Arctic Cat "Catalyst" First Impressions From a Polaris Owner!

[@samuelclaircote3976]

The Alpha is an awesome machine. Those bashing this sled just don't know how to ride it. Came from a Polaris, Alpha is an absolute beast.

[@sledhead6552]

Gotta love sled youtube culture. A bunch of guys who ride one brand telling you why they don't like sleds from other brands that they've barley or literally never ridden. Not even a cat guy I have a 2023 polaris ordered but the pessimism towards other brands is just needless.

[@curtsawchik1480]

I’ve owned a bunch of sleds. I’ve learned the hard way a few times. Arctic cat has pulled through the most for me. I have a 2017 high country 800 the best sled I’ve owned. Nothing would stop me from buying the new chassis.

[@camaro69green31]

You are just bashing Cat...... Why? Cat invented the independent A-Arm front suspension and have had the best for 30 years??? You keep saying Cats copying Ski-doo and Polaris. Doo and Polaris copied Cat for the last 30 years on suspension???? Ever hear of TRAILING ARMS?? Refocus my Friend....... Go back a decade or so and see how Cat was innovative in so many ways.

[@mh7491]

Lighten up kitty

[@dantanti9191]

He is just being honest

[@aidenmckillop4721]

There is a reason cat used to sell more sled then skidoo and Polaris now they don’t now.

[@bd907]

Problem is you have to go back decades since you saw Cat innovation. It’s gone now. RMotion is a much better suspension, Doo is making more powerful and reliable motors, Polaris has the best gauge in the market. Cat is lucky they teamed with Yamaha for their 4S or they’d be in an even worse position.

[@CalgaryDynastar]

Cat hasn’t done shit since the alpha skid in 2017. They have fallen so far behind the other two in recent years. Buildup to hay days and release a 600 trail sled??? Goto any trailhead these days and do a sled count, the lack of cats reflects how far behind they are.

[@welderteach]

Not sure I’d agree with some of your thoughts but I’m excited for the new chassis

[@208SledHead]

100%.

[@chrisbertrand3989]

Of course they are going to all start looking alike every company is trying to get the rider in the same position eventually things are going to cross paths its not like the 90s anymore

[@FullSendCo1]

i love the new chassis

[@silver79vette62]

Sticking with my 04 F7! I like the old riding position. The new style sucks unless you stand the whole time. Standing 6’3” my knees are constantly rubbing the fuel tank while sitting forward. I miss the sled manufacturers having their own unique look. I guess you have to keep modernizing like anything else. I was so impressed with my 98 zr 600 Blair Morgan edition with EFI and 13.5” rear suspension, light weight and nimble compared to my 91 wildcat 700 carbureted. I’m glad to see there is still a lot of interest in this sport.

[@mikeh4053]

i would challenge you to put a tape measure to how long the front end is. From the front of a arm to the front of a bumper on cat, polaris, or doo. might not be as long as you think. my question is, are we riding these sleds or looking at them? front end on cat has been most aggressive since 12. all i hear is.... looks looks looks.

[@lucasbuckle4911]

I'll try an alpha against your rmk any down on the mountain

[@camaro69green31]

Cat really didn't need a major update to their chassis.. They had to do it because everyone wants something NEW. Cats are durable, competitive, and last forever. I've owned many current models. However..... a new platform is always welcome. Polaris and Doo are not so much better as you state....... I disagree. I have seen lots of those two breaking and failing. Engine and chassis.

[@jacobcrow2855]

every polaris i’ve owner has had mechanical issues lol

[@ericmorin9613]

I like what you said however you have to take into consideration how many polaris and doos are sold compared to the cats. Around where I am you'll find 10 new polaris or doos for every 1 new cat. And that's probably an understatement because I only know 2 people who are still buying cats. Everyone else is on a different route

[@bigjay6743]

I'm 6' 4 I love My Arctic Cat I find the Is Polaris just too small for me. But to each their own.👍

[@markcomisky7106]

Whats this i hear about recalls for Polaris

[@Cadbou]

This new Catalyst looks awesome. Better than the doos IMO. However, nobody I know would want a 600 mountain sled. The 800s have a hard time even keeping up.

