This year I’m coming at my best picks straight on! I’m a trail guy, that’s what I do, that’s what I know and that’s what I love.
This particular article gets more difficult for me with each passing year. Part personal riding style preference, part future health of our sport, part significant new technologies, my pick criteria has often changed.
My 2016 Entree picks will be trail sleds with a side order of special recognition highlights given to other 2016 sleds of particular significance.
As you are about to read, I'm on a little 600 class high for 2016.
In past years I put my manufacturer picks in alphabetical order, this year I’ll go from Y to A.
OK?…………….. Ready?…………………..Here we go!
Yamaha
No 600cc here, but the 1049cc Genisis 4 stroke hits the mark of the 600 class just fine.
For 2016 I pick the SR Viper L-TX (137”) LE and the length, look, shocks and features are the reasons why. For 2016 I think the L-TX LE is the total Yamaha Viper package.
The 137” dual shock skid with 1.25” RipSaw II has proven traction, comfortable ride and bump absorption capabilities.
The traditional Yamaha look of the White/Red reminds me of a 1972 GP433 that I once had back when oil injection was all the rage. And the black tunnel will be a welcome change for those who have sacrificed valuable spouse or family time keeping a white tunnel clean.
I’ve never been a huge fan of the Fox air only shocks. Air pump adjustment was never easy and my pressure adjustments rarely resulted in exactly what I was searching for. I never fully grasped the combined preload/compression correlation and have become spoiled by more easily and effectively adjusted front suspensions/shocks. For 2016 this is the only Yamaha model to feature a new Fox coil over piggyback reservoir shock package featuring an easy 3 position performance adjustment. In my opinion, this shock package has the potential to return Yamaha to snowmobile shock prominence.
Yamaha SR Viper L-TX 137 LE 2016
As for included features, Yamaha performance chassis dampers front and rear, dual runner Tuner 2 skis, heated seat and goggle bag complete the upcoming L-TX LE package.
Special recognition
Let’s call it a premonition. For 2015 SledMagazine.com Test Rider Steve Gaudreau piloted a 2 up AC Pantera Limited with the longer “flatter running board” ProTour chassis. Throughout the season Steve predicted that the 146” track length in a 1-up format could be a higher performance on and off trail wolf in mild 2-up trail touring sheep’s clothing. After a whole season on this chassis this is exactly what Test Rider Steve found to be true. In 2016 Yamaha presents a unique to their brand model configuration on the same 146” chassis. With Yamaha’s 1049cc 4 stoke engine, 15”x 146”x 1.25” track, perfectly integrated hard case luggage compartment, plumbed in 4.6 gallon auxiliary fuel tank and high windshield, the SR Viper S-TX 146 DX takes long distance performance touring to an exciting new level.
Yamaha SR Viper S-TX DX 146 2016
Bonus recognition
Just so I have an impressive Yamaha for everyone, how about bonus recognition for the Yamaha purists?
While being a respected senior citizen of the current model lineups the RS Vector LE for 2016 is the best it has ever been.
The 2016 RS Vector LE includes Yamaha’s all new lighter weight Single Shot 129” rear suspension, EPS, Tuner skis, chassis dampers and premium Fox Float 3 and 3 XV shock package. At press time all 2016 129” Vectors gain exceptional versatility with Yamahas exclusive electronically controlled throttle system called YCCT. At a stopped position this system allows the rider to easily select Sport, Trail or Entry level performance modes.
Motoneige Yamaha RS Vector LE 2016
For what the Vector model has always been targeted to do within the performance parameters in which it was designed to excel, the 2016 RS Vector LE is at its absolute peak of traditional riding position and easy trail performance.
Polaris
While notably unchanged for 2016, the total renovation, innovation and excitement of last year’s massive reboot of the Rush and Switchback models is now proven premium performance which has earned the right to remain front and center.
My best trail pick is the 600 ProS Switchback. Order early and you can get one customized anyway you want it. The power, predictability and performance of the AXYS trail sleds firmly place them very high among the best of the best. The SB length offers better ride and bump qualities as well as superior Lock & Ride storage capabilities. Add a great shock package, excellent skis and high performance seat with exceptional interactive riding position and it’s an easy winner.
After 3 years riding with 800cc power I’m calling it! The Polaris Liberty Cleanfire 600 is a ready to jump “at any time” animal that offers everything that most if not all of us ever need and perfectly matched to the AXYS Chassis. I think that this 600 engine can finesse you through twisties with more precise throttle control than the 800. In our recent informal head to head experience at higher elevation the Polaris 600 was clearly the class of the 600 field in both quick burst and top end performance.
Polaris 600 Switchback Pro-S 2016
Short and sweet, for 2016 the AXYS Switchback 600 is my pick.
