New FreeRide- 146” or 154”/S38

New FreeRide- 146” or 154”/S38

I’m anxiously awaiting the new model release, and want to order another, more off trail focused machine.

I currently own a 2016 FreeRide 137” with 21/49 gearing, shimmed secondary, DJ clutching, C&A XTX skis, and 2.25” track. It’s my third season on it, purchased new with 1.75” track as my first off trail capable sled (other machine is a Mach Z 1k). I’ve had several UP trips, Wawa, New York, and most recently West Yellowstone. It really started to shine with the bigger lug track and did well in Yellowstone, but I’m still a novice and it was pretty set & tracked up. I’ve ridden a 2018 FreeRide 146” and a couple Summit X 154” 850’s, all of which in mixed conditions. Although I plan to keep a second sled that’s more trail worthy; weather it be my 137” FreeRide or something else, whatever I get next will see some trail time. Most of its use will likely be in the UP, and maybe one trip West per year. I don’t want to be under-equipped in the powder or have something that’s rediculous overkill either.

I’d welcome your opinions; am I crazy for considering the wider 154” as an option?

Thanks for your input, fellas. I had about 1/2hr on the Summit X 154” I rode; and other than the narrow stance and soft front end in the trail (which comes with the territory, I know), I was actually pretty impressed. The only time I noticed the extra length in the trails was when I had to use reverse to turn it around in a tight spot; where my 137” would have done it in 2 moves, the 154” took 4....no biggie. It sure did lay on it’s side easily though, and just tractored thru stuff that would have had the throttle on my 137” to the bar! I think the mid-with front end makes sense for me; I don’t ever see myself doing the riding most of the time that will really utilize the narrow width.

My only reservation against possibly getting the 154” is because I’m not certain how much I’ll actually be riding out west, and the thought of it being on the excessive side for mixed UP riding.

Ordered the 154” S-38 with SHOT?

midwest division said:

To make you feel better about your purchase, I ride the UP all winter. Our entire group is on 154’s/155’s and there are days we wish we had longer. Now this obviously depends on the type of terrain you get yourself into, but a 154 is the perfect sled for the UP. We use to run 137’s and 146’s...just not worth it. The combination of tight trees and heavy lake effect snow means your momentum is always reduced when compared to out West riding. The reduced track speeds mean a longer track will work less and fatigue the rider less.

You’ll enjoy the 154!

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Thanks for your input; the reasons you listed are more or less why I decided to go 154”. I want to be able to grow my skills; side hilling, tight areas, climbing, etc without having to ideas much throttle like I do on mine. I’ve learned a lot on my 137” but during our last UP trip over the weekend I switched with my friend on his G4 146” and was amazed on how much easier that was to toss around than mine. Looking forward to being on a machine that’s a bit more forgiving.