Good review Rob! Also had a chance to ride a 2021 850 matrix and 2020 850 Indy XC back to back. Also felt that the matrix kept drawing you forward vs the Indy XC. Felt more comfort with the Indy XC, but could feel the difference in shock pkg and rider position. One thing would be the seat material seemed to be a little more slick on the matrix. if they changed that to the Indy material it could help me from constantly moving forward. Just depends on what your looking for. Currently riding a 2017 sidewinder and the pro-cross works well for me and the way I have it setup
I rented one of these for my girlfriend for a day in NH, it absolutely hauled ass for a 600 class sled, it went like a rocket when you got on it, but was very smooth and tame down low, it reminded me of the Crossfire 700 I had. I was more impressed by it getting 18 MPG, but we were cruising along at a very easy pace. For comparison, my CAT 600 got 14.5 mpg only going a touch quicker than my girlfriend on the 650.
Wow thats some wicked gas mileage! That was one of the things I was very curious on. Not to mention how it can run on 87 octane. Definitely a big benefit!
Does it feel like it has enough power to lift the skis? Ik it’s probably hard to tell with a short track with short lugs with not much snow but I was thinking about getting a 650 assault and wondering if it has the power to wheelie!
With the right track and an uncoupled skid I think it could. Definitely had a lot of pep when I gave it some gas. I dont think it will be riding the bumper but definitely seem to have enough to hoist the skis a bit.
@@lukaszdubicki8762 I would say it depends on what elevation you ride at, the 650 would no doubt have enough power to spin the longer track at lower elevations. Wheelies are all about suspension setup, if you slacken the limiter strap and pull out the coupling block you can even make 500s hang skis, they just don't handle as well after that.
That's an important point you made about having to sit close to the cab all the time and your knees are bent. Do they make an adjustable riser like ski doo ? I couldn't ride that sled all day with my bad knees ! Great review.
Sled overall felt lighter and had lighter steering. New seat and riding position feel great. Similar to the G4 but the angle of the panels on the Matryx feels somewhat harsh even compared to the G4. It really felt like a modern version of a rev having my knees more forward than my ankles. On the G4 I can have my feet all the way forward and still have my ankles directly below my knees (if that makes sense) but it did allow me to really get up and over the shocks when I wanted to. I also feel like the transition moving around the panels is more smooth on the matryx than the step down design on the G4. Matryx felt just a touch more harsh over trail chatter, the lower seat has them neck and neck as far as center of gravity feels. Didnt get to try the matryx in an big bumps so I can't comment on that.
@@Revrider550 thanks for the response, I'm currently riding a 900 Turbo XRS before that i had a 2018 850 XRS. My Doo dealer sucks so I'm thinking on a Polaris for 2022, I really like the red white and blue on the XCR for 22
Actually im riding my second 650. A 21 now a 24 I personally do not like that the sled makes you slide forward all the time. I like to sit back and cruise but unfortunately it feels weird in that way. To bad they dont offer an old man seat for these lol. Ill admit thst
Yeah thats a funny thing I experienced these last couple rides... I rode two sleds with mid windshields and both times my helmet was getting blasted with wind so bad it wrecked my audio. Full touring sled tall or nothing for me I guess haha.
Would love to ride the 650 for comparison to my 2020 800 Assault. Will be a couple of years before snow checking a new one, but looks like when the time comes ... I'll be very happy to get on a Matrix platform. Sounds like a 650 could be a decent way to go since the 850 is overkill they way that I ride. Thanks for the review!
And $1,000 difference between 650 and 850 although there was a $1,000 difference between the 600 and 800. Although the 800 and 850’s have higher resell value when you go to sell them. There is always a demand for them.
@@kevinmulkin3002 yeah and from what I’m hearing from riders the 650 might be a little more fuel efficient and more oil efficient than the 850 if you aren’t into the throttle a lot. Also apparently the 650 can run on 87 gas where it’s not recommended on the 850. The 650 is a great motor! Great power! If you watch on UA-cam the channel revrider550 he demoed a 650 and he said it feels just like the 800 he rode.
Sleds are getting more and more towards forcing riders into a “crotch rocket” seating position. Like they keep pushing you more and more forwards with your feet further and further back.
I hear so much about seat width and moving and leaning from these up to date sleds. My problem is constantly seeing no one lean. Everyone sits in the middle of the sled and they go around blind left turns crossing over the middle of the trail. All this ability for lazy people who don’t use it, riding dangerous and illegal.
I have a VR1 650, it is fantastic for me. Another great video. Thanks!
Good review Rob! Also had a chance to ride a 2021 850 matrix and 2020 850 Indy XC back to back. Also felt that the matrix kept drawing you forward vs the Indy XC. Felt more comfort with the Indy XC, but could feel the difference in shock pkg and rider position. One thing would be the seat material seemed to be a little more slick on the matrix. if they changed that to the Indy material it could help me from constantly moving forward. Just depends on what your looking for. Currently riding a 2017 sidewinder and the pro-cross works well for me and the way I have it setup
I rented one of these for my girlfriend for a day in NH, it absolutely hauled ass for a 600 class sled, it went like a rocket when you got on it, but was very smooth and tame down low, it reminded me of the Crossfire 700 I had. I was more impressed by it getting 18 MPG, but we were cruising along at a very easy pace. For comparison, my CAT 600 got 14.5 mpg only going a touch quicker than my girlfriend on the 650.
Wow thats some wicked gas mileage! That was one of the things I was very curious on. Not to mention how it can run on 87 octane. Definitely a big benefit!
