Not sure what you picked but thanks for the shout out! I know a lot of Assault guys who trail ride the 2 inch and swear by them. If top speed was never an issue for me I'd probably run one as well. Biggest difference is the Assault has the tipped up rails and the Riot does not. I think you will be fine on trail yes it's a big lug track but if you have a long trail day ahead just adjust the suspension a bit and add some ski pressure. Off trail i think its the track to have and the sled will have more aggressive clutching and gearing for powder play as well.
I see you went with the Riot, still a great choice the 1.6 really does everything great you won't be disappointed! just dont tighten the heck out of the limiter straps like cat did for the demo sleds haha.
Wondering what you decided to go with? Today is decision day! I just ordered a Riot 6000 at Tripp’s Arctic Cat. It was a hard decision between that and a Switchback Assault, but I went with the Cat. My 2011 Cat 800 has been a great sled, but getting tired.
Ended up switching from the X to the regular Riot from Boss Powersports over in Rangeley. Also snowchecked an Assault 800 at Polaris of Oquossoc in 1.6 cobra for an equal comparison. The 850 was tempting! Gonna do comparison videos this season, and sell whichever one I like the least. Coming from older sleds myself, I think either chassis would make any of us super happy! We just get nit picky because it's a lot of money, and it seems everyone you talk to (especially other dealers I didn't buy from) always has a story about how the other brand of sled sucks. Should be interesting! I'm sure you'll love the sled...
My biggest complaints about the Assualt 850 are the price over 4k more and the fact that they said December would be the earliest but most likely January before they deliver. My cat will be here in September.
Yeah man, I think I need to change my order on the X... mixed reports on 2" to 2.25, both of which are prob a bit more fun off trail, but for weeks of no snowfall are going to make trail rides kinda shitty me thinks. IDK, back and forth I go! Either way I'm sure I'll find both sleds badass coming from an older chassis and old 129 XC chassis.
With a 2 inches paddle will make more sounds when riding on trails and more u’ll need to change your sliders more often and will slow you down on top end
I have a lot of the same questions as well trying to decide should I snow check ....we ride up there every year, all of my sleds have been trail sleds, I have a 600 now with 137 track, 1 1/4 paddle, studded. I mostly ride on trail, only off trail if my husband makes me follow him but not my fav. I'm hoping this is gonna be good in trail and corners are my biggest concern.
I ride a ski doo freeride 146 with a 2.5 track. I ride in Maine as well and have 0 issues. The riot x still has a sway bar and has the same ski stance as my freeride so I think you will be fine. Your first ride will be a lot different than a trail sled but as long as you don’t expect it to be you will be fine. By the end of the season you will never be able to go back to a trail sled!
Really?? Why the hell do all the dealers scare me away from 2" + tracks man... it seems like back in the day a mountain track was way to rigid, but nowadays with the suspension technology you can make just about anything work if you can ride half way decent. I'm wishing I would've kept the Riot X now, but it's too late the regular Riot is on the way. Should be an even steven comparison to the 800 Assault though!!
Matt Justice [Clever Leverage] I think they try to scare people away from the big lug tracks because they do not want to replace stuff on warranty. If you do 80mph all day on a hard pack trail with a big lug track the lugs can heat up and bend/ tear off, plus the sleds with the bigger lugs are geared down more so the sled is tacked up more. but its just because it is not designed to do that. When i ride trails I dont try and do a hundred it is definitely a different riding style.
