Mid-Season Impressions of the 850 Pro-RMK 155 LE 2019: Polaris Did Their Homework!
Phew, this early season has gone by so fast! It took a long time to receive snow, but once enough snow had fallen, the fun of riding the Pro-RMK began!
This year, Polaris has done its very best with a ton of adjustments that allow the “king of the mountains” to stand out once again. So, let’s take a look at these new products for the 2019 version of the Polaris star!
All in black, the Pro RMK looks great!
Patriot… Wow!
We received tons of questions regarding the Patriot engine after the last SnowShoot, but our answers were limited by the short time we were able to test it, not to mention the 8000 feet of altitude! This is why I spent several hours analyzing and comparing the various important aspects of off-trail riding between the 850 and the 800 Cleanfire. After only a few hours, the results were clear, the 850 is making a difference, particularly when it comes to low and mid-range accelerations!
Several times, in technical situations, the Patriot engine with the 2.6-inch track pulled me out of trouble. It takes time to understand that the maneuvers will be easier to perform than before!
However, it is necessary to take time in the morning to allow the engine to warm up. The other Patriot-equipped snowmobiles in our fleet also have this problem. During the running in of the snowmobile, we burned a spark plug. A dealer confirmed that we were not the only ones.
React Suspensions… Again Wow!
The new front suspension geometries are adjustable from 36 to 38 inches. These few inches narrower change the driving drastically, both on and off the trail. In the deep snow, we have a feeling that is very close to motocross, and it’s quite a feeling! It also feels like we are more in synergy with the snowmobile, because we don’t need to give a “little push” to get the snowmobile where we want. A simple weight transfer is enough! It’s nice when you do S’s in the deep snow.
All the people who tried the Pro-RMK said the same thing: “It’s not large!”
However, this size has a disadvantage. Indeed, the trail driving is naturally impacted. The snowmobile is more sloping than in previous years. In my opinion, this compromise is amply justified since it is an off-trail vehicle.
The 850
Picking a Patriot in 2019 have many other advantages, and they should not be underestimated. Hyfax XT rails are lighter and do not seem less reliable. These and the PowderTrac XT steps surprised me when I realized that no matter how many feet of snow, there is no accumulation!
Hyfax XT rails are doing the job so far!
There are two standard storage spaces on our snowmobile, one under the seat and one on the dashboard. Also, as it is a spring model, we get the full Polaris gauge. GPS is handy, especially after a day off-trail in the Chic-Choc! To make me even happier, it would have to be a little more inclined so that I could read better when I am standing.
To Be Improved
If I had to pay for a snowmobile of this quality and price, I would be disappointed to have a mechanical gas indicator. First, it is not accurate at all. After about ten kilometers, it indicates that it is three-quarters full. Then, for many kilometers, it does not move. And since it’s an off-trail snowmobile, we’re always on a hill, which makes the measurement even less precise.
I must ask again this year; it should have a “beep” when you back up. A few times again, I almost crashed!
Let’s Conclude!
It was an excellent beginning of the season! I have made some incredible discoveries. With each ride, I fall in love a little more with the Polaris Pro-RMK 850, and all the adjustments made for 2019 make it a terrific mountain snowmobile.
I look forward to giving you my final comments at the end of the season. In the meantime, I take the time to thank Polaris for making this test possible!
