At Polaris, 2018 represents the “payoff” year in the Axys chassis life cycle. 2018 Polaris Snowmobiles News. Extended to the vast majority of vehicles produced by the Minnesota-based manufacturer, the platform is now well established, so engineers are possibly working on the next generation. That didn’t stop Polaris from offering us a number of very relevant new features for the upcoming season. Very popular last year in the Rush model, the XCR package is now offered in the hybrid category with the Switchback XCR. Following the success of the 155 version last season, the SKS is now offered in a 146 version, much to the delight of extreme hybrid enthusiasts. But the biggest surprise at Polaris is undoubtedly the adaptation of the Axys chassis in a new version to offer snowmobiles with 20-inch wide tracks. In addition to making a strong comeback in this market segment, several components of these snowmobiles are completely new and exclusive in the industry.
2018 Polaris Switchback XCR 600 and 800
It’s clear to me that the arrival of the XCR package fills a gap in the Switchback lineup, just as it did last year with the Rush XCR. It is positioned directly between the Pro-S and the Pro-X by offering much more sporty capacity than the former, without the extreme side of the Pro-X series. In addition, the success of the XCR series in the 1990s gives the vehicles a high-performance sporty look. The key elements of this Switchback are: its handling, the lightness of its chassis, the efficiency of the Pro-XC front suspension with the “Active Pitch Control” system, the versatility of the 15x136x1.35 inch Cobra track, as well as the power of the PRT braking system.
After several miles of testing, both on the Cleanfire 600 and 800cc versions, the most striking feature is the vehicle’s ability to tackle twisty trails. The vehicle has a precise handling in the corners, even if they are rough at the end of the day. There’s a light feel that’s nice and quickly builds confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities. The Cobra track provides effective traction in a straight line, while being very malleable in tight turns, thus avoiding destabilizing the vehicle. Combined with the new high-powered PRT braking system, this track allows for efficient stops. In both the 600-cc and 800-cc versions, the transmission of power from the engine to the track remains a Polaris trademark, and the XCR also benefits from this quality. This snowmobile is the perfect Polaris hybrid vehicle for snowmobilers who want a sporty vehicle without compromising rider comfort.
2018 Polaris SKS 800 146
The SKS series, which was introduced last year by Polaris, represents a market segment that all manufacturers have been trying to develop for the past few years. Although we don’t officially agree on the name of this sub-segment, which is a mix of mountain snowmobiles and traditional hybrids, it seems that there is a growing interest, especially in the eastern part of the continent. Like the other three, the American manufacturer has observed that consumers in the eastern part of the continent are very interested in the capabilities of mountain snowmobiles. The Polaris SKS 800 146 fits perfectly into this reality by offering a package that is highly prized by a good number of snowmobilers in the Canadian Northeast. The key elements of this new snowmobile are the 15x146x2.25 inch Peak track, the IGX 144 rear suspension with curved rear rails, Gripper skis up front, and the proven handling of the Axys chassis.
One of the most important things about buying this type of vehicle is the quest for extreme traction. The combination of the track and the powerful Cleanfire 800HO engine provides this pleasure when the throttle is pushed hard. However, there is often a perception that this type of vehicle is difficult to maneuver on the trails. The Peak track with the 146-inch suspension makes the SKS easier to handle in the tightest of corners. Moreover, this track is designed to be efficient and have a better durability on harder surfaces, which is often our case in Quebec. The SKS 800 146 is definitely an option to consider for those who like to have fun off the beaten path without having any more fun on the trails.
2018 Polaris Titan
Since the late 90’s, when Polaris was at the top of the sales charts for 20-inch wide tracked snowmobiles, the manufacturer had abandoned this market, which was originally classified as the utility category. Since then, this segment has grown significantly and these vehicles are no longer just workhorses for those who work with their snowmobiles. They have become sport snowmobiles that have much greater capabilities offering a comfortable touring experience, both on and off the trail, while still maintaining their work capacity. After the inconclusive Widetrak IQ trial a decade ago, Polaris is making a major move by adapting its award-winning platform to offer the Axys-Titan chassis. Offered in three models with different uses, the new Titan is available in the SP version, which represents the entry-level model with a 20x155x1.375-inch Ripsaw track. The Adventure is the fully equipped grand touring version with a 20x155x1.5 inch Cobra track. The ultimate sporty snowmobile in this category is without a doubt the Titan XC which benefits from the 20x155x1.8 inch Cobra track and Gripper skis, the same as on the RMK. For all 3 models, the key elements are the new very light Axys-Titan chassis, the Titan articulated rear suspension, the new Alpha 3-speed transmission, the very efficient additional radiator system, even with very little snow, and the powerful Cleanfire 800HO engine.
Being a long time fan of this type of vehicle, I was very excited to try it out and at the same time, I had many expectations. These were quickly met, among others with the XC model. I was very impressed with the vehicle’s ability to handle powder snow. The XC is easy to tilt to the side despite the 20 inch wide track and the size of the vehicle. In fact, it’s one of the qualities of the Axys chassis that makes the vehicle feel lighter to the rider, all things considered. While testing the SP version, I focused on the handling when maneuvering between trees. Again, I was pleasantly surprised as the snowmobile responds quickly to the rider and remains agile despite its size. Naturally, the power of the 800cc engine is an asset both for the available power and the performance of the vehicle. On the trails, all Titans handle very well thanks to the Pro-XC front suspension that provides a precise ride. The Adventure version introduced me to the potential of the new Lock & Ride Versa rear storage platform concept. Various compatible accessories are available to adapt the rear of the vehicle to your activities. The seat for the second passenger is integrated into the concept and can be purchased as an option for the other two Titan models. All 3 models benefit from an optimal weight distribution which makes the vehicle easy to handle. Even with a heavy load to pull, the snowmobile remains easy to maneuver and agile between trees. I was very impressed with my first tests and I believe that Polaris fans who have been waiting for several years for the return of Polaris in this segment will not be disappointed.
Transmission Alpha
During the last SnowShoot, the Polaris team spent several minutes extolling the merits of the new Titan snowmobile series, including the new Alpha transmission. Designed to pull very heavy loads, the engineers also emphasized the robustness and reliability of the transmission’s components. It offers two forward speeds (low-high), a neutral position and reverse. Integrated into the transmission, the braking system features a 4-piston caliper that provides the necessary braking power. During my tests, I was impressed by the smoothness of the gear changes which are precise and without hesitation. Even when the vehicle is not flat, when it is often needed the most, the transmission is easy to use and does not get stuck like some of the other models in the competition. According to the manufacturer, the Alpha transmission is designed to pull up to 1200 pounds in the low position. In fact, I was able to test it with a sled weighing more than 600 pounds on different types of terrain. What is remarkable is that the transmission works in such a way as to give maximum power at low rpm, which is often less obvious for a 2-stroke snowmobile.
