Ski-Doo Renegade Backcountry X 850 E-TEC 2018
It is with a bit of nostalgia that I write my review of the Renegade Backcountry X 850 E-TEC 2018. Indeed, it is rare to find a snowmobile that meets almost perfectly all our needs, and that seems to have been designed specifically for us. If I made a list of models that meet these conditions, the Renegade Backcountry X 850 E-TEC would certainly be one of them. It is in this state of mind that I present my comments and observations following my essay.
Ski-Doo presents the “new” Backcountry as a 50/50 hybrid that allows you to attack deep snow as well as surfaced trails without compromise. I must say that the combination of the 4th generation chassis and the 850 E-TEC engine gives the driver the impression of becoming one with the snowmobile. To make Backcountry a 50/50 hybrid, the manufacturer has combined several elements from its trail and mountain models.
This is how the cMotion suspension was born, as it is a combination of the characteristics of the rMotion and the tMotion. I was slightly skeptical at first about the effectiveness of this “hybrid” suspension. After riding this snowmobile in all kinds of conditions, I was pleasantly surprised by the great comfort it offers on trail and off trail.
The front suspension has also been modified. It is narrower than a purely trail version, but the width is adjustable (38 or 40 inches). I expected a significant loss of trail stability, but it is barely noticeable in most situations. The snowmobile remains reliable and easy to handle.
The Renegade Backcountry X 850 is equipped with a mountain handlebar. The forward position of the steering is a plus when standing and has a minimal impact on the driving position when sitting.
Ski-Doo has equipped the Backcountry X with mountain controls, which means that the majority of the controls are on the console under the handlebars. This disposition is less convenient on trails since you must remove one hand from the handlebars to reach them. Also, a single control simultaneously adjusts the thumb and heated handles, eliminating the possibility of having different intensities.
The Renegade Backcountry X 850 2018 is equipped with the standard gauge, which is easy to use even when the vehicle is in motion.
I should mention that the Backcountry X 2019, with the electric starter, will be equipped with a trail control unit as well as the high-end dial.
Behavior on trail
On trails, the Renegade Backcountry X 850 2018 is very pleasant to drive. The 850 E-TEC engine offers incredible performance. The accelerations are strong. The pulley system gently transmits power from the engine to the track.
The driving position is comfortable and allows you to quickly move from one side to the other on winding roads. It is easy to drive 300, 400 or even 500 km daily without any problem.
As I drive in the evening, I noticed that the headlights do not offer as much intensity as can now be found on many of the competition’s models. However, the manufacturer offers optional LED auxiliary headlights.
In short, Ski-Doo has not made any concessions regarding the behavior and performance of the Renegade Backcountry X 850 2018 on trails.
Off trail behavior
The snowmobile has excellent flotation, and the instantaneous reaction of the engine allows the pilot to get out of more difficult situations when it is required. The only negative point I noticed is that in soft snow, the snowmobile tends to dig itself in reverse.
The 2018 Renegade Backcountry X 850 is easy to handle in deep snow and allows you to have a lot of fun while discovering small isolated paradises.
In conclusion
If you are a snowmobiler who shares his rides between the pleasure of the trails and the adventure of off trails, I encourage you to consider the Renegade Backcountry X 850 E-TEC when making your next purchase.
The SledMagazine.com team thanks Ski-Doo for making this test possible and the Mini Mecanik dealer in Rimouski for the maintenance of the snowmobile throughout the season.
