Great video Steve! I wish I would have waiting to snowcheck for 2025 instead of the 2024 Summit Expert just for the better shocks. But I'm still so happy with the Expert its taken my riding to another level.
Hey Steve, This was a fantastic breakdown of not only the ‘25 sleds, but it also provided a lot of clarity between the Summit and Freeride models. With that said, if I was looking to get my first sled to primarily for purposes of using it as a chairlift to go skiing but, knowing myself, also to do some jumps and drops and generally race around the backcountry, which would you recommend? I’m already thinking something with a 165 track length if I’m getting someone to double me to the top (I assume 175 is only for competition hill-climbing), but would the Freeride provide better stability while doubling given the wider track width or should I look at the narrower Summit? I should also note, I do not have any interest in seeking out technical hill climbing or side-hilling. Thanks, - Colin
Yeah the Freeride would offer more stability due to the wider ski stance. A lot of my friends that sled ski, ride the Summit X 165, more maneuverable, and easier to access the backcountry.
I ride a 22 Arctic Cat M8 right now, it is a very hard sled to ride. I've been on various Polarises and Ski-Doos that all seem to hold a line better and be much easier to get it to go where I want with not nearly as much moving around as I have to do on this Arctic Cat. I believe Arctic Cats problem is a monorail. It seems to be all over the place which makes you have to be all over the place constantly. I'm looking to get a Ski-Doo but I definitely don't want to get another machine that handles anything like the Arctic cat, I'm liking the expert package as it has no track movement it seems like it would hold an edge better and be more stable then the X model. What is your thoughts on whether to go with an X or the expert package? Thank you
I think you’ve done your research and found the model that suits you the best. I have rode a mono rail and my experience was exactly the same as you are describing. The Expert sounds like the right sled for you, the fixed rear arm and full rod track will definitely be confidence inspiring. The big question will be 154 or 165? I remove the sway bar from mine for more of a consistent feel on a steep side hill, you can remove on end link and add 1/4”-1/2” of ski shock spring preload to try it out. Let me know how it is if you decide on an Expert!
@@SteveMartin12 man thanks for the reply I appreciate it. Definitely the next question is going to be track length. My current Arctic Cat is a 154 and that might be part of the problem. It's hard for me to tell being somewhat of a beginner getting back into the sport after about 14 years, on what makes the sled handle the way it does, if it's a short track or the monorail. At this point I'm pretty convinced most of it is the monorail. I think this time around I'll probably go with the 165 although I have always preferred the short tracks in the past. But the past were sleds that ride totally different and don't take you into the areas that these new ones do. I'm definitely going with a turbo model as I love the power output, and like having the extra power available if you need it. At my current skill level I'm not sure I can handle a 154 turbo, lol.
You were the first one to mention HOW they were clearing the Pro 36 piggy back. Do you think that new upper a arm will clear the Pro 40 on the 2024 Freeride? Or is billet Z Bros still my only option?
@@SteveMartin12 thanks for coming back to give us the update! It sounds like you are talking Pro 40 on a new Expert A arm where they run the Pro 36? That’s surprising though, it IS a new a arm looking at the parts lists; just only barely enough for the 36mm resi I guess. 🤷🏼♂️
Question- I sold my Gen4 SP and looking to get a Gen5. Looking for more stability through chunk & ruts (seems like T motion gets chucked offline) and hopefully a little more nimbleness. Mainly accessing zones to double up sled ski, so need 165. Summit X? Sounds like Expert maybe not as nimble as X?
The X is definitely the more nimble between that and the Expert. The X still has T Motion. Are you looking for stability while doubling up, or while playing? It sounds like you’d prefer the Expert, it is an aggressive setup but it rewards precise and aggressive input.
Great video Steve! I wish I would have waiting to snowcheck for 2025 instead of the 2024 Summit Expert just for the better shocks. But I'm still so happy with the Expert its taken my riding to another level.
