I'm very interested in buying a 2007 Switchback but I'm getting mixed signals from this forum and magazine reviews. I presently own a 2006 600 Fusion and I am somewhat happy with this sled (not too happy with the heavy steer issue in wet snow) but overall its a good machine. I realize Polaris has identified this issue by moving the skis forward 3/4 of an inch on the Switchback and IQ-Fusion(I moved my SLPs but haven't had a chance to try them). I'm looking for input on the handling of the Switchback on fast flat corners and especially the handling on washboard trails. Does this thing at all compare to the ProX?
I'm looking between the Switchback and the Renagade. I just am having a hard time with the uncomfortable forward riding of a REV compared to the IQ-Fusion/Switchback.
Any feedback welcome.

The skid of the Switchback won't take the kind of punishment the Fusion or ProX skid would. It's just not designed to hammer moguls at high speeds. In conditions like this, I walk away from my buds on their Switchers. In the powder though, the ProX gets its lunch, even with the 136.

Thanks for the reply Matt,
Are you referring to the rear skid because of no coupling on the switchback? Have you ever compared your PROX or Switchback to a Renagade in the ruff stuff?

I have yet to see anybody walk away from me on my switchback on the washboard trailes I've had a fusion I think the switchback rides much better just my .02 cents

I have not spent that much time on a Pro-X so stop reading here if you like. My last sled was an 02 Edge and my 06 Switch is twice the bump sled that the Edge was imo. There were a couple of times last year where the Switch felt long in really tight sections of trail, depending on snow conditions, but generally I felt that it was a far better trail sled than the Edge. In the pow, it will be better than anything this side of an RMK. Its like anything tho, you give up something on one front to get a sled that can do more than one thing. If you are really concerned about max trail performance, get a dragon. If you want a fun do it all sled, I don't think you will be disappointed in the Switch. I ride with a Gade and an Xfire and they are good machines too. The Xfire is easier to throw around in the powder than a Switch and the Gade is probably a little better in tight twisties depending upon the rider. However, the Switch will go some places those two won't. My $.02

my 144" soaks up the bumps, and takes alot of abuse. the only real difference is the Sb skid is not coupled like the fusion. otherwise they are almost the same. Except for the ride quality the Sb wins it all on ride. the extra 10 feet of track (exageration) stays on top of the moguls instead of going in between. I am able to ride my SB harder down trashed trails than I could do my fuse. The float in the pow-pow is nice, but the front end is a little divey with the stock ski's, plan on upgrading if you get in the deep often.

I see people getting tossed all over the trail and I wonder what they are hitting, because I just don't feel it.

And as for feeling long? Only when you try & get it in the garage or a trailer.
get the 1.25 ripsaw right away, it was not standard on mine but it is well worth the extra coin.

The skid on the Switchback is very capable in intermediate bumps. The ride in stutters and mid-sized bumps on the Switchback is better than the ProX. When you get into those Saturday afternoon craters like you get in the U.P. though, I'm talking 3 foot holes every 6 feet, the ProX is just more capable.

Put it this way. My next sled is going to have the Switchback/RMK geometry.

The Switchback has a very capable rear skid. It transfers well and soaks up the bumps very good. The skid is blast in the backcountry where you need to launch from one mogul to the next. It also gets up on plane in powder. I have found that the skid's big bump trail handling is terrible when the front limiter is let out all the way. Middle hole is best for rough trail. It'll never stay with a ProX or Fusion when trails turn really rough. Ain't gonna happen. The skid is uncoupled so you'll get a fair amount of ski lift in fast corners. The ski lift isn't abrupt and the sled will let you know when you've reach it. The ski lift will slow you down on the big sweepers while lake riding or in the open plain. Overall it's a great suspension for what it's designed to do.

My 06 Switchback was my best ever. I rode 3700 Miles. I purchased an 07. After a day of riding you will love the length. Don't be fooled though, if you drive it like your ProX you could be in for some excitment. This is a Sled that handles great but you need to respect its length. Ride is great, but suspension will only bottom if slow coming off a ditch approach because it is uncoupled. It is forced to bottom. Happens very rarely.
You will love this sled. I have had 03 sks and 04.05.06.07 Switches. 6 of my riding buddies have convertered.

Tip of the day... "Slow down before the corner!"

