Which Ski Doo is Best for You? | Renegade 850 ETEC vs 900 ACE Turbo R

[@barefootbob1269]

Awesome as always. That was the one comparison I was waiting for and you pretty much confirmed what I was guessing but always nice to hear someone with great knowledge agrees with my thoughts. Never thought four strokes were going to survive in the market but they sure have! Still rocking an rx1 with 47,000+ miles but its time for a change. Thanks again for the review.

[@stevenjudai3031]

Switch to LED's already ski-doo, as good as Halogens can get , makes the sleds look old right out the box.

[@motorcyclescene]

You guys make EVERY sled look SO good!!!

[@snowtrax]

Thank you!!

[@WeekendWarriors87]

IMO the biggest difference is sound. My dad chose a 900 ace and although I think he sometimes wished hed gotten the 600 instead, the 4 stroke is dead silent. You cant even tell its running. For someone who rides long days and already has hearing problems, a quiet sled is a relaxing ride

[@kylecarter18]

The new 900 turbo r is quite the opposite, it has quite a bark almost comparable to a sidewinder with a mild aftermarket trail exhaust, and all kinds of turbo flutter when you let off

[@WeekendWarriors87]

@@kylecarter18 interesting. Havent heard the turbo yet in person. I bet its still quieter than a screamin 2 stroke though

[@21crookedstick]

In 21 I ran an XRS 850 Renegade and my good friend ran the XRS 900 turbo Renegade. It is amazing the difference in feel between what is supposed to be the same model. It felt like I was driving a sports car and he was driving a Cadillac. A fast Cadillac for sure, but heavy feeling none the less. When jumping from one to the other the feel is incredibly distinct. Nice job guys.

[@eberhoozen]

Was 850 your choice?

[@21crookedstick]

@@eberhoozen Yes....Still not in the 4 stroke camp. I still like the weight savings and snappy throttle. maybe if my riding involved more touring than sporty short rides...Maybe.

[@eberhoozen]

@@21crookedstick we ride around 100-150 miles a day depending on if we do an overnight trip. North central and northern Wisconsin trails. Lots of twisties through forest and in south s fair amount of farm fields. I’ve rode 2 strokes all my snowmobile years. 40 plus years. I care more about comfort now. I will order a 900t130 or 850 enduro in spring.

[@21crookedstick]

@@eberhoozen Then the 4 stroke is perfect. More comfortable seat, easier throttle control when you tune out of sport mode and frankly I'll give it the best looking award as well. Good choice for you.

[@LiamG903]

awesome comparison, im sure tons are looking at these two

[@wasupfool5692]

Definitely don't need more adjustments in the shocks in my opinion, 90% of the people would just screw up the settings

[@riverrunner4958]

You guys are the best very good info on all the new technology and information on all the sleds especially the new ones. It's great that you guys ride all the new stuff and report it to us. I have been riding for 45 years but do not get the chance to try out any new stuff from all the manufacturers so I relie on you guys to info me as to how good or bad the new stuff is. Great job!

[@snowtrax]

Thank you Alan! Really appreciate your kind words and thanks for tuning in!!

[@Jordan91alexander]

I have the 22 Mach. I ride with a bunch of 850 XRS Owners. There is now way the mach can keep up in the tight twisties. She is a beast to maneuver. Going from the Mach to a 850 XRS is the same as going from Gixxer to a Hayabusa. Its a beast in all other areas. High speed moguls, Long sweeping corners, Top end and honestly it has enough power to keep you out of trouble off trail. Had it in 4ft of snow and didn't get stuck. For tight twisties you defiantly need different skis or more weight transfer.

[@jjgebarowski]

But.... smart shocks change the way sleds corner. You're comparing a sled without instantaneously adjustable skis. The inside ski shock softens while the outside ski stiffens -- instantly.

[@pajamatime5750]

But, but, but Polaris? You guys only review Polaris’s!! Haha. Great comparison guys!!!! Yet another dandy video!

