600 Class!

[@pavmentsurfer13]

To make this simple ill just post it here. The RXC wasnt used because they were only 2 of them available and we didnt get one for this test. We do our best to get perfectly matching sleds. It doesnt always work out that way. Believe it or not, we DONT have access to EVERY sled from EVERY manufacturer ALL the time.

[@austincameron2141]

I liked the shootout but had some questions/thoughts… like obviously this was your opinions on each sled which is awesome. But there wasn’t much to back it up? Anyone who claims there sled is faster then another’s in a similar cc class immediately gets told to line them up. But we just got action shots of trail riding… maybe setup a 1/4 mile run with each sled just so we can quantify what you’re saying with the butt dyno. Handling was another big thing these sleds should be known for. Supertrax should have a test track that you guys go around on each sled to compare times. Overall it was a good shootout. Just some things I know I’d like to see as a viewer that also takes away peoples ability to say you were “sponsored by this brand this episode”. Can’t argue with lap times. Overall good job though!

[@pavmentsurfer13]

Thanks man. The drag racing is something we WANT to do, but are often limited by WHERE we are when we get all 3 of them at the same time. Its not always on our home turf. The track idea isnt a bad one, but it would still be inconsistent. What we do instead is test all 3 on the same section of trail. And we pick a trail that has varied types of terrain. Im confident in our opinions on the handling BUT handling is and will always be subjective.

[@zp9898]

Next time I'd love to see a lynx in this shootout

[@snowtrax]

Hoping the RAVE Enduro 600R is the next Lynx to land in North America.

[@zp9898]

Here here!​@@snowtrax

[@mitchmccron5211]

You guys talking about the skidoo being unpredictable in whoops and “not knowing where it’s gonna go”… you gotta drive the sled! Not just ride it boys, good vid though🤙🏼

[@rideswift]

Ya, I thought the same. I've never had that issue on mine. If your not doubling the woops, your not riding hard enough!!

[@jadosa29]

The majority of the time that a sled has come around a corner hotter than they could handle and they’ve wound up on my side it’s been a Ski-Doo, so I guess a lot of their riders need to “drive the sled”, eh?

[@mitchmccron5211]

@@jadosa29 sorry you’ve always had run in’s with bad drivers they happen to be on a skidoo? Sounds like they weren’t driving it;) you’re absolutely right

[@jadosa29]

@@mitchmccron5211 if I’m being honest the real reason for that is that since the Rev came out way longer ago than I want to think about, Doo has sold more sleds than anyone. So statistically, it makes sense that most bad riders I see are on a Ski-doo. Most riders period are on a Doo. It’s just a lot more fun to tell Doo riders that it’s because their sleds don’t handle though 😂

[@208SledHead]

I'd bet the farm that the Lester's log more miles than anyone in these comments. They know how to ride a damn trail...shit ain't hard.

[@ETM-md7cu]

I drove Polaris for 20 plus years. Can't afford to any more. In our group over the last 10 years we've found Polaris engine life expectancy ; 3500 for the 600's ; 5000 for the 800's. Last good Polaris motor was 2005.

[@jonathancameron2136]

Do the Skidoo panels peel off without tools like the Cat and Polaris??

[@dskofich]

yes

[@bedlambikes]

@@dskofich Just the side panels. The G4.5 hood needs a bunch of screws up top and on the sides to remove it.

[@CrawfishPlays]

I want them to do an 850 shootout once the 858 is available

[@snowtrax]

Wonder how many comments will claim it would be an unfair shootout because of those extra 8 cc's 🤔

[@jonl2938]

@@snowtraxjust have the guy riding the 858cc eat an extra burger at lunch to make up the difference!

[@randygt9027]

Am I missing something. The review of this ski do 13 days ago on snow trax didn't mention any issue with the front end. It intimated just the opposite?

[@caleguenther8947]

It's good. It's just not as good by comparison. I'm confused as to why that's a difficult thing to understand?

[@lylejohnson5549]

I’m guessing those wrap around AC body panels will make for a cold ride, like the lynx, as the wind hugs the side panels and blows straight into your nethers. I’m sure most of us would be thrilled to own any of them. There are other factors that play into a buying decision including dealer relationship, color choices, options and value. I don’t really care about drag racing results TBH. I care more about sliding off the trail (handling) and how beat up I feel at the end of a long fast day, reliability, efficiency, warmth/ comfort. And… you have to be able to look at the thing in your yard and the fluorescent colors do not do it for me.