Matt Justice [Clever Leverage] i ride up in aroostook county in maine and i just picked up my 2020 sidewinder xtx le. obviously that’s the 4 stroke but same deal as the riot. i considered the se with the bigger lug and narrow stance but i think for a true 50/50 (and having good trail manners) that the 1.6 with full width will be better off.. hopefully flatter cornering and less tippy and not too much push. just my 2 cents tho.. and i don’t really know fore sure either. hoping to ride it end of december
I'm happy to help here. I also ride in Maine. I own a turbo charged Alpha one and ride that strictly off trail. I also enjoy trail riding so in the past I've had ZR models as well. My dealer allowed me to demo there standard riot with the 1.6 track for a weekend. After 150 miles on the Riot I had to own on. It's the ultimate trail sled! And not to get away from the review but you are correct in that the sleds for the Demo ride in Pittsburgh had the limiter straps tightened up to keep the skis on the ground. Most likely for liability reasons. Anyhow, if your looking to play off trail I would definitely stick with the Riot X. If I could only have one sled for both on and off trail I would choose the Riot X. The Riot with 1.6 was the funnest out of the box sled I've ever ridden. The just makes you want to go fast. It also give you the feeling that you never want to stop riding it. It's super light in the front. Will easily hold the skis 800'+ in a wide open pull. The suspension is valved perfectly and rides incredibly. If your going to compare a Riot X to a Polaris model I would definitely get the same size lug on both machines for the closest comparison. I suspect that with the new 2020 800 HO Ctec the Riot X will have and do everything the Polaris does, maybe more. Its that's good. Keep us posted with videos once you take delivery! Have fun!
And to add to this...we trail ride mountain sleds with 3" tracks all season to find the secret spots. You wont have issue with the deep lug track on the Riot X. Its gonna rip!
Holy hell this was helpful, thank you!!! So many mixed opinions out there that don't really check out, plus sometimes anyone associated with one dealer or brand can be feeding you a line of shit about the other to sway your opinion. Unfortunately I already changed my order after talking with the dealer (I don't think they really rip in the backcountry, just casually enjoy some fresh pow) to the regular Riot instead of the X. I'll miss the adjustable steering stem, but either sled is light years better than the one's I'm coming from. (older chassis) All good though, also snowchecked an Assault 800 instead of the 850, also 1.6... so it should be fun to make direct comparison videos this winter between the two, and just sell off whichever one I don't like. Thanks for taking the time to comment with a no BS opinion! Thank You!!
Don't worry about the deep lug track. That's what ice scratchers are for. And yes the telescoping handlebar would be nice but then you can't install a high windshield. So, you are probably better off with the regular Riot. Oh, and the Riot X should be compared to a Polaris SKS.
In simular situation. However im going with a riot x. I have a trail biased sled now. And want something with more off trail capability. The regular riot doesn't look as comfortable off trail. Especially with the handlebars being low and non adjustable. The ski stance on the riot x is perfect in my opinion. Bring tools with you. Keep the skis wide on the trail. When your ready to go off trail just make your skis narrow, and away you go. In the snow i ride in the 1.6 on the riot just isn't enough. If your going to be more than 60% off trail. I would go woth the riot x. Also i plan to have 2 sleds. In a year or 2 i will be getting a pure mountain sled to replace riot x. Then a trail biased sled. A crossover will never be great at both worlds. But they can be good at doing both trail and off.
Yes, I believe you did , sorry. I think you would have been super happy with the Riot 1.6 Green, with the QS3's ... I am from the East , and moved to the West , so I been thru a lot of different terrian... Fact I ordered the Riot 800 Green this year.... you can always get adjusters for your steering... , but I think you would have best of both worlds with the Regular Riot.... per all the videos out there...
Interesting dilemma! I rest rode the Riot 4 times at the Demo rides in Old Forge NY. Funny you mentioned Revrider550(I think) I made a few comments on his video, basically not agreeing with his biased opinion(s). Anyway I talked at length with a number of the Cat guys, they spent a few days dialing in the suspension and the limiter strap was tightened to keep front down AND it handled amazing, really fun on trails and I ride a 129 Cat. It would be fun for off trail BUT Riot X much more fun and easier to get on side with narrow stance. I would suspect the X would be more 30/70 on/off trail. Depends on what style of riding the most, the Riot you could ride all day with other trail sled guys and have fun, the X not likely. I will be making this same choice for 2021 as looking to change to some off trail. Side note the Polaris 850 is extremely smooth, even as a die hard Cat Man, liked it a lot.
![Matt Justice [Certified Saunas]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/z_R4uKhDoZBos4zlipDs05ws9G2l1Cc3Bljm7kMITeWDRWwaqSjPRk_oAz7yMRA63TsZdrR5cns=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
Not sure what you picked but thanks for the shout out! I know a lot of Assault guys who trail ride the 2 inch and swear by them. If top speed was never an issue for me I'd probably run one as well. Biggest difference is the Assault has the tipped up rails and the Riot does not. I think you will be fine on trail yes it's a big lug track but if you have a long trail day ahead just adjust the suspension a bit and add some ski pressure. Off trail i think its the track to have and the sled will have more aggressive clutching and gearing for powder play as well.
