Levi, thanks so much for doing these comparisons! For those of us who can only afford one, lol, its very helpful to see the pros and cons and where their strengths lie. Keep up the great work and congrats to your Team!
thank you for the comment. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to ride the different models back to back which you can really feel the differences. Hopefully it helps people get the correct sled for their conditions and type of riding.
Me and a couple friends are here in Grand Rapids Mn, trails heading in every direction you want to go. We know a few ditches that are fun as f^^£!! You are always looking for trails to rip on, well we got trails. Also know of untouched logging roads that are awesome…… if we get snow!!❄️ Ride it like you stole it!!!
I've got that same green XCR 850 136 1.6" on order and I'm so stoked! I want a ditch banger, corner railer with some occasional off trail use and this fits the bill.
Love to see a deep detail dive on a Cross Country 600 vs the 650 XCR for ditches and trails! Would you please do this comparison! Just curious what the finite differences are besides 50cc’s and carb vs F.I. I hear the taller spindles on the CC600 really give the XCR a run for it’s money. Good luck in Michigan this weekend! #PolarisForLife
The cross country is the polaris race sled for cross country so it is even more set up for racing. I have a 22 cross country and is not as comfy but and can you fly on it!
‘23 850 XCR 128” is hands down the best sled I’ve ever been on. I’m 6’3” 240 plus, couldn’t get me on a long track again. We ride on/off trail. Studded track. Not a sled on the market competes
I ordered a new Boost Assault yesterday. I had the XCR and the Assault to demo for a couple days and I thought the Assault was just more playful and fun. I rented a VR1 650 a couple years ago and I will say that 650 motor is impressive. It's as strong as 800's were not too long ago. I bet that thing is putting out close to 140hp. If you pick the XCR or Boost in any engine configuration you won't be disappointed (coming from a guy that's been on Ski-Doo's for 20 years) .
I been riding skidoo's for a long time also over 20 years. I like the way the polaris feels and the seating. But will never own one due to the the etec motor being so smooth quite and get gas mileage and oil usage. The polaris motors sound like there from the 90's still smoke a ton use alot more oil and gas and the starters sound like shit also. I just like going out and riding the whole day with out worrying about getting gas somewhere
@@bigmurph1447 I didn’t have to put oil in it so I’m not sure how much worse it is than my E-Tech. The boost was definitely thirstier though but that didn’t surprise me. I was trying to order one of the new 850R competitions but they were sold out the first day. Who knows if someone backs out of a snowcheck I still may consider grabbing one. I definitely won’t be sad though riding the boost next year. It’s definitely more fun than my 22 XRS.
Would you consider doing a Sp, XC, XCR review comparing entry, mid and top level sleds. I think many would see based on their riding skill the XCR might not always be the best sled for average riders. Thanks again for a great review!
I’ll be adding assault boost. That way I have both. XCR & Assault. Thanks. But if some of you that exclusively trail ride. The XCR is amazing and turns like on rails! Rode 3 days in a row putting 100 + miles each day. Had no stiffness in body. 53 y old.
Thanks for another great video Levi! Just out of curiosity, I know you are a Polaris diehard and all plus sponsorship, but are you allowed at all to say anything about "other brands" of snowmobiles?
Awsome compararison. I had the Assault 600 before and now SKS 146...For me this is the best machine. I really like the ski width adjustement and 2.25 track...but Polaris dont put much efforts in it the last 2 years. I hope that they revive it next year
Sks 146 was a fun sled. I had them each year and they were a bridge between the RMk and switchback. Plus they stayed cool. I have a 146 9R that I rode yesterday and holy moly it is fun! Mine has a 2.6 which was a bit to much for the snow we have, but they offer it with a 2” which could be a fun off trail Midwest sled
Levi I’ve been watching your videos and riding a while, I can’t decide between these 2 sleds. I live in the NE with almost vertical hills behind my house that lead to other mountain riding areas when the storm hits, but then I like to load up and go hit the trails, and that’s when I would want the coupled rear and shorter track. Is the assault a true 50/50 or is the XCR just as capable for off trail 🤔 Thanks
I always had assault, and always fought with them too turn in looose conditions!! Since last few years was 96% on trails , i guess xcr should be my choice! And few cross-country events! But i hear you on having both😂
haha both are great to have but unrealistic. The thing that really affects the off trail fun is the track. A 1.75 track on an XCR makes it a blast off trail! Braking is better , straight line traction is great butI lost about 5 mph on top end on an 850 and the 1.75 can over power the skis if you have smaller carbide or are not smooth with the throttle in the turns.
