I will preface this by saying I purchased a 2023 MXZ Blizzard 850 and it was a blast to ride this winter! I am also keeping it for next winter, but was looking to get back to a 600-class sled again. The 850 is a fantastic motor, but to be honest, it is more power than I can reasonably manage on the trails that I typically ride. An MXZ 600 is probably the sled that should be my primary ride for the future, but when I was thinking about what I really wanted in a sled, the scale was tipped to Polaris.
It came down to a MXZ-X 600 package and an Indy VR1 650, and here is why I opted for the VR1:
1. The front end and balance of the Polaris in the corners is reportedly better and lighter than Skidoo. I have learned to manage the heavier feeling of the Doo front end, but I wish it was not so much work. I have owned 3 other Polaris brand motorcycles (Victory and Indian) that were so well balanced, they become part of you when navigating in turns and corners. It sounds like the sleds are engineered with the same type of a rider balance minded approach.
2. The 650 is built to have more low-to-mid speed range torque, with a little more HP over the 600R, and I have not been a fan of the jerkiness of the 600R at low speeds. The Polaris 650 is reportedly very smooth. The 600R has lots of power, but for people who want a little more (but don't want the 850), a 670 or 700 motor would have hit a sweet spot. Skidoo has not responded to the Polaris 650 yet, so no other options with them.
3. Polaris seems to have figured out their hand warmers better than Skidoo, especially with their auto sensing system. I also hate the new left side control block of Skidoo and the new thumb/grip warmers are a pain for trying to regulate. I should not have to think so much about the hand warmers, so I am looking forward to the smart warmers system.
4. The 7S display is exactly what I want for GPS function, the right size screen for easy viewing, it is positioned higher up in the dash area for better vision alignment with eyes on the trail, and from what I have seen, is also easy to navigate between the display functions. When looking at the new 10" Skidoo display, it sits down lower, kind of behind the handlebars, the GPS function must be connected to a phone, and you can only use the BRP GO mapping. The 10" display is only offered with the 850 or 900 turbos, which is disappointing for those riders who choose a 600 sled. I have also been a fan of the Ride Command App on my phone for the past few years.
5. Polaris offered a 3 year warranty!
I realize I am taking a chance with the Polaris (due to concerns about reliability), and it is more expensive than a Skidoo (apples to apples on features), but Polaris is offering key things that appeal to me for what want in a sled at this point of my life. I am also keeping my Skidoo because I know and trust their reliability, and because I am still a big Skidoo fan. In some ways it was hard to make a decision to choose a different brand, as I have been a passionate and loyal Skidoo rider for a long time. This time around, Skidoo simply was not offering enough of the right things for me to spend $15-$17K on a new sled with them. Just thought I would share my journey and will comment on comparisons next winter. No matter what, I am excited to try something different!
It came down to a MXZ-X 600 package and an Indy VR1 650, and here is why I opted for the VR1:
1. The front end and balance of the Polaris in the corners is reportedly better and lighter than Skidoo. I have learned to manage the heavier feeling of the Doo front end, but I wish it was not so much work. I have owned 3 other Polaris brand motorcycles (Victory and Indian) that were so well balanced, they become part of you when navigating in turns and corners. It sounds like the sleds are engineered with the same type of a rider balance minded approach.
2. The 650 is built to have more low-to-mid speed range torque, with a little more HP over the 600R, and I have not been a fan of the jerkiness of the 600R at low speeds. The Polaris 650 is reportedly very smooth. The 600R has lots of power, but for people who want a little more (but don't want the 850), a 670 or 700 motor would have hit a sweet spot. Skidoo has not responded to the Polaris 650 yet, so no other options with them.
3. Polaris seems to have figured out their hand warmers better than Skidoo, especially with their auto sensing system. I also hate the new left side control block of Skidoo and the new thumb/grip warmers are a pain for trying to regulate. I should not have to think so much about the hand warmers, so I am looking forward to the smart warmers system.
4. The 7S display is exactly what I want for GPS function, the right size screen for easy viewing, it is positioned higher up in the dash area for better vision alignment with eyes on the trail, and from what I have seen, is also easy to navigate between the display functions. When looking at the new 10" Skidoo display, it sits down lower, kind of behind the handlebars, the GPS function must be connected to a phone, and you can only use the BRP GO mapping. The 10" display is only offered with the 850 or 900 turbos, which is disappointing for those riders who choose a 600 sled. I have also been a fan of the Ride Command App on my phone for the past few years.
5. Polaris offered a 3 year warranty!
I realize I am taking a chance with the Polaris (due to concerns about reliability), and it is more expensive than a Skidoo (apples to apples on features), but Polaris is offering key things that appeal to me for what want in a sled at this point of my life. I am also keeping my Skidoo because I know and trust their reliability, and because I am still a big Skidoo fan. In some ways it was hard to make a decision to choose a different brand, as I have been a passionate and loyal Skidoo rider for a long time. This time around, Skidoo simply was not offering enough of the right things for me to spend $15-$17K on a new sled with them. Just thought I would share my journey and will comment on comparisons next winter. No matter what, I am excited to try something different!
...to each their own!
