On Wednesday January 14, 2015, we went to Produits Mobilicab in Laurier Station to meet Mr Guillaume Bédard, Sales Manager, and Mr Éric Lambert, Salesman for Polaris products. They gave us a tour of their repair shop, parts department and large sales room. They informed us that service employees were specialized in repair of all brands of snowmobiles. Let’s remember that it is possible to rent a snowmobile at Produits Mobilicab since there is an important snowmobile trail close by, good restaurant and convenience store with gas station. Produits Mobilicab is open from 8 am to 5 pm, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 am to 9 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to noon.
TRIAL
Produits Mobilicab provided us with two brand new Polaris snowmobiles for our short-term trial of today. It is ?24 °C, the sun is shining, trails are covered with hard-packed snow and some icy spots. We leave at 10 am towards Plessisville in the heart of Bois-Francs region. Here are our two test pilots’ opinions after 108 kilometers on trails and in respect of snowmobile riding regulation, including speed limits.
The following elements have been evaluated during this ride :
- Riding
- Equipment
- Ergonomics
- Finish
- Comfort
- Noise
- Track
- Accessories
The Polaris 600 Switchback Adventure has been received just a few hours before we arrived in Laurier Station. No modifications have been brought to it for our test.
We notice right away the forward riding position; we cannot extend our legs enough to get more comfort for long rides. The handlebar is not adjustable, so we must find the best place to sit in order to get the best comfort for our legs and our back.
This snowmobile is equipped with many standard features such as a 45,4 l tank, two Lock & Ride Saddlebags easily detachable, a tall windshield for a good wind protection, two mirrors well located on the engine cover. Polaris offers also many innovations : the new AXYS platform provides pilot’s active control position for flat and precise cornering. An electric start and 12-volt outlet are also standard on this model. The fuel level indicator, speedometer, tachometer and low oil light are digital, large and quite easy to read. Hand and thumb warmer temperature is adjustable and is operated with two buttons on the left handle. We noticed that hand warmers do not work on the entire length. The suspension reaction in bumps makes us feel like the center of gravity of the snowmobile moves along with the pilot’s movements for a better control of the handlebar.
The 15 X 137 X 1.35 in. Cobra track is silent and easy to control. It bites very well in icy and hard-packed surfaces. It is sure that engineer’s work will be noticed by snowmobilers.
AESTHETICS
The nice finish, a mix of black, white and red colors, gives an outstanding style to the design of the 2015 Polaris Switchback. Parts are assembled and adjusted with great precision.
ENGINE
This snowmobile is equipped with the 2-stroke liquid-cooled Cleanfire engine of 599 cc with fuel injection. For a 600 cc engine, the sound is pleasant and soft without any vibration. Quick acceleration or throttle responses are instant on straight line or in curves. It is very pleasant to pilot this machine with such a precise and very well-adjusted motorization.
CONCLUSION
The Polaris 600 Switchback Adventure has impressed us in turns and in bumps by its stability, its quick throttle responses and the soft sound of its engine. So, you have to try it out if you want a snowmobile that will give you enjoyable long rides.
SledMagazine.com is sincerely grateful to
176, de la Seigneurie, Laurier Station
G0S 1N0
www.ste-croix.mobilicab.com
418-728-0099
We take this opportunity to mention how much we appreciate the collaboration of KIMPEX-CKX www.kimpex.com/en-ca
Effectively, our test pilots are equipped with Kimpex clothes and accessories. Thanks to Kimpex.
SledMagazine.com test pilots,
Maurice Fecteau
Claude Gaboury
