2018 Snow Shoot – Denis Lavoie’s best picks
On early March, I attended my 10th Snow Shoot. Even after all those years, I am still very excited to be part of this annual meeting and to put to the test the innovations presented by the four major snowmobile manufacturers.
This year, Team Motoneiges.ca/SledMagazine.com included 6 columnists and 1 photographer. Each pilot has many years of snowmobiling experience. During our 4 days of trials, we tested and analyzed about 60 different models. Today, I will share with you my best picks for each manufacturer, which are the models that won my snowmobiler heart.
Arctic Cat
For 2018, Arctic Cat has launched its new 800 C-TEC2 engine, the big brother of the 600 C-TEC2 introduced in 2014. So, after four years of waiting, Arctic Cat replaces the Suzuki 800cc engine by a 100 % Arctic Cat engine, since this one has been designed and built by the manufacturer in his factory in St.Cloud, Minnesota.
Of course, I tested many 8000 models during my visit in West Yellowstone. Considering the altitude, a naturally aspirated engine such as the 800 C-TEC2 loses about 23 % of its power. Despite that, we noticed that the engine is more nervous at low and mid-speed than its predecessor. This is exactly where it matters the most, because, under standard usage, the engine will be operated at these speeds.
During my tests, I also noticed that the ZR models were very easy to pilot. The front end literally sticks to the trail in curves, even in aggressive riding. In fact, my colleagues have also noticed this characteristic.
Among the 16 models I tested, 2 mostly caught my attention: the ZR 9000 Sno Pro 129 and the ZR 8000 Sno Pro 137. It is obvious that the very large power and the striking accelerations of the 9000 engine pleased me a lot, but the suppleness of a lighter engine and the slightly longer track of the ZR 8000 truly conquered me. This is why my 2018 Arctic Cat best pick is the ZR 8000 Sno Pro 137.
Arctic Cat special mention
When I tested the utility snowmobiles, one model caught my attention: the brand new Norseman 6000. This utility snowmobile offers good comfort and easy steering on trail and provides good flotation to work or to tow heavy loads when needed.
The rear articulated track offers a double advantage. Effectively, it allows the snowmobile to go reverse easily in deep snow all while making easier our riding on trail. As the rear end of the track does not touch or touches just a little when the trail surface is hard, the snowmobile performs as a model with a shorter bridge. Finally, still on trails, when the surface is covered with soft snow, the traction is made all over the length of the track.
The mid-height windshield, the rear under seat storage bag, the tubular cargo rack and of course the 6000 C-TEC2 engine are other features that convinced me to give a special mention for 2018 to the Norseman 6000.
Polaris
Polaris major innovation is without a doubt the new Titan. In fact, the manufacturer sets it apart, in the extreme hybrid category. When developing the Titan, Polaris was surely aiming the North-East of the continent and more specifically, the Québec market. Effectively, when we take a closer look at the characteristics of this new lineup, it is obvious that many snowmobilers from the Province of Québec will purchase a Titan this spring or next fall.
This said I had the chance to test the Titan in early February and one month later at the Snow Shoot. On both occasions, I have been very surprised how easy it is to pilot this snowmobile. We quickly forget that the track is 50,8 cm/20 in. wide.
I definitely spent more time on the Titan XC that offered me very good comfort and enjoyable riding experience. Also, on my first time in February, it was -25 °C and I really appreciated the wind protection I got.
During the same ride, we also had the opportunity to drive the Titan with a load of more than 540 kg (1 200 lbs) at the rear. The Titan remained easy to pilot and we could easily negotiate a short circuit remaining seated.
Personally, I called this snowmobile “the swiss knife” because its pilot can achieve tough work, explore wide snowy open spaces and ride on the trail in total comfort. All this without compromise!
You guessed that my 2018 Polaris best pick is the 800 Titan XC.
Polaris special mentions
During our tests, I really liked the 800 SKS 146 and the 600 Indy SP models. Effectively, during our mountain afternoon, I piloted the 800 SKS 146 on the trail and off trail. I think that the bridge of 370,8 cm/146 in. really matches my style of riding. On the trail, the snowmobile performed well and was easy to handle. As soon as we left the icy trail, I have been able to take advantage of the flotability and lightweight of this model. Personally, I think that this is a nice addition to the Polaris lineup and I am sure that we will see many units of this model on trails and off trails next winter.
The second model that surprises me year after year is the 600 Indy SP. This snowmobile is not equipped with the latest technologies or the latest suspension or the latest chassis, but I am still very pleased to ride on trails with it. Yes, it is an entry-level model, but so pleasant to pilot. With a suggested retail price of 10 999 $ C, it is sure that the owner will get his money’s worth!