[@franksmith2887]

I have had an alpha and in 2019, they were virtually the same weight as the doo, i cant remember, but comparing 154s, one was like 7 lbs heavier than the other and 165s were switched, the one that was heavier at 154 was lighter by like 15 lbs at 165. So nit much weight difference. The alpha has an awesome track and gets tonnes of traction but sidehilling, which is a lot of our riding, the alpha is tough to set up and sidehill without washing out down the hill. You can do it but just not as good on sidehills as the polaris. The doos are too rider forward for me. But if i were to get a new sled today, i buy the doo. Resale and reliability and longevity of the engine is a little more paramount for me

[@charlespalmerii4299]

Love the Riot, as long as no info deal breakers come out between now and release... I am pulling the Trigger on this one :)

[@reneemason5914]

I have a cat slide. 2018. First thing my dad I did to the slide was replace the rear bumper because the stock one was so small you couldn’t lift it from the rear.

[@zaclucarz]

Looks like they fixed that issue on the Catalyst!

[@reneemason5914]

Very much so

[@seakfpv6069]

i loved my twin rail 2019 mtn cat but im on a 22 pro rmk because of the matryx however ill be buying another cat with a new bigger engine

[@jayboatrepairfun2185]

Ok recalls recalls recalls have fun this year Polaris. Polaris has no game RECALLS

[@jayboatrepairfun2185]

Have fun staring at your sled in the garage this year Polaris riders!

[@alexandergillingham2592]

Like Ford

[@welbyleeper-vd1tm]

Have you been on a turbo cat with power steering

[@codyarnold5672]

Yeah your totally wrong on your opinion about cat, and the Polaris and skidoo, and yes I’ve rode all of them, the axys chassis was like riding a stiff board, under powered even in the 850’s and the body felt wide and felt awkward to throw around, snow build on the polaris and doo is absolutely terrible!! The skidoo were even worst for bodywork and ski stance even with all 36 front ends! And rode the doo and polaris in multiple years and still didn’t change my option, the matryx is way better I will say that! And that is a complete unbiased option, and to say the cat never changed nothing in 12 years is a complete lie! I came off a 13 cat to a 22 alpha 146 and I pretty much had to relearn how to ride, the body is actually the same width as the matryx chassis and the skis are same distance as the polaris and the alpha skid is absolutely a beast and effortless to throw around, even had 4 doo guys and 4 polaris guys ride my alpha and all went and snowchecked 23 alpha’s over the doo’s and polaris matryx! And the gauge cluster, steering post, clutching, bodywork and skid on a 22 cat are completely on the assender platform to the proclimb chassis

[@bigchaloopa]

Zac, that SKI-DOO feeling is calling you 😁

[@franksmith2887]

Cats are a tough reliable sled.

[@mikeparent2813]

Not talking mountain sleds , cat saved Yamaha with new chassis and Yamaha saved cat with engine, but they have stayed the same for years , great engine , ok chassis

[@keithwilcox7344]

He bashing the pro cross chassis and he don’t even have a sled right now lol😅😅😅😅😅

[@Pjw350]

Polaris has 230,000 sleds with a stop ride. Insurance will not cover you. A new fuel pump is $692. Thats 160 million in part. Add in the cost for labor and your at 200 million $$$. Textron bought Arctic cat for 247 million$$$.

[@alexandergillingham2592]

Like you're going to the Ford repair shop

[@m8pwa]

I hope you are right. We need more sled brands not less.

[@joshgessinger4509]

Cat has more wins and championships than all 3 manufacturers combined. Last 20 years cats dominated XC racing and SX except past few years I guess. Most people think pro cross best looking sled on the market. When pro cross came out it was spanking everything ya its old now but still holds it own. When it comes balls out fast trail riding might still be the best but hard to say without riding everything. Rode my father axis 850 back in 19 didn’t ride as good as the pro cross then. That axis was a hand full on fast wide open twisty trails compared to pro cross anyway. That being said wasn’t my sled maybe i could of dialed it in better idk. I did like how lite it felt and power was awesome from 850. I have many years of experience starting on Polaris in 89 rode Polaris till 2001. Bought F7 in 2003 started racing SX in 2004. Have many wins and championships. Started racing pro XC in 2010 won many races and championships. Loved most my cats liked all if them. Actually like cats seat specially on long trail rides. Fact is pro cross sits lower than anything out there. My cats have been very durable broke not enough to say so. I can hop on anything ride it like iv owned it for 20 years. My father riding ski doo now I really like dads doos. But ill always ride cat because nobody helps out small racers like cat did maybe still do idk. I hated seat on my dads XC axis so did he had it for season traded for a doo. New cat looks cool I think anyway but the name catalyst sucks my opinion. Still slide action suspension in rear little disappointing. Its a great suspension for racing hard trail riding. But definitely better out there now for average trail riding speeds like the r motion. Idk haven’t rode new matrix might be best sled out there cant say till i ride one. I do know i never liked the pro ride talk about something ugly maybe only thing uglier the confusion 900 lol!!

