A Week of Testing, A Moment of Clarity
After spending a full week in West Yellowstone riding every new 2026 sled model, I could get my hands on, tweaking setups, taking notes, and trying not to wreck myself in the process, I ended my journey the only way that made sense: by throwing a leg over a Lynx Shredder RE 3900 and seeing if it still felt like home.
And let me tell you—it absolutely did.
Lynx made some notable refinements to their 2026 Shredder lineup, but the real question is: are these changes game-changing, or just minor tweaks? And more importantly, is it worth upgrading?
Let’s break it down.
2026 Shredder RE 3700 Turbo
A Wild animal at Its Finest
The 2026 Shredder RE 3700 Turbo was the first sled I hopped on at ShowShoot MY26. The shorter 3700 m track was perfect for the snow conditions we had in Montana on day one. Let’s be real, if I had an unlimited budget, this sled would already be part of my personal lineup. I would park it next to my 2022 Boondocker DS 3900 and my 2023 Shredder RE 3900 Turbo. It would complete my Lynx Collection with a “Spring SENDER”/short track unit.
The 2026 Shredder RE 3700 Turbo is a beautiful mix of wild and controlled. It delivers turbocharged power in a machine that’s shockingly stable considering how crazy it can get. The already-proven-solid skid geometry combined with the PPS³ DS rear suspension and the LFS-DS front suspension makes for a ridiculously smooth ride, whether you’re bombing through rough, bumpy trails or setting up for a tight re-entry between trees. The updated running boards position the rider closer to the handlebars, making this sled feel even more natural underfoot.
The 2026 Shredder RE 3700 Turbo shines really shines through the details. The KYB PRO 40 EA-3 Kashima shocks, considered the gold standard for smooth landings, keep everything feeling dialled no matter how aggressive or ballsy you get. The 64 mm PowderMax track on the 3,700 provides the flotation you need, without “flying lugs” that can occur when going too fast on the trail. You can dance with it, as if it is an extension of yourself, all season long. Add in premium LED headlights, a 4.5-inch digital display, or an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen, and the adjustable brake lever, and you’re looking at a luxury-level shredder, straight out of the factory!
This sled is exactly what you want if you live for high-energy, technical riding, yet still want something stable enough to handle under tracks, hard-packed surprises, and trails at high speeds.
Would I buy it?
Hell yes! But financially, it looks as if I’ll be admiring it from a distance… for now. 🙃
2026 Shredder DS 3900 Turbo: The Disciplined Twin
If the RE is the rowdy party animal, the 2026 Shredder DS 3900 Turbo is the calculated, precision-driven sibling who still knows how to have a good time… just with a little more control.
This year’s biggest upgrade to the DS model comes from its redesigned chassis and refined rail geometry. These changes make the sled feel more planted, allowing it to navigate steep climbs, sidehills, and tight tree runs with confidence. The front end stays glued to the snow thanks to improved weight distribution, and the skid adjustments make the ride feel even more controlled.
The 2026 Shredder DS has the PPS³ DS rear suspension and LFS-DS front suspension. Paired with KYB 36 Plus Kashima shocks, the ride feels more refined than wild. The 76 mm PowderMax X-Light track allows this sled to dig into the snow without feeling sluggish. While it may be lighter, it is just as aggressive as its RE counterpart. The RE Package also gets the same premium LED headlights, touchscreen options, and SHOT starter as the RE. This way, you’re not missing out on any modern tech.
The 2026 Shredder DS 3900 Turbo is the machine for riders who prioritize stability over unpredictability. While I prefer the playful chaos of the RE, I can’t deny that it handles deep snow and technical terrain like a dream. It’s the Shredder for riders who want precise control over power—and I respect that.
2026 Shredder RE 3900 Turbo: The Evolution of a Legend
By the end of my week, I needed to hop on one last sled to remind me where I truly belong. The moment I fired up the 2026 Shredder RE 3900 Turbo, I knew this was it.
This sled takes everything that was already fantastic about the RE and levels it up with all the “small things” it truly needed. First, the revamped running boards make the sled feel more connected to the rider, like an extension of the self. And the new ski design has finally achieved the perfect balance of float and precision. Then, the shorter, tapered tunnel lets this sled move flawlessly, making tight re-entries, aggressive sidehills, and deep powder maneuvers feel effortless. I also feel like the new two-piece tunnel helps avoid ice buildups on the front of the tunnel and along the running boards. This did become an issue sometimes while riding deep snow on my 2023 RE 3900.
Now, the KYB PRO 46 EA-3 R Kashima shocks keeping the ride smooth and the 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine delivering raw, unrelenting power. It’s as if this sled is begging to be pushed to its limits. Well, trust me, I did just that.
I went through steep lines full of underneath surprises, made tight wheelies through the trees, and dodged obstacles left, right, and centre. In the end, the 2026 Shredder RE 3900 Turbo definitely felt natural to me. It felt amazing to be able to tame that wild animal before we headed out.
This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an evolution.
But the Question Remains… Would I Upgrade?
I’ll be honest, I believe the new 2026 Shredder lineup is the best Lynx has ever released. The refinements to the chassis, suspension, running boards, skis, and weight distribution make these machines feel more dialled in than ever. If you’re looking to buy a new, ultimate, all-around weapon, this is 100% the year to do it.
But What About Me?
Do I want it? Absolutely.
Do I need it? Ehh…
Can I justify the price while still making payments on my 2023? Not unless Lynx starts accepting “exposure” as payment, or lets me trade in a kidney.
With the resale value of Lynx snowmobiles and customer service being what it is in Canada, I’m not quite ready to make that leap…yet.
Stay Tuned for My Top 2026 Snowmobile Pick!
If you’re in the market for a new sled, the 2026 Lynx Shredder lineup is a serious contender for reliability and toughness. But if you think this was my favourite machine of the year… you might want to hold that thought. 😏
My next article will reveal my absolute favourite 2026 snowmobile. Spoiler alert: it might not be what you’re expecting. Stay tuned!
Want More 2026 Snowmobile Reviews?
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👉 Drop a line in the comments section: would YOU upgrade this year?
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