Great reviews I always look forward to your honest reviews. Also, I like that you actually ride your sleds many miles not just buy a sled and review it having very little seat time.
Those speeds calibrated GPS or solely gauge? Up here in Saskatchewan we see 112 with the turbo. Top speed. Calibrated GPS. 105 for the naturally aspirated 850. I agree with most of your points. Weight…more of an issue for smaller riders. Otherwise, negligible. The issue some have had up here is general unreliability with the Pol 850. Blowing ‘em up. Not happy campers. Hope you get snow. We’ve had the white since Nov per usual. Looking forward to Spring in a few weeks & switching to the motorcycles.
Thanks Greg for the comment. Those were sled gauge speeds. I was thinking about the errors on the speedometers more recently. We did the Valentine 500 charity ride and I noticed that from the GPS tracker (which also has some sort of error) we were missing 20 miles out of the 500. So we did more miles, 521 then on the guage to be sure. It got me thinking then about a 4% error on the speedo, which is 4.4 mph at full tilt. It was easy for me to believe it (and maybe more). I 100% agree with your numbers and would believe 7MPH top end gain for the boost. I am heading to the snow next week if there still is any left in Michigan! Thanks again for watching and the data you gathered..agreed on reliability issues still. Seems if you have a "good" motor (the odds seem to be getting better), 850, they will go 6000 miles before rebuild. Our old 800s in the Axys chassis were high strung (sometimes I think better than the 850) but consistently top ends went at 4500 miles. I do have an 850 still going strong at 6500 miles want to see how far it will make it (still under warranty). Cheers!
Thanks for the comment. I tried a Skidoo MXZ in 2018 and was disappointed in the chassis that had under steer then snap oversteer. It took a while to get used to but never could go as fast as the axis or matryx chassis. It was a darn good 850 motor though!! I spent some time upgrading and dialing in the suspension in the mxz but could never get there. Those switchbacks and rush machines were Uber fast in the woods and the Matryx got better. I liked the suspension on the Mach last year but it is a bit heavy for sure. Next year - uh oh - looks like a new chassis coming out from arctic cat would be worth a look. Full disclaimer I haven’t tried a gen5 skidoo mxz. Thanks again for the comment!!
The 850 patriot was built originally as a turbo motor I don't think longevity is an issue.! ! I do agree with you though. Is it necessary to have a trail sled with that much power? I think the price tag is ridiculous.I am still riding my 19 indy 800 liberty and I love it. I angered 13 mpg sometimes better. It never fouls plugs. It's awesome. Great info! Thanks!!! Ps. I think post COVID Polaris has developed some issues. I see all these issues with the 2020 -2023 sleds with a multitude of issues and honest to God the only issue with mine has been the belt deflection adjusting screw and jam nut on the secondary. Oh and the recall.
Thanks for the comment! Those 800 motors were really awesome. I little high strung but I thought those sleds were so much fun (I still miss my 800 Axys Rush). Cheers!
Over 2500miles and my brakes are still intact. Fuel consumption... You want a performance sled... it's going to be thirsty. Weight, drop the starter and use some elbow power and you will also keep the under seat storage... I adore my Boost and haven't put a tool to it yet besides maintaining it.
If that bolt loosened up that's your fault, where was your preventative maintenance Dude ? I would basically field strip my sled when I got home from a long trip checking and tightening everything ! I'm with you, who needs a turbo sled unless you like spending your days on a lake, blah! Great videos, and common sense commentary 👍
I don't know what you're talking about we have a boost in it actually used less fuel than the standard 850 and the temperatures on ours were fine you must be riding in very limited snow conditions
Thanks for the comment RJ. Honestly we have noticed this every single fillup over 2500 miles. This was with multiple different trips and in varying snow conditions. At first I thought it was due to the break in (adding additionalm fuel) but it never changed. The day I went into low fuel pressure mode (ran out) at 92 miles was a real eye opener when I consitently would make that on my VR-1 NA (106 was the earliest I ever ran out). On the temperatures we had a morning where the day before went above freezing then froze over night. Generally the boost is OK on the temps however it does has a semi limp mode at 165 F (the NA VR-1 does not have this). Engine light comes on and I think it cuts power or boost or fuel who knows but it is a legit limp mode. Consistently when asking the NA Vr-1 riders the turbo was warmer by 5-8 degrees. So I ended up hitting more ditches. I end up watching the temp guage way more as a result. Thanks for watching i appreciate your feedback!
I did have an 850 XCR but that was in an Axys chassis - I never did get to try it in the Matryx. It wouldnt be fair for me to say it is a bit apples and oranges.
