Riding a Khaos and a Cat. What's the difference?

First time owner of a Polaris (Khaos 155) comparing the ride with my Arctic Cat (Alpha HC154).
Brother with a different mother?

[@stuarthenderson7872]

You got the best reviews. A non professional rider not sponsored so your opinion is the truth. You also give real world feel of the sled vs spouting off tech specs from the brochures. Great keep it up

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Thanks. There's room for both types of review. They've gotta do what they do, and people like me can fill in the gaps.

[@mcats8]

Excellent upgrade on the Alpha with the Pin'd running board inserts.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Yes. Essential.

[@257Tony]

As someone shopping for a new-ish sled, love to see the comparison. You did and adequate job :)

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Yay, finally made it to adequate. Until now the best I’ve earned is aquatic.

[@Sledbuddy]

Great video, keep up the great work brother! Cheers 👍

[@andrewcarss6065]

This is actually such a good and accurate review! Very impresssive

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Thanks Mate. They are both great sleds.

[@120rain4]

I've been riding Cats of all sizes forever, my last was m8000 limited .This year I thought I have to try a Polaris before I get to old so I thought I"ll try used first, found a 2019 pro rmk 800 with 700 miles. Been out on it 3 times so far and have to say it feels like the best sled I've ever had , I am worried about the engine problems we all hear about but I'll find out I guess . I am certainly not knocking Cats but I'm very happy so far, great reviews by the way keep it up.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Thanks. I am getting to really like the Khaos too, but I still find the Alpha suits me better in tight trees. Just so easy to roll over in neutral. Not surprised your Poo feels much better than the M8. All the Cat mountain sleds have been a trail sled makeover compromise… until now. Should be able to try a Catalyst 600 soon.

[@thatalaskaguy]

Excellent video and comparison! I’m not even into mountain sleds but I enjoyed watching the entire video just due to your down to earth commentary. Like another viewer posted, I’d much rather listen to your opinion on the different sleds without the sponsorship nonsense. I hate having to suffer through a brobrah video of some puke “influencer” telling everyone they can’t live without whatever machine they are reviewing.

[@208SledHead]

I've always loved the honesty in your videos - I dunno if it's your accent that automatically makes you trustworthy or what, but I like it haha. I've grown up on Polaris since the 80's, still ride Polaris today, but I've ALWAYS had a soft spot for Cat. I applaud the HELL out of them for the mono rail design and thinking outside the box - that takes a lot of balls. However, I dunno if I'm sold on it. If snow conditions were always ideal and always had powder, then I'd buy an Alpha in a heartbeat. But fall and spring conditions can suck and that's why I hesitate. If they offer a twin rail in the Hardcore for the Catalyst chassis, I will SERIOUSLY consider ordering one. I love my Axys but it's gettin up there on miles(2K), it's been absolutely trouble free and still chases my buddies turbo Doo, but Cat consistently has the best looking sled on the snow and I'd love to see the Catalyst really propel Cat back into the game. Gonna be an interesting spring..

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Good points. No excuse for the Catalyst not to have the precision of a Poo, the power of the Doo, and the reliability of the Cat’s Suzuki engine genes. I think we’re stuck with the mono rail because that’s their thing, but with a stiffer-edged track like on the current 146 HC it should work OK in wider conditions. It’s already a powder beast. PS What accent? And even if I had one, which I definitely don’t, I wouldn’t trust it.

[@snobiwonkenobi]

Just found your channel, most excellent!

[@Snarge22]

Um, ...I don't have anything to add here, but I sure enjoy your videos!

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Welcome to the club. I specialize in making videos that add nothing to the world.

[@folms110]

I own a 2020 alpha and a 2022 Khaos Matryx . A 4 wheel kit on an alpha rail is my favorite of the two. Makes it more predictable in side hill like the Polaris but still alpha rowdy.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Thanks. I'm going to have to try that. I was in the trees on the Alpha 154 today thinking DAMN I love this sled. Such a fun ride. Should I just google the kit or is there a good supplier you recommend?

[@gordonliddy9418]

I like to keep my sleds long term and polaris isn't one i'd consider owning again with the engine troubles they have had over the years. All have their issues of course.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Me too with long-term. Only sold the Doo because I just couldn’t love the handling on local snow. Hoping the Poo holds up as well as the Cats.