Thanks for all the input regarding the comparison between the Prox and the Switchback but does anyone have any response on the differences between a Switchback and a Renagade (I still can't get used to your knees banging the dash)

I have not been on a skippy-doo since the "rider-forward" wave came across them. I have heard comments from people that were on the rev's, and went to the IQ because of more comfortable seating (especially the knees hitting the cowl issue)

They had stated that the rev was very painful on the knees compared to the IQ, but again I never tried a rev to give you my reviews.
SKINZ, does make a knee-pad set for the IQ's if you find you need it, but I only push my knees up against the cowl when I want them there, I push my bars way forward, and slide up to the tank when we get in some real tight stuff. But I have always found it comfortable, it seems to fit the contour of my legs when I am way up there.
Does the Switchback you are considering have the "rider select" if so, you'll love it, just dont ever lift the sled off it's side with the bars, it tends to add some lateral movement to the mechanism. I love my rider select feature.

I'm 6'5" and found the REV Renegade I rode to be uncomfortable on the knees. I didn't really get to spend an extended amount of time on it or hammer through a bunch of bumps on it though.

I rode a Rev the first year. I am 6'0" I thought it was great. I purchased an 04, 05 Switchback but always went to the ski-doo dealer remembering the first forward ride. The switchback with adjustable handle bars will let you bang your knees if you want or cruise laid back. The adjustable steering post is great. Best handling is forward. position 5.

They jump pretty good !! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HA!!

NICE!

:div20: THANKS for the Switchback DESKTOP for my Laptop :beerchug:

I personnaly did not like the up right position on the skidoo, to close to the dash for me. the switchback seemed perfect to me, especially since you can adjust you position to your liking. ended up getting the 06 switchback, and I am more than happy with it.

nice pic's there Hp Lover, can't wait to go this year
George is really tempting me, but I know I can't go

Those are awsome pics :div20: :div20: :div20:

TEDB,

I went from a 2003 Pro-X 600 to a 2006 Switchback 600. The Switchback is an awesome all around sled in most every condition.
If the Pro-X is a 9 in the bumps, the Switchback is a solid 7.5 to 8. The problem is the rear suspension in stock form is much weaker and can't handle the pounding that the Pro-X will laugh at. I had to weld several gussetts into my front torque arm to beef it up. The rear shocks will also give up much sooner than the Pro-X shocks.
No offense intended, but at 57, buy the Switch, weld some gussets into the front torque arm and have a blast. You won't be dissapointed. It kicks the ass out of the Pro-X in 80% of typical trail riding.

I didn't realize Bo Duke was into sledding. That is some sweet air. You'd better add a Dixie horn to that General of yours.

I've not ridden the 'gade but I did have a short track Rev for the last two years. I'm 6'1" and sore knees, but the Rev never bothered my knees. The first time I rode a Rev I hated it. My hands hurt and I felt like I couldn't get off the bars. But after having one from the beginning of the season I loved it. I adjusted to not dropping the throttle in turns, instead I leave off more slowly. I don't even notice I do it, but my hands don't hurt anymore. I haven't ridden the S/B yet to compare the two. The only reason I went to the S/B is because I got a good deal on it and I like to change sleds every couple years.
Think snow!

Who cares if a Pro-x is better in the big bumps! When the trails get that way I'm not on them anyway....... I go boondockin in the Powder!!!!

Just curious about the "weld in gussets". Did you experience any problems ??? Or was this a precautionary fix???
ontflatlander
{'07 S/B , still sitting at the dealer}

I have been riding a mx-z 600 h.o rev for the past 2 years,I put around 2300 miles on it and liked it,This year I picked up a new 06 switcher 600 h.o and have to say I am more impressed with it than the REV,the sled seems great on the trail and I don't have any trouble keeping up or ahead of anyone,I was worried about the track length but I don't even notice it,I do hate the long tunnel but that has been fixed for 07,Plus on my rev there was one spot to sit,you couldn't move around much or stretch out ,on this switcher I can sit back and relax and put my legs ahead or get up on it like my rev,i am very happy with this sled so far after approx 300 miles,fit and finish could be better also,I liked my rev but I think the adjustabilty of the bars and feedom to move around with the less rider forward make it a better sled for ME!

Yeah same here... even if I had a more bump capable machine I would avoid the big ones. In my local area there is usually room to go around the big holes.

I've just finished a weekend riding my new 07 600 CFI. So far I'm very happy with it. I traded a 02 700 XC SP. This sled seems quicker and the engine is smoother and more responsive. So far I've put 230 miles on it. We don't have any deep snow yet, so no opinion there. The handling was better than I expected. I was a little hesitant of the longer track, but I don't feel any difference riding it on the trail or turning in tight quarters. I snowchecked this one and got the 1.5" track, shock upgrade, electric start, and warranty. It's Nuclear Sunset and everyone likes the color. The only problem so far is the windshield, it's too low for real cold weather riding. It was a lot of fun just cruising along and tweaking the throttle a little. It backshifts very smoothly and just goes. I haven't gotten into the throttle hard yet, but what I've felt so far is just linear power from start up to 65-70 without any sign of running out of room to go. My wife rides an 04 600 Classic, and when we fueled up, she took 4.5 gallons to my 3.2. Her sled is broken in, so I expect this one to do a little better later on. If it goes as well in the deep snow, my wifes new sled will be a S/B. The oil usage was also much lighter, as it should be using less fuel. The longer track does soften the ride also, I was able to keep up the speed a little more when we encountered medium sized bumps without getting tossed around. All in all, I think I made the right decision.

