2018 Crossover Shootout: Ski-Doo VS Polaris

[@halfnelson6777]

What about endurance? Service? Maintenance? Stress test them, drive 6.000 miles and see how they perform? I think that would be interesting from a buyers point of view..

[@cadentate9991]

I guess it's kinda off topic but does anyone know of a good website to stream newly released series online ?

[@shanejackson2588]

@Caden Tate flixportal :P

[@cadentate9991]

@Shane Jackson thanks, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I appreciate it!

[@shanejackson2588]

@Caden Tate Glad I could help =)

[@PaxterPlayZ]

Basically what I got from this is the sleds are the same. There was so many occasions where he said "they both are equal but this one is a little bit more", so ya basically it comes down to what brand you like better.

[@Mr.Bobcat1776]

And price

[@jaredgulaga8367]

And ergonomics, comfort makes a bigger difference than all the other factors in this shootout due to the fact that they are so close.

[@CJ-rg4qu]

This channel has always been very Polaris biased. Every review I've watched they always say the Polaris is better. I'm not sure why I watch these videos knowing that.

[@JackRR15]

... maybe because the Polaris is... better?

[@nsa6790]

TheMidnightNarwhal Poo is better in some things while doo is better in others. Neither makes a bad sled.

[@ajlukelepuke]

@@nsa6790 exactly

[@207kid4]

And ski doo x and xrs shocks are adjustable idk what he’s saying

[@alexenns3203]

I think you guys do a good and fair job with these shootouts

[@snowtrax]

Thank you.

[@hunterdionne3663]

SnowTrax Television hey snowtrax, I love your videos but I think that ski doo won, but do a new one on the new backcountry xrs that'll be it! Love your vids keep making more!

[@weakbrainthrombosis]

These reviews are really good. They seem very unbiased, and they are thorough. I would love a durability type review, where you go to back and rereview older year classes of the same models.

[@tylerbates8198]

I’m a skidoo guy.... but damn that Polaris wins in the looks category 🔥

[@hunterdionne3663]

Tyler Bates no way!

[@softwashscience]

Hunter Dionne yes way its clear.

[@austinmitsin1479]

Totally agree with this

[@heatmoon]

For sure the decal and colors. I love retro Polaris. Yeah they look better, better lines. Arctic cat is generally the worst with colors and decals. Although I liked that f1100 that was white with orange. Love it.

[@linken187]

Can we all just agree that the ski doos looked better before they changed to these big bulky 2020 versions. I like the look of the 2015 models for example

[@ki.r6]

Very insightful. I ride a Ski Doo Backcountry which is the 2015 because I prefer the track. Very insightful and I'm glad that Ski Doo is bringing back the more aggressive track for the Backcountry.

[@Mopar21277]

I have a '17 Switch SP (Assault minus Walkers), cannot overstate how much of an improvement SLP Powder Pros are over the Pro Steers in any sort of loose snow, its like adding snow tires in place of your factory touring tires.

[@johnwilkening5262]

I picked up a 2019 sks 146, 2.25 track very fun snow machine I have not been on a groomed trail yet, just cross country mostly 2 ft or more of snow

[@patrickworster8005]

Just wondering if guys have reviewed the Backcountry 600 or Switchback Assault 600, it would be nice to see some reviews off the smaller caliber sleds

[@davesmith5425]

Patrick Worster I have a 2014 and 2016 ski doo backcountry 600 ETec. Both have great fuel mileage, low oil consumption, lots of power and never broken down. I have driven thru very deep snow with the 1.6 cobra track

[@robertkeddy1316]

Both are awesome and you cant lose with either one

[@LostCaper]

What about front end reliablity. Is it vunerable to hitting rockes

[@mudjerry]

How do they keep from over heating on the trail?

[@josephlemkemann1456]

Ski-Doo wins based on reliability Polaris is known for their stuff breaking down often.

[@liamfisk8420]

Joseph Lemkemann woah woah woah. Wait a minute. Did you really just say that????? Don’t get me wrong, I love the living shit out of skidoo’s, but they break down ALOT more than Polaris’s. If you maintain them well, they will both last forever.

[@heatmoon]

@@liamfisk8420 Doesn't it depends on how you drive and how well you take care of them? Either way, with these new monsters I'd sell after warranty

[@dr.curious5136]

pretty sure all 4 name brands are all good sleds , I’m a doo guy but that just because it’s what I’ve been ridding so 1987 ... I won’t change brands but I’ve jumped on buddy’s sleds and honestly they all free great , can’t go wrong with any of them.