[@billygrossjr.5585]

I agree! Thanks for the review 👍

[@Gatheralls]

7.33 nailed it! Buddy’s 17 850 shut down on the hill and I couldn’t believe how stupid the access was - something like 10 fasteners of 4 different configurations😂.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Thanks for spotting that little Easter Egg…

[@jimbauerXp3]

You give a great review on every video you post really respect your options!!! One thing to try on your alpha is a 4 wheel kit still allows track flex for traction but holds edge like a twin rail on the late crusty snow!!!

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Hadn’t heard of that. Will look into it.

[@folms110]

This.

[@curtisbull1583]

I just started back up this year riding a snowmobile, got talked into a 22 mountain cat m8000 154. I feel its hard to ride and requires a lot of movement and changing riding positions. Absolutely hated it the first couple times out. Liking it better now after about 250 miles on it. Last week I got to ride a new Polaris boost axys 155. I really liked it, felt much easier to ride and way more predictable. I feel it holds a side Hill much better, didn't feel all the hard to get up on one ski. I want a Polaris now, but don't trust them and feel they are more likely to break down and leave me being towed back to the truck.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

It depends on so many factors--terrain, snow, body weight, fitness, experience, kinds of line you ride, how aggressive your group is. If you like it, doesn't matter who made it. I feel you on the trust thing, though. Have never had to leave a Cat on the hill, and am hoping the Poo treats me right.

[@shanedrilling3276]

Had a boost last year. 40 days in the mountain, almost 30 of them spent at a dealer trying to figure out a problem with my boost. Fortunately my n/a 850 poo didn’t give me any issues. Sold the boost. Had a new wiring harness installed twice in one season

[@bobbygushlinger3637]

Great vid!

[@lampinen5754]

Great comparison video- have you tried the 2.6 track for the alpha? It’s great in less than stellar conditions, holds the side hill better, and takes some of the rowdiness of the 154…

[@AkatarawaJapan]

YES. It's stiff and fast. I would love to put a 2.6 on my Alpha 154. If they make it available on the Catalyst with a big motor I think they'll have a winner.

[@n2snow]

Very interesting. Thanks 👍👍👍

[@ponycarfan]

Well done, as all of your videos are.

[@jasonpaisley1535]

The Polaris glove box is nice and big. My buddy the other day had a bunch of hot dogs in the cooker can and when they were ready he pulled a dozen buns out of the glove box. And they weren’t squished at all

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Bun in the oven. Ah.

[@nvfiredog]

Thank you.

[@northwestdynasty]

Killer video and review as always!!!! PS why no alpha hawk review!!!!!

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Having some problems with the AlphaHawk underpants air filter.

[@joshgessinger4509]

I love ur stuff guy. Im a huge cat guy so that helps lol!! But im a honest guy if something is better ill say it. Been riding since I could walk im 44. Raced cats 15 years unfortunately had to retire from racing in 2017. Many wins and championships pro XC, SX, hillcoss hill drags to ice drags. Anyway i love my cats still amazing sleds even though media likes to bash on cat idk. Iv rode them all for me its cat or ski doo. Im more trail riding here in the east but i can ride powder with the best of them. Been west riding few times loved it I could go anywhere I wanted. Not that we don’t get big snow here in upstate NY just not always. Japan never really thought of people riding in japan 😂. Guess people ride sleds everywhere so awesome. Great stuff love ur voice sound kind honest and true down to earth. Thank u for ur work ur fun ur videos and opinions. Josh G.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Thanks. Glad you enjoy this stuff. If you're a trail guy with a racing background and backcountry experience you might recognize some of your friends in my next vid. Nearly ready to go.

[@joshgessinger4509]

@@AkatarawaJapan O ya looking forward to it. Cant wait im a subscriber so ill be looking for ur next video. Wish i had the video making talent u do Ur very good. Thanks again Josh G

[@greatalaska6429]

I always appreciate your take on these topics, but the real question is there a modern sled that can hang with the all mighty Alphahawk!? Can one even enjoy other sleds after riding on such a engineering masterpiece such as the all mighty alphahawk?

[@AkatarawaJapan]

No and no. But you’ve got to give the other brands credit for at least trying.

[@rykercarlson2131]

I can try and pull the words out of your mouth, the arctic cat has more of a “wet noodle” feeling where it feels very hoppy and very easily thrown around. The Polaris is more planted but it holds a sidehill easier

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Sounds about right. So far for tree riding I would pick the Alpha every time. But going sideways the Poo rules. And the Poo glovebox trumps everything everywhere, all at once.