I have a 06 900 S/B. I only got to drive it about 70 miles before an engine problem the dealers taking care of. The ride was really good. The trails were beat to crap and i couldn't beleive how it handled them. The front suspension holds a line in the rough that's unbeleivable. I did notice you can't steer with the brake in sharp corners. Probably because of the 171 studs and the 144. I moved up from a 2001 xcr so it's a big change for me.

I haven't drive a renegade, but if you go with the 1000 it's on the bigger RT (mach z ) chassis. One of the reviews in a magazine i read said if your over 5'9 go with the 1000 because it's a bigger chassis.

Sorry to see the motor issues at only 70 miles! I was in Cadillac, Mi this past weekend breaking in my new SB. It is in fact a great ride right out of the box. I ended up leaving with 160 miles on it and headed back to Oklahoma. It did handle the bumps much better than I thought it would. Great trail sled with a 144 track. Now I can finally run with the high hp folks and hold my own. In some cases much better in the bumps than they could! I did drop the limiter to the bottom strap and set the torsion springs to the middle settings and it was jut right for my riding style.

Also, I bit the bullet and bought a Skinz cover and it is the BEST cover I have ever used on an open trailer. I pulled my SB over 1,700 miles in sleet, salt, wind, rain, and snow. Got home, washed the cover, and it looks brand new. Great cover product!! This cover is worth the price and should outlast the best cover Polaris has to offer when pulling an open trailer.

Some things I will change---

1. Hot air SLP elimination kits. My right foot was plenty hot after riding hard.
2. SLP air intake kit. The stock foam ones are no good.
3. Scratchers are a must! I will purchase some ski scratchers through from SLP instead of the skid frame ones I have now.

Some things I did that I liked---

1. Skinz cover of course!
2. Added the spare gas tank (2875249), rear close off bag (2875406), and semi rigid bag (2876039). Great increased storage space and fills the entire rear area well.
3. Projector beam added. This worked good for my 42+ year old after dark eyes. Not sure it's worth $99.00. It did fill out the light output on high beams though.
4. The 321115 belt broke in well and handled (so far) all the abuse I could give it for 100 miles or so.

Thanks everyone for honest talk about the SB's. So far I'm happy with my purchase.

Hi i have just purchased a 07 600 HO switch back and it only have 191 miles on it and the temp light and check engine light keeps coming on. When the light come on it won't give me the snap in the throttle it should have. The snow wasn't the best but the temp out side was minus 8 and the snow was claming . Can any one suggest what may be going on?

The Polaris guys at the factory must NOT have to ride these things when the temp is -30 below !!!!
I've had Polaris since the 70's and THIS 07 S/B is the coldest thing I've ever ridden . P.O.S. "sheild and poor protection from cab .
I'm sure any average "Joe" could design a better windsheild .
Yes I've changed windsheilds and things have improved . {not too impressed with the the windsheild mounting either .Especially the Mickey Mouse wings .

There , I'm finished , and YES, I think it's a Great machine !!!!
ontflatlander

Just got a 2007 switchback 600 HO and put about 200 miles on it last Sunday.

Jetting: 400 mains, 45 pilots - Still a little rich, but much better than stock.

Temperature: 130 average with high of 160.

Torsion Springs: Stiffest setting. I'm 220 lbs and thought the lower settings might be more plush. They're not.

Windshield: Marginal wind protection. Will be upgrading.

Mileage: 10mpg first 100 miles. 11mpg second 100 miles.

Power: Nice and linear with great top end. Feels better than my 2001 700 XCSP.

Oil: Seems to be right about 3/4 quart per 10 gallons. Approx 50:1.

Suspension: Tracks great in the bumps and rarely bottoms. Surprisingly smooth.

Cornering: Corners well unless I stay on the throttle hard while in the corners. If I do, I get ski lift and push. Will have to adjust limiter strap.

Ice Build Up: The ice build up is terrible. I know it was cold last weekend, but, a 30 pound block of ice fell and wedged between tunnel and track.

Overall a nice combination. My wife loves the ride, steering, and power. She doesn't like the wind protection.