[@UB_brands]

Great episode, enjoy the all but this one is top 3 for me, It was a good fair review

[@cooperleishman8118]

Heck ya

[@charlespalmerii4299]

I dont share that opinion.. he is missing two Manufactures both make some good CrossOvers...

[@einar8019]

I have a 2012 renegade backcountry x 600 and i love it

[@9kalltheway]

Both of these sleds rock the house for every terrain. I wouldn't go any other route. skidoo and Polaris have set the mark for sleds. period.

[@francoprezioso1882]

We need the review against the 850 in similar trims

[@jmiller3659]

Wait what about motor reliability and longevity, they are very close in all the other categories

[@yellowrosefarm1241]

I feel Like I'm a Ski-doo person although I'm liking the Polaris Dragon I just got. I do have to agree with some of these people, Skidoo seems to be the one that lasts longer but then these newer Polaris sleds seem to have better functions after watching this ..

[@mxg131]

What about the XRS BC

[@sheddski2942]

The part that gets me is how skidoo has had issues with sagging front bulkheads and I never knew until these guys pointed it out now I look close when checking out use sledds I've had 2 yamaha 2 zl500 cats 1 polaris iq700 and now I want skidoo as you can see I'm not brand loyal but the new g4 is what I'm aiming for but I find myself still looking at polaris but I love skidoo fit and finish and Etech power

[@joedynerowicz745]

Where abouts was this video filmed??

[@TheFlorian321]

They're both awesome sleds. But when your Polaris A-arm snaps mid ride, you'll wish you had a skidoo

[@justjon907]

You're thinking of the rmk... also, they don't use that style anymore.

[@Sardonic1981]

can you ride powder with a 600, 120 track with 2" lugs? or do you need to go longer on the track length?

[@Chrisd4111]

I would strongly recommend a longer tunnel, if you are trying to keep it as short as possible I would at least recommend a 137

[@Sardonic1981]

@@Chrisd4111 yeah cool thanks, seems to be the consensus I'm seeing

[@weirddummys8171]

Horrible review you said they are equal in this category and then you Give Polaris the point. Personally I’ll stay away from Polaris because they are not reliable at all from what I’ve heard and all I see on the trails now a days is skidoo’s anyways the must be the best brand

[@topJimmyP1984]

love my Axys

[@aidendeim200]

Where is this filmed

[@dirtrider88]

canada

[@c.k.7618]

I think they film a lot of their stuff in the haliburton area

[@karlosspades7293]

My 96 Touring 380 rotex still rides like my gf doing the cowgirl position

[@dwightstorer6569]

“A crossover is not simply a trail sled that has a long track” the polaris has the same front end as their trial sled. pretty much a long trail sled with a uncoupled skid and a paddle

[@700Dragon1]

Why not compare a 146 vs. a 146 SKS with the same lug? Just not a peoples to apples comparison. And it could of been!

[@pavmentsurfer13]

Because the SKS technically competes with the freeride... not the backcountry. The Backcountry is supposed to be the on/off trail sled... the true crossover. Like the assault. The SXS is aimed at almost entirely off trail, like the freeride. We chose the 2 sleds that are the most similar in how they intended to be used.

[@Icutmetal]

Luke Lester Agreed.

[@marcuslane5481]

The sks isn’t a crossover like the assault is

[@Loadstamler]

Why would you buy a sled with a 146" track if trail handling was most important?

[@700Dragon1]

Should be a fair comparison, SKS vs. the backcountry....but great video!

[@700Dragon1]

True, it would be fun to see. This was a great video...

[@pavmentsurfer13]

That wouldnt be fair because the SKS is targeted at almost %100 off trail riding. Its closest competitor from ski-doo is a freeride.

[@gregdalton4212]

Your shoot-outs are definitely my favorite. You guys do an awesome job. Keep them coming. I can't wait until I can hand my iq shift 600 down to the wife and get me an assault switchback.

[@jeremiahlf]

100/100 he says

[@charliepalmer2465]

Wondering how come Artic Cat Cross Country sled was not part of these Reindeer games, the equipment and the specs suggest it should be ...Frankly it looks to be an Awesome sled!