[@josephbott2628]

Polaris the recall king year after year

[@jonathansouza6549]

The cat is the most advanced sled on the market / lowest center of gravity motor / belt drive / easy take off panels / lightest sled on the market / the 858 stroker will be the new poo and doo 850 eater !!

[@snowtrax]

Guess we'll see!

[@johnnyvittori556]

Where are you guys riding at I’ll drive 30 hours for snow lol

[@shannon9305]

Alaska has tons of snow!

[@snowtrax]

We were in Yellowstone last March. Snow was pretty good!

[@wiitmann205]

I have both an XCR Matrix and a Catalyst RXC. And I'm here to tell EVERYONE there is NO possible way that rear suspension is better on the Polaris. No matter what setting you put it on you're standing on big bumps. The catalyst eats bumps, I can sit down all day. They messed that up...

[@tonykraft85]

What the manufacturer rated hp? Or proven aftermarket rated hp

[@snowtrax]

These are all 125-HP class. We don't have our own dyno to do our own testing. Would be a good comparo though...

[@stenny1970]

I think the Polaris has a better look.

[@nepasnopro]

So why didn't you compare the rxc? You have the top packages on the doo and poo.

[@brandonkuske4185]

What’s your ranking with serviceability?

[@ivarand]

It should have been more of a consideration... ie how hard is it to swap the drive belt, access to spark plugs etc.

[@OKTAINCOM]

I need to know why the Cat pushes more than the S/D in the hard pack, and why the S/D pushes more than the Cat in the soft? Maybe then, I can alleviate my S/D from pushing in the soft corners.

[@stupidnamesearch]

Cant go full throttle around corners boys, remember its 50kph on Ontario trails. Wouldnt want to get the fun police on your case.....

[@snowtrax]

Yes, we are aware. We were on private land on a closed course somewhere in Montana.

[@stupidnamesearch]

@@snowtrax I often times write things and then later realize my sarcasm doesn't really shine through written words. 👍

[@pavmentsurfer13]

@@stupidnamesearch I caught your sarcasm. Lol. Im overly sarcastic so I can see it from a mile away. Lol.

[@joshgessinger4509]

I have to disagree about the seats. I like the ski doo seat best idk how anyone could like the catalyst seat. Im a cat guy and i cant say i like the seat way to hard. Im a MX rider also i dont want a dirt bike seat on a snowmobile. Id like a softer seat on my bikes because i get ass chap on long days tail riding bikes. I do agree that cats rear suspension is to stiff but no way is it SX stiff XC ya. SX still will jar ur fillings out. I raced SX and XC 15 years nothing like a SX suspension setup. My farther and i ride doo and cats both great sleds. Dad made a new seat for his catalyst now it rides great. The rear suspension doesn’t feel as stiff now feels good. As good as R motion no but it’s close. Maybe if cats rear suspension was softer i would get use to the seat but i don’t think so but who knows.

[@pavmentsurfer13]

To each his own man. Ive head a few people say they thought the seat was too stiff... and it is very stiff. But the other %95 of people who have ridden it really like the stiffer seat. The polaris is the middle ground. Skidoo seats are way too soft.

[@joshgessinger4509]