On this one the service shop (Polaris dealer) studded the machine. One can also do it themself and to answer the question the suspension did not come out. I am not sure if I am answering the question the right way to let you know what you need. Let me know what you are thinking.
@@dantraylor3390 Great perspective. I can see your point. I don't think it was a bolt failure....so a person (factory or dealer) didn't tighten or retighten the bolt properly. Maybe just one of a few bolts to always check. Thank you - good perspective
Thanks for the comment. May pull a rabbit out of the hat this year and try (gulp) the catalyst. We have been comparing skidoos agains polaris and polaris against polaris for so long I think it time to see if Arctic Cats newest gen chassis can come anywhere close to Polaris. We shall see!
I can't understand how any serious snowmobiler even thinks about ridding without ice scratchers. I have scratchers on my assault boost and it runs at a constant 97°
@@josephseitz5386 I will say that, I am a total noob wen it come to snowmobiles, I am on my second sled, first one was a 2018 assault 800. It was always ran with scratcher, it alway staid around 98° and wen I sold it I was still on my first belt, first track, first set of highfax and wheels bering. And all where in as new condition. Scratchers are for way more then cooling! They keep the friction down on everything!
Not a very good year for riding in Pennsylvania I only put 60 miles on my sled. 91 miles out of a tank of gas unreal. I have gotten 172miles on my skidoo with the 600etec with 137inch track. I got 160 miles out of a tank on my backcountry with 146inch track.
Yeah the mileage can be terrible. We did get, once, about 130 miles on a tank but that was really staying off the throttle. Generally with the Matryx we are 110 miles per 10.5 gallons on the 850 motor. The turbo was getting about 100 miles but on the one stretch where I was in the throttle much more it was choking at 91 miles and died ad 92 thankfully just at the gas pump!
Those 600cc E-Tech engines are EXTREMELY easy on fuel! If I'm not mistaken it still hold the fuel economy record for the 600cc engine class! With my old 90's Polaris Xtra Lead Tripple's were only good for 120ish per tank now I rode EXTREMELY hard compared to 97% of the other rider's. The longest I could ride a sled was 2000-2500miles, if I kept riding it, part's would start to wear out and fail, not just little stuff, but tunnel integrity would become an issue. I could have my wife ride it or sell it to a regular person and they could enjoy that machine for year's before it would give them problems. The worst fuel mileage I ever got on a sled was the Big tripple SkiDoo, and after modifying the airbox it stopped fouling plugs, and gained between 800-1200rpm difference can't remember exactly, and that sled has been gone for year's. It was faster than my Storm's were, but was a submarine the instant it went off trail! ..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠
Thanks for the feedback and honestly I agree. I was pushed for time didn't want to record with garage echo and even used a mic with a fuzzy covering and tried to hide it behind the windshield. I'll do better next time.
Thanks for the comment. I think Polaris is fine however to be missing a critical bolt (either it came out or broke) on the main skid is really not very acceptable. To have a bolt hand tight on the brake disk is also not an acceptable deal for me. It's one thing to stress a machine and break something - that will happen to all brands - but when fasteners aren't put in correct from factory that certainly bothers me. Maybe its a function of post Covid ramp up who knows. I would not expect to buy a car and have the wheel fall off, or have anything loose on the braking system. This particular machine was in excess of $23k out the door I expect at least critical components to be loctite and actually tightened.
@@pttsbrghsnwfckrs2304 This has been our worst year in NY since I can remember!! But your right if you're not a tinkerer and don't go over these sleds crazy 💩Happens!!
Great reviews I always look forward to your honest reviews. Also, I like that you actually ride your sleds many miles not just buy a sled and review it having very little seat time.
I wish we could get more miles on these things! This winter has been a tough one for snow! Thanks for the comment!
Refreshing to get an honest review. Much appreciated!
Thank you for the comment and for watching.
Damn... your good. Keep the videos coming!
I love the honest video, Honestly whether its skidoo or Polaris the 850s normally aspirated are plenty for the trails👍👍
100% the NA is plenty!
Got mine with pull start. Same weight as an ES NA 850. You also retain the under seat storage.
Great and honest video! Thx for sharing!
Appreciate you chacking out the video thanks for the note!
Those speeds calibrated GPS or solely gauge? Up here in Saskatchewan we see 112 with the turbo. Top speed. Calibrated GPS. 105 for the naturally aspirated 850. I agree with most of your points. Weight…more of an issue for smaller riders. Otherwise, negligible. The issue some have had up here is general unreliability with the Pol 850. Blowing ‘em up. Not happy campers. Hope you get snow. We’ve had the white since Nov per usual. Looking forward to Spring in a few weeks & switching to the motorcycles.