The 23 128 xcr 850 suspension makes up for the rider I’m not but the rider I’m striving to be, it tricks you into going fast cause the ride only gets smoother.edit the suspension is exactly where the factory put it, near 600 miles now
Levi, thanks so much for working this comparison in this season. It looked like you had a lot of fun. Would you say the XCR is good for about any snow we would see around Superior?
I would say the XCR gets around functionally in 2-3' of snow. You start getting deeper and you really have to keep your momentum up. Also a lot depends on the track lug depth. the taller the lug, the better it will get around in the snow.
@@mickmusial8422 lol It was the sled Polaris had on display at the dealer show so they took the carbides off to not damage the floor. It was pretty funny because my wife rode the sled out to where we shot this video and I thought she was going really slow. Then I jumped on it for the first cornering part and pushed off the corner and then realized it didn't have any carbides. lol
Hello. I haven't ran one on my trail sleds but I plan to test some extravert drivers this winter. You have to keep the track pretty tight to prevent it from ratcheting, but I'm curious if i'll lose a bit of top end with an extravert driver because of the reduced efficiency.
I did a video a couple weeks ago with the Boost Assault. ua-cam.com/video/m_qIfanRWik/v-deo.html The 23 is very similar to the 24 so hopefully this will help
Assault is the safe bet, but I like riding harder so I would go XCR. But we only have a few times a year where when we get to ride fresh snow off trail, if it was more… I’d get a bigger lug track on my XCR haha .
1.6. I’m not a 1.35 fan as I like to hook up straight line for wheelies and have less side bite. The 1.35 has vertical lugs on the outside edge of the track, so they don’t slide very well. The 1.6 has slightly angled outer lugs which helps it have a little give in the corners.
I do enjoy the XCR. Once I get on the 146 it feels big to me. Also the XCR is a little better on harder hits and coming from Snocross racing and race sleds that the suspension is really stiff, i like knowing I have the suspension to hit stuff hard.
A true 50/50 sled is not an assault … trust me i had an assault and now i have a sks800 and this one is a true 50/50 why ? Because it can go everywhere the assault can go on the trail and everywhere the assault CANT go off trail … period change my mind ;) … i wont : personal experience talking there !
I did a comparison with both the sks and assault a few years ago. SKs has narrower front end and Assault has smaller lug track. SKS goes down the trail well but not as well as the Assault because of the narrower front end on SKS. Assault doesn’t carve as easily because of its width and won’t go through as deep of snow because of the smaller lug track. S
@@flyin427ford i had fun with my sks on trails wtf its only a question of perspective all im saying is that the sks go where the assault can go and the assault cant go where the sks can go … relax dude
The ditch content is amazing man! Need more of that!!
I am the guy that packs the mountain shovel in the Midwest so he can “tune” a snow bank if need be . 😂
@@Levi_LaVallee 😆 can’t even count the amount of times this season where we said “we need a shovel” while in the ditches.
Levi, thanks so much for doing these comparisons! For those of us who can only afford one, lol, its very helpful to see the pros and cons and where their strengths lie. Keep up the great work and congrats to your Team!
thank you for the comment. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to ride the different models back to back which you can really feel the differences. Hopefully it helps people get the correct sled for their conditions and type of riding.
Awesome vid dude!. So much fun to watch you on a machine. Learn a lot just watching your body position on the sled.
I have to exaggerate my movements to get it to do what I want it to do… but I sure do have fun on sleds!
Me and a couple friends are here in Grand Rapids Mn, trails heading in every direction you want to go.
We know a few ditches that are fun as f^^£!!
You are always looking for trails to rip on, well we got trails.
Also know of untouched logging roads that are awesome…… if we get snow!!❄️
Ride it like you stole it!!!
I happen to really like fun so Sign me up! LOL
Once the snow comes, we should connect and go riding.
Nice! I have the 2023 Xcr 850. What a weapon. I'm in Vermont, so mostly trail.
Mostly trail I would go XCR.
This is the video I've been looking for and finally solidified, the 128 XCR is without question my next sled! Thx!
Awesome! Glad it helped.
Let me know what you think of the 128 once you get some time on it.
I've got that same green XCR 850 136 1.6" on order and I'm so stoked! I want a ditch banger, corner railer with some occasional off trail use and this fits the bill.
Congrats on the new sled! That is the Perfect sled for what you are doing!
Let me know what you think next year when you get out ripping!
Love to see a deep detail dive on a Cross Country 600 vs the 650 XCR for ditches and trails!
Would you please do this comparison!
Just curious what the finite differences are besides 50cc’s and carb vs F.I.
I hear the taller spindles on the CC600 really give the XCR a run for it’s money.