@@pavmentsurfer13 every one is different i guess haven’t had enough time on the Polaris to say. My father and i are big guys to im 6,3 250 pounds. My father is 6,0 270 pounds so we need a seat that fits our fat asses lol!! Ski doos we like the bigger seat option idk about seat that comes on the doo should of mentioned that before if i remember right about 50 miles was enough with smaller seat. Another thing that doo does right offers seat options. Catalyst seat maybe if shock calibration was softer be different story idk. But i can feel every bump in the trail on catalyst. My fathers seat definitely makes catalysts much better. We live in upstate NY our trails get beat. On groomed trails seats fine but anything rides good on perfect trails lol!! Rode Wednesday tug hill trails were beat. Rode my fathers 850 doo and he rode catalyst. I can hold anything wide open over well about anything. Both sleds really performed well. We had more people interested in my dads seat did more talking than riding. One guy with catalysts said it perfectly like sitting on a stump lol!! He wanted to try my father’s catalysts so i took his catalysts he took my father’s. I could feel the difference right away felt very harsh compared to my father’s. He loved my father’s seat going to be selling seats next season if enough interest. This could be some extra income for myself if everything works out so maybe im liking catalyst seat more and more lol!! Thanks for the reply much appreciated. Wish u guys would do a real world speed run like ST has done in the past. Is the thundercat still the fastest snowmobile out there or r the 2 stroke turbos faster would love to see. Funny in the 90’s we would just go to our favorite lakes watch or race everyone evrything saw with our own eyes. But snowmobiling has changed to people running there mouths on social media not there sleds on the lakes. Could be the only way for myself or anyone else to see such a race if u ST guys race them for us haha!! At least 1/4 mile races not 600ft like pro drag racing. Iv been around long enough to know what wins at sanctioned drag raced might not be the same as out on the trail or lake. Been watching reading ST many years still a fan. thanks for being there for myself and everyone who loves snowmobiles. Happy trails Think snow.

[@ramrox2460]

The same video as the last one. I enjoy this channel but why aren’t you guys lining them up and let them drag race already! Sheezz

[@snowtrax]

Sleds were brand new and not past break-in yet and we didn't have a straightaway long enough to race these at the time this was shot. We have all of these on the ground right now. Just waiting for winter to finally happen and stick around so we can race them.

[@tombotting3345]

Should of have the zr 600 rxc in the comparison instead of the zr 600

[@tombotting3345]

Why dont you have the sr viper in the shoot out

[@OscarThompson-zq5bv]

Because the Viper is a 1049cc 4 stroke not a 600

[@tombotting3345]

@@OscarThompson-zq5bv the viper is listed in the 600 2 stroke class

[@pavmentsurfer13]

Are you anticipating that it would have won? Or come second? Its a great sled, but very different than the ones we were testing.

[@tombotting3345]

@@pavmentsurfer13 im not saying the viper would win or place second. It would be a fair comparison to include all 600 class sleds. I own a viper and i know the viper is a 1049 cc four stroke. Every year your dad Mark says the viper is in the 600 2 stroke class. Also you did cat no justice having the zr600 in the video. You should of had a zr600rxc in then it would be fair. The rxc is direct competitor to the 600r and the xcr. Or you ood had a standard mxz600 and a 650xc in with the zr600. When video started and seen what the cat was up against I knew it was unfair to the cat.

[@thor82ak]

Where is the 600 mountain sled shootout?

[@chrisdoran7673]

Which is more fun to ride...you leave that out

[@joelaichner3025]

Polaris is the Big Dog !

[@stianmathisen4284]

A lot of dogs in their engine departments for sure....!

[@joelaichner3025]

@@stianmathisen4284 snowmobiles are getting advanced actually more than they need to be , Technology wise , Gas , Air , Spark , and a nice suspension is all you need ! Next year maybe it’ll tell me what’s in my refrigerator , smart fridge , connected to my smart snowmobile , snowmobile ! Play some Abba , and order some milk

[@jdxjim]

POLARIS DOMINATION--- Cat is off the Mark--and DOO and POLARIS already have new chassis on the snow testing--Cat is 3 years behind the competition again.

[@dskofich]

You got that right....I fully expect something from Doo and Poo to blow away the 858 next year too.

[@scottdarling229]

Poo and Doo have had a good run but they have a ton of new sleds at the dealers now. Gonna take a few years to get rid of them. Big Swing from Polaris to Cat is already happening.