Special recognition
This honor absolutely goes to the all new for 2016 AXYS mountain sleds and in particular the “SKS” Snow King Special 155 model which will be warmly welcomed here in the Northeast’s deeper snow regions. The AXYS mountain sleds have the “to be consumer confirmed in 2016” promise to be the next evolution of possibly the best snowmobiles ever to make magic in the deep snow and mountains. In the same way that AXYS revolutionize Polaris’ trail performance, AXYS may now impact mountain and deep snow performance in the same major way.
Polaris 800 SKS 2016
Ski-Doo
Last year I stood out in a crowd by being all alone, when I picked an underappreciated XR 1200 model as my best “unsung” hero pick.
For 2016 the 1200 gets more than just a little BRP love and its’ “over” due with the new look of XS styling and the adjustable mode Intelligent Throttle Control across the entire 2016 model lineup. Here’s the thing, I’m not totally convinced that the ITC’s current calibration of response characteristics is ready for prime time on a performance trail sled. To my feel it seems too choppy in both acceleration and deceleration directions. Is it possible to have too much throttle response on a snowmobile? I easily concede that I have not yet had the prolonged opportunity (hundreds of miles and days) with the performance 1200 / ITC combination and such riding time may answer all. It is with this personal perception and hesitation that I resist picking the 1200 Renagade X as my best pick. I eagerly look forward to 2016 rider feedback on performance ITC.
However, I can easily give a tip of my hat to the 1200 Grand Touring SE.
Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE 1200 2016
In my opinion, the intended operating style and performance environment of this model lend themselves perfectly to the ITC and its 3 distinct performance modes. The Grand Touring has every premium feature we should expect from a first in class cruiser and is one of very few models to come standard with BRP’s new carbide depth adjustable Pilot TS ski system. For full feature, full function, full fashion it’s the 2016 1200 Grand Touring SE. If we are going touring, let’s go all the way!
Special recognition
Without any doubt my special recognition from BRP is any model that qualifies to be ordered with the effect and innovation of new Pilot TS ski option. YES….The Pilot TS is that good in offering snowmobilers a simply effective tool with which they can take personal control in making their ride the best that it can be. Trail conditions were uncharacteristically icy this March during our Snow Shoot teams’ trials of approximately 80 different snowmobiles. Steering characteristics were of particular note which made our test of the Pilot TS perfect.
Ski Pilot TS
The BRP sleds outfitted with the Pilot TS system offered significant response with minimum adjustment input. Whether you think of the Pilot TS as offering a fine adjustment in ski pressure and carbide penetration on firm trail surfaces or as offering a slightly increased keel effect in deeper snow condition, this unique ski system is the real deal.
Think about adding the Pilot TS option to qualifying 2016 models. The Pilot TS is also offered in a conversion kit for 2015 models with RAS2.
To “Twist and shout” with handling adjustment happiness all season long, I recommend the available 7” versus standard 4” TS carbide blade and a BiteHarder.com carbide runner sharpening tool.
Arctic Cat
Yep, I’m on a little high performance 600cc kick for 2016 and I’m doing it again.
In the trail the ZR 6000 Limited with the 137 slide action and its all new Fox Zero QS3 coil over piggyback shock package is just plain out awesome. Be ready to experience plenty of spirit, plenty of spunk and loads of response. This very special ZR offers the much cooler performing “new for 2016” Team Rapid response/reaction BOSS clutching, 3 easy shock clicks that can change your riding world and an exhaust sound that is certain to touch a true snowmobiler’s soul. That should be all we need to know about this wild kitty.
The slight hesitation which we noted in the first production years of the Arctic Cat produced 600 was gone and it was pure performance pleasure. Even at power robbing elevation this 600 dual stage injected C-TEC2 rocked.
However…………………………If you want or wanted it in the exciting “hard to stare directly at” neon green skin, you should or should have put your snomo coin down early , as it is only available at Spring order.
Arctic Cat ZR 6000 Limited 137 2016
For me? Thanks for asking! I prefer the Bad Black Cat look of the ZR 6000 137 Limited that is available all season long.
Special recognition
My Arctic Cat shout out goes to the redo of the Bearcat line. For 2016, function and fashion have arrived in the utility segment like we never thought possible. The Bearcat 7000 XT has it all centered around the all new purpose built ProUte WT chassis with the floatation and traction of a 20”x154”x1.375” track on the new XTRA-ACTION rear suspension with lockable articulation. Seldom have I found myself sincerely excited about a utility model, but the new Bearcat did it. With tapered ProUte 10/8 adjustable stance skis, all new Wide Range 3 easy shift transmission and increased cooling, the Bearcat XT 7000 is one impressive ride that will be difficult if not impossible to stop. This 2 up utility is the real deal. Check out the full 2016 Bearcat line in our complete Buyers Guide this coming Fall.
Greg Gilbert
Happy sledding to us all in 2016
