Just got back from a 1500 km Quebec trip (Saguenay/Mt Valin Charlevoix /Apica ) Mint conditions with a group of six experienced riders all with new '23 snowmobiles. An 850 Polaris 146Assault 850 Polaris 137 Boost 900 turbo r Ski Doo Renegade X Sidewinder LTX LE 900 turbo Lynx Xterrian 146 And my G5 XRS Renegade without smart shox We all rode each other's sleds extensively and it was unanimous amongst all riders that the G5 is the best handling trail snowmobile anyone has ever ridden. I've had a new G4 850 Ski doo every year since 2017 and I was always of the opinion that the Polaris had the better handling snowmobile. That is no longer the case. Amazing job by the engineer's at Ski-Doo. The sled is phenomenal.
@@BeaverTailToys the new three clicker KYB he's with hlcr are phenomenal. SS are great too but not worth the $$ squeeze. I'll buy gas with those dollars and ad just my own shocks.
Glad you're loving the sled. SS are like a heated steering wheel, you don't think you need it but once you use it it's hard to go back lol. Hope you have a great season, thanks for watching!
I've had a lot of sleds, and for the trail, this is the best so far. Very responsive and nimble. I've had Sidewinders for the last few years, and of course a 850 is not the same kick as 300hp 4-stroke, but the weight difference is a great equalizer in many situations. Loved the SW's though, for what they are.
@MrMvidz curious if you’ve ever tried a MachZ or any Skidoo 900R? Now, my MachZ is tuned so not comparing stock VS stock but last season with both those sleds in my garage I always preferred the Mach. I feel that for the trail THAT is the ultimate machine. Yes, a bit of a weight penalty but on the wide and fast trails here in Northern Ontario it’s a beautiful thing 😁 I’ve never ridden a Winder but hoping to get some seat time this season.
@@BeaverTailToys 900R is a great engine, perhaps not with that racing pedigree of the Yamacat, but it packs all the punch you need and then some. In Sweden, we don't have those really long, nice trails that you got, so the 850 is good enough for me. On a really long trip, a 900R is probably the most comfortable ride.
Sweden! Nice! I’d love to ride there some day. And 100% the 850 would be better suited for rougher trails. Had a Lynx Rave 850 and it was perfect for the rougher trails 👌🏼
It's been 24 years since I last owned a sled and wow have they came along ways since my 1998 Formula III 700 lol. I went and priced all the new 2024 4 strokes and to my surprise Ski Doo was the cheapest! I always thought they were the most expensive lol. After looking at the features, design, fit & finish, and talking to a dealer who sells multiple brands, I was convinced to get the new 24 Ski Doo Renegade 900R XRS with large display. I figured no regrets getting the best.......now if we ever get any snow to use it! I was torn about going with the 850 however, but I think I'll be keeping this machine for more than a couple years so I wanted the longevity of the 4 stroke.
@troyt5309 that’s awesome! Welcome back to the club! Well you’ve picked the absolute best trail machine available in my opinion and you won’t be disappointed. Last season I had the 900 & the 850 in the garage and always preferred the 900. Sorry it’s been such a slow start to winter…you must be itching badly to get out there.
@@BeaverTailToys I drove it on my lawn today lol and the thing is damn scary when it can hook up like I did on just an inch of snow. We got 6-10" coming that just started so hoping for some trails to open this weekend.
I really like the styling of these Ski-Doos. I'm not an owner, but recently took delivery of a Can-Am Outlander Max. And I removed the front cargo rack as I didn't really need it and the bright blue bodywork looked so shapely and stylish underneath.
@@BeaverTailToys I got the 850cc version. much more than I really need, but I like the idea of having way, Way more capability than I'll ever need and then I'm not ever disappointed. As a side note, I really would have been more than fine with a 650cc Rotax, but Can-Am dropped that offering in the Outlander models.
as a 100k+ km rider (26 years of high Arctic riding) who needs and counts on reliability and good accessible functions, the new screen, the new functions pod is a major step backwards imo. I`m really disappointed in the direction the electronics design is going. Can you adjust anything at all on the fly without jeopardizing your safety or taking off your mitts? Will the screen keep working in -50c? I'm shopping to replace my 2016 enduro 900, and honestly not excited about what I'm seeing.
One thing I don't get is that you need WiFi or Data in order to use the navigation. It's kind of a letdown considering the 7S display has GPS built in.