Good luck in Michigan this weekend! #PolarisForLife
The cross country is the polaris race sled for cross country so it is even more set up for racing.
I have a 22 cross country and is not as comfy but and can you fly on it!
I am gonna be getting one in Nov...pretty stoked about it.. Awesome videos Levi Braapp!
which one are you getting ?
2023 XCR 850 136 @@Levi_LaVallee
@@matthewcloutier175 that's my go to sled for sure. enjoy!
I will man, Thanks@@Levi_LaVallee
‘23 850 XCR 128” is hands down the best sled I’ve ever been on. I’m 6’3” 240 plus, couldn’t get me on a long track again. We ride on/off trail. Studded track. Not a sled on the market competes
Great sled for sure.
Man this looks fun saving up for a snowmobile just gonna take a long time probably a year or so love the video
Heck yeah! well worth the time of saving up for it.
I ordered a new Boost Assault yesterday. I had the XCR and the Assault to demo for a couple days and I thought the Assault was just more playful and fun. I rented a VR1 650 a couple years ago and I will say that 650 motor is impressive. It's as strong as 800's were not too long ago. I bet that thing is putting out close to 140hp. If you pick the XCR or Boost in any engine configuration you won't be disappointed (coming from a guy that's been on Ski-Doo's for 20 years)
.
I been riding skidoo's for a long time also over 20 years. I like the way the polaris feels and the seating. But will never own one due to the the etec motor being so smooth quite and get gas mileage and oil usage. The polaris motors sound like there from the 90's still smoke a ton use alot more oil and gas and the starters sound like shit also. I just like going out and riding the whole day with out worrying about getting gas somewhere
I rode my Boost assault a lot this winter and it was a hoot! you are going to love it!
@@bigmurph1447 I didn’t have to put oil in it so I’m not sure how much worse it is than my E-Tech. The boost was definitely thirstier though but that didn’t surprise me. I was trying to order one of the new 850R competitions but they were sold out the first day. Who knows if someone backs out of a snowcheck I still may consider grabbing one. I definitely won’t be sad though riding the boost next year. It’s definitely more fun than my 22 XRS.
@@Levi_LaVallee hell yeah!
Would you consider doing a Sp, XC, XCR review comparing entry, mid and top level sleds. I think many would see based on their riding skill the XCR might not always be the best sled for average riders.
Thanks again for a great review!
Great idea!
Let me see if I can round up all the sleds
I’ll be adding assault boost. That way I have both. XCR & Assault. Thanks.
But if some of you that exclusively trail ride. The XCR is amazing and turns like on rails! Rode 3 days in a row putting 100 + miles each day. Had no stiffness in body. 53 y old.
You will have fun on the assault Boost, I know I sure have .
You gotta stop all that road running and your carbides will last! 😂
Awesome review, definitely helps with the future purchase!
Haha I’m guilty of nuking a few sets of carbides over the years, but i sure have fun doing it ! Haha
@@Levi_LaVallee it’s all part of the fun! 🤙🏻
Thanks for another great video Levi! Just out of curiosity, I know you are a Polaris diehard and all plus sponsorship, but are you allowed at all to say anything about "other brands" of snowmobiles?
To be honest I haven’t been on any other sleds. So it hard for me to say anything accurately without ever riding them.
I still live the 121" life and love it for bangin' dirty ditches🤙
I enjoy racing the the Tri 5 on the 121. Easier to tail slide and move it around.
@Levi_LaVallee thanks for the advice last season on track depth. Love watching you get after it brother 🤙
Awsome compararison. I had the Assault 600 before and now SKS 146...For me this is the best machine. I really like the ski width adjustement and 2.25 track...but Polaris dont put much efforts in it the last 2 years. I hope that they revive it next year
Sks 146 was a fun sled. I had them each year and they were a bridge between the RMk and switchback. Plus they stayed cool.
I have a 146 9R that I rode yesterday and holy moly it is fun!
Mine has a 2.6 which was a bit to much for the snow we have, but they offer it with a 2” which could be a fun off trail Midwest sled
@@Levi_LaVallee yeah absolutely. Or at least if we can have adjustable front end on Assault hahaha. Thanx for your response Levi
I appreciate you checking the video out. I enjoy talking sleds with folks like yourself!
Levi I’ve been watching your videos and riding a while, I can’t decide between these 2 sleds. I live in the NE with almost vertical hills behind my house that lead to other mountain riding areas when the storm hits, but then I like to load up and go hit the trails, and that’s when I would want the coupled rear and shorter track. Is the assault a true 50/50 or is the XCR just as capable for off trail 🤔 Thanks
I always had assault, and always fought with them too turn in looose conditions!! Since last few years was 96% on trails , i guess xcr should be my choice! And few cross-country events! But i hear you on having both😂
haha both are great to have but unrealistic.
