Looking for a new sled

Freightrain · Jan 23, 2019

Hi guys I am looking to get a new sled (preferably a 2 stroke 800) for around 3-5k and I am wondering which performs best and is the most reliable. I was thinking about an arctic cat m8 a summit a Polaris dragon or maybe a Yamaha nytro

turboless terry · Jan 23, 2019

Nytro is probably most reliable then m8, summit, dragon.
Performance is probably summit, m8, dragon, and nytro. A bunch depends on your definition and the year. There are some years of some to stay away from. Some depends on what you want it for.
Get the newest you can afford. Also the nytro is insanely heavy. Mainly front heavy.

Freightrain · Jan 23, 2019

The m8 seems like the best all around sled to me. I’ve heard the dragon 800s have engine issues anybody know anything about that

kiliki · Jan 23, 2019

ya all dragon 800 owners know about motor problem! Over and Over and Over and ........from 08 to 19 ....850
get the m8! 10 and 11 are the best years if you go newer skip 12 and 13... by the doo on these years.

Dogmeat · Jan 23, 2019

Freightrain said:
Hi guys I am looking to get a new sled (preferably a 2 stroke 800) for around 3-5k and I am wondering which performs best and is the most reliable. I was thinking about an arctic cat m8 a summit a Polaris dragon or maybe a Yamaha nytro

In that price range get a 2009-2011 M8. Don't even bother with the Polaris offerings from 2005-2012 IMO.

turboless terry · Jan 23, 2019

These guys are spot on. Also don't buy an 07 doo even though mine was awesome. Motor problems.

Freightrain · Jan 24, 2019

Is it just the 07 summit that had problems or is there other years? Also what do you think about a dragon 700

Hardass · Jan 24, 2019

10 /11 articat m8 are the best most power lightest

turboless terry · Jan 24, 2019

06 was the best of the revs. Mine did blow up at just over 3000 miles. I had them go through it and it was a rod bearing. Rode it for another 1000 before I sold it.
08 xp were belt eaters.
Last year for a model were always the best.

sledheadxm · Jan 24, 2019

Freightrain said:
Is it just the 07 summit that had problems or is there other years? Also what do you think about a dragon 700

The 700 had mapping issues when they first came out but the 09+10 where solid! Have a 2010 700 rmk wasn’t an 800 poo around in those years that would run with it from the factory!

Big10inch · Jan 24, 2019

I would go 2010-11 M8 in that price range. You should be able to find a nice low mile one for $4000 or less. They are durable, powerful, good handling FUN mtn sleds. We keep a couple in the fleet still, a pair of '10 M8 153s, one sno pro one base, each is stock except for a can. I am taking a newbie out tomorrow on one. Great sleds... I would run not walk from Polaris in that price range. Maybe a '13+ Pro but that is going to stretch your budget. The Xp's are pretty good sleds too. I just don't like the bar angle or handling on Doo's in general.

Still have to go with the M8 HO, hard to beat for a good cheap used sled.

Freightrain · Jan 25, 2019

Thanks guys for all the help I am going to look for a 10 or 11 m8. Would I be better off with a 153 or 162? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

summ8rmk · Jan 25, 2019

I recommend the 153.
More playful, very capable off trail.
162 will climb higher and get stuck less but not as playful.

89sandman · Jan 25, 2019

The old M is a good sled, but I'd rather ride a 12 or up M any day. Ride them one after the other and you will see how much nicer the 12 and up chassis is. Throw a 36 inch front end on even a 12 and you have a machine that is 100 times nicer than a 11 or older. Some of the 12's did have some belt issues, but I've owned 2 and never had a problem. I'll leave the 11 and older sleds for the diehards who just want to have a rougher riding experience.

Clark42 · Jan 25, 2019

Where are you located? I might have something for you but I’m in western Washington

Freightrain · Jan 25, 2019

Thanks for all the help guys I picked up a 2010 m8 snopro with a 162

Big10inch · Jan 26, 2019

89sandman said:
The old M is a good sled, but I'd rather ride a 12 or up M any day. Ride them one after the other and you will see how much nicer the 12 and up chassis is. Throw a 36 inch front end on even a 12 and you have a machine that is 100 times nicer than a 11 or older. Some of the 12's did have some belt issues, but I've owned 2 and never had a problem. I'll leave the 11 and older sleds for the diehards who just want to have a rougher riding experience.

There is some truth to this. Yesterday on my adventure with my boss who has only ridden twice, I had a chance to switch between my '10 M8 153 and my '17 Mtn Cat. Same motor, different chassis. The old sled still rips and handles pretty good but the new one IS way ahead in ease of changing direction, more than I remembered. Getting the 16+ front end geometry is critical though. I had a '15 proclimb for a loaner, all stock and it was a LOT more work to ride than my buddies 16 Pc ltd on the same day.

Big10inch · Jan 26, 2019

Freightrain said:
Thanks for all the help guys I picked up a 2010 m8 snopro with a 162

Congrats! That should be a great way to get into sledding for less than a new one, and a great sled to hone some skills on.

Not that it matters now but I am a die hard 153 guy. I like my sled as playful as possible and I have always been able to feel the extra length. The longer track though will help you get stuck less, go slower while picking lines and generally be more forgiving of your mistakes.

Enjoy that new ride!

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