I see you went with the Riot, still a great choice the 1.6 really does everything great you won't be disappointed! just dont tighten the heck out of the limiter straps like cat did for the demo sleds haha.
Wondering what you decided to go with? Today is decision day! I just ordered a Riot 6000 at Tripp’s Arctic Cat. It was a hard decision between that and a Switchback Assault, but I went with the Cat. My 2011 Cat 800 has been a great sled, but getting tired.
Ended up switching from the X to the regular Riot from Boss Powersports over in Rangeley. Also snowchecked an Assault 800 at Polaris of Oquossoc in 1.6 cobra for an equal comparison. The 850 was tempting! Gonna do comparison videos this season, and sell whichever one I like the least. Coming from older sleds myself, I think either chassis would make any of us super happy! We just get nit picky because it's a lot of money, and it seems everyone you talk to (especially other dealers I didn't buy from) always has a story about how the other brand of sled sucks. Should be interesting! I'm sure you'll love the sled...
My biggest complaints about the Assualt 850 are the price over 4k more and the fact that they said December would be the earliest but most likely January before they deliver. My cat will be here in September.
Wish I could help! I’m having a similar dilemma!
Yeah man, I think I need to change my order on the X... mixed reports on 2" to 2.25, both of which are prob a bit more fun off trail, but for weeks of no snowfall are going to make trail rides kinda shitty me thinks. IDK, back and forth I go! Either way I'm sure I'll find both sleds badass coming from an older chassis and old 129 XC chassis.
With a 2 inches paddle will make more sounds when riding on trails and more u’ll need to change your sliders more often and will slow you down on top end
I have a lot of the same questions as well trying to decide should I snow check ....we ride up there every year, all of my sleds have been trail sleds, I have a 600 now with 137 track, 1 1/4 paddle, studded. I mostly ride on trail, only off trail if my husband makes me follow him but not my fav. I'm hoping this is gonna be good in trail and corners are my biggest concern.
I ride a ski doo freeride 146 with a 2.5 track. I ride in Maine as well and have 0 issues. The riot x still has a sway bar and has the same ski stance as my freeride so I think you will be fine. Your first ride will be a lot different than a trail sled but as long as you don’t expect it to be you will be fine. By the end of the season you will never be able to go back to a trail sled!
Really?? Why the hell do all the dealers scare me away from 2" + tracks man... it seems like back in the day a mountain track was way to rigid, but nowadays with the suspension technology you can make just about anything work if you can ride half way decent. I'm wishing I would've kept the Riot X now, but it's too late the regular Riot is on the way. Should be an even steven comparison to the 800 Assault though!!
Matt Justice [Clever Leverage] I think they try to scare people away from the big lug tracks because they do not want to replace stuff on warranty. If you do 80mph all day on a hard pack trail with a big lug track the lugs can heat up and bend/ tear off, plus the sleds with the bigger lugs are geared down more so the sled is tacked up more. but its just because it is not designed to do that. When i ride trails I dont try and do a hundred it is definitely a different riding style.
Matt Justice [Clever Leverage] i ride up in aroostook county in maine and i just picked up my 2020 sidewinder xtx le. obviously that’s the 4 stroke but same deal as the riot. i considered the se with the bigger lug and narrow stance but i think for a true 50/50 (and having good trail manners) that the 1.6 with full width will be better off.. hopefully flatter cornering and less tippy and not too much push. just my 2 cents tho.. and i don’t really know fore sure either. hoping to ride it end of december
I'm happy to help here. I also ride in Maine. I own a turbo charged Alpha one and ride that strictly off trail. I also enjoy trail riding so in the past I've had ZR models as well. My dealer allowed me to demo there standard riot with the 1.6 track for a weekend. After 150 miles on the Riot I had to own on. It's the ultimate trail sled! And not to get away from the review but you are correct in that the sleds for the Demo ride in Pittsburgh had the limiter straps tightened up to keep the skis on the ground. Most likely for liability reasons.
