NOTES

Sled : 2024 Ski-Doo Summit Adrenaline with Edge Package 600R E-TEC Engine : 599.4cc liquid-cooled , direct injected two-stroke twin Front suspension : RAS 3 with KYB 36 shocks and Pilot DS 3 skis Rear suspension : tMotion X with KYB 36 shocks and 16- by 154- by 2.5-inch PowderMax Light track

BY T . J . KROB

SCRAPPY : Sure , it was down on horsepower compared to most popular iron , but it was fun to prove it could go wherever the big dogs went .

TIP IT : The Edge package keeps the FlexEdge track and the pivoting tMotion X rear that offer ease of tilting but a less connected feel than the rigid tMotion XT setup .

TRADEOFF : The short tunnel and tiny snowflap help prevent deep snow drag , but keep an eye on the engine temperature .

Winter in Montana ( and everywhere it seems ) was a bit late in arriving last season . Only a few random storms produced enough white fluff for playing aboard the 2024 Ski-Doo Summit Adrenaline with Edge Package 600R E-TEC 154 during early and mid-season . However , late winter and spring snow made our season come alive , meaning our time behind the handlebar increased dramatically .

Not seeing the 600R powerplant in a REV Gen5 Summit platform in 2023 was a puzzler , but we know lower-volume , small-bore sleds become a lower priority when a brand is worried about parts supplies during a first-year chassis . We also know that Ski-Doo was likely trying to drive demand to its more profitable big-bore sleds .

That said , we were happy to see a 600R Summit in the 2024 lineup . Such sleds are a steller choice for riders of all ages and skill levels , and are also great for rental fleets .

At its core , our 600R Summit was a mini version of the Summit Adrenaline Edge 850 E-TEC . It sported the same 34-inch adjustable ski stance , Pilot DS 3 skis , tilting tMotion rear skid and LED lights , all contained in the Rev Gen5 platform .

The 600R model wasn ’ t available with 3-inch lugs , though , so the 16- by 154- by 2.5-inch PowderMax Lite with FlexEdge propelled our buggy through the snow .

Right out of the box , this Summit was a lightweight and fun steed that was more than capable on all riding days . Some spring rides saw more depth than in the scant early season , which let us test it in both fluffier pow and heavier , deep snow .

There were a few times that the 125-horsepower mill didn ’ t let this Summit run with the big dogs straight up a hill , but doing more with less is a rewarding experience of its own . Taking indirect lines and getting creative when scrounging for traction in particularly techy sections made us think like a snowbiker sometimes and transformed riding into a fun challenge again versus just powering through everything .

Our 600R E-TEC twin ran flawlessly all season , including during break-in , cold starts and on cool and warm riding days . We did , though , perform a few clutching changes to bring peak RPM up to the 8,200 range . We found that clicker adjustments weren ’ t quite enough to make it pull with solid ground speed ; instead it just became pipey-feeling . So we installed custom lightened pin weights and the machine came alive with more pull at all speeds , even at 9,000 feet of elevation in deep fluff .

Since the Adrenaline Edge packs two sets of LinQ brackets , adding a BCA LinQ tunnel bag was a no brainer for carrying extras , like spare gloves , snacks and tools .

We also affixed a set of handguards we had lingering in the garage for some wind protection on chilly days .

Sticking with the handlebar , the Expert ’ s 165 mm riser block was a bit much . An intermediate 140 mm height helped , but the optional 120 mm riser kept the rider low and ready for combat .

Late season rides in marginal snow where the snowpack had frozen overnight made the reversible scratchers work overtime . It may be due to the short flap and tunnel , but this 600 Summit wanted to run a bit warmer than the larger bore 850 E-TEC or 850 E-TEC Turbo R sleds we rode with . Managing temperatures required more frequent stops to auger the rear into the snow or to kick fresh powder to the cooler .

Overall , the 6-hundo Summit Adrenaline Edge was a fun machine . It didn ’ t wear us out by the end of the day , and we could be more liberal with the throttle and not have it rear up and try to crawl out from under us like an angry , fire-breathing stallion .

The sled felt light , ran light and was a miser on fuel . And even on heavy snow days where loads are high , the engine sipped oil compared to the other machines . We were blessed to have had one for a full season and encourage those in the market to check out the Summit Adrenaline with Edge Package – even with 600ccs .

46 / NOVEMBER 2024 / SNOWGOER . COM