When I received a call to confirm my 2021 Polaris Switchback Assault Long-Term Test ride for the season, I was more than happy to know that it was the Polaris Switchback Assault with the 850 Patriot engine. While it’s not the latest creation from Polaris, I knew I had a very powerful snowmobile, but also one that suited my style of riding that often swings between on and off the trails. Combined with the 2″ lugged track option, the Switchback Assault is a machine that does well in all situations. In fact, I like to compare it to an enduro bike. It performs well on the trails as well as off-road. Always ready to give you emotions and “playful” with frequent ski lifts. I invite you to discover (or rediscover) this wonderful hybrid snowmobile that allows you to have fun in all conditions.
The Switchback Assault is a perfect fit for me as I am the type of snowmobiler who loves off-trail snowmobiling, but doesn’t live in the mountains… So, at the beginning of the season when snow is scarce or to get to my spots, I use the trails a lot. It is sometimes difficult to find a snowmobile that performs well in all situations and we often resign ourselves to choosing one or the other. Some lucky people who don’t want to compromise get 2 different snowmobiles… if the budget allows it. However, let’s be more realistic and admit that with the Polaris Switchback Assault, you can really own one of the best compromises to get performance both on and off the trails. Hours of fun can be expected with this versatile model!
The Switchback Assault is built around the excellent AXYS chassis. This one provides a very good rigidity while keeping a lightness. This provides overall balance and predictable reactions when riding. This platform offers a higher driving position than the competition, which makes it easy to change positions. The rider can easily stand up to face bumps on the trail or when the urge to jump into deep snow arises to allow for more free left-to-right oscillation.
The heart of my test machine is the 850cc Patriot 2-stroke engine. Introduced a few seasons ago now, reliability is there, power delivery is fabulous at all engine speeds and the sound that emanates from the exhaust is a symphony for the ears. All that’s left is to control ourselves so as not to push our limits or those imposed by the law. The 170+ horsepower provides more than enough power to deliver hard acceleration, powerful acceleration and snow-busting off-road driving.
Polaris offers two engine options, the 850cc Patriot and the 600cc Cleanfire. The latter still delivers noteworthy performance, and you don’t feel deprived with its 125 horsepower. In certain situations, the engine could feel a bit winded, especially when riding off-road. So, if you want to use it more in this situation, opt for the larger displacement. But anyway, although the 600cc engine is a reasonable and more affordable choice, I suggest you go big with the 850. Go big or go home! You will never regret such a choice.
With all this power available, all that remains is to transmit it efficiently to the snow. To take full advantage of the engine’s power, the manufacturer has installed its P-85 and TEAM clutch system with pulleys. This system is perfectly calibrated to provide fast and efficient engagement in all snow conditions. Used for many years now, we know its solidity which will offer an increased longevity while functioning with a low noise level. My only complaint is when snow enters through the side panel in an off-road situation. You can sometimes hear the belt slipping and the clutch is more difficult momentarily. Although the clutch is effective, the sealing of the side panel should be reviewed to eliminate this inconvenience.
To make the Switchback Assault so competent in all circumstances, the IGX 144 uncoupled rear suspension is certainly one of those key elements. This suspension gives us all the confidence on the trail, but also the flexibility needed for off-road riding. With 16″ of travel, it’s more than enough to handle the biggest obstacles. We can also count on Walker Evans shocks that are adjustable with a wheel above the small external reservoir. It’s simple to use and very effective in modulating reactions to the terrain we’re about to tackle. The ride is sound and predictable at all times. The Switchback Assault easily handles bumps as well as lots of powder.
To steer the snowmobile well, Polaris equipped it with PRO-STEER skis with a deeper keel design and a fairly aggressive track. These skis provide good bite on the trails. However, they don’t offer the best flotation in powder and they require the rider to provide more energy to keep his lines in off-piste riding. Still, the ride is quite precise and allows the rider to react efficiently with the machine.
One of the big advantages of this snowmobile is certainly that it can be delivered with a choice of 3 different tracks; Cobra with 1.35″ or 1.6″ studs and the 2.0″ high Serie 4 track. On my test vehicle, the Serie 4 track of 2 inches equips the snowmobile and I have to admit that this one suits my driving style better. The other 2 track options are to be considered if you ride mainly on firm trails (1.35″ studs) or a little more in the loose snow in your area (1.6″ studs). The 2″ studs can be somewhat of a handicap on trails as they will induce unwanted vibration and also more understeer as the rear end pushes hard with the extra bite. However, the 2″ track option is a charm when you leave the trail and want to go into very snowy areas without the fear of stalling. With this combination, you really get a hybrid machine that is good on the trails as well as off the beaten path. The best of both worlds!