[@kendallsherryleech7035]

Thanks! Now THAT was a great comparison! I’ve got a new Renegade X, with the 900R. I’ve always had a two stroke until my last one. It was a 1200x, and loved it! The biggest/ first thing I noticed with the new one, was the throttle!! I always thought you were crazy, complaining about the SkiDoo electronic throttle, but wow, what a difference! I’m not a ditch banger, tooold and fat, but I absolutely LOVE THIS SLED !! The more I ride it, the better I like It!! I know you say the Polaris Matrix is the “Perfect Sled”, but not for me. I’ve driven one,and really liked it, but it’s not for me... Again, everyone likes something different to suit their needs. The 900R, Renegade X, is the perfect sledfor me!

[@doughboy5840]

What was the complaint about the elec throttle

[@kendallsherryleech7035]

@Doughboy58 The snowtrax crew have complained about the electronic throttle on the Ski Doo four strokes, every since it was introduced. I always thought that they were just complaining, that it felt lazy and unresponsive, but they were obviously right! The new one is much sharper

[@eberhoozen]

I would like to know if you looked at the Enduro.

[@kendallsherryleech7035]

@@eberhoozen Yes I did, but I like something that stands out from the crowd. I like color, and have had several X package sleds with the color package. It’s just a visual thing I guess. The enduro is a fully loaded, beautiful sled, and are very popular where I ride. I just always look for/ want something different

[@dirigoelectric]

I bought a four stroke turbo last week. I let my wife have my 850 adrenaline, and when I went to get another, I had to go with the turbo as that was what was available. Now after a few days of riding I’m going to tell you why I love the turbo more. I’m very hard of hearing, and when we wear communication device in helmet, I can actually hear it with the turbo, but not the 850, same helmet. The sound level is so different, I can ride and actually hear my wife and granddaughter and understand them. Instead of hun? Hun? What? It’s quiet enough that with my hearing aids in, I can know what’s going on. Without them I have to look to see if it’s running sometimes. I often leave my truck running on job sites because I can’t hear that it’s running. For that reason, I wish I’d gone with the four stroke years ago

[@geoffmooregm]

2 Stroke Vs 4 Stroke comes down to one rule for me. Rent a 2 Stroke Own a 4 Stroke 😁

[@SPCRacing1]

Been riding and racing snowmobiles and off-road dirt bikes since 1970 and the only engine I ever had fail prematurely was a 4-stroke. Over the years, I’ve had extremely good experiences with 2-stroke engines.

[@208SledHead]

Another solid one boss :thumbsup:

[@farmwrenchtech7699]

The 900r is one sweet engine. And it is great in the XRS. We have an xrs and a Mach z. I prefer the XRS , not sure why but it handles better and rides a little better.

[@gregsouther7293]

Love my new 850. Finally got to swing a leg over it last week and we put on just under 900 miles. Will be a tough decision whether to snowcheck a new XRS with smart shocks or a Rave.

[@snowtrax]

That's some solid mileage in a week!

[@gregsouther7293]

@@snowtrax not a whole lot of riding here in SWFL so I need to get every mile we can out of trips .

[@CAPTLIEPS]

Shocks and springs soften over time !

[@gregfleenor9654]

Good review. As someone who has both I prefer the 4Stroke but I wouldn’t say it’s for everyone. From a physical standpoint. The power offsets the additional weight to some degree but if you are smaller & weaker; it will be a handful @ times. But there’s nothing like putting the loud handle down on one where you have room. One question; are you guys going to fit a ‘22 SRX in before season-end? They seem to be rare this winter but a couple public videos show it faster than ever.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Very Professionally made videos ..Saves the Big 4 money on Advertising Productions..

[@michaelpanacheese604]

I would go with 900 ace turbo. Gets better fuel and has more power. The 850 is also good.

[@rprovasoli]

what does the 900 t get for mpg?