[@mikeygonzalez2514]

Alpha hard to ride? Don’t quit understand that I used to ride Polaris and when I got on a alpha it was really playful and way easier to control

[@aaronmcfee506]

I agree with it the pulling people back, especially if if they come out with a wicked motor, but also they don't release anything new until they are ready to, the comp has to catch up for a bit. Plus nobody has much for inventory this year anyways.

[@Sparaco487]

I ride a cat now and was looking at polaris just to try different,not like i havent riden doo or polaris in seasons past but i like to mix it up.i was nervous for this new chasis but when i seen it,i think im going to get one.or ill jump to a xcr for a season or 2 and let cat put their new motor in this for a year and come back to cat.but i definitely want one and 98% will get one

[@travislarson7163]

Motor is coming next year. They aren't quite ready yet

[@hjaltigto]

lol whats the point of this video ?? you have ridden one ONE AC slad and god knows in what condition its was in , this video is a joke

[@sledmonkey6517]

The steering boots are set up to fail. Need a skidplate for sure.

[@blazenamber9176]

The seat works for everything but Mountain riding so.....?

[@miclinda256]

Just say it! You want one !

[@bryanginder5903]

This kids cheese slid way off his cracker!!

[@gregmulfort9577]

You focus alot on how something "looks". Seat looks aggressive, spindles look better, front body work looks too long.. dude those takes are a joke. If you don't like how the seat FEELS I would give you that. You are all about looking at pictures though. The front bodywork of the procross is longer just because of an air box. Changing the air box to make bodywork shorter really doesn't change any actual riding feel. The 2022 cat still dominates the premiere xc racing circuit and won the championship. You make it sound like it's on the stone ages so how does it possibly win XC racing which are production based consumer sleds?

[@gregmulfort9577]

For the record I am not down on the catalyst. I think the excitement it's bringing to cat is great and I'm excited to swing a leg over it. The weight drops and centralizing mass you can't argue with. I own five cats currently and an a cat guy.

[@corylebo3907]

Im an cat and doo fan! Never will buy a Polaris.. im a mechanic and Polaris r most sled in shop sorry to say it but true if its recalls or front shock breaking.. im a cat guy i seen alot what a ctech engine can do.. ya cat fell behide in snow for years. Not saying that but look at doo gen 5 not much change over gen4 but light and narrow plastic.. gps big screen..lol cat bring new 900cc i bet in 2025 and its gonna kill it in the mountains.. or a turbo 900 will but its a 900cc for sure black cats use 900cc kits. Hp gonna be crazy vs other brands for sure and reliable to not popping pistons like Polaris lmfao 🤣

[@BeyondResolution]

IF arctic cat used the same amount of money as Polaris and Doo on sponsorships and influencers it would be just as popular.. The only reason Polaris is giant now is the big names.. Burandt and so on.. with all the problems Poo and Doo has with engines and chassis it is funny that people thinks it's the best... Rushing new engines that break and still the NA 800 from AC is just better in all aspects.. :) So Funny as allways to see the haters hate and the AC people still bleed green! Go AC :)

[@davefitzpatrick6370]

As he sit there with a zl shirt on...ride what you want, let's hit the trail..

[@TheJrschaefer]

How can you provide an opinion when there are no details? Channel continues to suck

[@Dabman007]

Zr xc is what's up

[@curtiswilliams7638]

You didn't mention anything about the mechanical or the way it rides. Thats the most important factor not the way it looks.