[@rideswift]

The XCR in the Polaris would be the only way to go. Although the walker shocks are not very good , that version is the best. Also, those shocks make the rear suspension suck just a little less, and believe me, it sucks. Too soft springs and poor arm design make it blow through its travel at the smallest bump and its very difficult to keep ski's on the ground, which negatively effects the front end, which is not terrible (the front end I mean). Every one I know who has a newer Polaris has installed stiffer springs and longer coupling blocks, they also send their shocks in for revalve. Polaris skid is the worst by a long shot, and the build quality is terrible

[@pavmentsurfer13]

Lol... sure man. Whatever you say. The walker shocks are GREAT... we love them. Never had any issues with the dozens of sleds weve had with them. The Pro CC definitely does NOT suck. Its not quite as smooth as an Rmotion, but its still really good. And, around here, we PREFER weight transfer. Non of us like a sled that always keeps its skis on the ground. Its not fun to ride. The polaris has found the perfect balance of weight transfer and flat handling. The other 2 sacrifice transfer for handling. I agree Polaris spings are a bit soft for bigger riders, but that, in no way, means teh skid sucks. Theyre just tuning it for a better ride for the VAST majority of riders who buy them and prefer a smoother ride. A very small percentage or riders buy XRS or XCRs to pound bumps as hard as possible. Build quality is also NOT terrible. Its not as good as skidoo, but no one is. You clearly have a very negatively biased opinion of polaris. Everyone I know who ones one LOVES it.

[@rideswift]

@@pavmentsurfer13 Agreed, I am very biased and for good reason. I ride aggressive and need a suspension that will keep up. I don't want to buy more parts for an already expensive sled just to get it to ride right. Polaris feel flimsy and unbalanced to me, but that's just my opinion, the same as the folks making these videos right??

[@aqujaksnowball5640]

why wasnt it the cat RXC instead that directly competes with the XRS and XCR.

[@snowtrax]

Answered this a few times already...

[@OKTAINCOM]

I just looked through the comments I cannot find your answer.

[@aqujaksnowball5640]

Never seen the answer either. But I understand if there wasn’t any available, and I doubt your answer would be different with the RXC since I hear it’s really stiff and you guys prefer the plushest and bottoming resistant, which I understand too

[@shannon9305]

For a real review I believe you find people that hardly rode a snowmobile and remove the manufacturer stickers and let ten different people ride for a couple hours and see what they like in the same category’s.BTW where are the drag racing comparisons.

[@snowtrax]

We have these sleds on site now and the intention was to race them for ya, but it'd nearly be water skipping at this point...

[@devonlethbridge]

Give me a Polaris chassis and a Doo motor. That would be the best sled out there.

[@pavmentsurfer13]

Id take the Polaris chassis and motor with Rmotion rear end with the Catalyst cockpit and ergonomics. Thats what I want.

[@MattGamelin]

XRS 3rd in engine performance? Ya right!

[@lja3657]

I want 400 with a turbo. Smaller lighter or your ruining snowmobiling

[@willnorholm1255]

To me, Snowtrax is definitely biased towards Polaris. They're in Canada, so they're also a little biased towards BRP. I get the reasoning behind giving Polaris the win here, and I agree that fit and finish has been better on Ski Doos for a long while now. But to me the Catalyst is now light years ahead of the competition. It's a far better chassis. Complaining about the stiffness of the rear shock, and that it's setup for racing, not pounding trails, shows bias. These guys love Polaris and Where I grew up a Polaris guy would never admit an Arctic Cat is better, ever! I remember when Doo and Polaris still had complete trash trailing arm front suspension and the fan boys wouldn't admit it was trash. You don't see any more trailing arms do ya? In my experience Polaris machines have always been some of the most unreliable machines you could buy. Especially their 4 wheelers. I won't own one, it's hillarious how the frames on the Sportsmans have gone almost unchanged since the 90's. I'd buy the Cat just to be different, because who wants to follow the crowd.

[@willnorholm1255]

Oh, and Snowtrax loves Yamaha. Yamaha snowmobiles are Arctic Cat snowmobiles. Yamaha only builds engines, not chassis.

[@snowtrax]

@@willnorholm1255 Whew! You almost got all the brands there that we are biased towards!! Three out of four ain't bad!

[@pavmentsurfer13]

Buddy... if it works, it works. Blame whoever you want. Id like to know HOW you know the Catalyst is a "far better chassis". Or how complaining about the performance of the outdated rear suspension thats been the same for over a decade is "biased". We have done noting but race about the Catalyst. But its NOT perfect. Nothing is. And, FWIW, we picked the Cat second in this story. We picked it FIRST for ergonomics, we picked it SECOND for engine and front end ride and handling. When was the last time Arctic Cat won those categories? Hint... its been a LONG while.