@duck destroyer You don't need WiFi or data while using the BRP navigation. You download and plot at home before leaving then you just need a GPS signal after that. Yes, I too wish it was completely stand alone like the 7S.
Such a great engine and serious it is!😈 Don’t get me wrong it’s definitely not an issue for me but as BRP claims to have reduced it significantly I thought it was worth noting.
Hey Vince, you should do a headlight light comparison with your Mach . With stock Hologen in , then with LED’s in against the Gen 5 at night side by side . It be interesting to see actual changes it made .
How is the screen display when it is sunny out? Any difficulty seeing the data? Was at a ski doo show today and the glare off the screen seemed brutal, wasn't sure if it would be readable in the sun.
@curt pliskie, the possibility of glare is definitely there but I never experienced any days where I couldn't read the screen while riding this season. I don't think it's really a problem.
I agree that there are too many black Ski Doo's out there, infact my '23 renny xrs is black. I got black because they don't offer Yellow anymore on most models. Ski Doo's are supposed to be YELLOW!! LOL
Nice review! I hate the fuss of connecting the phone, open, in the zipper pouch. Pain in the &$$ every time I stop. Started leaving phone in place. Really need a wireless solution.
You can purchase shorter cell phone cables with a 90° connector that goes into the iPhone. Eliminates the concerns in the video with a straight plug. I purchase the cable on Amazon.
My Garmin Zumo is touch screen and it works with motorcycle style gloves but won’t work with snowmobile gloves. Maybe to much insulation with the thicker gloves, weird considering in your case the touch screen was made for snowmobiling. BRP should either fix that or stop calling it glove friendly.
First off, I'm not a 2-stroke guy but l had the opportunity to ride a G5 850 last weekend and my BIGGEST takeaway after my ride was how incredibly smooth the engine was. Dare l say 4-stroke smooth??? Yup...
I love these first world problems. Hahahah. Sled still is nasty. Glad you wrapping too. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. ArcticFX or Deviant. Pipe to maybe lol
I personally like the BRP app overall but yes it does have it’s quirks. I’ve also never used the Polaris app or 7S. Hoping to try it out this season to compare.
Once you ride it more the handle bar controls are much better love the smart shocks on the handle bars lots more, definitely takes much more getting used to but it’s is nice after you get used to it.
Once you ride it, let me know how frozen you are with absolutely 0 wind and snow dust protection but if you’re worried about looking cool, then I guess that’s the slide to have
Why do I have to buy some damn sled, with those stupid lights. You mean I can see better? When it snowing I can't see anything because the snow does not melt off.
I’ll leave it up to you to touch it… The best finishes are Yamaha. It’s Matt finish snow gloss make sure not to put any wax on it or you’ll ruin the finish. My opinion it’s not a good looking sled.
I just looked at a new 2024 sidewinder last week and was actually disgusted with its finish especially the dash area around the handlebars, same with Arctic Cat as you would imagine. Ski Doo's fit and finish Impressed me and it's to the standard a $20,000+ price tag should have for that kinda money. After looks at the Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Polaris I chose the 24 Ski Doo Renegade 900R XRS as it shows why they own like 80% of the market share.
Well, the construction and finish of the seat it’s not looking good either. At this point, I would jump on it and ride it and then talk about it for the amount of money I’ll pass based on the small blemishes and rips that have happened and you haven’t really ridden it yet.
Again not to be so negative but all those bells and whistles is not what it’s about. It’s a boat riding the snowmobile like it’s been for years. Take all that electronic and luxury crap. Keep the rear skid. Keep the suspension sell it for a decent price that’s what it’s about, no reason in the world a snowmobile should cost what it costs now manufactures are going to ruin the sport and diminish sales numbers except for the people that change sleds like underwear and waste money that could be used for retirement because once you retire, you will never be able to afford a snowmobile at that point. Good luck, I enjoy snowmobiling. I enjoy riding that’s what it’s about. Sorry bud I tell it like it is.
Obviously these new sleds aren't for you but truth is Skidoo is in the business of making and selling sleds. They make them with the features that people want. If the public didn't want them they wouldn't buy them. They also make a NEO 600 without many bells and whistles that sells for more than half of this sled.
Headlights, new narrow chassis, panels, gauge, vibrations/new mounts, new hand controls. The goal here was to discuss all the NEW features of the Gen5. Sorry you didn’t enjoy it @stian mathisen but what else should have been discussed without me actually riding the sled yet?