The thing that really affects the off trail fun is the track. A 1.75 track on an XCR makes it a blast off trail! Braking is better , straight line traction is great butI lost about 5 mph on top end on an 850 and the 1.75 can over power the skis if you have smaller carbide or are not smooth with the throttle in the turns.
The 23 128 xcr 850 suspension makes up for the rider I’m not but the rider I’m striving to be, it tricks you into going fast cause the ride only gets smoother.edit the suspension is exactly where the factory put it, near 600 miles now
Haha they are ment to be ridden hard . 🤠
Levi, thanks so much for working this comparison in this season. It looked like you had a lot of fun. Would you say the XCR is good for about any snow we would see around Superior?
I would say the XCR gets around functionally in 2-3' of snow. You start getting deeper and you really have to keep your momentum up. Also a lot depends on the track lug depth. the taller the lug, the better it will get around in the snow.
@@Levi_LaVallee Thanks Levi. By the way, did you figure out how the carbides disappeared?
@@mickmusial8422 lol It was the sled Polaris had on display at the dealer show so they took the carbides off to not damage the floor.
It was pretty funny because my wife rode the sled out to where we shot this video and I thought she was going really slow. Then I jumped on it for the first cornering part and pushed off the corner and then realized it didn't have any carbides. lol
Hey Levi, I have been wondering if you use anti-ratchet drivers on any of your machines?
Hello. I haven't ran one on my trail sleds but I plan to test some extravert drivers this winter.
You have to keep the track pretty tight to prevent it from ratcheting, but I'm curious if i'll lose a bit of top end with an extravert driver because of the reduced efficiency.
I look forward to seeing it. @@Levi_LaVallee
if you do 70% or more trail riding then you do not need anything over a 137 track.
Only in the mountains do you need longer.
Can we get a video with a 24 850 boost assault
I did a video a couple weeks ago with the Boost Assault. ua-cam.com/video/m_qIfanRWik/v-deo.html
The 23 is very similar to the 24 so hopefully this will help
If you could only pick one, living in the Midwest, Michigan,Minnesota type riding… which one would you choose?
Assault is the safe bet, but I like riding harder so I would go XCR.
But we only have a few times a year where when we get to ride fresh snow off trail, if it was more… I’d get a bigger lug track on my XCR haha
.
@@Levi_LaVallee I wanted to see the 136 2" on it out of the box - toss some studs and own the trails...
Would vya Air temp mKes a huge different, am and evening riding trails are more crisp rather than midday they get softer
I'm sorry I don't understand what you wrote. Was it a question or a statement? I
What’s your favorite between the 1.3 cobra vs 1.6 on each?
1.6. I’m not a 1.35 fan as I like to hook up straight line for wheelies and have less side bite. The 1.35 has vertical lugs on the outside edge of the track, so they don’t slide very well. The 1.6 has slightly angled outer lugs which helps it have a little give in the corners.
Love it thanks!
I like to see the XC.650 137 in the same tests.
An idea that was brought up was doing SP / XC / XCR comparison .
I think I’m going to try to put that together
He looks way, way more at home on the XCR clearly.
I do enjoy the XCR. Once I get on the 146 it feels big to me. Also the XCR is a little better on harder hits and coming from Snocross racing and race sleds that the suspension is really stiff, i like knowing I have the suspension to hit stuff hard.
No matter which one you choose, you are going to get a recall 💩
A true 50/50 sled is not an assault … trust me i had an assault and now i have a sks800 and this one is a true 50/50 why ? Because it can go everywhere the assault can go on the trail and everywhere the assault CANT go off trail … period change my mind ;) … i wont : personal experience talking there !
Can you run the sks as hard as you can run the assault on the trail? Do you have as much fun on trail with the sks as you did with the assault?
@@kevinnilsen590 yes absolutly but the sks is slower on the top
Speed max 120kilometer but hey its fast enough speed limiter is 70 😉
I did a comparison with both the sks and assault a few years ago. SKs has narrower front end and Assault has smaller lug track. SKS goes down the trail well but not as well as the Assault because of the narrower front end on SKS.
Assault doesn’t carve as easily because of its width and won’t go through as deep of snow because of the smaller lug track.
S
@@moto4power LMAO, that = ZERO fun on trails, you SKS guys are hilarious, there is WAY more to "Trails" than tight twisty Bush shit!
@@flyin427ford i had fun with my sks on trails wtf its only a question of perspective all im saying is that the sks go where the assault can go and the assault cant go where the sks can go … relax dude