[@michaelbutko7449]

WEIGHT DIFFERANCE

[@gageshelly1773]

I picked up a 900R XRS this year and love it. You definitely feel the extra weight but I think it’s worth the trade off. Rode from Barrie to Haliburton solo at the end of last week and I was way more confident between fuel stops than I would have been on my old 600 carb. Only thing I would change is what you guys mentioned on a previous video. The XRS should come with a basic taller riser rather than the forward adjustable. Even with the riser blocks on the forward adjustable it’s JUST tall enough when doing a lot of whooped out standing trail riding. Other than that, wouldn’t change a thing!

[@gregsouther7293]

I ditched to adjustable riser for a taller one before I even rode it.

[@gageshelly1773]

@@gregsouther7293 Nice, how tall are you and what size riser did you go with?

[@gregsouther7293]

@@gageshelly1773 I installed a 6". I am 6-6" so another two inches on top of that would of been ideal but I didn't have time to mess with ordering cables if needed.

[@gageshelly1773]

@@gregsouther7293 ok cool thanks

[@gregsouther7293]

@@gageshelly1773 one note: mine is an 850 XRS not the 900. Cables maybe different.

[@mattandkatchristie2552]

I choose 850! I like to play lol

[@mattmataira7115]

They've packaged it in such a way that it doesn't make the feel sled cumbersome

[@davidlawton8396]

I have a mxz 850 and where I ride the turbo normally can't see my tail light

[@newslendergaming6721]

Maybe the guy with the turbo isn’t wide open every second

[@scottmcgregor2757]

Exactly, friend has one, can't keep up to my apex. Tried 4x. But another bud has a 850 and he can get me. Not sure about top end long run. Wasn't on a lake. So I believe u. No way they are 180 hp.

[@scottmcgregor2757]

Sorry but what's the hype with this 900 turbo. Drove one for the 1st time on weekend. Ya nice sled, but after lineing them up 4x against my 2013 apex. Apex runs away from it. Was that r-1 motor that good?? I guess

[@snowtrax]

It's a great engine and when it's combined with this sled it is a crowd pleaser.

[@oldwrench4213]

Excellent analysis! Nice to see the differences between the sleds. Makes for a clearer buying decision!

[@HankAaronJoseph19]

I have the 850 renegade adrenaline, although it is quite spartan compared to the xrs. It's still a very easy sled to ride and fun for the not so serious rider.

[@legendfpv]

A $14,000 sled is for "the not so serious rider" ?

[@rack9458]

@@legendfpv Correct. The Renegade is not a true mountain sled or trail sled. Its disappointing in tight corners or deep powder. Serious riders would own sleds that are built for their style of riding.

[@kakrew4764]

Wish you would have just told us the weight difference, in the time it took to tell us why you weren't going to tell us, you could have instead. Otherwise great comparison, I am on the fence between these 2 machines. Keep up the great work!!

[@eberhoozen]

I would love to see a comparison of both 900 turbos vs 850 in the renegade enduro. The Enduro seems built for comfort but also has some hot rod in it too. I ride a P Adventure with a 600 and I would like some more power. But after recall debacle it looks like I will have a Skidoo soon.

[@eugenezalevich437]

Would a thought by now years later their would be a review comparison of the enduro and its air shock suspension And the smart shox equipped suspension rides..maybe this year and long term really world reliability they'd have the data by now

[@newslendergaming6721]

It’s way too fun to give it quick blips and flutter the turbo in parking lots. Plus hearing the waste gate dump every time you let off.

[@davidyoung2081]

Do you know if the XRS has tipped rails on end like the Polaris XCR I ride very tight twisties and hear that the tipped rails on the Polaris makes it corner in tight stuff like a 121

[@haywoodjablowmee3143]

Didn’t Arctic cat have smart suspension in 2002 that constantly adjusted to trail conditions??

[@Gooselip]

I would like to see more on the new throttle for the ace

[@brandonjamesarnold]

How much of a game changer are the smart shox at reducing body role? I know you said the Polaris VR1 was the best trail sled period ...... does this technology change your minds?

