2018 Backcountry X 850 E-TEC Season Review
It is with a mix of sadness and happiness that I write this end of season review of my long-term test of the 2018 Ski-Doo Renegade Backcountry X 850 E-TEC in collaboration with Mini Mécanik Sport and SledMagazine.com. I'm sad because I won't have the chance to drive this superb snowmobile anymore that I drove for more than 4800 km this season. I am happy with my first year as a test rider for the SledMagazine.com. It is now time for me to return my snowmobile to our partner so that they can sell it and pass it on to another person.
The 850 E-TEC engine combined with the REV Gen4 platform, which is in its 2nd year of production, make the Renegade Backcountry X stand out from other manufacturers. The Renegade Backcountry is a crossover model designed for both trail and off-trail driving. The platform has been developed to make one with the driver, which allows a better mass centralization. The 165 horsepower 850 E-TEC engine combined with the pDrive pulley provides a truly impressive acceleration. These features allow better control under any conditions.
In off-trail driving, I was greatly surprised by the deep snow flotation. The RAS-3 front suspension, narrower ski distance than a trail snowmobile, as well as the new C-motion suspension specially designed for this type of snowmobile, will allow you to get off-trail without too much effort. The new C-motion suspension is a mix between the T-motion, on off-trail models, and the R-motion on trail snowmobile. This suspension allowed me to ride comfortably on rougher trails. It is efficient in deep snow and has a very good transfer that helps you to get out of difficult situations. It's a winning combination that gives you the best of both worlds on a single snowmobile. Other features borrowed from the off-trail snowmobile are the open toe-hold, there are also minimalist controls and the grab handlebar that allow you to have a better hand position in intense off-trail riding. I really enjoyed driving that snowmobile off the trail.
On the trail, the profiled seat and the Ergo-Step panels make it easier to move from left to right to better take curves in sporty driving. The C-motion suspension makes it possible to ride comfortably in uneven paths, this comfort comes mainly from the characteristics of the R-motion. The position of the controls in trail riding is a bit unpleasant, as you will have to let go of the handlebars to change the intensity of the headlights and to adjust the heated thumb and handles. It's a compromise to make since it's a crossover snowmobile. Only one thumb and handle heat intensity first worried me, but the calibration between thumb and handle heat is very well done. The intensity of the headlight is not the most powerful in the industry. Luckily, Ski-Doo offers the optional D.E.L. auxiliary headlight. The low windshield gives a sporty look and the handguards protect well from the wind in colder weather. For a crossover snowmobile, ergonomics and trail comfort are still very good.
Fuel and oil consumption is very reasonable for a snowmobile of this power, it is about 20 miles per gallon or 14 liters per hundred kilometers depending on conditions. In terms of oil consumption, it is higher during the running-in period, but it stabilized at around 2 liters per 500 km. So far with more than 4800 km, I had no mechanical problems. For the drive belt, there is no sign of weakness there. Improvements made to the pulley and belt guard for a better ventilation demonstrate that designers are improving their product year after year. The key to keeping a drive belt as efficient as possible is to do a good running-in period during the first few rides and to clean the excess dust in the pulley and drive systems regularly.
In general, I am very satisfied with this crossover snowmobile, it is really pleasant to drive especially off-trail. Thanks to this long-term test, I discovered a new passion for off-trail driving, this snowmobile responds very well to my new needs half trail, half off-trail.
I would like to say a huge thank you to our new partner in 2018 Mini Mécanik Sport of Rimouski for the long-term test of the 2018 Ski-Doo Renegade Backcountry X 850 E-TEC and to SledMagazine.com. I hope that the partnership will continue in 2019 for the long-term test of a brand new model. Follow us on SledMagazine.com for all the latest news on the 2019 models and to read about our partnership agreements for the next season trials.
Have a nice summer!
