Ski-Doo 2019—Mathieu Lavoie’s Best Pick
With the introduction in 2019 of two new engines, Ski-Doo has left no one indifferent. Whether it was the creation of the Backcountry range, the introduction of the Gen4 chassis on the four-stroke models, the 600R E-TEC or the 900 ACE Turbo, there was something for everyone!
Even though I am an off-trail rider, I must admit that I was very excited to try the 900 ACE Turbo engine. When I first sat on the Renegade XRS 900 ACE Turbo, only one word came to my mind: WOW! What an acceleration of the engine, it’s impressive! Even if I’m not a fan of high performance, I still had a lot of pleasure with the XRS models. The 900 ACE Turbo version of the Renegade is no different. It’s a very nervous snowmobile that responds to the acceleration instantly.
Renegade XRS 900 ACE Turbo
The dilemma began when I had the chance to try out the Summit 600R 146. I’ve always loved Summit, especially since they were introduced on the Gen4 platform! The 146 version, with the new 600cc engine, is, I think, an excellent snowmobile to begin off-trail snowmobiling.
Don’t get me wrong, many drivers, like me, would have as much fun with this engine as they would with an 800 or 850. With the acceleration power of the 600R E-TEC, its light weight and 146” of track on the Gen4 platform, the Summit 600R 146 becomes an interesting choice in the mountain world!
And it is the last one that is my favourite Ski-Doo! I can still see myself when I was starting off-trail, and I think I would have loved this snowmobile to learn. Indeed, it is an ideal “package”. An engine with reasonable power, but not limiting, a perfect track length for many places in Quebec, especially if you are on a trail, and a lightness that is always appreciated!
