A
Just my opinion.
Had the chance to spend the last four days riding next to a 2012 Polaris Assault 800.
Just a few things I noticed compared to my 09 M1000. My M is Bone stock, clutching, etc. Only has a Super Q can installed.
1. The assault was very easy to transition to. The riding style was very close to my M1000. Much closer than the Skidoo XP.
2. The side hill balance point is much tighter than the M1000. To balance the sled on a side hill I had to work a bit harder to maintain the line. The M just kind of falls over and has a larger side hill sweet spot.
3. The Assault clutching was stock and engagement was pretty high. It really reminded me of the Skidoo XP clutching. Ran higher rpms to maintain speed. Was snappy but had to be over 5000rpm to keep moving. Also noticed the engine braking affect very similar to the XP but not nearly as aggressive.
4. The walker evens shocks are pretty sweet. The front end of the assault was impressive on the trail. Felt more like a motocross bike on the trail. Easy to preload and rebound was impressive.
5. The rear skid needs some adjustment. I much prefer the M series rear skid. The assault was soft enough but the rebound was out of adjustment. I think if it was my sled I would have to make some major shock/spring adjustments on the rear to get it right.
6. Not that it matters. But. In a drag race in about 8” of heavy powder the assault would pull hard and run next to the M until 45mph or so. Then the M would pull away and easily out run the assault. Don’t bash, but it kind of relates to track speed on the hill also.
7. The Polaris Assault turned easier on the trail then my M both with stock skis.
8. No storage on the Assault. Nice that Polaris tried to save some weight with the riser under the seat. But a storage compartment would be better used.
9. The handle bars on the assault were an inch or so too low for me to be comfortable standing. The M with the adjustable riser all the way up is perfect.
10. I like the ease of access to the RER reverse button on the Polaris. Easy to push with frozen gloves compared to the Cat button.
11. The tool kit that Polaris gives out with this sled SUCKS. Didn’t even include the tools to adjust belt deflection.
12. I also watched this sled get rolled over a least 10 times to get out of a stuck. And it always started and sure the windshield came off but didn’t break.
Overall I think Polaris has a great sled with the assault. I ride cat and depending on the 2013 Proclimb changes it could really make the decision tough.
I can say this sled will not climb with my M1000. At least 20-40 feet on every hill. But with some adjusting and such it could be closer. I also think the snow conditions favored the Assault track more than the Power Claw. Wasn't dry powder for sure. Pretty sping like in most areas.
Thunder
Had the chance to spend the last four days riding next to a 2012 Polaris Assault 800.
Just a few things I noticed compared to my 09 M1000. My M is Bone stock, clutching, etc. Only has a Super Q can installed.
1. The assault was very easy to transition to. The riding style was very close to my M1000. Much closer than the Skidoo XP.
2. The side hill balance point is much tighter than the M1000. To balance the sled on a side hill I had to work a bit harder to maintain the line. The M just kind of falls over and has a larger side hill sweet spot.
3. The Assault clutching was stock and engagement was pretty high. It really reminded me of the Skidoo XP clutching. Ran higher rpms to maintain speed. Was snappy but had to be over 5000rpm to keep moving. Also noticed the engine braking affect very similar to the XP but not nearly as aggressive.
4. The walker evens shocks are pretty sweet. The front end of the assault was impressive on the trail. Felt more like a motocross bike on the trail. Easy to preload and rebound was impressive.
5. The rear skid needs some adjustment. I much prefer the M series rear skid. The assault was soft enough but the rebound was out of adjustment. I think if it was my sled I would have to make some major shock/spring adjustments on the rear to get it right.
6. Not that it matters. But. In a drag race in about 8” of heavy powder the assault would pull hard and run next to the M until 45mph or so. Then the M would pull away and easily out run the assault. Don’t bash, but it kind of relates to track speed on the hill also.
7. The Polaris Assault turned easier on the trail then my M both with stock skis.
8. No storage on the Assault. Nice that Polaris tried to save some weight with the riser under the seat. But a storage compartment would be better used.
9. The handle bars on the assault were an inch or so too low for me to be comfortable standing. The M with the adjustable riser all the way up is perfect.
10. I like the ease of access to the RER reverse button on the Polaris. Easy to push with frozen gloves compared to the Cat button.
11. The tool kit that Polaris gives out with this sled SUCKS. Didn’t even include the tools to adjust belt deflection.
12. I also watched this sled get rolled over a least 10 times to get out of a stuck. And it always started and sure the windshield came off but didn’t break.
Overall I think Polaris has a great sled with the assault. I ride cat and depending on the 2013 Proclimb changes it could really make the decision tough.
I can say this sled will not climb with my M1000. At least 20-40 feet on every hill. But with some adjusting and such it could be closer. I also think the snow conditions favored the Assault track more than the Power Claw. Wasn't dry powder for sure. Pretty sping like in most areas.
Thunder