[@ChuckBeefOG]

I have an SBA. Now i am addicted to off trail, from here i would probably buy a 146” SKS. I used to do 70/30 trail/powder, now its like 30/70. SKS 146 is way easier to ride off trail but nowhere near as good on trail.

[@justloggit22]

Polaris makes a better looking sled, longevity.?.? I'd say skidoo

[@thestanchfielders8098]

Articat zl or zr models

[@robertdh685]

I’m a all in Etec Doo guy. But nobody has as good looking a sled as the Cats. By far my favorite in the looks department.

[@johnpetersen8238]

Skidoo 🏁

[@bt71sschevelle58]

Surprise surprise the recall king wins yet again from Polaris trax tv

[@logansoutdooradventures3004]

I am just gonna say, you really only talked about the polaris first

[@zacmoore7303]

“Unlike their name, ski-doo doesn’t make a lot of mistakes in this industry” 😂

[@snowmobilerider1954]

You guys just say that because you are sponsored or payed. By polaris

[@hermanwikner8551]

Where is the lynx

[@valleyboys902]

seams to me that Polaris won two categories simply because of the sweet Walker Evans shock package. it won "off trail ride" category because of adjustability as well as the "feature" category. this shootout would be some hard to judge if the 850 had a decent set of shocks.

[@uplandknight5782]

...and an 850 in the polaris.....they needed to step up...only way was to increase motor by 50 cc

[@charlespalmerii4299]

Guess Yamaha and Arctic Cat is not allowed to play in the CrossOver games...

[@heatmoon]

Yes, do something about that guy. It seems these brands are heavily favored.

[@nicholaspatterson961]

My 98 xcr 600 has 12000 miles on the original motor so I'd say polaris isn't built like they used too, I know a guy that blew 3 motors in the first year with a 21 850

[@jeffthejinjer]

Omg what happened to these things?? I haven't ridden since the 90's and my Polaris was low sleek with a wide ski track, it was made for speed with a killer 3 cylinder 2 stroke...these new ones look so high up in the air looks like you'd be hanging on for dear life in a corner!!

[@pat5225]

Looks can be deceiving. My buddy still has 2 Indy sleds from the 90's so every once in a while I will hop on one just for old time's sake. Once you have ridden these new sleds and then hop on an old one the first thing that comes to mind is it's horrible! I can't believe this is what we used to ride! The sitting position and ergonomics are awful. Try the new ones out. You will be pleasantly surprised.

[@xtidnab]

best crossover imho: Mxz/Summit...2x the Price but 2x the sled and half the miles

[@berttracy90]

Wait a minute.... You said your definition of a crossover isnt just putting a long track on a trail sled. But then praise polaris for putting a long track on their trail sled.... Where's ski doo has an actual hybrid front and rear suspension... Thats designed to work well in both worlds and not be perfect in either.... I know polaris paid you for this but you sound ignorant.

[@joshuarife6271]

If you obviously "watched" the video you would have heard that Polaris designed the rear skid as a crossover skid in 2017(IGX rear skid) then it has a trail front end. Doubt Polaris pays them

[@iixmarsxii4944]

The assault is more comparable to the backcountry xrs now

[@francoprezioso1882]

The x or xrs should have been competed not the low Reg backcountry

[@corycoulter5140]

You see this brp.Kick Polaris ass this coming model year

[@Loadstamler]

The polaris is better on trails for less aggressive riders, it's also less reliable, less throttle response, less max speed, worse fuel economy, lower resale value. The polaris is just a tiny step up from a 136"

[@joshuakowalski6324]

Having tested both of these sleds the Polaris is hands down better on trail. Way better front end feel, the shocks on the doo are junk not to mention the front end on their new sleds is god awful ugly, but that's just my opinion.

[@weirddummys8171]

Joshua Kowalski your just a Polaris man they are both good, personally I like articats but I think skidoo’s are the most reliable

[@radioactiveload]

WHY does ski doo keep putting these garbage KYB shocks on high end model sleds?!

[@skillermasa]

do you mean KYB is garbage or just that model of kyb?

[@ChuckBeefOG]

radioactiveload i would probably think about ski doo if they ran Elka.

[@dustinthompson3587]

Walker Evans blow all the time. Can't speak for kyb but I've never blown a hpg

[@ChuckBeefOG]

Dustin Thompson I have broken 2 walker evans rods but never taken out a seal and those were the first ever walker’s on the old Pro X when it came out in early 2000’s. The new ones have been good, i did chip one sanction though. The performance is top notch, i prefer them over Fox gas shocks. Never tried Elka or kyb.

