As mentioned earlier the XCR HAS TIPPED UP RIAL SO 136 DRIVES LIKE A 128, PLUS FRONT SPRING ARE 100 LBS VER 80 FOR XR1 WHICH GIVE BETTER BITE IN CORNER, CHRISTOPHER OTTAWA
Yes, but it's a pain in comparison to drain plug in bottom of the case like Doo does it. You will also never get all of that oil out with a pump. Cheers, Mike
Yes a drain plug is better however if you currently cut end plastic suction hose at 45 degrees you will get all the old oil out have done so on my last 4 Polaris,
Braking = Polaris by FAR! (how can you honestly miss this category?!?) Switch gear ergonomics/ease of use = Polaris Weight = Polaris Factory included storage capacity = Polaris Running board strength and lack of snow and ice build up = Polaris Track options for each model = Polaris Color selection/ordering customization = Polaris Clutching/belt reliability = Polaris Ease of bumper use for pulling out stuck sleds/protection = Polaris
We definitely did forget to mention braking - it is way way better on the polaris - 100% agreed. The rest of the factors you mentioned I agree with your opinion, but we didn't think they were that important to us. Cheers, Jesse
Eric S, I have actually been a polaris guy way longer. Only got my first Ski-Doo in 2016. I put over 3000 kms on the VR1 this season - so I would not say I am a "doo guy". Cheers, Jesse
Etec motor vibrates a lot compared to the Patriot motor. And to me in a long day riding I thought etec was shaking a lot in the bars and that create fatigue. Polaris wins alot on categories that you two skidont fans will not mention.
Etec definitely does vibrate more but not really noticeable once in motion. I would also tell you to take a better look at our other videos. The tone of your message is as if you think we are skidoo biased. We are definitely not. I love that VR1 and put more miles on it last year then my XRS. Cheers, Jesse
Agreed! But I didn't have enough seat time on an xcr for the review. To be honest the breakdown would be pretty similar - xcr may have gotten an extra point or two. Cheers, Jesse
I have a XRS and spent a day on an XCR. The two sleds feel more similar than different. I prefer my Ski-Doo but I have also had a lot more time to set it up for my personal preferences. I did end up ordering an Assault Boost for next year. It was the most fun sled I have ever ridden.
2 points for 1 category. Wattt. I would assume fun factor would be worth 2 or 3 for that matter. And what about standing for writing position. I don’t even sit down.
Been a doo guy for years , got a new 137 VR1 , no issues with it and very pleased with it , they all have the pros and cons and that’s what makes them great for everyone, good review thanks gents
Thanks Mike! Glad you enjoyed the video. I love both sleds. The VR1 really did surprise me in a good way this season. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Cheers, Jesse
Hmmm. I am really shocked you both being skidoo riders picked skidoo... I own both and for some reason my XCR ended up with the most KM's last winter. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Hey Jason. It could have been either sled. It just so happened that when we tallied up the points on camera the XRS won. Glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great summer bro. Cheers, Jesse
Adjust limiter Strap and get more Ski - Lift on Rmotionx ? Why not a Reliability category? Clutch Category? Just had to replace my Crushed junk stock Rollers in my Mxz 850 and sled only has 300miles and not even OFF breakin mode 🤦🏻
2 points for a chain case oil change seems a little biased but good video comparing the 2 sleds. You really can't go wrong with either but I switched from doo to Polaris and don't see myself switching back in the near term.
Thanks. I know ... but I was really annoyed with wrenching on this thing and still can't understand why all the manufacturers don't make it easy to do a chain case oil change except for Doo. They are neck and neck for sure. Can't go wrong with either. Cheers, Mike
@@mrmoparrr maybe in one of our older videos but you would have to look. It is a fact though.. The VR1 walks all of our 2022 2023 and 2024 850 ski-doos.
Never understood the issue with no drain plug in the chain case. Yes, it is easier to change the oil with a drain plug but JUST changing the oil is lazy and only half the job imo. The cover should be pulled and the chain, tensioner and sprockets should be inspected every 1000 miles.
Thanks Joe. It's a great suggestion and definitely something I know many guys do. Personally, I've never done it on the Doos but after seeing the VR1 issues with the gears and tensioner after only 800kms on the sled, definitely could see it valuable and a sanity check for Poo guys. We've never had any of those things fail or wear on any of our Doos and we have put a lot of kms on them. Thanks for watching. Mike
@@sledaddicz probably a good idea to check them on any Skidoo.My wifes sled ,17' MXZ TNT ended up loosing top bearing behind the sprocket around 11,000 MMS and I had a friend have his 18' XRS with the 850 have his chaincase grenade on him around 1000kms.
Great video. As for removing the oil from the SKi-doo gear case on the earlier models with no drain plug, No, an oil extractor will not work. The chain case cover is too close to the gears for the hose to get by or sneak by where the fill grommet is removed. The hose used in my extractor is stiff so it cannot bend 90 degrees to get around the gears. That being said, if the oil level plug was removed near the bottom left, the hose is not capable of bending 90 degrees down to get below the button gear. I did put out a video on this doing a gear case oil change on a 2014 (600 eTec) & 2012 (800 eTec). I was aware the 2022 came out with a drain plug.....It's about time Ski-doo!! Otherwise, this was a really, really good comparison!!! Thank you for posting.
Great comparison, guys. Very well thought out and honest. I've been on Ski-Doo's for the last 22 years and have decided to go with a Polaris lndy XC 850 137" for '24. I loved all of my Ski-Doo's and had great luck with them but l think the R-Motion X has taken the fun factor out of their sleds. The Polaris is so much more fun to ride than the Ski-Doo and that in itself (among other things) was enough to get me to switch. Polaris will need to provide me a trouble-free sled (like Ski-Doo did) but as long as they can do that they'll get my money. Again, great video guys, love your content!!
Thanks Bart! I can definitely agree with you there.The VR1 transfers so much more and is more playful then the renegade. I thoroughly enjoy riding it. I just did a 800 km final ride day with the VR1 3 weeks ago and it was a blast. Cheers, Jesse
Good video. Sounds like both brands are great and you can't really go wrong with either. The consumer wins either way as each company pushes each other to be better and come out with new and better product.
Hey Bryan! Right on the money. That is exactly how we feel. Hopefully cat and yamy can get on board and start pushing each other to make it even better! Have a great summer. Cheers, Jesse
Additional comparison if you were to compare the 2022XCR and the BRP 850 as apposed o the VR1 i had a 2021 and this year replaced with the 850 136 XCR what a difference, The tipped up rails the 137 turns like a 128, Much better shocks lots of beefed up components just love the XCR, How you folks get a chance to try a XCR. The VR1 is ecellant but the XCR takes it to the next level. Christopher Ottawa
Hey Chris! We did get a few chances last season to ride a buddy of ours 2022 XCR 136. I definitely preferred the sled over the vr1 and I noticed how it handled way closer to an mxz or 129 due to the tipped rails. Cheers, Jesse
Completely disagree on rider position. I spose if you prefer a more lazy ride sitting further back on a much wider sled feels better. I prefer the bike like feel of Polaris with the narrow body and forward position more on top of the spindles. As far as front end goes its not even comparable imo. Polaris is just dominant. I do the R-Motion skid a bit better. Ski Doo build quality is fantastic no question. But all in all Polaris is a superior performing machine.
It all comes down to personal preference. I logged 13,000 kms last season on the X-RS and I ride pretty hard. The seat on the 850 Ski-Doos is actually significantly narrower compared to the matryx, which I prefer - I find the matryx seat too wide. My main gripe is not the seating position, its where the side panels hit your legs.Based on where you sit, your shins end up getting pinched on the side panel instead of sitting parallel too and on the side panels. This is why we prefer the seating position on the doo. Agreed on the front end - polaris is winning by a mile, and while the r-motion is still the best in the biz, Polaris is catching up quick! Appreciate your feedback and thanks for watching our content. Cheers, Jesse
The only time I ever change a drive belt on my Polaris is when I put a fresh new one on pre-season. They go 4000+ miles without issue. However, I've never had a Ski Doo belt even make it thru half a season. Polaris wins on clutching and belts hands down.
Both sleds make it very easy to change the drive belts. It's a bit easier on the doos but I didn't think it was that important to mention. @bedlambikes speak for yourself brother - my belt on my 22 doo is still on at 13,000 kms! Cheers, Jesse
I have 22 indyxc and get between 15 to 16 mpg. My buddy has a 21 tnt 850 and another buddy has 23 blizzard 850. They get 19 and sometimes almost 20mpg. Doos use a little less oil than mine. This is riding groomed trails.
Hey Jon! We did review a doo with smart shox - check out our video reviewing the Mach Z. Our XRS did not have smart shox this season. We have ordered a G5 XRS 850 with smart shox for next season. Cheers, Jesse
Have a Vr1 137 and then bought a Lynx Rave to go with it. Beats VR1overall, because that rear skid changed everything for me on moguls. Polaris gauge and quick total under-hood access are it's strengths. Doo's handling of the belt guard and cooling are obsolete compared to Polaris. Never blew a belt in 10m polarizes. No excess belt heat to speak of. But still some funky engine fails and the jackshaft bearing fails between 2000-3000 miles I hear about ain't cool. But Rave tunnel guards loosening and rubbing which at least won't leave you stranded but to be warranty/recalled once they find the fix will eliminate this. Etec first pull start and rear skid/shock package beats Polaris. If you like weight transfer--the Rave is awesome fun--like a dirt bike. I raced both across a loose snow lake against each other and pretty much a dead tie. I was a Assault junkie--but ordered the new Lynx Xterrain as that skid/suspension is just better than anything out there right now. The Assaults have that fun wheelie factor but so do the Lynx sleds (assuming Xterrain will as it is also uncoupled/same shocks/suspension and slightly tipped rails and they ride the moguls better). Lynx by a nose but there are no bad sled from these two--three now--leaders. Haven't looked over at Arctic Cats in forever--I dunno.... Seems they are behind at this point. If Lynx does a "Gen 5" makeover as they did on their Lynx Shredder--expect weight loss, thinner cowl/front end and Lynx/Doo need the gauge package that Polaris has. The revamped belt cover as cowl for Shredder fixes the Lynx/Doo funky belt guard issue.
Well Made video but I hate these style videos. Besides who has a better gauge and which one is smoother the rest are all everyone’s opinion. The Polaris gauge is 10x better then even the new skidoo gauge and the skidoo runs way way smoother then the Polaris, not including how bad the break in is on Polaris. 22 spark plugs and stalls and flooded later lol..
Yup. We went away from doing these style videos as a result. We now just give detailed reviews on each sled and leave the decision to the rider as everyone values different things. Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz for sure ! Live your guys riding videos. I ordered a 2024 Lynx xterrain 850 that hopefully will be here in November. 10.25 gauge and 146x2” track. I ride trails and powerlines so should be a nice sled. I wanted it over the backcountry because I like the full 42” wide front end vs the back country, I had a 2020 backcountry XRS 146x2 and love that track combo. I love the fun factor with that PP3 rear suspension on the Lynx though. Rode a buddies rave last year. The suspension has been softened up and the seat is bigger and a little more comfortable on the 2024 also so that is nice. I’m 240 with gear on so a little stiffer suspension isn’t a bad thing lol. 😂. I’m in northern MN so nice trails around me, I usually get up to Canada for 2-3 rides a year.
Hey Rick. As we said in the video, we didn't take actual numbers. All I noticed was that both sleds were usually within a litre of each other. I rode the XRS on a trail and then rode the VR1 the exact same mileage and burned within 1 L difference. Cheers, Jesse
Yeah, I am surpised to hear that they think the mileage is the same. My MXZ850 TNT gets better mileage than all the polarises I ride with including the 650. It also gets better mileage than the Ski-Doo 900 ACE NA. IMO the Doo 850 mileage is very impressive and deserves a point for this.
Definitely something wrong with your sleds if the Polaris is using less oil, although my 22 XRS did seem to use more oil than past 850's I have had. Also for the top speed thing, don't just go by seat of the pants, you must have lined them up a few times. They should be neck and neck, although the Polaris does feel faster the way the power comes on.
That’s what I was kinda thinking too I didn’t agree with quite a bit in the review I think the headlight on the skidoo is way better at the same time I think Polaris should of won everything for seating position, foot holds, etc. also maintenance on the Polaris is way easier.
@@wenninger2279 Only thing easier on the Polaris is the spark plugs I would say. Chain case oil is way harder. The Skidoo’s old halogen lights do serve a purpose, the heat keeps them from freezing over from snow dust or if riding in sleet conditions. I feel the ergonomics are personal preference no clear winner.
Hey MitLei. My 18, 21 & 22 850 X-RS all burned a lot of oil - I guess I am hard on the throttle lol. That being said, my dads 19 and 22 Polaris 850 burned significantly less when I was riding them. In terms of top speed, we lined them up several times. Our 19 XC 850 still destroys Mike and my 850 XRS's and the 22 VR1 pulls ahead each and every time. Cheers, Jesse
Great work fellows love your channel we have gone from any years od YamahA lest sled 2013 power staring, at GPS top sped of 109 mph all stock swicthed to Polaris 20q9 then XCR, 2021 matix Vr1 and now 2022 XCR. Found the 2022 XCR much better all around in handing riding sled than the VR1. The new XCR much better sled with tipped up rails runs like a 129 in a 137 inch track. Also much better shocks, You fellows should try the XCR then love to see comparison of Polaris XCR and BRP 850. Your reviews are very helpful love to run with you folks in the Mt Laurier area. Christopher Ottawa
Have gone over your review for third time you folks have done one of the best fact based reviews that I have seen on utube. One minor comment you should be comparing the BRP 850 with XCR not the VR1. Their is a big difference as example XCR has far better shocks, much better rear suspension, tipped rails allows 136 to ride like a 128,even better transfer and track hook up, the seat is much improved not as hard as VR1, I change the gear case oil in about 5 MI with oil extraction pump, having said that what is even more important is to take the oil cover of to inspect the chain,gears is even more important, love to have you try a XCR with the same comparison in Mind, had 2021 VR1 and now 2022 XCR. I Would really love to have opportunity to run with you folks.Christopher Ottawa
Hey Chris. I agree! I have ridden the XCR and love it. We felt we wanted to do the comparison with the vr1 purely because I rode it a lot more so it was a more experienced comparison. Hope your looking forward to winter! Thanks for tuning in buddy. Cheers, Jesse
In your evaluation you forgot to mention that the Polaris is much warmer sled due to great wind protection and hand warmers. This should have balanced out the and made review much closer Christopher ottawa
I actually find my doo more warm with my bigger windshield. But the hand warmers on the polaris are miles ahead and we did mention that in the video. Thanks for watching! Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz hi Jesse you folks have a great utubechannel that is very I formative, I to had chance to drive the Mach Z much prefer the handling and lights eerie go the XCR Polaris. Look forward to your lchannel this winter. Christopher Ottawa
Thanks Chris!! We can't wait for the season either. I appreciate you watching our videos and I am glad you are enjoying the content! Yup - the XCR definitely handles better then the Mach Z no question. The mach has more weight on the skis so it will always lose compared to a two stroke. Cheers, Jesse
Interesting. Ya my windshield isn't groomet style on my VR1. Good to know. Ergos are really personal preference - to be honest I much prefer the ergos on the Doo. Cheers, Jesse
I think you guys are talking about two different things when you switch the matrix windshield over you have to change this lower plastic pieces with those little metal clips,the grommets hold the whole windshield on🤔🤔🤔
I was surprised to see that you gave 2 points to the skidoo chain case. 1 point for sure, a drain plug is easy. But the VR1 is like a 10 to 15 minute job tops. Remove 1 bolt and 2 push pins to loosen the lower console and bottom trim piece to give a lot more room to work. Remove battery and battery tray, 2 torx bolts under to sled to make the oil drain in one spot, loosen bottom 3 chain case cover bolts and there's a tab to put a flat head screw driver to pry it open to drain. Put it back together. Its not that bad of a job especially on a sled lift. Polaris windshield just pops off, but you need a new bezel piece to make a windshield swap a breeze like a skidoo. So still a downfall. But once you have a bezel for each windshield problem solved. I hear Polaris brakes are better. Love you guys content though! It's so nice to see trail riders in the RU-vid world of mountain riders. Both are great sleds. A friend of mine likes his Polaris while his wife likes her skidoo better.
Enjoyed watching the videos all year, keep them going next season. I understand both of you guys are Ski-Doo guys but this comparison seems a little too biased. Polaris: Tech and Innovation Engine & Performance Front End Handling Fun Factor Ski-Doo: Rider Positioning Accessories Tied: Suspension Maintenance and Wrenching Rider Positioning and Accessories are definitely important but shouldn't outweigh the categories that Polaris won. Good comparison but don't agree with the outcome...
Hey Eric. I appreciate your opinion. They definitely didn't outweigh the categories that Polaris won - Polaris won some of the higher point categories. All categories weren't equal as well. At the end of the day both sleds are so close to each other - only a 3 point difference. Next season who knows, the results could be different. Have a great summer. Cheers, Jesse
Your not comparing things that both have. All your doing is giving the pount to who ever has what the other doesnt. When 2 technologies are exactly the same thats when u compare them.
Hey Darren. I don't really agree. There were a couple things we thought one brand had but the other didn't, but most of the categories pertained to both sleds. Differences are important to note, and thats why we felt mentioning them was important. Cheers, Jesse
The Polaris resvoir holds 3.8 litres of oil. The Ski Doo holds 3.4 litres. That's almost a half litre of oil per resvoir. An average resvoir in my 850 Ski Doo gets me around 700km. So that half litre of oil is an extra 60- 80 km easy. The ski doo is way better on oil
The ski doo is way better on fuel as well. There like 3-4 litres better per fill up. The Polaris holds 45.5 litres of fuel in its tank. The Ski doo holds 36 litres of fuel.
Hey David. In terms of fuel.. both sleds took within one L of each other after the same number of kms while I was riding them. Good point on the oil capacity - I did not know that.. that makes sense - I figured the etec would be better on oil. I do not get nearly 700kms to the tank of oil on my xrs - I am super hard on the throttle - I get around 300 kms when riding really hard, 450 when riding a bit more relaxed. Cheers, Jesse
Hey Edward. From our extensive testing over the past 4 seasons that it simply not the case. All our Polaris 850s pull past the Skidoo 850s at the start and at the top end. Cheers, Jesse
@@edwardabrahamiii3742 I wouldn't trust Google stats lol. We raced them multiple times in our ride videos this season. The VR1 topped out at higher speeds then the xrs every time.
I encourage you to watch more of our videos. Yes we do have more seat time on the doo 850s but we are definitely not biased at all. We absolutely love both sleds. The doo won this showdown by such a small margin. It comes down to personal preference. Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz Jesse, I appreciate your channel, and your response. But, when I see Mike unboxing a new BRP helmet while wearing a Doo jacket, another video of Mike working at, again, a Doo dealership, your announcement about parternering with a local dealer that doesn't carry Polaris, and the idea you're Canadian, just like skidoo, tells a deeper story. A story that unfolds by never having to play one of your videos. But, rather just look around your channel. Lastly, every snowmobiler worldwide understands and accepts that the importance of a tether vs. power delivery and performance is not a 1-to-1 relationship. Amongst many other items of scrutiny...
@@MBZtwins I think you are looking at it the wrong way. As I said, we have been riding doos for a while and due to the dealer partnership we have more access to doo accessories etc. That does not mean we are biased. I would ride the VR1 any day of the week. And in terms of the comparison, this was our first one. The scoring definitely wasn't perfect and we will work to improve that in future showdowns. Cheers, Jesse
