By The Numbers
Looking at certain numbers on both snowmobiles, one has an edge over the other; in other cases it’s a toss-up.
For example, the estimated dry weight of the 2010 Trail RMK was 464 lbs. The EVO RMK estimated dry weight is 420. The ski stance on the Trail RMK is 41 inches while the EVO RMK is 39 inches. Both sleds are 124 inches long and are within a whisker of each other in width (Trail RMK 45.5 inches; EVO RMK 46 inches) but it’s in height where the biggest difference is. The Trail RMK stands at 48 inches tall while the EVO RMK is 43 inches tall.
One thing you notice right away when looking at the EVO RMK is its height, or lack thereof. The EVO RMK chassis is two inches lower and the seat/tank/console also two inches lower. Overall the sled is five inches lower than a standard Polaris sled. When the INDY EVO was first introduced it was explained the lower height is designed to give the sled a more confident feel for new riders. When you look at the EVO RMK you’ll be thinking, “Now how is that going to go through deep snow?” That was our thought and we’ll find out at this year’s new model photo shoots.
Anything Else?
Well, yes. Let’s talk a little about the suspension. The Trail RMK came with Nitrex shocks (about as basic a shock as you can get) in the front and front track spots and a Nitrex Select in the rear track spot. The EVO RMK comes with RydeFX MPV shocks in all four spots (front skis, front track and rear track). That’s a definite step up.
Interestingly enough, despite the higher end shocks, the EVO RMK has less travel (which isn’t just shock-related) than the Trail RMK did. In the front the EVO RMK has 4.1 inches of travel (compared to 7.6 inches) and 10.1 inches of travel in the rear (compared to 13.8 inches).
Also, the Trail RMK did not come with a mountain strap but the EVO RMK does. It will be a good help to new riders learning how to maneuver in lots of different conditions.