Thanks Greg for the comment. Those were sled gauge speeds. I was thinking about the errors on the speedometers more recently. We did the Valentine 500 charity ride and I noticed that from the GPS tracker (which also has some sort of error) we were missing 20 miles out of the 500. So we did more miles, 521 then on the guage to be sure. It got me thinking then about a 4% error on the speedo, which is 4.4 mph at full tilt. It was easy for me to believe it (and maybe more). I 100% agree with your numbers and would believe 7MPH top end gain for the boost. I am heading to the snow next week if there still is any left in Michigan! Thanks again for watching and the data you gathered..agreed on reliability issues still. Seems if you have a "good" motor (the odds seem to be getting better), 850, they will go 6000 miles before rebuild. Our old 800s in the Axys chassis were high strung (sometimes I think better than the 850) but consistently top ends went at 4500 miles. I do have an 850 still going strong at 6500 miles want to see how far it will make it (still under warranty). Cheers!
Do you think a ski doo mxz would work for your type of riding.? pace and energy . thanks for the video , I like all the sled brands also.
Thanks for the comment. I tried a Skidoo MXZ in 2018 and was disappointed in the chassis that had under steer then snap oversteer. It took a while to get used to but never could go as fast as the axis or matryx chassis. It was a darn good 850 motor though!! I spent some time upgrading and dialing in the suspension in the mxz but could never get there. Those switchbacks and rush machines were Uber fast in the woods and the Matryx got better. I liked the suspension on the Mach last year but it is a bit heavy for sure. Next year - uh oh - looks like a new chassis coming out from arctic cat would be worth a look. Full disclaimer I haven’t tried a gen5 skidoo mxz. Thanks again for the comment!!
@@josephseitz5386 Thank you for the reply. yes maybe gen 5 and or cat will offer light weight sled.
The 850 patriot was built originally as a turbo motor I don't think longevity is an issue.! ! I do agree with you though. Is it necessary to have a trail sled with that much power? I think the price tag is ridiculous.I am still riding my 19 indy 800 liberty and I love it. I angered 13 mpg sometimes better. It never fouls plugs. It's awesome. Great info! Thanks!!!
Ps. I think post COVID Polaris has developed some issues. I see all these issues with the 2020 -2023 sleds with a multitude of issues and honest to God the only issue with mine has been the belt deflection adjusting screw and jam nut on the secondary. Oh and the recall.
Thanks for the comment! Those 800 motors were really awesome. I little high strung but I thought those sleds were so much fun (I still miss my 800 Axys Rush). Cheers!
Over 2500miles and my brakes are still intact. Fuel consumption... You want a performance sled... it's going to be thirsty. Weight, drop the starter and use some elbow power and you will also keep the under seat storage... I adore my Boost and haven't put a tool to it yet besides maintaining it.
If that bolt loosened up that's your fault, where was your preventative maintenance Dude ? I would basically field strip my sled when I got home from a long trip checking and tightening everything ! I'm with you, who needs a turbo sled unless you like spending your days on a lake, blah! Great videos, and common sense commentary 👍
I am going to start tightening all critical bolts after each ride. Won't take long I agree! Thanks for the comment!
I don't know what you're talking about we have a boost in it actually used less fuel than the standard 850 and the temperatures on ours were fine you must be riding in very limited snow conditions
Thanks for the comment RJ. Honestly we have noticed this every single fillup over 2500 miles. This was with multiple different trips and in varying snow conditions. At first I thought it was due to the break in (adding additionalm fuel) but it never changed. The day I went into low fuel pressure mode (ran out) at 92 miles was a real eye opener when I consitently would make that on my VR-1 NA (106 was the earliest I ever ran out). On the temperatures we had a morning where the day before went above freezing then froze over night. Generally the boost is OK on the temps however it does has a semi limp mode at 165 F (the NA VR-1 does not have this). Engine light comes on and I think it cuts power or boost or fuel who knows but it is a legit limp mode. Consistently when asking the NA Vr-1 riders the turbo was warmer by 5-8 degrees. So I ended up hitting more ditches. I end up watching the temp guage way more as a result. Thanks for watching i appreciate your feedback!
awesome review!
Thank you Jack! Appreciate the feedback and you watching sir!
Anybody know how to get rid of this dreaded vibration from the recoil on these matrix sleds
You guys gonna show up on your channel before the snow flys!?
Waiting to get this snow check machine to start the party!!! I am hoping for an awesome snowy season!
Yessir! Let's get after it! Happy Thanksgiving...
