The editors of Supertrax magazine honored the real-world Terrain Domination of Polaris snowmobiles by presenting three 2012 Polaris models with Best in Class Awards.
The 800 RUSH Pro-R, the Switchback Pro-R platform – “It doesn’t matter which engine you choose here,” the editors said – and the 800 Pro-RMK were named the best in their respective classes.
The editors praised the incredible handling and great ride of the PRO-RIDE Chassis as well as the power, reliability and efficiency of the Cleanfire engines that power all of the honored models.
800 RUSH Pro-R: Best 150 hp Plus Sled
The editors selected the 800 RUSH Pro-R as the Best 150-Plus Horsepower Sled, noting that it outperformed the Ski-Doo MXZ X 800 E-TEC rMotion.
“The RUSH actually launches harder as a result of its uncoupled PRO-RIDE external shock skid and can pull the Doo past 70,” they wrote. “More than this there’s the RUSH’s amazing handling, linear turn-in, rock solid on-center feel and exceptional control in deep whoops. No one can get away from the PRO-RIDE’s bottomless feel either. The skid simply swallows huge craters and stuff you’re sure is gonna hurt, even while you’re seated.”
Switchback Pro-R Platform: Best Crossover Sleds
The editors named the Switchback Pro-R the Best Crossover Sled, and said it didn’t matter if the sled had the 600 or 800 Cleanfire engine. They compared the nimble handling of its 136″ uncoupled rear skid favorably with that of a short-track RUSH model.
“It’s not until you get into the powder you realize how good it floats and handles off-trail riding excursions,” they wrote of the Switchback Pro-R platform. “There’s some kind of subliminal thing going on when you’re riding it that inspires mystical, positive vibes, not having an extra piece of track and skid sticking out behind you. Fact is, it handles almost exactly the same as a RUSH and the rear suspension ride of Polaris’ unique PRO-RIDE setup is not only uncompromised, it’s flat-out been improved.”
800 Pro-RMK: Best Mountain Sled
The editors’ choice as Best Vertical Sled was the 800 Pro-RMK, and they said it didn’t matter if the sled had the 155″ or 163″ track. Both were excellent, they said.
“Seriously, Polaris has, by employing an absolute laser focus, taken back the mountain market with the Pro-RMK in any track length variant. This snowmobile so completely exceeds its riders expectations it is almost an understatement to say it leads in this segment.
The now bulletproof 800 [Cleanfire engine] is perfectly suited for high elevation climbing or insane highmarking as a result of the engine’s inherent, Cummins-like torque characteristics.”
Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011 sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.
Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) and Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicles accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polarisindustries.com.
