Axys 163 vs. Axys 155 ???

FatDogX · Feb 1, 2016

With the Axys being out and guys having seat time on each of these machines, I'm looking for some feedback, thoughts and impressions. Obviously with the 2017's coming and snowcheck around the corner, this could be a hot topic.

I'm currently running a Pro 163 paired with pro-motion and an X3 along with a 36" front. Sled works great but I know I'll be snowchecking an Axys but the big question is 155 or 163 ???????

So any and all feedback is welcome!!!

CO Powder · Feb 1, 2016

I almost went with the 163 this year. I am happy I stayed with a 155. I would like a 3" I think but the 2.6 is REALLY impressive. I have had to break trail for my buddy on the 162 M1000....

I am 225 in street clothes and I like to ride in the trees and up the creek bottoms. I ride soft deep CO powder. The new sled jumps up on the snow so well I can't think of any reason I would want a longer track.

I ride with a couple T3 Doo's a 154 and a 174 and a 163 x 2.5 Doo most of the time. The longer tracks allow those guys to ride more slowly without getting stuck. They still get stuck more than the 155 2.6 Axys.

All that said, I haven't ridden a 163 Axys.

damx · Feb 1, 2016

I ride with a few 163 2.6 and 3" axys and a 155 2.6" and a 155 3". The 155 both can't keep up with the 163, unless the snow is set up. Even with the best ride on the 155 it still don't matter.. and we ride steep tree 90% where if you lose a side hill you're sled is smashed into the trees.

FatDogX · Feb 1, 2016

I can tell you this, I am leaning towards the 163 based on my riding style and rider weight. I like side hills and obviously deep snow, like everyone else!! Add in my weight at about 235 / 240 without gear and I think the 163 might just work a little better for me. But........ I have buddies that went back to 155's from 163's and they seem to like them a lot. I like the "playfulness" of the 155 in the Pro but love the way the 163 Pro handles the side hills and trees. I guess I'm hoping maybe the 163 Axys will get some of that playfulness back ??????

yooper 8 · Feb 1, 2016

I have a 163 x 3" Axys, and I did not think it was possible to enjoy a snowmobile this much....It is truly an unbelievably great sled....We have several 155 x 3" and 2.6" in our group, and I will say that the chain driven 163 x 3 is a little less playful and feels a little less snappy...just a little, but it is noticeable. I really think it is more a factor of the belt drive vs the chain drive, but unless you jump from one to the other, you would never notice or care...the thing absolutely rips....I am 6'-2 and 225# plus gear, and I like how I can tractor through the trees, and it seems to give you an extra second or two, and is more forgiving when you lose momentum in the tight stuff. It will climb anything and actually jumps and drops really well...Can't say enough good about it...Just got back from 7 days of Colorado mountain riding and it was better than I hoped for....My die hard Cat and Doo friends that rode it all say they will be ordering a 2017 Axys. BUY ONE

Sheetmetalfab · Feb 1, 2016

FatDogX said:
I can tell you this, I am leaning towards the 163 based on my riding style and rider weight. I like side hills and obviously deep snow, like everyone else!! Add in my weight at about 235 / 240 without gear and I think the 163 might just work a little better for me. But........ I have buddies that went back to 155's from 163's and they seem to like them a lot. I like the "playfulness" of the 155 in the Pro but love the way the 163 Pro handles the side hills and trees. I guess I'm hoping maybe the 163 Axys will get some of that playfulness back ??????

Yep.
The 163x3 wheelies like a 155 pro with a soft rear shock.
Nimble and quick

Took some cranking of the spring to keep the nose down.

The axys sticks to sidehills sooo much better than my 163 pro did.

Steeper and easier.

ullose272 · Feb 1, 2016

I got a 155 2.6. My pro was a 155. I wish i would have gotten the 163. The 155 is almost too playful when trying to do technical climbs and side hills. Im going to try a stiffer shock spring to calm the front

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wonderxc600 · Feb 1, 2016

I've always had a 155, but i rented a 163*3 and i loved that sled. I will be getting a 163 next year for sure, but im not sure if im going with the 3" or 2.6. wish i could of tested a 2.6 just to see the difference. I was really impressed with the the 3"

FatDogX · Feb 2, 2016

Awesome info!!!

I guess I should have added the question about going 2.6" or 3" as well, as that will be another decision to be made.

RMK935VA · Feb 2, 2016

FatDogX said:
Awesome info!!!

I guess I should have added the question about going 2.6" or 3" as well, as that will be another decision to be made.

You almost need to add the little shock (bike shock) on the back of the 155 to keep the front end down. However, they are fun to ride. I can't really tell too much difference from my 163 by 2.6 to a 155 by 2.6 other than the wheelie issue. It is not a huge deal but it would affect my decision.