Ever try the XCR?
I did have an 850 XCR but that was in an Axys chassis - I never did get to try it in the Matryx. It wouldnt be fair for me to say it is a bit apples and oranges.
Who studded the machine? Did the suspension come out when studded?
On this one the service shop (Polaris dealer) studded the machine. One can also do it themself and to answer the question the suspension did not come out. I am not sure if I am answering the question the right way to let you know what you need. Let me know what you are thinking.
@@josephseitz5386 just curious if the bolt was removed and then put in and some how worked its way out.
@@dantraylor3390 Great perspective. I can see your point. I don't think it was a bolt failure....so a person (factory or dealer) didn't tighten or retighten the bolt properly. Maybe just one of a few bolts to always check. Thank you - good perspective
Lost both of my bolts that hold my skid in on the first ride with my boost. Lucky I was going slow when it dropped.
Holy smokes. I wonder if they weren't torqued correctly from factory or a lack of loctite or wrong hardware etc.
I think you guy need to Go XCR👍👍
Thanks for the comment. May pull a rabbit out of the hat this year and try (gulp) the catalyst. We have been comparing skidoos agains polaris and polaris against polaris for so long I think it time to see if Arctic Cats newest gen chassis can come anywhere close to Polaris. We shall see!
I can't understand how any serious snowmobiler even thinks about ridding without ice scratchers. I have scratchers on my assault boost and it runs at a constant 97°
Yes sir we are starting to see it that way. Never ran them before but am seeing the need now. I appreciate the comment!
@@josephseitz5386 I will say that, I am a total noob wen it come to snowmobiles, I am on my second sled, first one was a 2018 assault 800. It was always ran with scratcher, it alway staid around 98° and wen I sold it I was still on my first belt, first track, first set of highfax and wheels bering. And all where in as new condition. Scratchers are for way more then cooling! They keep the friction down on everything!
Not a very good year for riding in Pennsylvania I only put 60 miles on my sled.
91 miles out of a tank of gas unreal. I have gotten 172miles on my skidoo with the 600etec with 137inch track. I got 160 miles out of a tank on my backcountry with 146inch track.
Yeah the mileage can be terrible. We did get, once, about 130 miles on a tank but that was really staying off the throttle. Generally with the Matryx we are 110 miles per 10.5 gallons on the 850 motor. The turbo was getting about 100 miles but on the one stretch where I was in the throttle much more it was choking at 91 miles and died ad 92 thankfully just at the gas pump!
Those 600cc E-Tech engines are EXTREMELY easy on fuel! If I'm not mistaken it still hold the fuel economy record for the 600cc engine class! With my old 90's Polaris Xtra Lead Tripple's were only good for 120ish per tank now I rode EXTREMELY hard compared to 97% of the other rider's. The longest I could ride a sled was 2000-2500miles, if I kept riding it, part's would start to wear out and fail, not just little stuff, but tunnel integrity would become an issue. I could have my wife ride it or sell it to a regular person and they could enjoy that machine for year's before it would give them problems. The worst fuel mileage I ever got on a sled was the Big tripple SkiDoo, and after modifying the airbox it stopped fouling plugs, and gained between 800-1200rpm difference can't remember exactly, and that sled has been gone for year's. It was faster than my Storm's were, but was a submarine the instant it went off trail! ..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠
That wind noise totally ruined your review.
Thanks for the feedback and honestly I agree. I was pushed for time didn't want to record with garage echo and even used a mic with a fuzzy covering and tried to hide it behind the windshield. I'll do better next time.
Give me a break. Redo your assessment. The wind is ridiculous.
I agree the wind was ridiculous will do better next time
You act like Polaris is junk, they all break! Go back to ski doo
Thanks for the comment. I think Polaris is fine however to be missing a critical bolt (either it came out or broke) on the main skid is really not very acceptable. To have a bolt hand tight on the brake disk is also not an acceptable deal for me. It's one thing to stress a machine and break something - that will happen to all brands - but when fasteners aren't put in correct from factory that certainly bothers me. Maybe its a function of post Covid ramp up who knows. I would not expect to buy a car and have the wheel fall off, or have anything loose on the braking system. This particular machine was in excess of $23k out the door I expect at least critical components to be loctite and actually tightened.
I thought you guys disappeared?? 😂😂😂
@@youareright5431 We are back finally. Been a tough year but getting back to sledding again. Hopefully the snow returns!
@@pttsbrghsnwfckrs2304 This has been our worst year in NY since I can remember!! But your right if you're not a tinkerer and don't go over these sleds crazy 💩Happens!!
Yes for 25 9R xcr 136 on the way