Finally got out on the first ride with our '18 175's. Prior sleds were '13 XM 154's. Off trail the floatation and traction are nothing short of amazing. Over and over all day long my wife and I kept saying if we were on the old sleds we would have been stuck back there, stuck here, and stuck over there.
As far as maneuverability goes, in the fluffy stuff I had no idea I was on a 175. It was easier to ride and more nimble than our older XM's. On the trail it pushed through the corners more and the length was noticeable. Fine by me though, we only ride trails to get somewhere, and do so at moderate speeds. Both sleds were delivered with the limiter strap on position #2, I'm going to suck it up to position #3 and see if the extra ski pressure helps.
No surprise because it's been said 100 times on the forums, the power is freaking awesome. I would like the engagement to be at a little lower RPM. I'd say it's around 4k now so it's revier than I'm used to. Maybe that's okay and I'll get used to it, or I'll get a clutch kit.