This year, Ski-Doo put the already high-performing Summit X on a diet. They decided to shed weight as well on top of other modifications that help in the performance department. For model year 2026, the Summit X now weighs 511 lb with the SHOT starting system, and 509 lb without. This is a total drop of 14 lb from the equivalent 2025 model. The weight reduction of the 2026 Summit X is 12 lb in dry weight and 2 lb in wet weight, by reducing the amount of coolant. Ski-Doo engineers say they will continue to remove weight until they obtain the lightest sled on the comparable market. Now, let’s look at the changes to the 2026 Summit X and how Ski-Doo was able to shed so much weight from an already lightweight and high-performing sled.
New T-Motion X with Coil-Over Rear Suspension
The rear suspension of the 2026 Summit X has a coil-over spring design instead of a torsion spring design. This new coil-over suspension is 2 lb lighter than its predecessor. According to the engineers, this makes it the lightest rear suspension on the market with the greatest travel. The new rear suspension skid now weighs 39.3 lb.
The main focus of this new coil-over rear suspension was to reduce weight while maintaining the Ski-Doo handling characteristics and feel. I can attest that they did a great job in this department. Indeed, the new 2026 Summit X with the T-Motion X Coil-Over design rides, feels and handles like a modern Ski-Doo, but in a lighter package.
The new design has a slightly different geometry, while maintaining a good motion ratio and full travel. This results in nice handling characteristics. The rear skid has a new, lightweight centre spring that helps aid in its performance and handling.
The newly redesigned coil-over rear suspension is only available on the T-Motion X with the 2026 Summit X models. This design, however, will not be available on the Summit X with Expert package.
Lightweight Forged Aluminum A-Arms
Ski-Doo redesigned the upper A-arms with lightweight forged aluminum, shaving 1.5 lb. Ski-Doo engineers say they kept the strength and material in the areas that need to be strong for performance. This provides the same reliability as previous A-arms while being lighter.
The New PowderMax Ultra-Light Track
Ski-Doo also launched a new, lightweight track exclusive to the 2026 Summit X. Welcome to the family, the new 154 × 16 × 3.0 PowderMax Ultra-Light track with FlexEdge. This new model weighs 2 lb less than the track previously available for the Summit X. A substantial 2 lb difference in rotating mass results in a quicker and more responsive sled. This brings the track’s total weight down to 42.9 lb on the 154 in. length. The development of the PowderMax Ultra-Light track involved reducing the overall thickness of its body, also known as the belt, by a remarkable 1/20000 inch (1.27 µm). Additionally, the side lugs were narrowed in a staggered pattern.
New Lightweight Tunnel
Ski-Doo has made the tunnel even shorter for its 2026 Summit X sleds. This places them in the super short tunnel category, with a reduction of 2 in. for 154-inch tracks and 3 in. for 165-inch tracks. They also used a thinner aluminum layer, going from 1.8 mm to 1.6 mm. This slight tunnel modification means an additional 5 lb in weight reduction.
Shorter Heat Exchanger System
Additionally, Ski-Doo also modified the heat exchanger system in their 2026 Summit X models. They made it shorter, and the cooling system doesn’t go back on the tunnel as far. It also uses less material, which removes 2 lb of coolant. Furthermore, having a shorter heat exchanger reduces the heat in the tunnel, causing less snow and ice to build up. On top of saving weight, this improves the overall performance of the sled.
With the new shortened heat exchanger, Ski-Doo still left a portion of the tunnel open with the heat exchanger below. This allows snow to be piled on the tunnel to enhance cooling of the machine if the conditions are extremely hard and additional cooling is required. Ski-Doo engineers claim that the cooling capacity, even reduced, is better than previous models while reducing weight. Indeed, I can attest that the sled I tested stayed cool and performed properly on and off the trail.
Additional Weight Savings
But we’re not done yet! Ski-Doo also made the snow flap and taillight smaller to save even more weight. Additionally, they started using a new material for the air box, shaving yet another 1 lb. However, this modified air box is only available for sleds with naturally aspirated engines, not turbos.
Lightweight Bulkhead Redesign for the 2026 Summit X
Next up in this long list of weight-saving modifications is the 2026 Summit X’s bulkhead. Ski-Doo engineers redesigned it with a thinner overall wall, but maintained a thicker profile in the areas that require more strength. With this new design, Ski-Doo has managed to reduce the weight of its 2026 Summit X sleds by another 1.5 lb.
Modified Scratcher
Finally, Ski-Doo has also modified the ice scratcher, improving it for the new rear skid. The new design doesn’t have a scratcher hook that comes off the rail, but hooks directly to the top of the rail itself.
Ski-Doo’s 2026 Summit X: Proving Once Again That Less Really Is More
For model year 2026, Ski-Doo put the already amazing Summit X on a major diet. Many parts of this sled have been enhanced and modified to reduce weight. While shaving a grand total of 14 lb, Ski-Doo engineers state that the 2026 Summit X is more robust than before. We can all agree that any manufacturer removing weight, improving performance, and maintaining strength at once scores a big win for the world of mountain riding. I am indeed impressed that Ski-Doo not only lightened the 2026 Summit X, but was also able to keep the great handling characteristics that many of us have come to love about this lineup.
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