COMPARISON / 2025 MOUNTAIN SLED COMPARISON
Arctic Cat M 858 Mountain Cat Polaris 9R Pro RMK Ski-Doo Summit X with Expert Package 850 Turbo R Lynx Shredder DS 850 Turbo R
felt heavy , required uber-precise foot placement and the rear just digs .
• Coming straight down a hill then trying to turn is difficult – plus if you start trying to lean the sled on an edge while descending it veers the opposite direction , making line choice harrowing in the steeps .
• The resolution and feature set of the new G8 gauge is fantastic , but the one on our machine was quirky . Even the falling snow would actuate changes . But once the gauge is set properly , the iQS suspension actuation between firmness / driver mode and even lockout are before you . Having lockout mode is a nice touch .
• As opposed to other 858 pre-production Catalysts we tested , this M felt farthest from production spec . The shock hit the A-arm , the primary clutch would rub the plastic when the sled was leaned on its panel , the steering was sloppy , the engine overheated , there was much vibration – hopefully it all gets worked out for final production .
• Similar in the REV Gen5 unveiling for Doo and the change that ushered in sightlines , the same is true on the Catalyst . Just standing over it you can feel more engaged with the snow due to better viewing angles .
• Lots of traction ! Regardless of snow depth the 3-inch beast will hook up and find some propulsion while providing flotation to pop up on the snow .
WHO ’ S THE IDEAL PRO RMK RIDER ?
The rider of the Polaris Patriot 9R Pro RMK 165 is an enthusiastic braaper who seeks tight , steep lines and executing maneuvers in precarious situations .
The immediate “ snowmobile ” response ( meaning engine-to-track-to-chassisto-skis ) benefits his desire to push the limits of man and machine . He relies on pinpoint accuracy and swift action supported by a sled that never lets him down in suspension , chassis or engine capacity . The 9R Pro is stable when wanted and nimble when needed to benefit the rider .
The 9R Pro rider might buy into the theory that a turbo machine offers more overall power at altitude for keeping up on uber-deep days . But he / she loves the simplicity of the natural aspiration for maintenance and pull / go , plus the quick-hitting 900cc fire breather can hold its own 99 percent of the time , and it ’ s more friendly from novice to professional . Notes from test riders and mountainside chatter about the Pro RMK include :
• How did they lose extra weight off this thing ? It was already quite light compared to everything else . Even though 7 pounds may not sound like a lot , tossing it around in staging or a trailer feels more feathery now . Can ’ t say I noticed specifically where the weight came off from last year , but comparing this Poo to the Cat , Doo or Lynx in the weight department is noticeable , especially when Jeff on our test team dug ’ em in next to trees and there were three guys lifting on the tunnel / tugging skis !
• I really , really like this Series 8 2.75 track in the 165-inch length . The 155- by 3.25-inch last year seemed like it wanted to pull the nose flat when not desired . This one is really easy to roll , easy to handle and really won me over .
• This 9R is the prime example of why I ’ d much rather take a well performing lightweight N / A machine over a heavier turbo . The 9R ’ s spool , response , light weight and overall ability is now a higher bar than where the turbos might have set just a few short years ago .
• Whether it be how the suspension was dialed , the new grippy boards , or maybe we ’ re just having a good day , but this thing seems effortless in every regard and I ’ ll take lines I wouldn ’ t have on the same sled last year . It ’ s quite impressive .
• Overall , I dig the new running boards . Great traction . It ’ s also cool that snow doesn ’ t collect at the tunnel like it used to , but they could use some reinforcing ribs that run directionally with the chassis to prevent heels from dropping in , especially near the rear .
• By far the easiest sled to poke across a ravine .
26 / FEBRUARY 2025 / SNOWGOER . COM