I have ridden both quite a bit. Both have their pluses and minuses. Here is my most important suggestion. Borrow a SWT and put some miles on it to see how your hips hold up. That is my main issue with the SWT or I would own one. About 95% of my riding is ice fishing and pulling stuff. I have a 2020 EXPY LE with a 600 etec and 20 inch track with wide ski skins. I do not find my sled tippy at all. The wide skis help the front end. Both would be an excellent choice.

 

Hey there. Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I don't know many folks who own either and my dealership has no 2022 sleds around for a test ride. I've sat on both and don't thing the stance would bother me either way.

Would you be willing to share the pros and cons of both? I'm wondering if a wt would actually feel sporty compared to the swt.

 

I have the Gen 4 exp LE 900 ace but for type of riding you do the swt is so much better in snow and for towing that said I would buy the 600 r etech for the slush and deep snow ability and not to forget the pull start option, lighter and simpler

 

I personally think a wt would feel more playful than swt in the snow due to the fact that rolling a swt in the snow would take considerable more driver imputes due to the width alone.i can use my wt skandic like a summit due to the front end width alone but like I said it requires more input than a 16" wide summit does. I really don't think you would be disappointed with the ability of the wt at all. another downside to the swt in my area is the turning radius with the wider track.

 

Are you riding a 900 ACE?

 

You would just have to try them both because with everyone imagining you and your situation it's like teaching someone how to drive a truck out of a textbook. I had both and one gets around better in deep snow, and the other is nimbler.

 

I am in northern Ontario as well. I have used the swt and as a guy in my late 50’s I found the swt had a mind of its own, once it tipped to one side you had to be very nimble and strong to get it back on track. I have a wt and it gets me everywhere even when working.
something to consider.

 

Folks,

Debating between a WT or SWT for a 900 Ace Skandic SE.

Mainly using the sled for breaking trail in the woods (Northern Ontario, usually 3-4 feet of snow, sometimes more), icefishing and maintaining large property. I will occasionally tow a small groomer (drag) around a few km of trails, and I want to tow a sleigh with a few people in it to bring them to hikes at different places on the property.

You got much better floatation with the SWT in deep snow with extra weight on the sled, mind you the WT's are capable sleds also, the riding comfort is not so good for travelling long distances, if your ok with that i'd say the SWT is the sled for you

 

I've put lots of miles on both and as stated before at 5'8" tall my hips would get sore after a 20 or so mile ride on the SWT. My opinion is they are both very capable in the snow, i really don't feel one is better than the other. You can throw the WT around a little better than the SWT. However I do find the SWT pulls slightly better than the WT, with the WT still being very capable. They are both great machines and I don't feel you will be disappointed with either.

 

Is 5'8" too short to ride the swt? Is that why hip gets sore?

 

I ride both a WT and an SWT on a daily basis for work. The SWT has better traction if you're pulling heavy loads all the time. The SWT also as better flotation in soft snow. If you're a part time groomer and part time play, I agree the WT will do a great job, and yes it is more playful. Both, however, are excellent workhorses.

 

78 yikes!!!
tough as nails, they don't make 'em like you anymore 08!!

 

Some excellent responses in here.

Other than for "Sporting around" the SWT does everything better than the WT. The only real concern here is whether your body type matches with the SWT tunnel width as has been stated. Trying/sitting on one if you can, otherwise maybe borrow the stirrups from a delivery room for a few hours LOL

 

Your Right>>>>>Couple years ago I sat on a SWT and I am like this is not going to work for me>>>>>Felt like I was sitting on a Budweiser Work Horse>>>>>> But my expy WT I am just fine>>>>

 

You get used to the SWT seat quickly, I did anyway.

 

I just completed my first season on a SWT. Previous 6 years were on a WT.
Here are my thoughts
1. I did not notice any real difference in feel going to WT from 16 ' wide tunnel. I noticed a much bigger difference going to SWT
2. I think G4 feels wider than XU due to location of brake and gearbox.
3. If you feel some discomfort, it will be at end of day, just sitting on it for a few minutes wont tell you much.
4. Riding style makes a difference. The more you move around, the less you notice the width, comfort wise.
5. I did feel a little sore after one of my multi day rides, but nothing serious. I'm about 5'10" with relatively short inseam.

 

Agree with Doug there, my wife is 5'6" and for short runs, around town, 45kms to the cabin....etc she prefers the SWT, the gen4 SWT i hav't drove i suspect they are more comfortable than the XU yet due to the higher seat

 

Drove a SWT for about an hour and I felt like I needed to get a jock-strap. Legs apart and the business just slaps around. LOL

 

Is the OP still around? He rides in same area I will be, for same sort of stuff, and I wonder how he made out or how he decided