Depends on how long the trail ride is and how fast you like to get there. The s38 154 freeride will give you a better shock package and a bit wider stance. You’ll give up a bit of maneuverability off trail but it will still be night and day compared to what you’ve been riding.

 

I have a 17 summit 850 and love it, I bought it used but if I were buying new I think I would spring for the freeride. The shock package and resale alone I Think more than make up the price difference. Freerides prices are nuts. I bought my 17 850 summit 154x3 for less than most are asking for 2016 freerides with twice the miles and way less then 2017 800 freerides.

 

I had a 17' summit x 154 last year with some mods

This year stepped back to a Freeride 146 with some mods.....

Comparing them directly I prefer the Freeride for the stiffer chassis. Now keep in mind the 146 chassis is different than that of the 154. This is just my preference, I'm not riding in the Rockies but the 146 will go pretty much anywhere my buddies 153's and 155's will go. Regardless this is just my 0.02 hope it helps.

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Buy the summit, add whatever shocks you want. When you get ready to sell the sled put the factory shocks back on it.

 

I had a 17' summit x 154 last year with some mods

This year stepped back to a Freeride 146 with some mods.....

Comparing them directly I prefer the Freeride for the stiffer chassis. Now keep in mind the 146 chassis is different than that of the 154. This is just my preference, I'm not riding in the Rockies but the 146 will go pretty much anywhere my buddies 153's and 155's will go. Regardless this is just my 0.02 hope it helps.
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I like that set up! But I sure liked the black Summit and would love that is a Freeride. I think my biggest desire is to get the better off trail I experienced going from the XRS Renegade to my BCX 2" that I would get by going to a 154 with a 2 1/2" track. I can then add a few accessories like I want. I do agree that the shocks are important. I am trying to weight all things and can't wait for the new models to roll out. Thanks for your inputs!

 

Why not just put the 2.5” track on your backcountry? Unless your in mountains at elevation, or steep tree riding, IMHO a 154 isn’t needed. We get a ton of snow where I live and my buddies have 154’s and we go all the same places. Unless you’re in chest deep, fluffy, dry snow, there’s no advantage.

 

Why not just put the 2.5" track on your backcountry? Unless your in mountains at elevation, or steep tree riding, IMHO a 154 isn't needed. We get a ton of snow where I live and my buddies have 154's and we go all the same places. Unless you're in chest deep, fluffy, dry snow, there's no advantage.

I didn't consider that, but if the 8" length, probably 6" actually, is not a big difference, and given that I had already upgraded my shocks, as well as how much I like my BCX, that may be the smarter and cheaper way to go.

 

Riding trails you will be happier without t motion. Put a 2.25 or 2.5 if it fits on your bc and giver.

 

Going from a 146 to a 154 actually gives you 3.5" more track on the snow. Like mentioned above bolt a 2.5 on your BCX and party on. As for T-motion I used the Z-Broz t-motion delete on my sled this year and love it

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You could also put a 154 track in the BC ,use a rail extension .

 

Going from a 146 to a 154 actually gives you 3.5" more track on the snow. Like mentioned above bolt a 2.5 on your BCX and party on. As for T-motion I used the Z-Broz t-motion delete on my sled this year and love it
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Very interesting. For 3.5" gained in track to snow, I think it is a no brainer to keep the BCX that I have upgraded the shocks on, keep the cMotion and put my $ into a 2 1/2" track, save $15k and let her eat! Thanks for the input.

 

Quick question to resurrect this thread.

I see they sell a widening kit for the 2019 model year. Do you think this comes with adjustable shocks from the FR lineup??

Front Suspension Widening Kit • Adjustable width 38.4" - 40.1" (975 mm - 1,019 mm). • Includes X package shock absorbers and springs. REV Gen4 Summit & Freeride with 36" RAS 3 front suspension 860201588 $974.99

 

Not the freeride shocks just the non adjustable x shocks.

 

ah darn...there goes that plan to get around the 2019 FR colours hahha

 

I was thinking of doing the same thing still might and upgrade the shocks if needed that red looks pretty sweet

 

the summit colours are a lot better. But to upgrade the rear, the front and widen it puts the cost WAY up over a FR

 

Yeah gonna see what kind of discount my dealer will give me on the sled and parts may look at finding a leftover black 18 and build it unless the iceberg blue starts growing on me but I don't think it will

 

the iceberg is good some times I look at it and then others I am turned off

 

I like the iceberg blue, it’s different, and the Freeride is supposed to stand out. But No matter what color it is, not everyone will be happy, but I do agree, skidoo should offer an all black option for those who want the baddest sled in a neutral color.

 

They 100% should offer the FR in a second colour, especially if you make your colour TEAL

 

And then give it red accents. Who thought this would be a great combo

 

And then give it red accents. Who thought this would be a great combo

For the past couple years it's seems as thought Freeride colour has been dictated by the most popular Sea Doo colors.... these sea doos were the same model year just the preceding season.
2016 Freeride was Red and Black

2017 Freeride was Blue and Manta

2018 Freeride White and Manta

2019 Teal and Red

My Prediction for 2020

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i definitely agree on the seadoo colours matching, and yeah that would be a nice colour for the 2020's

 

If it is then it is better then 2019. I hope their sales numbers reflect a poor colour choice.

We need two colour options.

 

How hard you ride and if you do any trail riding would be the main factors between the two IMO.
I find the FR stiff/ridgid and fun on the trail (146 version) and my 154 g4 summit way better in the steep and deep. The 146 FR trenches to go steep and deep whereas my 154 doesn't have to. If I didn't ride in the steep and deep and didn't care if I was making a good trail behind me Id ride a 146 FR. I find that I can do quicker power turns in the deep with the 146 and overall a blast to drive on the flats. I stick with the summit for the added track lenght and its ability to go slow while in deep snow.