[@9kalltheway]

kyb isn't garbage by any means. kyb just needs to re construct a better shock for the type of ride. these shocks are fine. but if your a more advanced rider, then a piggyback would be best. now with the new backcountry xrs, they have done so.

[@jean-philippeemond7638]

I was about to buy a polaris but with the tax coming from Trump policy i m gonna buy canadian this time.

[@marcuslane5481]

Jean-philippe Emond ski doo isn’t Canadian lol

[@hammerheartdan6311]

Marcus Moto skidoo comes from valcourt, Québec

[@HSmasteryoda]

it doesn't really make that much of a difference your just a ski doo fanboy lol

[@weakbrainthrombosis]

Jean-philippe Emond skidoo’s are built in Mexico, its corporate headquarters are in Quebec, but they outsourced all of the assembly to Mexico, and China.

[@softwashscience]

Don Olypopper not anymore with the 850 the ski poos are behind times and that horrible looking design of the front is hilarious haha.

[@braydenY52]

Put it against the summit

[@twixu8811]

This seems sponsored by Polaris

[@snowtrax]

Actually at the time, both Polaris AND Ski-Doo were sponsors of the show. It's an honest review and if you ever get the chance to ride both back-to-back like us, you would agree.

[@Snowridermagazine]

👍🏻

[@Quadguy83]

Totally disagree

[@drewkilcollins1199]

I blew 5 walker evans shocks in 3 years all factory replaced worst shocks on the market

[@ebsell]

Dependability is Polaris’s weak point.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

They all blow up eventually. These 850 were breaking down lots last year. Belt issues mostly.

[@ebsell]

Chuck Beef true, but the 800 Poo engine is anything but durable.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

2,400 trouble free miles on mine so far. Check your rings and compression at the end of season and you should never have issue unless something breaks.

[@dustinthompson3587]

Belt problems were over rev

[@anthonywunderlich3681]

If a person wants to see their Polaris HO motor have excellent longevity it has to start with an excellent break in period, I only use Polaris VES oil, and never allow the oil reservoir to get low. { I carry extra oil } I ride the sled gently will the engine is cool, and never, ever use full throttle until the sled is at operating temperature, never allow the engine to run at too high a temperature. Run the very best fuel you can get your hands on. I run non ethanol Chevron 94 {which has its own dedicated pump hose} if you take some personal responsibility for the longevity of the engine, they will last a long time.

[@braaaplife675]

Only problem is the Polaris will fall apart from the white glue

[@gobigparts]

Got to own one to know. I have had every model since the edge and have never had one fall apart from the aircraft glue. Matter of fact the only sled I bent a chassis or a nun on was a Ski-doo.

[@pajamatime5750]

No that’s actually not a problem at all.... I’ve road the pro ride and axys hard and never had any issues whatsoever with anything, never mind the “glue”.... Your concern should be if skidoos bulkhead can handle the pounding because that’s actually a documented issue....

[@ChuckBeefOG]

If it can glue shit onto space ships, i will trust it. Mines been good, a lot lighter than the French machine.

[@dirtrider88]

paid/sponsored or not your polaris fan boys so you are biased and of course polaris won

[@davidoakley3256]

So, if there bias to their sponsor, why does the shows introduction include the plugs for sponsors Ski doo and Yamaha. Where Polaris and Arctic Cat sponsors are mentioned in closing credits. Sounds like your a little butthurt there bud.

[@jonaslockert7601]

Polaris is best! I agree!

[@davidalexander3439]

Polaris rule,,, all else whimper an whine!!!!

[@advancedscarecrow]

What the heck is mx zed? Lol

[@uplandknight5782]

IMO its like comparing BMW and Mercedes...its all subjective. All i gotta say though is the Polaris is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more fun to ride and a hell of alot nicer looking.....wayyyyyyyy nicer. SkiDoo are just gawdawful ugly

[@funfromupnorth6808]

Ski doo gets eye candy points...let me be a rest rider if your so confident

[@mikeysrxharris]

Nope doo if I want another polaris to blow like my last it's still naw no way rod broke in 3 peice so could look threw head to crank had 6 polaris and 9 doos 3 yammy 1 cat

[@mtbillington2749]

i hate Polaris ski-doo is the best!

[@cooperleishman8118]

Ya

[@CharlieWebb2018]

Polaris sucks