SledMagazine.com saved significant money and gave up very little!
No, our season is not yet over and we still have some Smileage remaining, but I can confidently state the following.
If it had different engine size stickers on it, I’m not sure any of the big bore snowmobilers that I rode with would have known it was a 600.
Sure, I didn’t have the big straight away punch of an 850, but in the real world of prudent top speeds and cornering performance, I was never left empty, unfulfilled, or far behind.
On the contrary, I enjoyed every exhilaration, freedom, rush, and excitement that the sport of snowmobiling offers, on a budget that was much less than an 850 powered sled (-$1,700US, -$2,000CA).
I think that the power band of the 600 actually made me a better, smoother, more precise rider.
The gray and orange SledMagazine.com Polaris XC 137 definitely stood out in any crowd. Your inputs helped us select it during Snow Check 2020. We think that you did a great job, Hats off to all who participated.
When you look back at our early and mid-season reports, you will recall that our long term trial selection of the XC 600 Cleanfire 137 was primarily focused on the following 2 rider groups.
To those 600 lovers who prefer the performance range and affordability of the 600 class. You are really on to something, the 600 Cleanfire was flawless in its season long performance. It was easy starting; smooth running with long drive belt life clutching that always offered quick response and acceleration.
To those snowmobilers who continue to buy the big and biggest motors. The Liberty 600 Cleanfire engine met all my reasonable needs and desires and exceeded my performance expectations. In my experienced based opinion, it is totally possible to do everything you love about snowmobiling with less horsepower than many of us buy.
At the end of one particular 220mi/350km day, the trail was wide and fast. It was the type of trail and conditions where you can safely let your sled stretch it legs more than a little. The kind of trail that everyone would think a horsepower shortage would be significantly highlighted.
The 600 Liberty ran with the big bores the whole day. Sure they had an occasional burst that a 600 can’t offer, but I was right there.
Near the end, I decided to reel in the leader. Through precise cornering and smooth momentum, the 600’s power band was well suited to the spirited yet prudent pace. As we came to our final stop after a long run, the leader was surprised to see whose bright white LED light was filling up his mirrors. He certainly expected a fellow big engine buddy and was quietly impressed. As we settled in at the well known Relais la Chapelle for a little end of the day camaraderie and conversation, I asked my buddy “how did it feel?”. “How did what feel?” he replied. With a satisfying smile I said “to get pushed by a 600“. He admitted his newly found appreciation of well operated 600 power and we had a nice laugh.
Obviously, I’m talking about a trail environment, and in a closed course racing environment, the 850 would certainly show its ultimate capabilities and excel.
If your ego won’t allow it, buy an 850. But if you can keep your own secret, peel off the 600 stickers and save some serious snowmobile budget. Unless you’re a lake racer, your friends may never know.
With all of the above experienced, You and I should imagine what extra exhilaration and punch the additional 10% in horsepower and 14% increase in torque, the 2021 Patriot 650 motor will offer. Check out our What does Polaris have for 2021? article.
As you have read, our 2020 trial was more about modern 600 class performance than it was about the already well known handling abilities of the AXYS XC model. Polaris has offered the benefits of long front arm suspension performance and stability since its introduction of the AXYS platform in 2015.
The marriage of AXYS and Pro CC rear skid is a very well balanced, comfortable and predictable chassis / suspension combination that handles the bumps with confidence.
Even with the evolution of chassis refinements for Polaris 2021, this chassis configuration will remain relevant and appreciated by many snowmobilers for many model years to come.
When riding at a more spirited pace on the XC, I shift my body weight forward and into the turn more than most riders. It keeps my turns extra sharp and my skis extra planted. In rapid tight turns. I imagine that I look like a monkey on a jungle gym as I move from side to side, front to back. Fortunately, SledTreds have been up to the task of my season long punishment.
My habit of pronounced movement behind the bars may not be totally necessary, but I prefer to have as much control over the vehicle as possible. Safe well executed turns are always my goal. Rule #1 is to make all the turns ON YOUR SIDE OF THE TRAIL.
For 2021 Polaris is also making rider influence and weight transfer easier with the redesign ergonomics and rider positioning of the Rider First Matryx platform. The profile and contours of Matryx were specially designed to accomplish what my active riding style now does on the Indy XC. Better more precise handling response, stability, and rider influence with less effort. Sounds like a winner, and our Snow Shoot Team loved it.
Innovation, never resting on past successes and constantly moving the bar of what’s possible is what makes the great snowmobile companies great.
Articles highlighting the many Genuine Polaris accessories that we featured on the 2020 SledMagazine.com Indy XC can be found by clicking the “All articles by” link at the top of this article.
The Liberty 600 Cleanfire engine and AXYS XC chassis and suspension were a formidable, impressive, and affordable combination for our 2020 trial. Add the potential to have the increased response of the Patriot 650 engine and enhanced rider influence of the Matryx models in 2021, and I get goosebumps all over.
A higher orbit of 600 class performance with increased control and stability, who doesn’t want that?
SNOWCHECK 2021 IS ON!
Get in there, push some buttons on Polaris.com, compare models, and select exactly what you want to ride next year. You can dream about the trail below, and the sled Polaris will be building just for you, ALL SUMMER LONG!