Unfortunately you will always get people like this. No constructive criticism just negativity. We try to make a video to help fellow sledders out and some people just don't appreciate how much effort goes into it. Just gotta shrug your shoulders and move on
Good honest review. But man is that thing brutally ugly, the headlights just kill it. But where they really lost me was with their display system, it is garbage and years behind the Polaris 7s display system.
Haha, design is always subjective. The display has it's issues but I wouldn't say it's garbage. I have yet to use the Polaris unit so I can't really make a proper comparison.
I don’t like the head lights on these new skidoos now since artic cat kinda looks like a skidoo I might go back to artic cat in 2025 because they are gonna have a bigger motor they say but the headlights are a really off putter for me on my opinion I love my 2021 summit 850 turbo it’s really scary and I want another sled but i don’t like the now head lights
Interesting, I actually don't think there is a big difference in design for the headlight when comparing Gen4 to Gen5. Overall profile and shape is very similar. A little smaller and more rounded. I think the new Polaris has the best looking headlight.
@@BeaverTailToys i was born in 76 so i quess im just use to something different looking lol, i imagine its a nice ride and all that but ya the looks dont do it for me,
Great review Vince! Keep up the great content brother.
Cheers,
Jesse
Thanks Jesse, much appreciated.
@@BeaverTailToys my pleasure! Keep doing what your doing - its working.
Great review. I know it much later now but I would love to have an update from you on this sled after riding it. Thanks!
Just got back from a 1500 km Quebec trip (Saguenay/Mt Valin Charlevoix /Apica ) Mint conditions with a group of six experienced riders all with new '23 snowmobiles. An 850 Polaris 146Assault
850 Polaris 137 Boost
900 turbo r Ski Doo Renegade X
Sidewinder LTX LE
900 turbo Lynx Xterrian 146
And my G5 XRS Renegade without smart shox
We all rode each other's sleds extensively and it was unanimous amongst all riders that the G5 is the best handling trail snowmobile anyone has ever ridden. I've had a new G4 850 Ski doo every year since 2017 and I was always of the opinion that the Polaris had the better handling snowmobile. That is no longer the case. Amazing job by the engineer's at Ski-Doo. The sled is phenomenal.
Very interesting findings @David Jacques, thanks for sharing. Even without Smart Shox eh!? Sounds like you had a great trip!
@@BeaverTailToys the new three clicker KYB he's with hlcr are phenomenal. SS are great too but not worth the $$ squeeze. I'll buy gas with those dollars and ad just my own shocks.
Glad you're loving the sled. SS are like a heated steering wheel, you don't think you need it but once you use it it's hard to go back lol. Hope you have a great season, thanks for watching!
Excellent video review 👍🏼You pointed out some great plus's and minus's with the new '23 XRS. Take Care 👍🏼
Thank you @sometime is now! Much appreciated.
Awesome video Vince thank you! BTW you look like the youtuber From Autotopia lol
AutotopiaLA
Haha, just another bald guy with a grey beard lol. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoy the content.🙏
I've had a lot of sleds, and for the trail, this is the best so far. Very responsive and nimble. I've had Sidewinders for the last few years, and of course a 850 is not the same kick as 300hp 4-stroke, but the weight difference is a great equalizer in many situations. Loved the SW's though, for what they are.
@MrMvidz curious if you’ve ever tried a MachZ or any Skidoo 900R? Now, my MachZ is tuned so not comparing stock VS stock but last season with both those sleds in my garage I always preferred the Mach. I feel that for the trail THAT is the ultimate machine. Yes, a bit of a weight penalty but on the wide and fast trails here in Northern Ontario it’s a beautiful thing 😁 I’ve never ridden a Winder but hoping to get some seat time this season.
@@BeaverTailToys 900R is a great engine, perhaps not with that racing pedigree of the Yamacat, but it packs all the punch you need and then some. In Sweden, we don't have those really long, nice trails that you got, so the 850 is good enough for me. On a really long trip, a 900R is probably the most comfortable ride.
Sweden! Nice! I’d love to ride there some day. And 100% the 850 would be better suited for rougher trails. Had a Lynx Rave 850 and it was perfect for the rougher trails 👌🏼
I really enjoyed you showing the shortcomings of brp fit and finish!
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.