@@Revrider550 yeah seriously! It would be a big savings if you ride up north a lot because they tend to jack the price of 91 sky high in the winter
Love my 650 VR1
I wish the seat was softer. Other than that it a very nice machine. Nice video.
Seat is softer on my 24 xc over my 21 xc it's nice
Does it feel like it has enough power to lift the skis? Ik it’s probably hard to tell with a short track with short lugs with not much snow but I was thinking about getting a 650 assault and wondering if it has the power to wheelie!
With the right track and an uncoupled skid I think it could. Definitely had a lot of pep when I gave it some gas. I dont think it will be riding the bumper but definitely seem to have enough to hoist the skis a bit.
@@Revrider550 ok thanks I saw kotas videos of his 850 assault and he can stand it up pretty good I just don’t think I need an 850 lol
@@lukaszdubicki8762 I feel like for a assault you may want a 850 because of the extra track length
@@Jdplayz-bq4ys yeah I have thought ab that too. But I am hoping I get the chance to test ride either a 650 or 850 before I make my decision.
@@lukaszdubicki8762 I would say it depends on what elevation you ride at, the 650 would no doubt have enough power to spin the longer track at lower elevations. Wheelies are all about suspension setup, if you slacken the limiter strap and pull out the coupling block you can even make 500s hang skis, they just don't handle as well after that.
That's an important point you made about having to sit close to the cab all the time and your knees are bent. Do they make an adjustable riser like ski doo ? I couldn't ride that sled all day with my bad knees ! Great review.
Thanks mark! They don't but that could be a good way to move the rider back a bit. Great idea.
Snow checking an 850 vr1 129 or xcr having a tough time deciding which one to get
Get the xcr
XCR...No Question
I went with xcr
I bet she got the same kind of power as my 03 rmk 700 about 132 hp but obviously 20’years of classis improvement
So how was the handling of the Matrix compare to your 850 Doo
Sled overall felt lighter and had lighter steering. New seat and riding position feel great. Similar to the G4 but the angle of the panels on the Matryx feels somewhat harsh even compared to the G4. It really felt like a modern version of a rev having my knees more forward than my ankles. On the G4 I can have my feet all the way forward and still have my ankles directly below my knees (if that makes sense) but it did allow me to really get up and over the shocks when I wanted to. I also feel like the transition moving around the panels is more smooth on the matryx than the step down design on the G4. Matryx felt just a touch more harsh over trail chatter, the lower seat has them neck and neck as far as center of gravity feels. Didnt get to try the matryx in an big bumps so I can't comment on that.
@@Revrider550 thanks for the response, I'm currently riding a 900 Turbo XRS before that i had a 2018 850 XRS. My Doo dealer sucks so I'm thinking on a Polaris for 2022, I really like the red white and blue on the XCR for 22
Thanks for the great info
Actually im riding my second 650. A 21 now a 24 I personally do not like that the sled makes you slide forward all the time. I like to sit back and cruise but unfortunately it feels weird in that way. To bad they dont offer an old man seat for these lol. Ill admit thst
Do they deliver to Canada lol. I'm itching to get on one to try it out
yep they do
How does the power of a 650 compare to the older 700 models?
More torque about the same horsepower in the 650 . They feel like an 800 out of the hole
Love my 650 launch
They're an awesome sled!
@@Revrider550 only thing is the mid windshield does hit me right in the middle of my helmet
Yeah thats a funny thing I experienced these last couple rides... I rode two sleds with mid windshields and both times my helmet was getting blasted with wind so bad it wrecked my audio. Full touring sled tall or nothing for me I guess haha.
@@Revrider550 i think cut 1-2 inches would be perfect but they have a mid mtn windshield now
Would love to ride the 650 for comparison to my 2020 800 Assault. Will be a couple of years before snow checking a new one, but looks like when the time comes ... I'll be very happy to get on a Matrix platform. Sounds like a 650 could be a decent way to go since the 850 is overkill they way that I ride. Thanks for the review!
And $1,000 difference between 650 and 850 although there was a $1,000 difference between the 600 and 800. Although the 800 and 850’s have higher resell value when you go to sell them. There is always a demand for them.
@@djg1028 Any savings helps with the new price tags! Just used the tool and built a 146 Assault 850. Over $17,000!
@@kevinmulkin3002 yeah and from what I’m hearing from riders the 650 might be a little more fuel efficient and more oil efficient than the 850 if you aren’t into the throttle a lot. Also apparently the 650 can run on 87 gas where it’s not recommended on the 850. The 650 is a great motor! Great power! If you watch on UA-cam the channel revrider550 he demoed a 650 and he said it feels just like the 800 he rode.
650 runs with my 19 800hundo
Aye yo u at at bibbins bro
I didn't know that someone with this many subscribers lived that close to me
Axys and matryx chassis are identical, only thing different is narrow seating design
No, not even close.
@@ih302 I thought they were the same bulkheads as well but I was just comparing part #’s and see that isn’t the case. Pretty interesting.
Sleds are getting more and more towards forcing riders into a “crotch rocket” seating position. Like they keep pushing you more and more forwards with your feet further and further back.
I hear so much about seat width and moving and leaning from these up to date sleds. My problem is constantly seeing no one lean. Everyone sits in the middle of the sled and they go around blind left turns crossing over the middle of the trail. All this ability for lazy people who don’t use it, riding dangerous and illegal.
Pass on the matryx. Its not that good. Go for the lynx!!