When you sit on the Switchback Assault, you’ll notice that the ergonomics are well thought out and you’ll feel comfortable instantly. The ProTaper handlebar position is just the right height for both trail riding and standing up to attack the powder. The layout of the controls on the handlebars is efficient and their size allows for easy handling with gloves on. For the display, my test snowmobile is equipped with the basic dial. As a whole, it is very easy to use while offering a quick reading and the necessary data is there. However, the digital display model with integrated GPS and touchscreen is by far the better choice of the 2 available. I advise you to opt for the latter since it is much more pleasant to look at and you can largely modify the data display according to your preferences. Moreover, it integrates a GPS, an essential element in off-road driving.
One of the key aspects of the Switchback Assault is the seat, which is perfectly suited to its purpose. It provides great support to the rider by being just soft and firm enough at the same time, for added comfort when sitting. With its narrower design, it provides the perfect balance of support needed on the trail, but also the minimalism needed to not interfere with off-road riding. We know that we stand up when we ride off-road and we don’t want a seat that is too wide to limit the space we need to maneuver. By its shape as well as its height versus the footboards, it is easy to go from sitting to standing. Another interesting feature of the seat is that a non-slip texture was chosen to cover the top to help keep the driver in place. A relatively simple feature that makes all the difference for the rider.
To suit a fairly aggressive ride and to keep control at all times, the PowderTrac running boards offer excellent rigidity while providing plenty of grip. Our boots grip the surface effectively even when standing and in heavy snow. Moreover, these running boards easily eliminate snow since 56% of their total surface is open for evacuation.
The Switchback Assault comes standard with a well thought out and super convenient storage bag located on the tunnel under the seat. It’s roomy enough to carry a lunch, water, tools and a spare. It’s also waterproof due to its sealed zipper design. The folks at Polaris did a great job as the shape fits in beautifully with the overall look and it’s nice that it comes included instead of having to pay more. And we all agree that storage is needed all the time on a snowmobile!
Speaking of equipment, it is possible to get a passenger seat. This one is easily installed in 10 minutes. By its design, it is then ”quick attach” to remove it when you drive more off-road and where freedom of movement is paramount. It comes with heated handles for the passenger and you can even order it with the option of a heated seat for an additional fee of course. Speaking of the seat, it is higher than the driver’s seat and will provide excellent visibility for the passenger at all times. The padding is very generous and therefore very comfortable for long distances. In my opinion, this is a “must have” and the cost is worth it if you plan to keep this snowmobile for a few years… Especially if you plan to bring someone with you.
Praise after praise! In short, this has been my favorite Polaris machine for the past few seasons and I’m not hiding it. The 850 Switchback Assault is a wonderful machine because it offers an excellent 50/50 compromise between trail and off-road. This hybrid snowmobile has carved out a niche in the market, as it performs very well in each niche. Polaris has created a machine that is versatile and above all, fun to ride in all conditions. You have the perfect snowmobile to spend hours and hours playing in powder snow or to devour miles of trails.
Strong points
- 850 Patriot engine: Powerful at all speeds, intoxicating sound and reliability.
- Ergonomic riding position and you feel at ease quickly.
- Interesting performance on and off the trails. One of the best hybrid snowmobiles available on the market.
- 3 track options that really change the machine’s abilities depending on the use you intend to make of it.
- Highly efficient and easy to control braking system.
Points for improvement
- Significant white smoke emanations when starting. We would like to see a revised calibration in this area since it is more than annoying when starting in a closed trailer
- Deficient wind protection at medium and high speeds. The shape of the fairing does not protect the driver enough and you feel the cold.
- The power of the heated handles is not sufficient when it is very cold. It is therefore necessary to think of installing “mufflers” to be more comfortable.
2021 Polaris Switchback Assault Long-Term Test – Conclusion
My impressions of the Polaris Swithcback Assault 144 are still very positive. Although I have ridden it many times over the past few years, I feel it is one of the best, if not the best hybrid snowmobile on the market. When I ride it, I always have a smile on my face. You get on it, you feel comfortable right away. Its performance is amazing and its ability to devour miles of trails as well as play in the powder makes it a perfect combination for snowmobilers who want versatility.
Although 2021 brings a brand new platform: the Matryx. And that you can order the Switchback Assault on it since it is one of the flagship models offered by Polaris. With many new technologies, an updated look, etc., the Axys chassis version is still a very competent snowmobile and continues to be a wise choice to get a good all-around hybrid snowmobile.
The Passion Motoneige team would like to thank Thibault Marine for making this long-term test possible. We invite you to visit this dealership located in Sainte-Agathe that offers the Polaris snowmobile line and much more.
Photo sources : Stéphanie L. et Vincent B.-V.