[@snowtrax]

Rode the VR1 and Maverick back to back and although I personally prefer the way the VR1 rides and handles (this is personal preference, guys so take a deep breath), the Smart-Shox are incredible at soaking up chatter and reducing body roll. Hits that you'd normally brace yourself for are now smoothed right out. The tech is tight.

[@brandonjamesarnold]

@@snowtrax Any inside ski lift with the smart shox at all? Thought decision for me this year. Renegade or vr1/xcr. Can’t find a vr1 / xcr to test ride. That’s why I rely on you guys so much. Thank you for your reply!

[@sportsman1776]

Great video Luke and ST crew! There is no wrong answer here. Probably the only prudent thing to do is own one of each.

[@johnvfx143]

When are you going to review the new Rupp Nitro? Waiting to see the new Rupp Nitro.

[@BLEllis5oh]

Just wish they'd offer the 850 turbo in more than just the mountain sleds. I'd love to see an 850 turbo renegade or mxz against the 900 turbo r.

[@newslendergaming6721]

The 850 turbo only works with the mountains. The turbo keeps the engines power as you go up in elevation.

[@robertm7554]

Might want to wait a few days. New crop on the way.

[@snowtrax]

Next week!

[@DieselSniffer3500]

What’s the actual weight difference between the 2 sleds?

[@Dixie866]

Its about 40~ lbs between the two

[@njorgnjorg6057]

38lbs

[@brianrice6993]

If you did a 100 miles what is the difference in fuel mileage between the two?

[@bigmurph1447]

850 will do 150 miles easily on a tank of fuel.

[@kyleblume6530]

@@bigmurph1447 no. No it will not. It moderate to fast paced (not race speed) My dad and uncle both only get 100-110milesn

[@Dixie866]

It definitely won't do 150 miles on a tank. I cant imagine squeezing out more than 110 miles to a tank.

[@bigmurph1447]

@@Dixie866 the 850 I got will do 150 miles on a tank done it many of times. My 600 will do 170 miles on a tank.

[@ML-lg4ky]

Which sled is worth more on the used market with 10k miles on it??

[@matthorvath7562]

Definitely the four stroke

[@yykoo1952]

id like to know how you would compare yamahas srx to lynx raves mogul smashing power? id like to know your opinion cause i cant get to ride srx and im buying one of those two. thank you!

[@snowtrax]

Lynx for bumps. Luke's got a follow up review of it coming soon. Stay tuned.

[@yykoo1952]

@@snowtrax oh thank you!

[@woodsripper]

What windshield do you have on the 850?

[@snowtrax]

Cant' remember exactly but pretty sure we got it out of the BRP catalog.

[@jeffcarine9108]

How much does the four stroke weigh

[@DrivenGermans]

My dad a few years ago, “yeah we’ll never buy snow mobiles, they’re too dangerous.” Then after a few winters going out with our neighbor, he just bought 2 new ones the other day.

[@snowtrax]

That's awesome!!

[@drinkingpoolwater]

snowmobiling is actually a lot safer than a four wheeler

[@mikeparent2813]

Darn now I have a good reason to have them both , just need to explain this to my wife lmao 🤣

[@michaelbutko7449]

DITCH THE WIFE YOUR A MAN YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS HANG ON A MINUTE THERE A THING CALLED DIVORCE COURT............ I FEEL FOR YOU TO BAD YOU COULDNT HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT

[@glennbawbcanada6391]

Just adding my 2 cents which won’t tip the scale either way but the smell of a two stroke still is a part of snowmobiling since the age of 5 and 51 years later BUT on the other hand carrying around all that oil on multi day trips cause you want to use the same oil can make you luggage handicapped.

