I got to ride my first Boost last weekend and was going to make a post about it. The above sums it up really well. The polaris feels like an old tech 2 stroke with a turbo on it but it hits different and its louder, smokes, etc like mentioned. The 850 Etec turbo is just a masterpiece in run quality and smoothness when you ride the two back to back.

 

Nice, thanks 👍

 

Excellent, well written write up. Thanks.

 

Doesn’t the Comp have KYB 40’s out back? Not 36’s?

 

Comps have 36s in the back?

I like how Polaris thinks it’s perfectly fine to still be fouling plugs after having fuel injection for 35 years

 

I believe the Comps have 40’s out back.

 

Good comparison between Poo & Doo in general. Poo has the better GPS / front end and literally every other category (rear susp, quality, etc) goes to Doo. It’s like comparing a BMW to a Chevy Malibu.

Doo = BMW
Poo = Chevy
Cat = Ford

 

Yamaha = Ram with the 5.7?

 

Sorry might be 40's just didn't want to insinuate they were coated... because they are not.

 

The Lester Boys from Snowtrax agree with the original posters ideas on these two sleds as well.

 

The Lester Boys did that review last year in Yellowstone at the Snowshoot. Lets wait to hear what they say about actual production units at sea level. They didnt even line them up while they were there. Other Publications did and it didnt go well for the Comp.

 

They did…they compared the two, came out about a week ago. They picked the Comp.

 

I own both a Polaris 850 Boost VR-1 129 and a Ski-Doo MXZ XRS 850 Turbo R Competition, (also an Assault boost, and a std 850 XRS doo) but I want to be honest and transparent as my comparison of these two sleds. Trying to take any brand loyalty out I made another comparison, this is the closest analogy I can see.

Car 1: 0-60 3.4 seconds, 0-100 7.4 seconds, 0-150 19.2 seconds, ¼ mile 11.4@124 mph, braking 70-0 137 feet, 100-0 262 feet, skid pad 1.17G

Car 2: 0-60 3.3 seconds, 0-100 7.5 seconds, 0-150 18.2 seconds, ¼ mile 11.4@124 mph, braking 70-0 133 feet, 100-0 262 feet, skid pad 1.16G

As you can see the cars perform almost identically in every regard. If you only looked at them through stats you would maybe even think they are the same car. But they are not, they are completely different animals. Car 1 is a fire-breathing, supercharged V-8, rumbling tire scorching 2024 Camaro ZL1, an awesome car, makes the hair stand on end, I would love to have this car no doubt true American muscle. (last year of production btw) and commands a price of over $76,000. Car 2 is a refined German Porsche 911 with a naturally aspirated flat 6 containing technology to rev to a 9000-rpm red line, and exotic materials and craftsmanship which drives the price north of $197,000.
I’ve never had the chance to drive a Porsche of this level, but have had a few chances at driving a ZL1, it is awesome, and I believe the Porsche would be too. This is my comparison of my Polaris VR-1 Boost, and my Ski-Doo MXZ XRS Competition Turbo 850R. The Polaris is awesome, it screams high performance snowmobile, its classic two stroke sound and bark are real, its bold styling and 7S gauge are fantastic, it handles great, and does everything it should do. It does however have some shortcomings, it is dirty (smoky stinky) it is noisy, the suspension quality of ride is good not great and the std shock package is adequate at best. The overall fit and finish is nice, but not exotic or world class, combined with continued recalls culminating in a “stop ride or sale” notice which we are still awaiting a resolution to (this is absolutely criminal). The Ski-Doo is refined, power delivery is completely different from the Polaris, it is clean running (once out of break-in) quiet and smooth. The Etec is efficient and immediate with response and delivery. The styling is great, I think it’s a beautiful sled, but in my opinion, it’s not as striking or “tough looking” as the Polaris. The Guage and technology are similar, but I would give the edge to the Polaris, but the ride quality on the Ski-Doo is unquestionably superior, it is smoother, quieter, warmer and has less vibration, it is considerably more refined. The body pieces fit together with much tighter tolerance and the quality of materials used seems to be much higher, add into that the ICE injection, Brembo Brake, Kashima Coated Pro-40 KYBs up front and KYB 36’s out back on the R-Motion skid, launch control, all added to that ETEC Direct injection, and it becomes clear which sled is my favorite.

Stock the sleds ran absolutely identical once a little attention was given to the clutching on both, (both were absolutely horribly clutched from the factory) now they are both pump gas tuned and we are awaiting more snow to determine that outcome.
Here is the one big thing, when looking at this comparison it’s easy to understand the higher quality of the Porsche vs the Chevy based on the price tag. But I actually paid more for the Boost than the Comp, and with that factored, that makes this a no contest in favor of the Doo.

Interested to hear how they compare now that you have tuned there clutching. Nice write up. How does the new brake on the ski doo compare to the polaris brake? Assuming you have both sleds suspensions dialed in how do the 2 compare steering and turning cornering? What skis and carbides on them?

 

Interested to hear how they compare now that you have tuned there clutching. Nice write up. How does the new brake on the ski doo compare to the Polaris brake? Assuming you have both sleds suspensions dialed in how do the 2 compare steering and turning cornering? What skis and carbides on them?

I will answer as best I can (as we have only had one trail ride for 300 miles)... Ski Doo brake is a step up from what it was, and we love the adjustable lever. The Polaris brake is still the king in our opinion... I believe that is because its on the jackshaft, not the drive shaft??? It just feels like there is a little more modulation... and as always with a Polaris brake, some audible feedback that seems to play into my Psyche. Both suspensions are set up as far as sit in, and transfer. The Comp suspension is the best non smart shock sled I've ridden bar none. The Polaris front end is good (Especially with the stage 4 Elkas on it) but not better than the Doo's and the R-motion is the king in the rear. I was afraid the Comp would struggle in the small studders, but that is not the case at all. On both Sleds at that ride we had the stock skis, the Polaris had HRP profile runners with plates and drove fantastic. Doo had Pilot X skis with Bergstrom Triple points with stock moved to outside and I also had no complaints other than the common occasional out side carbide grab and twitch. Now the comp is fitted with DS-2's with HRP profiles... will report back.

 

I just do not care what a magazine reviewer has to say about a sled, they talk in circles. I respect Drew00 review more than the lesters. They earn a living to please the masses. The only way to know about a different brand is to try one out.

 

I appreciate the OPs thoughts owning both.

 

I own both too, they both are great sleds. I would not be able to sleep if either one left my possession.

My Boost is ~240hp and expect it to be closer to 300 soon

 

Which sled wins in a 1/4 mile race head to head ?

 

Both

 

My experience. Both stock they are pretty much dead even now that the Comp is broke in. Only thing from a dig the Boost hooks and gone. When we roll race they are side by side. Traction is key with the Doos.

 

The Comp wastes a ton of energy spinning. I kind of wonder if something like 27/45 gears would make it both quicker and faster.

 

What gears come in the comp?

 

27/49

 

Some good head to heads at around 19:00mij.

 

The Comp gets spanked on every race basically

 

Comp sits way too high up compared to Boost. Should have offered an X package for guys who still like some lake running. I’m sure it could be made faster with some changes.

 

I've got 26/45 in mine. Only problem is I've never had a chance to ride it.

 

Just wondering how that would work with the bigger 9 tooth drivers? Had that in my 21 XRS, and really liked it better than the stock 25/45, but that sled had smaller 8 tooth drivers. The Comp is a whole different animal from a normally aspirated XRS 850..especially with the 9 tooth drivers.