COMPARISON / 600-CLASS TRAIL SLED
Ski-Doo MXZ Neo + Polaris 650 Indy XCR Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 600R E-TEC Polaris 650 Indy XC Lynx Rave RE 600R E-TEC Arctic Cat ZR 600 137 ATAC
of a low hum, the Neo’ s engine kind of putters, spits and sputters. When the throttle is engaged, the pDrive clutch grabs the belt before the tach reads 3,000 RPM and sends the machine forward with surprising pep right off the bottom.
The acceleration curve is rather impressive at first for an engine only claiming 55 ponies, but it runs out of steam rather quickly, topping out in the mid-60 mph range. But corner-to-corner on a tight trail, it provides enough power to keep most riders engaged. When the trail straightens or dumps out onto a lake, though, those other riders you were so proud to hang with will soon disappear into an abyss of snowdust.
Handling and suspension are both best described as“ surprisingly OK.” Yes, that is quite a qualified statement in need of more context.
On smooth, curvy trails, the front end stays mostly flat despite the narrow ski stance, though it will lift an inside ski if pushed hard through turns. The likelihood of ski lift, though, is somewhat negated by the lack of carbide inserts in the stock runners. That means the outside ski doesn’ t grab as hard, but also means that sometimes the front end can wash out before lifting that inside ski.
Similarly, on a smooth trail or with a particularly light rider on board, the single-shock rear suspension does a decent job of providing both control and comfort. The sled feels incredibly light, nimble and playful.
Rip that same sled through some bigger moguls – particularly with a 200-pound rider on board – and you’ re quickly reminded that the front arm only has a spring. That all led to a lot of“ for what it is” and“ for a sled in this price range” qualifiers from our test team.
“ It’ s a really impressive sled for its price range and its intended market,” one test rider wrote,“ though if it is intended for newbies or more timid riders they might want to soften the drive-off. It’ s kind of jerky off engagement, which may be unsettling for less-experienced riders.”
Another tester said,“ I actually kind of enjoy the more condensed ergonomics and lower ride height – you just scrunch up a little more than normal and let it rock. It could use more grab up front – carbide runners would certainly help, and maybe even better skis – but it was controllable.”
“ The rear suspension worked just fine when we were zooming down perfect trails, but when we got into frozen stutters it was a handful,” a third rider said.“ I’ m thinking‘ Junior’ would have a great time on it when riding with his parents and their friends, until the trails get rough at the end of the day. Then he’ s going to get the snot kicked out of him!”
Polaris 650 Indy XCR 137
18 / JANUARY 2026 / SNOWGOER. COM