[@michaelbutko7449]

DO THEY REALLY USE THAT MUCH OIL I THINK IT DEPENDS ON WHICH BRAMD I USE REDLINE AND MY 800-R PURRS LIKE A KITTEN IVE BEEN USING IT SINCE MY NEW MACH IN 1994 WITH ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS BUT EACH TO THEIR OWN ONE THING FOR SURE SURE I JUST ORDER A 2024 RENEGADE ENDURO 21000.00........CDN AM I INSANE BUT ON THE LIGHTER SIDE ILL GET GOOD MONEY FOR MY 800 SO THE DIFFERENCE IS FOR THE UPDATE-GEN 5 ALL COMPUTER COMPONENTS (OH YA WHERE LED HEADLIGHTS AFTER WHAT 4 YEARS SINCE EVERYONE HAS THEM......) PEOPLE HAVE TO STAND BACK AND SAY I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD SLED AND IT COST ME HOW MUCH TO UPGRADE THE NET DIFFERENCE ON THIS 2024 YOU HAVE TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION OF HOW LONG AGO YOU PAID WHAT FOR YOUR SLED IM ABSOLUTELY FINE WITH THE PRICE ALTHOUGH WE ALL KNOW SKIDOO IS EXPLOITING US BUT THAT BEING SAID WEVE COME ALONG WAY WHEN A 1969 OLYMPIC WITH A FULL 4 1/2 INCHES OF SUSPENSION............................ WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY PERSONALLY, I USE TO GET STICKER SHCCK BUT AFTER I CALMED DOWN THE NEW STYLE-TECHNOLOGY-ERGONOMICS-FUEL ECONOMY-I THINK WEVE COME A LONG WAY AND WITH THAT BEING SAID ITS TIME WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT! IM IN

[@RICHIE_RICH89]

Whatever has more power ill rhrow the 900arpumd like a rag doll. I can whip a sidewinder arpund the 900 should be no issue.

[@mikeh4053]

so 3:15 into the video, and only about smart shocks, and they both have them. video is only 6:26 long. Every guy who has them that i know, they don't work. waiting on the comparison.

[@lucahoganyt4435]

3:55 doesn't make the feel sled cumbersome 😂

[@njorgnjorg6057]

The actual weight diff between the two sleds is 38lbs. I’m very surprised that you felt that big a diff between the two sleds in handling at that low of a weight difference . 38lbs to me should be unnoticeable once the sleds are dialed in? Good vid though. I liked it To me the renegade 900 turbo r is a 850 on steroids with more liability. IMO.

[@matthorvath7562]

I think in real world it is more than 38 lbs

[@njorgnjorg6057]

@@matthorvath7562 I have never weighed them personally. I could weigh my renegade 850 i guess but I’ll take ski doos word for it cuz according to ski doo web page the diff is 38lbs.

[@LiamG903]

Probably closer to 45 pounds but it bassically right over the skies so you Def feel it in the handling

[@MrTjulius]

The weight is all on the skis, that's why it's so noticable

[@davidgertz1317]

The motor difference is 40 pounds. The xrs adds some extra shock weight over the x also

[@northofhwy8180]

What about turbo lag.

[@reloadnorth7722]

Ski Doo sleds are great to look at, and I am told very comfortable to ride. But the Rotax engines seem to be the weak spot. Far too many engine issues. Ski Dont and Canned Ham, not for me.

[@mlevi512]

...you can't be serious?

[@jjgebarowski]

Nobody agrees with this. You had a bad experience and now are lumping in the entire brand with your singular experience.

[@JDRTRM]

Looks like the 900r has a mustache!

[@scottmcgregor2757]

And no fn way it makes 180 hp. It's no faster than a well tuned 600

[@tackdriverCA]

I’m not a fan of the moustache on that 900r 😂

[@MNnytrorider]

The 900 is a 30 lbs difference lol. You people make me laugh when you talk about how heavy it is hahahah

[@danielvarlo3470]

None, get a Riot/Assault or a Thundercat/Sidewinder, at least you'll get your hard earn money worth

[@matthumphreys8192]

Feel sled up front. Sorry but it’s the only error I have noticed in litteraly 2 years of watching

[@222JohnRambo]

etec= costy to repair

[@SPCRacing1]

Not!

[@mikerewenko2773]

Neither

[@joshmcdevitt137]

I like other brands wanh😥