[@willnorholm1255]

I don't see my previous reply. Perhaps you are referring to the R Motion rear skid that was borrowed from Arctic Cat and improved? Or are we talking about rear shock compression damping? I'm just saying they all copy each other. But kudos to Ski Doo for coming out with an improved design. I just feel that you guys don't give Cat the credit that they deserve for bringing so much innovation to the snowmobile industry. I do believe that aside from maybe the rear skid lacking a little bit, it is a better chassis than both Ski Doo and Polaris.

[@NancyandMikewalnutridgefarmman]

Just like they're father they never want to dis a sled, to afraid of loosing free rides the following year, we listened to they're father on the 96 zrt 600 back in the day, biggest junk I ever owned.

[@andlev80]

Too bad you cant get your hands on a Lynx Rave enduro.

[@blaikbussn]

Polaris looks old like a 2015 😉

[@joelaichner3025]

Take the gloves off ! Bare Knuckle , Pinned ! Who’s faster ?

[@dskofich]

Polaris by far

[@jdcarguy1242]

Polaris is faster than the old etec 800 up top. They're no joke. It will buzz out your fillings, though. Not smooth compared to the doo.

[@scottdarling229]

The Catalyst is far lighter and the belt drive is very efficient. Oh thats right Polaris and Ski-Doo don't have that.

[@tonykraft85]

So put them on the lake that’s what we want to know…. Fastest spooling motor?? So fastest sled??

[@snowtrax]

We have all three of these sleds on the ground right now plus both turbo 2-strokes, a 900 ACE Turbo R and a Sidewinder, but conditions are like early November around our camp. If we get some cold weather and snow, you'll see a race day like no other. Just waiting impatiently for winter to finally stick...

[@tonykraft85]

@@snowtrax Thanks for the reply Can’t wait to see the race day results 💪🏼🇺🇸💪🏾🇺🇸👍🏻🇺🇸

[@davessparetime83]

Just look at the front control arms. The Skidoo arms are not level like the other two sleds. The front sits too high or they need taller steering knuckles. It probably has bump steer.

[@pavmentsurfer13]

They are setup the way the manufacturers have designed them. Polaris's arms are supposed to be flat. Skidoos are always up like you see them. The engineers decide this.

[@johneddys2351]

How do you know the Ski-Doo is the most reliable overall when the ArcticCat is new?

[@wasupfool5692]

The engine isn't new

[@miclinda256]

As new as it can be! And the old 600ac is bullet proof💪🏽

[@AC13140]

What a surprise! Polaris sucking once again.

[@harveyjacque7194]

I'll take anything over skidoo,I'll even take a greasy old triple (yamaha,polaris,cat)over skidoo

[@burnzillablue]

Ski-Doo has great initial quality, like a Dodge. But after 5K miles, they lose 40% value. Lots of issues start to creeep up.

[@natlewis6010]

Does that mean you think a new Polaris is likened to a used dodge that has the issues from the start?

[@lettuce235]

I’m not watching this anymore they say Polaris is perfect at pretty much everything and it’s the same with dirt trax Polaris is number 1 there two ski doo has close to 60 % of the market but still your show still says that Polaris is the best

[@kwmiked]

That's weird u guys say the Polaris is better then CAT , if that's so, then the CAT must be really bad! Cause those Walker Evans shocks are complete Junk! That XCR is nowhere close to the Rmotion stock for stock. Maybe with Fox shocks or a Set of ELKA shocks, but that's it.

[@pavmentsurfer13]

Lol.... ok man. Weve had DOZENS of sleds with the walker shocks and not had a SINLGE failure. They work great. Im sure some are duds, but no company is without a few bad apples. And yes, the Polaris rides better than the cat. I just got done a 200km day swapping between all 3 sleds on a mix of rough, smooth, straight, twisty etc trails. I have THIS experience to back up my opinions. Do you? Or just what your buddies have said?

[@kwmiked]

@pavmentsurfer13 own one of each except new cat, Polaris have the WORST shocks. U must ride flat trails. Come to Maine, we'll give u a free place to stay. By the end of the day you'll say how do people ride these with factory shocks 🤭 Only thing the Walkers are good for is to put them back on the sled when u go to sell it.

[@KennethEsmailka]

The skidoo skies are just really bad polaris skis will work very great in any sled