FatDogX · Feb 2, 2016

RMK935VA said:
You almost need to add the little shock (bike shock) on the back of the 155 to keep the front end down. However, they are fun to ride. I can't really tell too much difference from my 163 by 2.6 to a 155 by 2.6 other than the wheelie issue. It is not a huge deal but it would affect my decision.

I plan on running a full set of Raptor shocks, so I'm guessing I should be able to adjust the "wheelie ness" out of either.

Again, great info guys, thanks!!

FatDogX · Feb 8, 2016

Bump......

2017 sleds and snowcheck not that far away!!!!!

JJ_0909 · Feb 8, 2016

For your weight I think 163 is the call.

If you are a very good rider and carry momentum very well at all times you could consider the 155. Otherwise, considering the kind of riding you do, location and weight, I think you'd be disappointed in the 55.

ak · Feb 8, 2016

The 155 has a lighter feel to it it's very noticeable.

snoballssnoglory · Feb 9, 2016

Demo'd 163 and 155. Spent all day w them. Loved the 155. 163, Meh. Ended up buying a 155. If I spent all day pointed up I may feel differently but for all purpose FUN, it was an easy choice.
Really is a different ride.

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RMK-King · Feb 9, 2016

snoballssnoglory said:
Demo'd 163 and 155. Spent all day w them. Loved the 155. 163, Meh. Ended up buying a 155. If I spent all day pointed up I may feel differently but for all purpose FUN, it was an easy choice.
Really is a different ride.

I have a Axys 155 and traded back and forth with a friends Axys 163, I liked the playfulness of the 155 better, it really is a noticeable difference. I have no doubt that the Axys 155 will go through more then my old 163 Pro chassis would with the increased track speed and suspension setup. One of the biggest things I noticed that others also mentioned is that the 155 lifts the skis easier then the 163, I think its a riot climbing with the skis hovering off the ground and steering with your feet. I am sure this could be tamed down with some spring adjustments for those who do not like it, but for the way I ride I see no reason to change it. I am pretty sure half the guys commenting on this thread are either comparing the old Pro 155 vs 163 "different animals" or have only ridden one or the other in the Axys chassis.

The old saying was 200lbs+ get a 163, anything less get a 155.

mtncat · Feb 9, 2016

Spent this last Sunday riding north face timber covered with bottomless sugar snow, the shortest sled in the group was a 155x3 Axys, where momentum could be had the 155 did well where momentum couldn't be had the 155 skis were pointed to the ski and stuck, If I where to buy new I would want to ride both in the environment where I ride before making that decision.

guidoxpress · Feb 9, 2016

^^ feel the same as sledmax posted.

I snow checked a 163 and just bought an in season 155 and both are great. 155 was def an all around sled imo. It will do whatever you want. Both of mine are 2.6 track

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snowmoherb · Feb 10, 2016

I'm 230 without gear and I've been riding 163 pros for the last couple years, had a 14 and a 15. Got a 155 16 2.6" now. Have 850 miles on it this year so far. Others have mentioned this, but I wanted to clarify, the front end lift can make the sled a lot more squirly than you might want climbing steep stuff in the trees/technical spots. I've adjusted my suspension and it is a lot better than it was out of the box, but I'm still getting used to it, and would have had an easier time yesterday on my old pro on the treed hillside we were climbing.

That being said, I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually, and/or continue to tweak the suspension till it's on par with the pro. But everything else about it is as good or better. Lots more power, lighter, this sled is a real blast.

JJ_0909 · Feb 10, 2016

snowmoherb said:
I'm 230 without gear and I've been riding 163 pros for the last couple years, had a 14 and a 15. Got a 155 16 2.6" now. Have 850 miles on it this year so far. Others have mentioned this, but I wanted to clarify, the front end lift can make the sled a lot more squirly than you might want climbing steep stuff in the trees/technical spots. I've adjusted my suspension and it is a lot better than it was out of the box, but I'm still getting used to it, and would have had an easier time yesterday on my old pro on the treed hillside we were climbing.

That being said, I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually, and/or continue to tweak the suspension till it's on par with the pro. But everything else about it is as good or better. Lots more power, lighter, this sled is a real blast.

To recap, you like the chassis/motor but are struggling withe the shorter track

I do think its a bit funny in most every other winter oriented sport running length is a byproduct of intended use AND rider weight. Bigger riders need bigger skis for the same float etc.

Burdant weighs nothing. Even Keith Curtis isn't big in the weight department. This, coupled with an uncanny ability to carry momentum, is why those guys can ride 155s places us normal folk couldn't dream.

At your weight, riding a 155 would be like Burdant riding a 146. Keep that in mind.

Axys 163 vs. Axys 155 ???

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