The big question is this: How much power do you really need?
Sure, a lot of snowmobile shoppers would argue, “If you’re in for a penny, you’re in for a pound”; meaning if you’ve got your wallet out, why go for a 95-130 horsepower sled if you can spend a few more bucks and get a 160-200-hp one?
The hard truth is this – and it’s challenging to get power-hungry buyers to fully understand what we’re proposing here – not everyone wants or most certainly, needs more than the 130-hp ceiling this line-up offers.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular (and largest selling) trail sleds that fall splat into the middle of the power wars.
2021 POLARIS INDY XC 600: Max Performance At A Killer Price!
Polaris decided to double down on Indy offerings this year despite introducing the new MATRYX models.
We say… why not? This AXYS-based Indy represents the best of the best – up until this year.
It features, as mentioned, the AXYS platform in 129 and 137-inch track lengths with coupled Pro-CC skid-frames and Walker Evans compression and rebound adjustable piggyback shocks.
This is an excellent combo of handling and ride and to get anything better you have to go back to Polaris and look at the new MATRYX.
The SDI (Semi Direct Injected) 600 twin is the only noticeable shortcoming here – and only because the new Patriot 650 is so good!
With the 600 you’re getting less torque but a very strong running twin capable of running with the competition’s 600s and one that has been proven durable over more than a decade.
Track choices are abundant – everything from a 1.25 to a 1.35 to a 1.5-inch lug depth in either length, and choices with Ice Ripper studs, too.
Basically, the upgrade from the 600 SP to the XC 600 gives you a very premium WE adjustable shock package and better gauges. Everything else matches up pretty closely.
If you’re still shopping this year, and can find any new sleds at all, we’d advise you to look closely at a price comparison between the Ski-Doo Renegade X and MX-ZX versus the XC and also Arctic Cat’s 6000 Limited versus the XC.
You’ll find Polaris’ pricing on this sled is pretty incredible considering the equipment list is nearly the same as those competitors.
