In order to maintain an enviable position in this highly competitive niche, the manufacturer is constantly coming up with new products. And 2022 was no exception with the massive arrival of innovations. Today’s test allows us to show you all of these changes with the top of the line Polaris snowmobile: the 2022 Polaris Pro RMK Matryx Slash.
MATRYX platform
The 2022 Polaris Pro RMK Matryx Slash Review all starts with a new platform that is the cornerstone of this machine. It’s the MATRYX chassis, introduced last year on trail and hybrid models. However, we had to wait until 2022 to see the mountain models integrated. The new chassis is based on the one we’ve known well since 2016, the AXYS chassis. Polaris was able to keep all the positive points of this one by keeping its rigidity, its lightness and its dynamism that we appreciate, while making a complete redesign of each component. Thus, all the parts, panels and materials that make up the snowmobile have been optimized to offer a highly evolved mountain riding experience.
The body panels have been improved to keep their width to a minimum and allow for even more freedom of movement in the snow. Less drag in the powder means less effort required to perform maneuvers. The top of the vehicle also features a large trunk behind the screen that can now accommodate a multitude of items; gloves, a pair of glasses, a bottle of water, lunch, … All at the same time and without having to purchase a subsequent option.
When you sit on this new platform, you quickly notice that the width of the fuel tank at knee level has been drastically reduced. This makes maneuvering easier, especially when switching from one step to the other. Handling is greatly improved and ergonomics have reached a new level.
Several aesthetic and functional elements have also been addressed with new minimalist handlebar controls, more powerful LED headlights for late rides, narrower running boards, etc. It’s a long list of improvements that have a positive impact on the riding experience. However, one of the most important differences is the tunnel geometry with the SLASH version.
With this version, we have company: a short tunnel, without flap and also narrower in width. This way, the drag in the snow is drastically reduced. The effort required for driving is reduced and the handling is greatly improved. You really have to try it to adopt it.
In addition, the radiator no longer continues to the rear and stops under the driver. This centralizes the mass closer to the driver. This has the effect of reducing the ice build-up that often occurs underneath the snow propelled by the track. With this portion of the tunnel remaining ice-free, Polaris announces a weight reduction of about 20% since this mass is very far from the center of gravity. This will greatly prevent the back of the snowmobile from becoming heavy and sinking.
Bref, la configuration SLASH amène plusieurs aspects positifs;
- Considerably reduced weight and centralized mass near the pilot.
- Reduced drag in the snow.
- Reduced effort required in side-hill to maintain balance.
- Much more maneuverable snowmobile in maneuvers since the tunnel no longer bumps against the snow.
- Less snow and ice that accumulates in the last portion of the tunnel.
- When traveling on trails, the cooling is more efficient with this system.
We couldn’t miss the second major novelty on this model, which is of course its turbocharged engine: BOOST. This engine comes from the 2-stroke Patriot engine that we’ve known for a few years now and has been combined with a company turbo. Thus, we find ourselves at the handlebars of a machine with a staggering power. Thanks to the supercharging in the air intake, this snowmobile maintains power as you climb in altitude and keeps it all up to 8000 feet. This turbo version also provides 10% more power than the naturally aspirated version. We can now expect around 185-190 horsepower under the hood.
It’s totally insane to have that much power and be able to exploit it fully with no throttle response. This is a huge difference compared to the after market turbo packages you can get. As an added bonus, you get a full manufacturer’s warranty. This is a good thing considering that it’s the first generation and we don’t yet know the long term reliability.
The Patriot BOOST version allows us to cross the steepest terrain and we will efficiently get out of awkward positions without having to push the machine to its limit. We could even say that this machine allows us to easily correct the maneuvering mistakes we make, as the power propels us out of the snow in a fraction of a second.
Polaris made a great response to its closest competitor with the BOOST and recently, SKI-DOO retaliated for 2023 with its 850 E-TEC Turbo R with 180 HP. I predict that we will have a “horsepower war” in the next few years and that’s good for us!
The model we had the chance to try came with the Walker Evans Racing- Velocity suspension option, which is designed to perform better. In addition, it is possible to adjust them more than the stock ones on this model. With the adjustment, we will have an impact on the high and low speed compression independently as well as the spring preload. This way, we can effectively adjust the snowmobile for our physique, our riding style and also the terrain we are about to face. However, it is important to understand the basic parameters in order to properly adjust the suspensions.
Another option I really liked was the 7S touchscreen. The quality of the image and all the features take the driving experience to another level. With the 7S dial, you get a 7-inch color screen that allows you to access a built-in GPS, see your buddies in real time if they have the same device, record your tracks and share them later, Bluetooth connectivity, etc. And on top of that, you can access them with your gloves directly on the screen. Polaris engineers have really worked on this aspect and although this option is quite expensive, it is worth the price entirely.
All in all, we get a driving experience that is truly superior to the previous generation, with less effort required and, above all, a highly improved handling.
Strong Points:
- New MATRYX platform with a more ergonomic riding position and several effective deep snow improvements.
- Turbocharged engine providing unrelenting power up to 8,000 feet.
- Short, narrower tunnel of the SLASH version that sets new standards.
Areas for improvement:
- We still have the same problem with spark plugs that we know from Patriot engines. They often have to be replaced and Polaris has to do what it takes. We are no longer at the unveiling and the years go by without any clear improvement.
- Cold starting of the snowmobile brings too much smoke, especially when you are in a trailer.
Conclusion
The 2022 Polaris Pro RMK Matryx Slash is without a doubt the snowmobile that sits at the top of this manufacturer’s mountain range. A new platform, technological advancements, an insane turbo mechanic and above all, outstanding abilities make this machine very enviable. All that’s left is to perfect your techniques to be up to what it can do for you.
The Snowmobile Passion team would like to thank Destination Monts-Valin and the Evolution-X who made this test possible.
