I'm still on the fence with this..... 154 or 165?
190lbs + gear and prefer (reasonable) tree riding
I went over to youtube and watched people riding the 154 and the 165. Dozens of videos.
Obviously the 165 will climb better.
For me it was snow depth. Rarely get more than 4 feet of fresh powder in my riding area so went with 154 BECAUSE of the wheelie and more agile fun factor.
Plus I ride with my 13 year old son who is coming off a 2012 POO 155 2.6 track.
For deep snow >4 feet and steep climbs go long track.
FYI JUST bought the 154 . The 165 is one more LUG in the snow ... about 6 inches longer than the 154.
The 17x track sled geometry was redesigned to accommodate the track.
So to demolish my entire rationale for buying the 154 .... would have gone to 165 if I could find one reasonable priced and not be the guy stuck in the group ! But I thnk my son at 90 lbs would appreciate it. So I would have a 154 and 165.
I picked up the 18 154 with shot for 10320 OTD but would have paid 500 more for a 165 ... (10830) if one was available for me at 230lbs
Most places called wanted 11500 to 12300 for a 165 with shot. Found a couple places with 2018 under 11k but sold out. There are lots of2018 sp 165 pulls for 10499.
Can snowcheck a 119 154 with shot for around 13 at Montrose
For just trees with snow pack falling from the branches .... a shorter track will be more nimble.
Watch many videos and see the difference with the 165 vs 154.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R70LmNvMei0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atHKLuf2XXo