Today, I’ll share my experience testing the 2024 Renegade Adrenaline with the Enduro package. I’ve been testing Ski-Doo snowmobiles for over 20 years. While this might make you think I wouldn’t be objective, it’s quite the opposite! Every snowmobile has strengths and weaknesses—it all depends on what the rider is looking for. My evaluations are geared primarily toward trail snowmobilers. With 50 years of riding different makes and models and over 200,000 km behind me, I believe I have a solid understanding of what trail riders seek.
In this article, I’ll share my thoughts after a season of riding the Renegade Adrenaline 2024 with Enduro. I’ll start with the engine, the REV Gen5 chassis, the track, and suspension. I’ll then cover handling, manoeuvrability, instrumentation, the cockpit, design, and finally, accessories. Hop on my snowmobile with me for a comprehensive review of this trail beast.
Temperature and Conditions
This season, about 40% of my rides were made on rough trails in poor conditions, with a mix of bumps and warmer temperatures creating wet snow trails. Thankfully, the remaining 60% were on hard-packed, well-maintained trails with a variety of turns. Temperatures ranged from 5 °C (41 °F) to -25 °C (-13 °F).
Chassis
Weight Transfer
I found that the Renegade Adrenaline, with its new REV Gen5 chassis, made cornering much easier.
This was especially noticeable when taking left turns, which are generally harder to navigate than right turns. With a simple weight shift, the snowmobile responded effortlessly. I didn’t experience any skidding; control was solid in both left and right turns.
Ergonomics
The design of the new REV Gen5 chassis allows the rider a clear view of the odometer and easy access to the controls on the handlebars.
The riding position feels more compact than the previous generation, with the knees positioned closer together. Overall, there is minimal air intake affecting the rider, except around the lower pant legs.
I took my Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro on long rides this season and especially appreciated the option to shift my riding position as needed. This flexibility helps prevent fatigue from setting in.
Renegade Adrenaline Engine with Enduro: Power and Efficiency
Ski-Doo offers five engine choices for the Renegade Adrenaline with the Enduro package, which I find quite exciting. You can select from two two-stroke engines and three four-stroke engines. Personally, I went with a four-stroke to avoid the need for carrying and refilling oil on long rides. My choice landed on the 900 ACE Turbo R with 180 hp, the most powerful and quietest in its class.
I had previously tested the 850 E-TEC two-stroke engine but found its mid-range power somewhat lacking. In contrast, the 900 ACE Turbo R delivers undeniable power. Accelerating with this engine gave me an incredible feeling!
When taking curves, the deceleration is immediate, and by the middle of the turn, the acceleration response is impressively quick.
A Choice of Riding Modes
The Renegade Adrenaline offers three riding modes: ECO, Standard, and Sports.
ECO Mode
For a smoother ride, I chose ECO mode, which provides gentler acceleration for a more relaxed experience. From my perspective, this mode is ideal for bumpy trails, as it’s noticeably less physically tiring and much more enjoyable.
Let me share a personal tip—ECO mode is perfect for loading your snowmobile onto a trailer or reversing into a parking spot. The throttle response is more controlled, providing better precision and helping avoid any potential mishaps.
Standard Mode
In Standard mode, the ride becomes more dynamic with good acceleration. On mixed trails, this mode was my preference, offering a nice balance between ECO and Sport.
Sports Mode
Sport mode is geared toward riders who prefer a more aggressive ride with rapid acceleration. I tested it on straighter trails, easily switching from Standard to Sport for even faster acceleration.
I observed an average fuel consumption of between 14 and 15 l/100 km, though this can vary depending on riding style and trail conditions.
The electromechanical reverse feature is easily activated with a simple press of the starter.
Traction and Comfort
My Renegade Adrenaline came with a studded track measuring 137 in x 15 in x 1.25 in.
On hard or icy trails, I found the track held its grip well, although caution is always advisable. It doesn’t offer the same level of grip as long studs available on the market.
The adjustable Pilot TX ski allows for adjustment based on trail conditions, improving control over the snowmobile. I noticed some slight wobbling, but nothing that would be bothersome.
As for the seat, I found it comfortable even on long rides. However, for riders with a wider pelvis, it may become uncomfortable during extended outings.
Comfort and Handling of the Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro
The comfort of the Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro is truly impressive! This vehicle is equipped with RAS X suspension, KYB 36 front shocks, rMotion X rear suspension, and, as the cherry on top, an ACS rear air-controlled shock.
The suspension controls are easily accessible on the left handlebar, allowing for quick adjustments while keeping focus on the trail.
The Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro offers five suspension levels. Personally, I found level 2 ideal for comfort and stability on bumpy trails. However, I recommend avoiding level 1 when carrying extra weight, as the shock tends to bottom out due to the load. On smooth trails, I adjusted between levels 3 and 4.
I also found that the ACS shock complements the other suspension components effectively, reducing end-of-day fatigue.
The Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro offers excellent stability and manoeuvrability, thanks largely to the suspension system and shock absorption, which work seamlessly with the REV Gen5 chassis.
Two additional factors that significantly impact stability and handling are the vehicle’s weight—556 lbs (252.2 kg)—and an adjustable ski stance of 1,090 mm (43 in).
In Control: Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro’s Digital Screen
I felt a strong sense of control the moment I took my seat on the Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro, thanks to the positioning of the cockpit. While riding, I could easily read the information on the display.
In past reviews, I had noted that the digital screen’s numbers were hard to read from the cockpit, but that’s no longer an issue! The information is highly visible.
The touchscreen display provides easy access to all information. It’s split into two sections: one for essential snowmobile controls and the other for GPS and Bluetooth music functions.
Both the thumb and handlebar warmers are operated with a single button on the left handlebar, where most control buttons are conveniently located.
The windshield stands at 17 inches high. I’m six feet tall, and the wind hits me around the shoulders and face. Fortunately, the air deflector prevents direct wind exposure to the cockpit.
Visibility
Normally, I avoid snowmobiling at night. However, on a late ride, I had to rely on the headlights. The premium LED headlights on the Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro represent a major improvement in clarity. Finally! No more of those weak, yellowish headlights.
Noteworthy Addition
In the past, we had to let the snowmobile idle for a few minutes to cool down the heat from the turbo before shutting it off. With this 2024 model, Ski-Doo has installed a fan inside the compartment to dissipate heat, eliminating this need.
You can now turn off the snowmobile without extra idle time. However, the fan is quite loud and runs for about three minutes. I was the only one in a group of six sleds with this fan, and the noise would be considerable if everyone had one. I see this as an area for improvement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although the season was cut short by about 50%, I had the chance to give the Renegade Adrenaline with Enduro a thorough test, covering nearly 2,230 km! This allowed me to experience the new REV Gen5 chassis equipped with several components. There’s no doubt in my mind—this snowmobile is well suited for trail enthusiasts.
I’d like to thank Équipements Maniwaki for lending me this snowmobile, enabling me to conduct my tests this season.
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