First impressions are almost always synonymous with the initial excitement and break-in period of any new snowmobile. Significant differences evolve in all new snowmobiles as we move away from the first miles.
The Modern Break-In Period
In the past, break-in periods were more in the control, choices and desires of the rider. Today’s snowmobiles override our personal instincts or choices with predetermined, programmed electronic control over the majority of the break-in process. Indeed, higher consumption of fuel and oil, timing restrictions, and even shock reactions all progressively improve as it progresses.
I always find it interesting, even humorous, that many high-profile riders with limited seat time on a new sled (usually still within the break in period) impart great wisdom and make broad proclamations and conclusions about performance.
Maybe I’m just a little slow, but it takes me hundreds, even thousands of miles to conclude with what I really feel. I guess that is why I’m a long-term trial test rider. It just takes me longer. Even during the break -in period, my early rides revealed things that are undeniable about the 2025 Patriot 9R Switchback Assault.
Expectations, Realities and Surprises
With new snowmobile prices at record levels, no-extra-charge convenience features add up to much appreciated added value. A few conveniences of note that are standard on almost all 2025 Polaris models are:
- The backup starting capability of a new and improved pull start.
- An easily accessible trickle charge port
- The pre-installed helmet visor outlet
A Patriot 9R Tip Off
Polaris introduced a golden headlight accent unique to all Patriot 9R-powered snowmobiles and their six projector beams of NightBlade headlight visibility. It’s like a subtle message that says this is no ordinary snowmobile.
Fuel Consumption
At the 1,000-mile (2,200 km) stage of my 2025 Patriot 9R Switchback Assault trial, early fuel economy surprised me the most. Even during the early break-in period, the efficient use of fuel was exceptionally impressive. For an engine with this calibre, I expected a greater level of consumption. While those purchasing this level of performance aren’t usually concerned about fuel milage, this is a pleasant surprise.
During several long-distance “prudent speed” runs, I have achieved results of over 16 mi/gal. That’s some serious attainable fuel range at rational speeds, in my opinion! I’ve read other opinions regarding the Patriot 9R’s consumption, but this was my early and repeated experience. I’m certain that this outcome will fluctuate significantly under more powerful performance choices.
The Anticipation of Raw, Radical, Ridiculous Patriot 9R Power.
The quick-reaction power of the Patriot 9R engine was immediately very apparent to me. However, an unexpected and welcome surprise has been how adaptable and smooth the 9R factory-mod power has been. While the 9R’s upper-end capabilities are seemingly limitless, it has exhibited the capacity for very smooth and well-behaved slow speed and trail manners. No aggressive or high-engagement clutching characteristics at lower speeds, just a smooth and unlimited pull to never, never land. It almost leaves you wishing for a more radical and nasty exhaust note.
As the break-in process progressed, I found that the 2025 Switchback Assault became gradually more responsive. The power delivery and response got smoother, it rolled more freely, and it wasn’t ridged as much in its suspension reactions. Even the Matryx Stealth Brake system became more responsive, offering a more precisely modulated braking control with a lighter touch. Indeed, all the systems and components of my snowmobile just seemed to find their operating range and meld together into a complete package of integrated balance of performance. It just kept getting better and better.
Walker Evans Racing Velocity Shock Package
These are no ordinary shocks, and, at this early stage of my trial, they have performed flawlessly. As mentioned earlier, both the Matryx front suspension and the uncoupled IGX 146 rear suspension of my 2025 Switchback Assault became more compliant and responsive to adjustment the more I rode with it.
Shock Adjustability
The adjustability of the Walker Evans Racing Velocity shocks is, in my opinion, just right. It has five levels of easily accessed adjustability. Each level is usable and effective in meeting any conditions. Not 3 clicks, not 20 clicks, 5 clicks of effective adjustment. Somebody finally got it right… strong work!
I found that I could easily adjust my 2025 Patriot 9R Switchback Assault to become an unexpectedly comfortable ride. From firm to soft, a quick and easy adjustment makes it happen.
Miscellaneous Patriot 9R Switchback Assault Observations
I chose the 1.6 Cobra Track on my 2025 Patriot 9R Switchback Assault. I think this track is a perfect choice for any snowmobiler who operates primarily on trails, but wants the confidence and enjoyment of off-trail experiences. Indeed, it provides significantly increased acceleration and braking capabilities while effectively releasing energy in cornering without inducing a ski lift effect. The 1.6 Cobra track will provide stability while still offering functional traction in deeper snow conditions.
I’m typically more of an on-trail than an off-trail kind of rider, and I would not have expected the 1.6 Cobra track to perform so well on the trail. I’ve also consistently experienced that Polaris snowmobiles with the IGX 146 rear suspension perform extremely well on the trail. Due to the tipped rear rail design of the IGX 146, they perform as well as or better than most 137-inch models. A Polaris uncoupled IGX 146 rear suspension with a 1.6 Cobra track? You might not think of it as a high-performing trail combination, but you should!
Another one of my expectations was that starting a factory-mod 9R with the included pull start would require significant effort. However, during moderate morning temperatures, my experience was that the engine pulled over and came to life surprisingly easily. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to give it a try at -18 ºF (-28 ºC). Sadly, that original ease-of-pull starting was a thing of the past. It required four to five painfully slow pulls, and the electric start even groaned quite a bit. I still think this is a nice backup system to have.
My Ongoing Trial of the 2025 Patriot 9R Switchback Assault
At this stage of my long-term trial of this 2025 Patriot 9R Switchback Assault, I’m certain of one thing: the “Patriot 9R” graphics on the side of any Polaris snowmobile are a ticket to the thrills and excitement of unrivalled naturally aspirated power… at sea level. I’m not sure why I would select the turbo-powered Patriot Boost’s complexities or 30 extra pounds over the Patriot 9R.
The 2025 Polaris Patriot 9R Switchback Assault is an incredibly well-balanced snowmobile with very well-rounded “gentle-giant” manners. Overall, I continue to find the Patriot 9R Switchback Assault to be smoother and more comfortable than expected. It offers sensations of being tame, but make no mistake about it. This is one extremely responsive and potent snowmobile. Go ahead, touch it with your thumb!
This snowmobile is definitely a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Ride right, ride safely, and enjoy all of the people, places, and moments that the rest of the 2025 season has to offer.
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