[@shannon9305]

Nothing like a Boston Red Sox guy giving a evaluation on the Yankees 🤣🤣🤣🤣. This clown or anyone else hasn’t ridden it I’m sure it will perform just fine . When was the last time a Polaris won a drag race?Fastest sleds are Arcticat just saying 😂.

[@maxmartz4665]

Loved my Cats! Moved to Polaris AXYS and Matrix sleds

[@zaclucarz]

Excited to get my Matryx this fall when it comes in! Would you consider moving back to Cat with the new chassis?

[@johnlaluzerne1625]

I ride old sleds. Don't care. Excited to try out my new to me 2002 ZR 800 CC edition. If I had the money to buy a new sled I'd probably get this or a Lynx 😆 no Polaris.... Love the channel though.

[@FullSendCo1]

the arcitc cat ist very wide

[@Hughgass1]

Compare it to arctic cat race sled body and looks and they look almost identical. I really don’t think they did much for the body.

[@Sparaco487]

And thats what i want.with out the pure snocross sled head aches.the closer they can make a sled to act like a motocross bike for flickability the better in my opinion. I ride a 2016 zr6000rr and dont have complaints with that chasis.its almost the stiffest sled ive riden which i want for tughill mobils slamming

[@skylermummert24]

Idk I feel like people should have to start our older like 05 m7 and work up, even though my m7 was way easier to ride than my 12 ski doo, less power but more flickable for me anyways. Have not bought a new sled since 12

[@finnoconnell7262]

Looks like a ski doo mixed with Polaris

[@skylermummert24]

That’s what I’ve been saying lol it’s kinda cheesy, tunnel seat and spindles are doo n Polaris

[@LastChanceLegacy]

I have been a Cat guy for 39yrs and the Catalyst frontend looks like it was run into a wall, it is terrible. Ski doo is no longer responsible for having the ugliest sled on the snow. I snow checked a 2023 XCR 850 i’m done waiting.

[@krisi.2011]

Polaris are garbage fit and finish weak crappy power from motor more fuel and oil consumption. Skidoo hands down #1

[@LastChanceLegacy]

@@krisi.2011 I would agree with you about Polaris back in '90s and early 2000s however now that cannot be said. Polaris has led the way in virtually every category the last few years. Not too mention they now have what is being said is going to be the most POWERFUL and FASTEST production sled ever built the VR1 Boost. As for fit and finish not quite sure what new Polaris you are looking at but the ones I see and most everyone else that knows what they are talking about sees they are some of the best on the snow. I do agree with you Ski doo builds a top quality sled no doubt they just have one problem, especially the 2023s, they are ass ugly period. Like I said though quality wise they are in the top 2 with Polaris in my opinion. This is not easy for me to say cuz I have always been a Cat guy but this year I had to make a decision on what to order for 2023...Subscribe to my channel to see the reveal coming very very soon.

[@krisi.2011]

@@LastChanceLegacy the looks will grow just like the first revs and polaris people had to adjust I think either way polaris or skidoo your not sacrificing either way I am a die hard doo guy myself just love the ride and handling

[@LastChanceLegacy]

@@krisi.2011 you are probably right my friend it will grow on people. Hope you have a kickass riding season wherever you are located. Would love to have you sub to my channel trying to get that 1000 sub mark. Thank you Kris

[@sshoel]

If I say chassis one more time, Thats 36 chassis in this Effed up rhyme...

[@alexandergillingham2592]

Like they did years ago the new chassis

[@tnort101]

Great video, I think you are spot on with your thoughts. I can’t wait to ride one and I’m a doo guy. side note CHILL OUT CAT GUYS

[@burnzillablue]

I don't agree with anything he said, sounds super biased. The Polaris's are narrow but super tippy and lift the inside ski.

[@FullSendCo1]

i cant listen to you hating

[@rockwilkinson8224]

Can you say chassis one more time

[@adamdomitrovich710]

Looks like revised ski doo rev imo

[@ggladue316]

I'll throw 10$ on an M1000 to follow....

[@DT21870]

Honestly once the new engine comes out I might consider switching to Cat. This chassis looks amazing. Im a polaris guy but they've been dropping the ball for the past couple years imo. The recalls, poor production management, 7S displays are non existent. I'm glad I didn't snowcheck last year. They just issued a stop ride/stop sale anyway. They're going backwards, right now it's Doo or Cat for me next. I was dead set on snowchecking a Doo this spring, but looks like I'll be waiting to see where this goes. What's coming out just might put polaris in last.