Thank you! The ‘24 Expert is rad, stoked to hear you love it!
Hey Steve,
This was a fantastic breakdown of not only the ‘25 sleds, but it also provided a lot of clarity between the Summit and Freeride models. With that said, if I was looking to get my first sled to primarily for purposes of using it as a chairlift to go skiing but, knowing myself, also to do some jumps and drops and generally race around the backcountry, which would you recommend? I’m already thinking something with a 165 track length if I’m getting someone to double me to the top (I assume 175 is only for competition hill-climbing), but would the Freeride provide better stability while doubling given the wider track width or should I look at the narrower Summit? I should also note, I do not have any interest in seeking out technical hill climbing or side-hilling.
Thanks,
- Colin
Yeah the Freeride would offer more stability due to the wider ski stance. A lot of my friends that sled ski, ride the Summit X 165, more maneuverable, and easier to access the backcountry.
Awesome Job Mister!!
I ride a 22 Arctic Cat M8 right now, it is a very hard sled to ride. I've been on various Polarises and Ski-Doos that all seem to hold a line better and be much easier to get it to go where I want with not nearly as much moving around as I have to do on this Arctic Cat. I believe Arctic Cats problem is a monorail. It seems to be all over the place which makes you have to be all over the place constantly. I'm looking to get a Ski-Doo but I definitely don't want to get another machine that handles anything like the Arctic cat, I'm liking the expert package as it has no track movement it seems like it would hold an edge better and be more stable then the X model. What is your thoughts on whether to go with an X or the expert package? Thank you
I think you’ve done your research and found the model that suits you the best. I have rode a mono rail and my experience was exactly the same as you are describing. The Expert sounds like the right sled for you, the fixed rear arm and full rod track will definitely be confidence inspiring. The big question will be 154 or 165? I remove the sway bar from mine for more of a consistent feel on a steep side hill, you can remove on end link and add 1/4”-1/2” of ski shock spring preload to try it out. Let me know how it is if you decide on an Expert!
@@SteveMartin12 man thanks for the reply I appreciate it.
Definitely the next question is going to be track length. My current Arctic Cat is a 154 and that might be part of the problem. It's hard for me to tell being somewhat of a beginner getting back into the sport after about 14 years, on what makes the sled handle the way it does, if it's a short track or the monorail. At this point I'm pretty convinced most of it is the monorail. I think this time around I'll probably go with the 165 although I have always preferred the short tracks in the past. But the past were sleds that ride totally different and don't take you into the areas that these new ones do.
I'm definitely going with a turbo model as I love the power output, and like having the extra power available if you need it. At my current skill level I'm not sure I can handle a 154 turbo, lol.
great vid Steve!
You were the first one to mention HOW they were clearing the Pro 36 piggy back. Do you think that new upper a arm will clear the Pro 40 on the 2024 Freeride? Or is billet Z Bros still my only option?
I’m just guessing but I assume it would. I’ll try next fall 😎
Update; Pro 40’s do not clear the upper an arm.
@@SteveMartin12 thanks for coming back to give us the update! It sounds like you are talking Pro 40 on a new Expert A arm where they run the Pro 36? That’s surprising though, it IS a new a arm looking at the parts lists; just only barely enough for the 36mm resi I guess. 🤷🏼♂️
Question- I sold my Gen4 SP and looking to get a Gen5. Looking for more stability through chunk & ruts (seems like T motion gets chucked offline) and hopefully a little more nimbleness. Mainly accessing zones to double up sled ski, so need 165. Summit X? Sounds like Expert maybe not as nimble as X?
The X is definitely the more nimble between that and the Expert. The X still has T Motion. Are you looking for stability while doubling up, or while playing? It sounds like you’d prefer the Expert, it is an aggressive setup but it rewards precise and aggressive input.
@@SteveMartin12 Looking to make it easier/more nimble to ride solo in technical terrain.
Great video bud