I picked up a new 2018 SKS 146 Snowcheck with Founders Edition with electric start. A weight disadvantage but could not pass up the opportunity since it was already installed.
My previous sled was a 2015 Freeride 800 137 1.75" track, so there will be some comparison points. I had 8200 km on it and never had a problem. I would like a change to a more off-trail oriented sled while I still had warranty left which made it still marketable. I have no bias to any brand of sled, I was on the fence between an 850 backcountry x and the SKS. I think I made the right choice.
We have been blessed here in the Georgian Bay area with some recent pow and I am taking full advantage of it. The last 3 years have not been great for deep snow conditions but we make up for it going up to Abitibi Canyon, Wawa and Quebec Chic Choc.
800 engine:
So far the engine is very responsive with great mid-range to top end power. Look forward to seeing how this engines performs over the long haul. Pull start comes standard with the electric start which I think Polaris is 1 step above BRP. Electric start on BRP does not work very well below -20°C. The battery or wiring system must be a weak point. Boosting from a truck would fire right away.
Off trail riding:
The balance of the sled needed some getting used to but I definitely love it now. The sled can hold a line and with the larger lug track I have the confidence to pick my lines with control. Pow turns are a breeze and so much fun.
Trail riding:
I don't do much trail riding around where we live. Scratchers are installed so cooling should not be an issue. We do a lot of lake riding here as well so water is always a potential.
Suspension:
I am playing around with the adjustments of the spring and clicker settings to find the right balance. I have the front clickers set to 5 from soft and it seems to perform well. The rear does seem to be a bit stiff. I believe the spring is set to 1 but have not played with clickers in the rear yet. The freeride had the Rmotion suspension and it was a far at absorbing the big bumps. I weigh just over 200lbs and welcome any advice on suspension setup.
Handlebar & controls:
Standard display not PIDD. I do find the buttons are very easy to use with the gloves and really do like the mode selection. Quickly change modes and screen setup. The thumb warmers are a little bit of a joke but I do understand that this sled is focused on mostly off-trail riding. BRP has set a high bar in this regard and I wish Polaris would implement this on their sleds. They have 8 points of adjustment which is great for varying cold weather temps. This is an area I think Polaris can really step up the bar, no pun intended and make a fantastic sled.
Overall I made the right decision and look forward to more riding. We plan on taking some trips to Quebec (Chic Choc) about 1-2 times a year and can't wait to see how it performs in its pow element. Always looking for new off trail riding spots so please send along some recommendations.
Cheers:bc2:
My previous sled was a 2015 Freeride 800 137 1.75" track, so there will be some comparison points. I had 8200 km on it and never had a problem. I would like a change to a more off-trail oriented sled while I still had warranty left which made it still marketable. I have no bias to any brand of sled, I was on the fence between an 850 backcountry x and the SKS. I think I made the right choice.
We have been blessed here in the Georgian Bay area with some recent pow and I am taking full advantage of it. The last 3 years have not been great for deep snow conditions but we make up for it going up to Abitibi Canyon, Wawa and Quebec Chic Choc.
800 engine:
So far the engine is very responsive with great mid-range to top end power. Look forward to seeing how this engines performs over the long haul. Pull start comes standard with the electric start which I think Polaris is 1 step above BRP. Electric start on BRP does not work very well below -20°C. The battery or wiring system must be a weak point. Boosting from a truck would fire right away.
Off trail riding:
The balance of the sled needed some getting used to but I definitely love it now. The sled can hold a line and with the larger lug track I have the confidence to pick my lines with control. Pow turns are a breeze and so much fun.
Trail riding:
I don't do much trail riding around where we live. Scratchers are installed so cooling should not be an issue. We do a lot of lake riding here as well so water is always a potential.
Suspension:
I am playing around with the adjustments of the spring and clicker settings to find the right balance. I have the front clickers set to 5 from soft and it seems to perform well. The rear does seem to be a bit stiff. I believe the spring is set to 1 but have not played with clickers in the rear yet. The freeride had the Rmotion suspension and it was a far at absorbing the big bumps. I weigh just over 200lbs and welcome any advice on suspension setup.
Handlebar & controls:
Standard display not PIDD. I do find the buttons are very easy to use with the gloves and really do like the mode selection. Quickly change modes and screen setup. The thumb warmers are a little bit of a joke but I do understand that this sled is focused on mostly off-trail riding. BRP has set a high bar in this regard and I wish Polaris would implement this on their sleds. They have 8 points of adjustment which is great for varying cold weather temps. This is an area I think Polaris can really step up the bar, no pun intended and make a fantastic sled.
Overall I made the right decision and look forward to more riding. We plan on taking some trips to Quebec (Chic Choc) about 1-2 times a year and can't wait to see how it performs in its pow element. Always looking for new off trail riding spots so please send along some recommendations.
Cheers:bc2:
