Polaris 2022 Matryx XCR First Ride 

glad to help.

I look forward to creating some videos again!

Thank you.

thanks! It was good to get some riding in on the northshore this year.

That is so awesome! Send me a pic next season of all of them together !

The next video we get into it more sore by side with the VR1

I love riding the north shore. Snow was light but still fun riding

Thank you for watching! We have a big video that took up the majority of the winter.... I think it will be worth the wait ;)

@@Levi_LaVallee Can't wait!

Hello. Thank you. we have been working on a big project which has limited my time this winter but stay tuned as it will be out very soon .

It’s awesome!

Thank you 🙏🏼

haha yes they have.... but the 95s are still pretty fun. ;)

its going to be a good year!

haha pumped to be back!

tomorrow

what kind of riding do you like most?

LaVallee , trail riding hard when it’s rough, a little bit of off trail. I’m a big guy so I need a good suspension.

I agree!! :)

They sell so many

thanks! Thats a couple hot sleds for sure!

That polaris 550fan is a trash engine lots of 550fan here at my village local dump even if the ppl here use full synthetic polaris oil still a trash engine

I am so excited for this sled!

Thanks!

Thank you :)

Thank you! I understand that people may question my opinion due to my long relationship with Polaris so I try to do a follow up video where I have multiple riders of different size and riding abilities ride the sled and give their input. My goal is to give the viewer a broader take on the sled so the viewer can come to a better conclusion based off multiple opinions, not just my opinion. here is the video we did comparing the XCR to the VR1 with multiple riders. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OdiMvf31Tg0.html

@@Levi_LaVallee I watched the video after I made this comment and I definitely see where you are doing that. I have to tell you as a rider that is switching brands those details in the reviews really mean a lot. I appreciate the Snow Trax reviews but I think they stick to more of the basic consumer terminology and don't really get into the detail like you did in this video. Also an opinion from a legend should mean something to anyone regardless of biases, and your does. Thanks a ton Levi hope you're enjoying this season of snow... I know I am!👍

Congratulations! You are going to love it!

​@@Levi_LaVallee 938 miles so far this season....Now the UP finally has decent snow, so shooting for 1500 before it's over. It's been a great machine!

@@Ruden492 Great machine for sure!

It was a long winter without doing videos, but we have a big one coming soon 😉

@@Levi_LaVallee love it! Unbelievably proud of how well the team is doing this year!

My bad . wait until you see why... 😉

keeps them out of the way... and there is a lot more to hook onto when they are upside down. ;)

@@Levi_LaVallee true. Out in my shop trying to make room today. Moving sleds , making room for the 4 dirt bikes. Never mind getting a truck in with space to get out of it. Time for a bigger shop!

i guess if I had read the comments below, I would have answered my own question about the XCR off trail. My bad. I would still like to know about the suspension differences though.

@@13pbarnes Thanks for checking the video out. You are not the first to ask for Assault / XCR comparison, so thats what i'll do this winter. I need to put them back to back because the IGX rear suspension on the Assault is ore firm than the VR1 but not sure about it against the XCR. We'll run it through the ringer back to back and see what we can come up with this coming winter!

the assaults definitely wheelies. the XCR is coupled in the rear so it keeps the sled from wheeling so much. you can also turn the coupling blocks to stop the weight transfer earlier which limits the wheelie. The IGX rear suspension in the Assault doesn't couple from the rear so it allows it wheelie a lot easier.

It pulls so hard! it is so much fun going through rolling hills and pulling the front end effortlessly. The New 650 feels like the 800... Crazy how good the new engines run!

​@@Levi_LaValleei wish i was able to get the 650 xcr 136 with 7s display. I got the 23 indy adventure 650 137! Love it so far! Wish i had the XCR though!

@@edwardabrahamiii3742 the XCR suspension is a bit more aggressive so you can push on the sled harder compared to the adventure.

@@Levi_LaVallee thats what i wish i had the more aggressive rear end wish my polaris had the rmotion rear suspension

I highly recommend studs for safety on the trail. I put 2 per lug on the inner belt. I run Woodys Gold diggers.

I like the 1.6 more as it has better straight line traction. I am going to stud my 1.6 (I stud up to 1.75" lugs) as I don't have a lot of experience with lug screws other than on my Freestyle sleds and they seem to rip the lugs off when you hold it wide open. The race sled track has very stiff legs which may cause them to rip easier though. The slides should be fine as long as you are in snow.

I wasn't able to get off trail as we had marginal snow conditions, but i feel the XCR is a great hard trail riding, ditch pounding, fun sled. If it had a 1.75 track I think it would be able to get around pretty good off trail, but the 1.6 is just a little light in traction on minimal snow, which leads me to believe it wouldn't be ideal in powder. The best on/ off trail sled would still be the Switchback assault in my eyes. 1.6 if you are more trail but the extra length helps , 2" track if you are off trail more. Personally I love that the XCR can be pushed harder on the trail in in the ditches. The way I like to ride most of the time and the conditions I ride make the XCR my choice. If I was riding more lake effect off trail I would think about a switchback assault or put a bigger lug track on the XCR.

It was all stock settings. the Vr1 has a little more body roll in the turns than the XCR and doesn't take hard hits as well as XCR either.

Thank you. I haven't done a back to back comparison but I think a lot of the corner ability will depend on the track it has on it. If you look at the outer lugs and if they are straight up and on the outside edge of the track it bites in harder and makes them harder to slide (and corner for that matter). The rails are tipped up, but the longer the track lugs, the less noticeable it is when turning. the taller riser is more comfortable for stand up riding but for me I am shorter so I usually go shorter riser for better leaning while cornering.

@@Levi_LaVallee So are you telling me with a longer track skid, the longer the track lugs are the easier it is to turn? Not questioning your feelings, I’m curious on the concept. Thanks

@@brianr1899 Apples to apple -129 -vs 137 same track model, the shorter should turn better. I believe because the longer track has more track driving the machine forward and more track / lugs to pivot through the snow when turning. How you can make the longer length track turn easier is by having less side to side traction with angled outer lugs or staged lugs so there isn't an outer belt lug on every row. This allows the sled to pivot the rails easier because there is less side traction from the track. Another way is to tip the back of the rails up which gives the feeling the rails are shorter because less of the rail is flat on the ground. This helps the rails pivot easier through the snow because it has left track digging into the ground. The XCR has tipped up rails as well as the Switchback Assault. The longer the lugs the less give it has in the turn which makes it harder to turn. But again if you 45 degree / angle the outer lugs or have track with out out lugs to dig in while turn, you can make the sled feel closer to a short lug track. Hopefully that helps you understand.

@@brianr1899 I think I understand why you asked your question was my reply to Scott was easily misunderstood- "

I think it would be a good one for on off.

haha Yes that was us. That trail was AWESOME so we hot lapped it! We were all wearing FXR coats. This is the coat I was wearing in red. fxrracing.com/collections/mens-jackets-snow/products/m-ranger-jacket-21?variant=32281114378302

@@Levi_LaValleeit was awesome alright, was the best trail we'd seen all weekend! The coat you were wearing was pretty nice too, but the lady riding with you that day had on an orange/red colored jacket that my wife was checking out, can you send the link for that one?

GET THE VR1!!! It is the best trail sled I have ever been on. It is so smooth and comfortable, plus it has the 7S display which I love. Most the riders on the shoot were more aggressive riders but like I said at the end of the XCR vs Vr1 video, riding them back to back made me appreciate how good the VR1 is on the trail . And yes the 1.5 storm is still my favorite trail track. Not a fan of the 1.35 cobra.

@@Levi_LaVallee Thanks, will get the VR1 ordered today! I see there is "limited availability", don't want to miss it!

Agreed!

Thanks for taking to me

I didn't mention it but I really like the feel of the brakes on the XCR. I drag the brake in the corners if the snow is loose or the front end isn't biting as hard as I would like. The brakes have really good feel so it is easier to drag the break with out locking up the track and skidding

128-129s are more agile feeling to me. they pivot easier in the turns and they feel smaller to me. I think the 136-137s are more forgiving feeling and track a little straighter if you get in a long stretch of wide open bumps, but feels less racy than the 128-129s. The actual length difference isn't a lot, but it sure makes them feel different.

@@Levi_LaVallee that’s what i thought as well, most people you ask don’t give you a straight answer so i really appreciate you’re reply!

That seems a pretty high. Maybe in the morning you could use scratchers if snow is hard / icy to help but it shouldn't be that hot if you are in snow in the afternoon when it softens up. You will be in good shape with the 22

1.6 will take a shit ton of screw in's that work fine on everything but lake Ice, and doesn't kill your top end with extra weight of studs. 1.25/1.3 will in no way hook up the 850 and just spins everywhere but super hard shit that studs will grab.

I haven't ran screws in my trail sleds before, only in the Freestyle sleds. Maybe it is the hard durometer track that comes on the race sleds but the lugs will rip off when you hold it wide open at the bottom of the screws over time. have you had any issue with that before?

my opinion on 128/129 vs 136/137 is the shorter tracks are more nimble feeling and more racy feeling. The longer tracks are more forgiving but feel longer when cornering and tail sliding as they don't slide as well or pivot around the turns. If I'm feeling racy, I 128/129 ride. If I'm going for a mellow cruise I go longer.

@@Levi_LaVallee thanks for the response. One last thing do you think the tipped rails with a shorter lug like the ice ripper on the 136 xcr make cornering close to a normal rail 129? or should i still go for the 128 xcr mostly trail riding in northern minnesota.

I will get a 1.6 on my XCR. The 1.35 doesn't hook up very well in straight line and has to much side traction for my liking.

So you would go 1.6 with 2 studs per??

Thats for when you put on your big boy pants! ;)

The 1.6 feels good in the corners, the lugs are angled on the outside so they will slide some. The 1.75 backcountry track has more straight line traction and probably a similar cornering feel based on the extra height of the lugs but with less lugs on the out side of the track . it would be a good test to put them back to back though to confirm.... future video possibly. ;)

Went with the 1.6 on my snowcheck 22 XCR 136 but an considering swapping for 1.75 😎

@@MPJohnny5 Remember that the XCR has a 2.52 driver not a 2.86 if you are looking at swapping tracks. I think the track on the Pro X was a 2.86 which wouldn't work with the 2.52 .

Ah that’s right. What about the 1.5 storm you seemed to have been a big fan of that from that RU-vid video with Camso on the Pro X a few years back? I think a comparison video on these longer lug trail/offtrail tracks may be in order 😉

There is really no reason to add the additional coupling block brace from the XCR to the VR1 unless you plan on bottoming it out hard regularly. But yes you could install it very easily.

such a tough question because I prefer them both for different situations. The 128 feels smaller and is easier to get through the corners because there is less track driving it forward. If I want to go fast on the trail and really rip through the turns, I like the 128. The 136 /137s track a little straighter, feel a little more forgiving, but they don't pivot as well in the turns. tail sliding is harder, and is more likely to push in the corner. When i'm thinking more relaxing ride or if I was going on a rough sunday ride, the additional length helps.

@@Levi_LaVallee I’m 47 but ride like a bandit but do see myself being more precautious lately. 10 years ago I would of took the 128 but think it’s time for a more relaxed ride on the 136 your comment strength my thoughts on it. You the man sir thanks always been a fan your nuts and I love it . Looks like a 2022 136 with the 7s. I stud my sleds only like 160 so I think I will go back with old faithful 1.325 with a 1.450 gold digger heat treated studs with square backers orange to match the black with orange accents. I know you like Yahtzee 1.6 but I think the studs for that sled would break easier being that it’s a taller stud . What do you think ?what studs would you put on a 1.6 inch track . I’m 6,3 260 .

The 850 assault does off trail better no doubt. It trail rides really well also, not quite as agile down the trail as the XCR but it goes really well. I would recommend the HD torsion springs that polaris offers. The thing you may run into with the Assault IGX rear suspension is it is not coupled in the back so it wheelies a bit easier than the XCR. With the easier wheelieing of the assault and your larger size you will have to play with stiffening the torsion springs / settings and rear shock to remedy that if it becomes a concern on the trail. You are on the right track with both the Assault and XCR, but the off trail riding pulls me towards the Assault. What ever you get, if you have any questions on set up or concerns, just let me know and I can help you get it working for you. 👍

Good question. I'm not sure .

Cant get Storm in 2.52 pitch

that is correct. you can change the driver to a 2.86. I had a storm in a XCR before.

I am a Storm fan as well! The 2.52 driver has always been on the race sleds and I believe in racing they found it to be a little fast, but I surely wouldn't be apposed to a Storm on my XCR.

@@Levi_LaVallee you and me both. Can’t wait to ride this new 128” XCR when I get it

128 is a little more agile on the trail but the 136 is more forgiving.... if I’m feeling racy I ride 128. If I’m feeling a long ride I think 136

There was some 600r race sleds and a 650 Vr1 the was blue and silver.

@@Levi_LaVallee Thanks, keep up the good content!

@@alittlebitofeverything5090 thank you!

If you are off trail in powder, the 146 is good in the deeper snow and still gets around great on the trail. If you go flat out on the trial, pound ditches, or ride really deep holes where the suspension bottoms out usually, the XCR is the sled.

a lot depends on the track. the old 1.75 track use to be really playful.

Yes, xcr is valved stiffer, but also has high speed/low speed compression adjustment clickers. Vs the vr1 having only standard compression

Yes the XCR has stiffer Valving and high and low speed adjustment.

Hopefully you will be in a position to get a new sled in the future. When that day comes if you have any questions about the sled , just let me know.

Next weeks video is VR1 vs XCR. We had 5 riders give there insight. It should help clarify if you got the right sled for you.

Very soon ;)

it works for me

Not sure. I've only had issues if I let my 90's triple idle to long haha.

with the 1.6 track you can get around pretty decent. Not as well as the 1.75 lug track of old but unless it is deep, it is fun being able to hammer on the throttle more like when you are in the deep snow of the mountains.

Hopefully before the end of the month

Sweet can’t wait to watch it so excited.

That will be a rocket! congrats on the new ride!

I had a 2016 rush thought it was the best sled I ever rode in the trails until I got the VR1. The VR1 takes the cake definitely out preforms the rush in every way.

@@KingGunde I agree. the VR1 is an incredible trail sled!

THe Rush was a great platform but I am very confident your wife will love the stability, ride, and comfort of the Matryx sleds. The VR1 is the best overall trail sled I have ridden.

@@Levi_LaVallee unfortunately my wife does not do change well. As a matter fact the 600 is the only good motor as far as I’m concerned too. Her Rush is a 600 and absolutely love it. Very similar to riding my dirt bike when I was young and able to do the fun crazy stuff LOL. You and I both know all the R&D are put in the 600 motors. Go to a 650 not sure if that’s gonna fly. 850s are already showing tons of problems. Can’t keep spark plugs in them LOL. I think if something works don’t break it. A new 600 motor would be nice but unfortunately looks like they’re trying to get rid of it. Which in my opinion is a big mistake. There is definitely a buyers market for the 600 class.

I think you will like the stiffer suspension of the XCR. I would recommend getting the HD torsion springs because the sleds are sprung for about 140-260 pound rider stock.

@Levi_LaVallee Thank you for getting back to me. I agree with you about the xcr with HD torsion springs that should hold my weight pretty good right. I'm 6'3" 330 332 pounds in that ballpark. Thanks for the advice.

@@user-yk1jf2er7p No problem. If you go with the XCR, let me know what you think.

@Levi_LaVallee I will do that for sure, my friend. I hopefully will be getting sleds next spring. Snow check it would be 2025 sleds.

Did you get the XC in the Matryx Platform or Axys? Some of the components on the XCR are heavier duty and the suspension is set up a little stiffer on the XCR. If your sled is in the Matryx platform, watch the comparison we did between the XCR and the VR1 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OdiMvf31Tg0.html . The VR1 is a little smoother through bumps but similar to the XC.

@@Levi_LaVallee know got the axys have 2016 and I love that one thanks for reply

Correction. When I stiffen up my shocks it’s STIFF. Can’t imagine the need for stiffer lol

It's to keep the rails from bending

Sorry misspoke. I think it's for racing. Like Cat did several years ago.

come jumping with me and i'll show you the beauty of stiff suspension haha

Done deal brother. I’ll take that as an invite!

The Cobra 1.35 will help to give it a more "locked in" feel in the turns. Especially on the shorter 129 rail which has a looser feel compared to the 137. The outer lug height difference is pretty minimal going from the storm 150s 1.25" to the Cobra 1.35", but because the Storm only has lugs on the outer edge of the track ever 3 lugs compared to the Cobra 1.35 which has outer edge lugs, every lug, it slides significantly less in the turns. Also the Cobra has vertical outer lugs which bite into the snow which limits side slide. In early years racing snocross we had a track with vertical outer lugs and they wouldn't allow the sled to tail slide very well, so we would cut them a 45 degree angle and it would slide much better (in tight turns of snocross you often times want to get the sled pivoted and out of the turn as fast as possible because the sleds sit up so tall which make them hard to "rail" through a turn.) I feel the Storms 1.5 center scoops have better straight-line traction compared to the 1.35 cobra. If you like the"locked in" feel in the turns and want better straight-line traction, the Cobra 1.6 accomplishes that pretty well. The 1.6 has some angle on the outer lugs but its extra height gives that side bite for limited slide. My snocross background is probably the reason I prefer to have a little more give in the back end (side to side slide) because it pivots around the turns littler easier and I am use to that feeling. Hope this helps you find the correct track for your kind of riding. 👍🏼

LaVallee Ty. for in depth answer makes sense now I think the 1.6. Cobra is more my style.

​@@av6067 Awesome! let me know what your thoughts on the new track after you ride it.

LaVallee I dropped off my sled at my dealer in Waterbury, Ct. for 1.6 cobra no luck it's on back order so what they are going to do is stud my storm track. I'm still gunna keep my order for the 1.6 he said it's could come in the next couple of days or come in February. Hopefully the studs will keep the rear end from going side to side on the trail. I had my hopes on 1.6 but it is what is. I'll definitely keep you posted. Thanks again

@@av6067 Studs will help. The further the studs are to the outside of the track, the better they will limit side to side slide. I am a big fan of having some studs as they can save you from sliding off the trail if you come up on a icy turn.

The 1.25 is a good track. It has better top end speed and it slides great with the lower lugs and angled sides. The straight line traction is where it struggles so wheelies and hard acceleration it is more likely to spin.

@@Levi_LaVallee oh sweet, I'm all about the tail sliding on turns, so I'm with it. And as long as I have a little traction on ice and lakes, that's all I need

I love it! But if you are do not ride aggressively, I would recommend the VR1.

Are you having concerns with handling? I don't know much about Nytro's but if tell me what you would like the sled to do different, or what you like and dislike about the way it is handling, I can point you in the right direction.

2002 Chevy 8.1

@@Levi_LaVallee awesome

It's a TRAIL sled!

@@flyin427ford I wanna take it in the powder lol I have @ 2017 m8000 Ltd looking at a 850 polaris sks for this winter

it would be like riding a 1997 700sks that was harder to get on edge, was more comfortable, and with a bunch more power. haha . not my first choice for mountain riding.

XCR has premier shock package , heavier duty components. The XCR can take harder hits than the XC

So the 600 cross country is a XC?

600 cross county is a sled you have to get on a list to even order I believe just like the race sleds

what are you doing with it?

Hopefully not too much longer.

I have stopped as of late. I need to find more storage before I get anymore haha

I really liked the 1.75 because it hooked up so good for wheelies but it has some disadvantages that must have out weighed the positives for most riders. The positive is swapping in a track is not a big deal.

@@Levi_LaVallee I've got an Indy XC 137 with the Storm 150 and also love that track. Your comment about liking it in the video hit home. It's such a fun track to get wild with and it really hooks up when it's time to move quick or lift the skis.

@@snowmanwithahat Only downside is, if you actually USE the 170 hp of the 850 the hard storm lugs rip off. Seen a ton of them now, why I went 1.6 on my Assault

Triple triple time again? haha

@@Levi_LaVallee yess wish it was lol

me too ! Can't wait!

I look forward to trying it out

haha. very true.

@@Levi_LaVallee I get it, I have all Arctic cat sleds :-) I do have 4 Polaris Sportsmans though and I am seriously considering this NEW XCR 136 !!

Just to be clear- you are asking about the weight difference in the the XCR vs the VR1? They very similar, only a couple pounds difference.

@@Levi_LaVallee Yes , not much I figure .

The VR1 is a smoother ride for most trail riding. If you ride hard, the XCR is a better choice

I like to use the dirt spots like a cone course, try to go around or jump over them haha

@@Levi_LaVallee you're a "life gives you lemons so you make lemonade" aren't you, Lavalle?

I’ve found I am happier when I make the best of a situation rather than go looking for the worst.

Unfortunately the trails were getting bad in northern Minnesota by the end of February. Trails are gone everywhere in the state except perhaps the far NE corner now.

Pretty light

@@Levi_LaVallee I was tempted to go up when you did, but I figured they weren't good. I was up a month ago and most of the snow was already blown off the trail.

850 patriot. Not sure what the mileage is

At the top of the stairs ?

@@Levi_LaVallee ya

I have a sister is all.

what do you mean the clutch seized?

@@Levi_LaVallee it won't move

@@jimbob7072 primary or secondary clutch? Help me understand what it is doing- when you start the machine will it free wheel and then as you rev it up will it engage and start grabbing the belt? I have never heard of a new clutch seizing up before.

@@Levi_LaVallee secondary clutch dosent want to grab

@@jimbob7072 Snap ring broke? or clutch spring break? take the belt off and see if you can push the clutch open.

Sorry you feel that way. All I know is I've had the opportunity to ride many snowmobiles, in multiple different situations throughout the years and I'm doing my best to help riders by sharing my opinion. I would encourage anyone to get multiple opinions and if you find consistency in those opinions, it could help give you confidence in your conclusion.

that is from march on a preseason sled. I'm patiently waiting for mine as well. ;)

?

Thank you! one of my favorite lines is "a dream with a plan and a deadline is a Goal"... set some goals and become what ever you want to become!