As I write this article, I am experiencing my first winter as a contributor with SledMagazine.com. I was really looking forward to sharing my adventures and impressions with a community of snowmobile enthusiasts. I was also very eager to have the chance to test-ride new snowmobiles. However, I never imagined I’d receive that opportunity during my very first winter. On a nice Monday in December, as we were all hoping for the first real snowfalls, Denis called me. He offered me the chance to test a 2024 Polaris ProStar S4 INDY XC. You can imagine how excited I was to try this new machine—a new toy for the winter! I won’t list all the technical details here, since my colleague Greg Gilbert already covered them in his two articles: Polaris 2024 ProStar S4 Indy XC: First Impressions and ProStar S4 INDY XC 2024: Power and Efficiency Redefined. In this article, I’ll focus instead on my opinion and my riding impressions of this snowmobile.
My Impressions of the Polaris ProStar S4 INDY XC
When I went to pick up the machine, my first impression was that it looked just like a 2024 S4 INDY 600. This compact trail snowmobile has everything needed to satisfy its rider. It’s neither too heavy nor too light.
The design of the INDY XC has a relatively sporty appearance for a machine built for trail riding.
One thing I liked less, however, is the low position of the mirrors, located near the knees. For looks, it’s great! But in my opinion, they would have been more practical on the handlebar. Maybe because of my small height of 5′3″ (1.58 m), I need to move my knees aside and bend slightly to see in the mirror. I feel that I lose sight of the trail for longer than when mirrors are mounted on the handlebar.
Comfort of the Polaris ProStar S4 INDY XC
I was very comfortably seated on my ProStar S4 INDY XC! The handlebar height kept my back straight, giving me a natural riding posture. Another very interesting feature is how easily you can switch from a seated to a standing position—it feels effortless. Leg placement is equally comfortable. However, I found the seat cushion a bit firm. In short, I’d give the riding posture a perfect score, but the seat could definitely be softer.
Control and Handling on the Trails
I like the control the Polaris ProStar S4 Indy XC 2024 gives me in the trails. Its design lets me take corners with confidence, and the skis don’t tend to lift during turns. The suspension can be adjusted in five different settings, which is practical for tailoring the ride to your preferences and trail conditions. The rear suspension particularly impressed me.
I rode in a variety of conditions throughout the season: sometimes perfectly groomed trails, sometimes damaged ones. In every case, the shocks did their job well and absorbed impacts to prevent discomfort.
The Polaris ProStar S4 Indy XC 2024 also offers adjustable riding modes. You can choose between Eco, Standard, and Sports modes. Personally, I preferred Sports mode for its surprisingly responsive acceleration. As soon as I pressed the throttle, the engine responded instantly—true four-stroke behaviour!
During one of my rides this winter, I had to leave the trail to reach my cabin. It was snowing heavily, and there were no existing snowmobile tracks. I was pleasantly surprised by the ProStar S4 engine’s power and the INDY XC’s manoeuvrability in soft snow. The snowmobile had no trouble crossing waves of loose powder. It responded accurately when I turned the handlebar and accelerated when needed. Of course, it’s still a trail machine. But for me, it’s important that a snowmobile can handle off-trail situations when necessary. Trust me, the Polaris ProStar S4 Indy XC 2024 passed that test with flying colours.
Performance of the ProStar S4 Engine
On another note, I was surprised by the engine sound when I first started the snowmobile. To me, it sounded more like an ATV engine than a snowmobile. Don’t be fooled: to start the INDY XC, you must squeeze the brake lever before turning the key. That said, I successfully started the machine in all conditions, whether the engine was warm or cold. Even during or after a storm—when the engine gets extremely cold—it never failed to start. One turn of the key and off you go! In my opinion, this is a major advantage of the Polaris ProStar S4 INDY XC 2024. I’m sure you’ll agree: there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to start a snowmobile that refuses to cooperate.
Final Thoughts on the Polaris ProStar S4 INDY XC
In summary, I was very excited to try the Polaris ProStar S4 INDY XC 2024. Being accustomed to smooth and versatile machines, I felt slightly apprehensive about riding a four-stroke trail-focused snowmobile. I wondered whether I would enjoy it. In the end, I’m very glad I had the chance to test it last winter. Its cornering control, acceleration response and overall comfort pleasantly surprised me. At first glance, it might not have been my top choice for a test ride. But it allowed me to discover another trail-riding style that I truly enjoyed. It goes to show: you shouldn’t judge a machine before getting to know it.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a compact trail snowmobile with great fuel efficiency. The ProStar S4 INDY XC is also relatively affordable for a snowmobile with such responsive handling, reliable cornering, and dependable behaviour in softer snow.
Thank you to Polaris and Motoneiges.ca for this test ride. I really enjoyed my season at the controls of this machine!
