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The Pro-X also has a higher ride height thanks to 1.5-inch-longer shocks. That results in more suspension travel, but what helps this sled destroy the big bumps becomes a slight hindrance in the corners. The improved plushness of the shocks has helped, but there’s still a tippy feeling in hard, tight cornering maneuvers that neither the Ski-Doo nor Arctic Cat have. My overall suspension grade here is a “B-plus.”
Arctic Cat’s ProCross chassis with Slide-Action rear suspension and Arctic Race Suspension (ARS) in front has proven it’s a winner, at least in the hands of Tucker Hibbert. It will be a winning setup for plenty of trail riders as well in 2016.
The ZR 8000 RR sports a top-notch shock package with FOX Float Evol RC shocks up front. The back end is cushioned with a FOX 1.5 ZERO C (center) and FOX 2.0 ZERO RC (rear). It’s certainly better than last season, as we felt the previous shock package was too stiff for most consumers, similar to Polaris’ Pro-X. Cat did confirm that they’ve dialed these back some for a more compliant ride in a wider variety of terrain.
Adjusting these shocks takes a little know-how, but the range of adjustment is impressive. FOX’s Dual Speed Compression technology allows you to adjust both high- and low-speed shock compression with the turn of a dial. Rebound damping can also be easily adjusted; however, both are difficult with gloves on.
More than anything, the shock improvements put this sled in the upper tier of trail sleds. Flatter cornering, more compliance through small bumps and a softer rebound on harsh landings earn the RR an “A” grade.