Anyhow, if your looking to play off trail I would definitely stick with the Riot X. If I could only have one sled for both on and off trail I would choose the Riot X.
The Riot with 1.6 was the funnest out of the box sled I've ever ridden. The just makes you want to go fast. It also give you the feeling that you never want to stop riding it. It's super light in the front. Will easily hold the skis 800'+ in a wide open pull. The suspension is valved perfectly and rides incredibly.
If your going to compare a Riot X to a Polaris model I would definitely get the same size lug on both machines for the closest comparison. I suspect that with the new 2020 800 HO Ctec the Riot X will have and do everything the Polaris does, maybe more. Its that's good.
Keep us posted with videos once you take delivery! Have fun!
And to add to this...we trail ride mountain sleds with 3" tracks all season to find the secret spots. You wont have issue with the deep lug track on the Riot X. Its gonna rip!
Holy hell this was helpful, thank you!!! So many mixed opinions out there that don't really check out, plus sometimes anyone associated with one dealer or brand can be feeding you a line of shit about the other to sway your opinion.
Unfortunately I already changed my order after talking with the dealer (I don't think they really rip in the backcountry, just casually enjoy some fresh pow) to the regular Riot instead of the X. I'll miss the adjustable steering stem, but either sled is light years better than the one's I'm coming from. (older chassis)
All good though, also snowchecked an Assault 800 instead of the 850, also 1.6... so it should be fun to make direct comparison videos this winter between the two, and just sell off whichever one I don't like.
Thanks for taking the time to comment with a no BS opinion! Thank You!!
Your welcome. I'm stoked to get my Riot. I went with the Charcoal and QS3 shocks. 2020 is going to be a great season!
@@backcountryaddicts3227 how did you get the riot with the qs3's in the charcoal?
We checked in on a riot x and if you wanted the fancy shocks it was the green and blue sled, the blue and grey came with the standard shocks
Don't worry about the deep lug track. That's what ice scratchers are for. And yes the telescoping handlebar would be nice but then you can't install a high windshield. So, you are probably better off with the regular Riot. Oh, and the Riot X should be compared to a Polaris SKS.
In simular situation. However im going with a riot x. I have a trail biased sled now. And want something with more off trail capability. The regular riot doesn't look as comfortable off trail. Especially with the handlebars being low and non adjustable. The ski stance on the riot x is perfect in my opinion. Bring tools with you. Keep the skis wide on the trail. When your ready to go off trail just make your skis narrow, and away you go. In the snow i ride in the 1.6 on the riot just isn't enough. If your going to be more than 60% off trail. I would go woth the riot x. Also i plan to have 2 sleds. In a year or 2 i will be getting a pure mountain sled to replace riot x. Then a trail biased sled. A crossover will never be great at both worlds. But they can be good at doing both trail and off.
Assault with 2” + track
@@matt-justice you went with the assault?
Assault 1.6 and riot 1.6
Yes, I believe you did , sorry. I think you would have been super happy with the Riot 1.6 Green, with the QS3's ... I am from the East , and moved to the West , so I been thru a lot of different terrian... Fact I ordered the Riot 800 Green this year.... you can always get adjusters for your steering... , but I think you would have best of both worlds with the Regular Riot.... per all the videos out there...
Interesting dilemma! I rest rode the Riot 4 times at the Demo rides in Old Forge NY. Funny you mentioned Revrider550(I think) I made a few comments on his video, basically not agreeing with his biased opinion(s). Anyway I talked at length with a number of the Cat guys, they spent a few days dialing in the suspension and the limiter strap was tightened to keep front down AND it handled amazing, really fun on trails and I ride a 129 Cat. It would be fun for off trail BUT Riot X much more fun and easier to get on side with narrow stance. I would suspect the X would be more 30/70 on/off trail. Depends on what style of riding the most, the Riot you could ride all day with other trail sled guys and have fun, the X not likely. I will be making this same choice for 2021 as looking to change to some off trail.
Side note the Polaris 850 is extremely smooth, even as a die hard Cat Man, liked it a lot.
I guess I am one very biased 2020 Riot owner.