Ski-Doo
After the grand introduction in 2017 of the 850 E-TEC engine and the REV Gen4 platform, we expected for 2018 to see these major innovations taking more place in the Ski-Doo lineup. The manufacturer from Valcourt did not make us wait and we can now see the 850 engine in most of the model lineups.
Regarding one of these models that have been updated, the transition to the new platform and to the new engine went much further… I am talking here about the Renegade Backcountry 850 E-TEC.
The power and performances of the Rotax 850 E-TEC engine, the suppleness and easy riding of the REV Gen4 chassis combined with the brand new cMotion suspension make very enjoyable our rides with the Renegade Backcountry X on the trail as well as off trail.
This said the Backcountry X seduced me with both its on- and off-trail performances. This snowmobile is very well adapted to the Québec market and we should see lots of this model next season.
So, my 2018 Ski-Doo best pick is the Renegade Backcountry X 850 E-TEC.
Ski-Doo special mentions
During my tests at the Snow Shoot, two models made me hesitate and could have been chosen as my Ski-Doo favorite. I am talking about the Renegade X-RS 850 E-TEC and the Renegade X 850 E-TEC. I always had a crush on the Renegade X-RS models… Mounted on the REV Gen4 chassis and propelled by the 850 E-TEC engine, this model is really very pleasant to pilot.
On the other side, I had the chance to pilot the Renegade X 850 E-TEC during most of the 2017 season. I felt the same fun of riding on the 2018 edition. I would not hesitate to go snowmobiling over 500 or 600 kilometers every day with this model.
It has been a heart-breaking choice, but the Renegade Backcountry X 850 E-TEC remains my best pick!
Yamaha
Last season, Yamaha caused quite a stir by introducing the Sidewinder and its Genesis Turbo engine. With its 200 HP (180 HP, cautiously announced by the manufacturer), not only did Yamaha introduce the most powerful engine of the industry, but doing so, Yamaha created a new category of snowmobiles: the 190 HP and over.
For 2018, the manufacturer announces some additions, such as the SRVenture, some mountain models and the Sidewinder S-TX DX 146. Many LE models are offered in Special 50th Anniversary Style and the Apex makes its last appearance in Spring Power Surge models.
I had the chance to try about 15 models. Among those I preferred and that were my 3 nominees for my 2018 best pick, were the Sidewinder L-TX LE 50th Anniversary, the Sidewinder S-TX DX 146 and against all odds personally, the Apex LE.
The Sidewinder L-TX LE really seduced me. I had huge fun to ride it on sinuous circuits. Steering was precise and it was easy to negotiate curves. On more linear sections, I could push the throttle to the maximum without reaching its limits. This feeling of sustained acceleration is absolutely amazing.
The Sidewinder S-TX DX 146 has also caught my attention. The long track of 370,8 cm/146 in. provides a very good traction even in softer snow. On trails, this snowmobile remains easy to maneuver despite its longer bridge. Equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank of 16 liters, with a hard case at the rear, with a mid-height windshield and heated seat, the Sidewinder S-TX DX 146 allows its pilot to ride on long distances in total comfort.
The Apex LE is now equipped with the YRSS (Yamaha Responsive Suspension System). This system connects both shocks of the front suspension so that oil is transferred from one shock to the other. In turns, the YRSS reduces lateral roll effect.
Please read the following article to learn more about the YRSS system and the 2018 Yamaha lineup :
So, I had some doubts when I sat on the Apex LE. Right from the engine startup, the exhilarating and sports sound specific to the Genesis 150 engine has seduced me. In few minutes, I was again acquainted with this more traditional riding position and I put to the test the front suspension and the YRSS system. When entering a curve, I had the feeling that the front end of the snowmobile was lowering, thus making cornering easier. Both skis remained in contact with the trail, which was different from the strong tendency to ski-lift of the Apex skis.
This way, I achieved nice maneuvers in sharp bends with incredible easiness. Hum… I got caught. Was I falling for the Apex again?
After deliberation and some clean up in my mind, my choice was made. My 2018 Yamaha best pick is the Sidewinder L-TX LE 50th Anniversary.
Yamaha special mentions
You will not be surprised to know that I give special mentions to the Apex LE and to the Sidewinder S-TX DX 146.
Conclusion
The 2016-2017 season is not over yet that I am already awaiting the next season. Having tasted the 2018 models is probably the reason why. Anyway, enjoy your last snowmobiling days and take advantage of the spring promotions to visit your snowmobile dealer.
