Polaris SKS 146 2018 – One Word: Versatility
I remember, about a year before handing over the keys of the Polaris SKS 146 2018, that we were introduced to this model during the 2018 Snow Shoot. I had no idea that a year later, I would have so much to write on this snowmobile!
Already available with a 155” version, the arrival of the 146 allows Polaris to offer a “70-30” snowmobile, which is precisely my snowmobiler profile. Considering the many questions received about this snowmobile during the season, I wasn’t the only one with this profile!
The SKS left no one indifferent this year!
Engine
I think we can say that the Polaris 800 Cleanfire engine no longer needs a presentation. It responds quickly, whether at the end of a curve on a trail or when maneuvering in deep snow. Also, most of the time, the engine with the 146-inch track got me out of trouble!
Off-trail, you can’t be wrong with the 800 Cleanfire!
Track
Quite impressive with 2.4” studs, the track was silent on the trail, except when the snow was very hard, it was a little bit noisy. Even if we are not the hardest on our test snowmobiles, we haven’t lost a stud!
In deep snow, I have nothing to say; it was just crazy! There was even a morning when we had fun doing wheelies, and everyone had a big smile when they got off the SKS!
Wheelies on demand!
Chassis
Once seated on the SKS, you notice that the bench is comfortable. We could have thought, given that it is an off-trail snowmobile, that we would have had to make a compromise on this point. On longer rides, the seat remains just as comfortable! Fortunately, it allows us to do our off-trail maneuvers as well!
The SKS has a beautiful blue look!
Also, the interactive screen offers lots of information, including GPS, which I appreciated this season! It is very easy to read, both during the day and in the evening. In fact, in the evening, it lights almost too much! Since the dashboard is a bit like a “tank,” it tends to accumulate snow when you lean the machine off-trail, making it impossible to read the screen. Who’s going to complain about having too much snow?
The D.E.L. lights are effective. It’s when you need them that you’re happy to have them! Thanks to the lights of the SKS, I avoided a horrible death to a poor innocent rabbit!
Our test snowmobile had a medium height ProTaper steering wheel. Even on longer rides, my shoulders didn’t feel tired. Once standing, you can feel that the angle of the handlebar is ideal for both standing and counter-steering. With the rigidity of the Axys chassis, it offers us incredible agility and precision in more technical situations.
The agility of the Axys chassis is well proven.
Under the chassis, the IGX track helped my comfort on the trail. This and the fact that I had a long track allowed me to absorb most of the bumps. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it does not accumulate too much snow!
Skis
The Gripper skis offered incredible flotation in deep snow. But the only thing that surprised me was on a trail. Following my mid-season review, I had the chance to ride in different snow conditions and was pleasantly surprised. Regarding oversteering, I noticed that it happened when there was an accumulation of snow on the ground.
Trail rides are a pleasure with the SKS 146!
Conclusion
I lived in a fairy tale during the 2017–2018 season with the 2018 Polaris SKS 146, probably because it is a snowmobile that represents me. The skill both on and off the trail still surprises me after a whole season! With the announcement of the new 850 Patriot engine, the 2019 SKS will be a model to watch out for in the 2018–2019 season! Thanks to Polaris Industries for allowing this test as part of the long-term tests of SledMagazine.com!
It’s the end of a beautiful story! I can’t wait for the next one!