[@PierresAdventures]

I wish I had a big ugly dry glove box…. My g5 box is skinny and do not keep the snow out…it also ride as good as a matrix slash.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Go big or go home, I say. The Polaris box doctors got it right.

[@PierresAdventures]

@@AkatarawaJapan Polaris got it right. Doo extension look like a pterodactyl. I m absolutely no fan of it.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

@@PierresAdventures Poo also got it right with a spare belt holder neatly under the hood. That Doo belt box thingie behind the seat is so dinosaur dumb.

[@JM-nt5fm]

How does one go about signing up for your tour company? Would love to come over to Japan and ride. Thanks for all the great content.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Good Guide Guy update coming soon, after I have made up some more facts.

[@lexusis1187]

最後にチョコモナカジャンボいっぱい出るとは思わなんだ…笑

[@samuelbertrand8715]

I'm hesitating between a gen 4 summit 850, 2018 mountain cat and an axys rmk 800. I want a snowmobile that is maneuverable, easy ot ride and reliable. On the Polaris I am undecided about the reliability, on the cat the same thing and on the ski doo the maneuverability. I would like to hear your opinion about that. Thank you and very good comparison video

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Ideally you would find a way to try each of them and see which suits you best. If the Cat has got an Alpha rail it is super easy to get on one ski and unbeatable in powder. I rode a Gen 4 for a couple of seasons. Stonking engine but the bump steer got to me in the end. Have only been on an Axys twice so don’t know much about them. Reliability-who knows.

[@samuelbertrand8715]

@@AkatarawaJapan Thank you for your answer and as you say I will try them to see which one best suits my needs.

[@big_ute]

I got to ride a bunch of sleds all different mtn models and to be honest Ill stick with my 22 pro 850 155 on the axys chassis. Arctic cat is out due to a serious lack of dealer support up here, skidoo is a bitch to work on so its out, yamaha is just a blue arctic cat and I wasnt a fan of the matrix chassis. The matrix is cool n all but it felt really heavy down low compared to my axys, it was the same set-up as mine too which I found kinda odd.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Haha, yep. Need Box Doctor skills to work on a Doo. I tried an Axys 155 a few years back and loved it.

[@laynepalmer8690]

So I’m new to the channel, but I was curious having been to japan and living in the states, what’s the situation like as far as sleddable land ie public/private with permission and so on? Sorry if this has been addressed in the past!

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Care and permission required, like anywhere. Main thing is to not cause trouble/accidents/etc., because Japanese authorities often have a knee jerk response to issues that arise. Ban it for everyone, forever, even if it existed happily for decades before the ‘trouble’. But if you respect the local context you can have a good time with great people.

[@laynepalmer8690]

@@AkatarawaJapan good to know! I’ve always been curious as I’ve snowboarded resorts there but never been “backcountry” out that way, and here in the US and Canada you sort of just avoid private land, but looking into what I have researched about Japan it seems like avoiding private land isn’t really feasible given the different land models.

[@Brobro449]

So did you loosen limiter strap on the 165 cat or 154? have heard the 154 are alot more playful. Mine is 165. Also you know what you run for front ski shock pressure?

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Loosened the 154 and kept the 165 tight for deep day road trips (we've had a few this winter). Not sure what I have the front shocks on but in general I run much softer fronts than I used to, which seems to work well so long as the rebound damping is dialed up enough. Yes the 154 is playful but I tried a 2023 146 HC the other day and it is insane. Incredible track speed.

[@Brobro449]

Hey so after riding my alpha last year if considering getting a 2019 twin rail cat. I just felt the sled was riding me more then i was riding the sled. You think i should swap or tray and stick to the alpha

[@AkatarawaJapan]

I like the Alpha but if you want to change I would hesitate to go back in time to 2019. I’ve still got a 2018 M8 and things have come a long way since then.

[@bertrenolds5]

I could not agree more on the cat switchwes, so stupid. have no business on the handlebars of a mtn sled. I talk talk crap about it constantly

[@clarknawrocki9718]

The difference is polaris is the best and cats are junk

[@AkatarawaJapan]

You mean how they ride, or how they are engineered? If the former, would like to hear your impression of the Cats and Poos you have ridden or owned. If the latter, I'd say these last few years have not been an easy time to be fighting the Poo corner.