[@208SledHead]

I'm a Polaris guy as well, but to say that Polaris has "dropped the ball" is a fucking REACH dude. They release the boost and it SMOKES the Doo, THEN they release the 9R when they really didn't have to. They've knocked it out of the damn park for the past two seasons man. The recalls are being completely over exaggerated by most (as usual) and there isn't a single manufacture in the damn world that hasn't been affected by the Demokrats and their Covid19. Doo was late delivering sleds just like Polaris was. Doo's answer to the 7S screen relies on cell service and a fucking app. And their sled is ugly as shit.

[@edwardabrahamiii3742]

You dont likr them old cats bc of a seat the heck is wrong with this generation?

[@fozzybear9114]

Remember. EVERYBODY copied doo on chassis. EVERYBODY. That being said i give cat credit and think they have a pulse again

[@scottyrynoking]

I feel the same as you I rode a few cats both mountain and trail and wasn't impressed but I am excited to try out the catalyst and I hope it's more comfortable for me to ride. But I think it's funny seeing the die hard cat guys get so butt hurt over your thoughts. Seems to me they would never try a different brand to even see the difference in the ride.

[@andrewhavighorst5486]

I don’t really like the new sleds I like 2022 sled more

[@WeenukChog]

Nah your a fan boy… can tell first 2 sentences

[@mollydog26]

Polaris slappy….

[@duckdestroyer2412]

I personally was thinking they were going to call Catalyst: "Matryx Gen 5". Honestly they are just jumping on everyone else's ideas.

[@Sparaco487]

Right cause no one stole cats idea from the 90s with the independent front a arm haha

[@pajamatime5750]

@@Sparaco487 lol one thing

[@Sparaco487]

@@pajamatime5750 ehh youd be surprised what brands reallt stole threw the years.theres more thats been taken from cat then their a arms but i cant think of it at this time.dodge,chevy,ford do it all the time.if you say no you clearly havent turned a wrench on them.i mean it a snowmobile,how different can you make them?i personally dig this sled.how boring would it be if skidoo and polaris was the only sled out there?imagine the junk youd be buying new since there would be no competition like yamaha and their yfz race quad,they now own the market and can release the same 450 engine for the next 10 years and who can judge when their all that's left

[@duckdestroyer2412]

@@Sparaco487 How about Rave (VES/ Power Valves) Exhaust valves, rider forward, CTEC sound familiar? Guess where they got that from. (Hint ETEC and Cleanfire combined, a low pressure direct injection) There was a lawsuit in Canada about this kind of stuff. I guess the Alpha One skid is new and unique, but really isn't that game changing. The new Catalyst is promising what the gen four skidoo promised 5 years ago, and it won't even be in the 800 class for its first year. Sorry, but arctic cat is just copy catting, and not even doing it that well.

[@Sparaco487]

@@duckdestroyer2412 well if you wanna be that way,power valves has been around since the 70s,maybe even before. Even catapillar diesels used them so yeah motor builders are going to bring them in. No skidoo didnt do it first haha polaris had them in late 1990s but didnt scream about it.honda had vtec in the early 90s so id say doo stole etec from hondas vtec.who really cares as long as these brands keep pushing each other forward.at some point ideas gotta be stolen because how different can you really make these things?why doesnt the motocross community have as much crying sbout copying?their all so dang close its not even funny. Im not a die hard cat guy ive had them all but yamaha,but i don't like the oh doo this doo that talk. I dont care if doo has the best sled out their,i wont buy one because the mentality behind them

[@bmf3868]

What an ill informed position you have portrayed here…. You keep talking about the “looks” and the “large” seat, yet its the one from the electric start model. This video was a waste of time…

[@johnfila6480]

all the polaris sleds looks like there junk..

[@curtiswilliams7638]

It's simplistic? I don't know what your looking at but snow machines 20 years ago was "simplistic" these look like tots with all the flashy colors I don't like the direction everyone is going with, just imagine 10 years from now the sled and just about everything else will be like a flashy cuttlefish, and your attention span will be the same as a goldfish because everything is "boring" looking.