Personally I would go for the expert 165, the extras you get are worth 4 times the amount, so next year when everyone sees how great it is when they are looking for a used sled the expert is what they will want over a summit x or freeride, kind of like guys who said they did not need shot in 18 then when they went to sell it it was much harder. On top of that the only reason to get the freeride would be the suspension which is still better or more plush than the expert. But the shortened tunnel, and all the extras actually do work, would I put a limiter strap adjust on my current 165, no, but with the expert the 165 really rides and wheelies, if you want, like the 154 so the limiter strap is a must have, if it is hard pack then shorten it u and ride it like a 154, if it is super deep then let it out and enjoy the deep snow performance and float of the 165, this sled is the first sled I have personally rode form doo that covers every snow condition with a few little easy adjustments. I think it is is a big mistake not getting it due to more of these parts will find their way down to summit's and freeride and buying a regular freeride and summit will be worth less becasue of it.