It's been 24 years since I last owned a sled and wow have they came along ways since my 1998 Formula III 700 lol. I went and priced all the new 2024 4 strokes and to my surprise Ski Doo was the cheapest! I always thought they were the most expensive lol. After looking at the features, design, fit & finish, and talking to a dealer who sells multiple brands, I was convinced to get the new 24 Ski Doo Renegade 900R XRS with large display. I figured no regrets getting the best.......now if we ever get any snow to use it! I was torn about going with the 850 however, but I think I'll be keeping this machine for more than a couple years so I wanted the longevity of the 4 stroke.
@troyt5309 that’s awesome! Welcome back to the club! Well you’ve picked the absolute best trail machine available in my opinion and you won’t be disappointed. Last season I had the 900 & the 850 in the garage and always preferred the 900. Sorry it’s been such a slow start to winter…you must be itching badly to get out there.
@@BeaverTailToys I drove it on my lawn today lol and the thing is damn scary when it can hook up like I did on just an inch of snow. We got 6-10" coming that just started so hoping for some trails to open this weekend.
Great review! Meaningful information, well done! Cheers
Thanks @handsome rob, great handle btw 😊 glad you enjoyed it.
I really like the styling of these Ski-Doos.
I'm not an owner, but recently took delivery of a Can-Am Outlander Max. And I removed the front cargo rack as I didn't really need it and the bright blue bodywork looked so shapely and stylish underneath.
@Snarge22 Oh! That a sexy quad for sure! What engine did you get?
@@BeaverTailToys I got the 850cc version. much more than I really need, but I like the idea of having way, Way more capability than I'll ever need and then I'm not ever disappointed.
As a side note, I really would have been more than fine with a 650cc Rotax, but Can-Am dropped that offering in the Outlander models.
Absolutely right on the OEM connect cord. Need the best cord possible
Yes sir! 🙌
I just got a new pair of skidoo xteam gloves and the tips of the index fingers have a coating that works for touch screens
Well there you go! Not surprised they would sell an accessory for that lol.
Good gawd that sled is hideous. I'll keep my 1970 Evinrude and Johnson for another season.
Haha well they certainly don’t make them like that anymore. I love those vintage sleds!
as a 100k+ km rider (26 years of high Arctic riding) who needs and counts on reliability and good accessible functions, the new screen, the new functions pod is a major step backwards imo. I`m really disappointed in the direction the electronics design is going. Can you adjust anything at all on the fly without jeopardizing your safety or taking off your mitts? Will the screen keep working in -50c? I'm shopping to replace my 2016 enduro 900, and honestly not excited about what I'm seeing.
One thing I don't get is that you need WiFi or Data in order to use the navigation. It's kind of a letdown considering the 7S display has GPS built in.
@duck destroyer You don't need WiFi or data while using the BRP navigation. You download and plot at home before leaving then you just need a GPS signal after that. Yes, I too wish it was completely stand alone like the 7S.
It seems that you need a backcountry or summit for cvt temp. Summit also gets elevation. Mxz and renegades only get coolant temp and battery sadly
Definitely too bad, maybe in future releases?
I can’t believe we’re judging ski doo on how much their engine vibrates at idle….the 850 is a monster, it vibrates to let you know it’s serious 👌
Such a great engine and serious it is!😈 Don’t get me wrong it’s definitely not an issue for me but as BRP claims to have reduced it significantly I thought it was worth noting.
The vibrations are definitely less when riding
@@coreybrock6333 glad to hear it.
Hey Vince, you should do a headlight light comparison with your Mach . With stock Hologen in , then with LED’s in against the Gen 5 at night side by side .
It be interesting to see actual changes it made .
@kranky Sledzz Absolutely! You read my mind. I have that on my list for this season!
How is the screen display when it is sunny out? Any difficulty seeing the data? Was at a ski doo show today and the glare off the screen seemed brutal, wasn't sure if it would be readable in the sun.
@curt pliskie, the possibility of glare is definitely there but I never experienced any days where I couldn't read the screen while riding this season. I don't think it's really a problem.
I agree that there are too many black Ski Doo's out there, infact my '23 renny xrs is black. I got black because they don't offer Yellow anymore on most models. Ski Doo's are supposed to be YELLOW!! LOL
It is weird that they keep the yellow for the MXZ models 🤷🏻♂️
Nice review!
I hate the fuss of connecting the phone, open, in the zipper pouch. Pain in the &$$ every time I stop. Started leaving phone in place. Really need a wireless solution.
Absolutely! All that tech in this sled, definitely disappointing to not have a wireless solution.
You can purchase shorter cell phone cables with a 90° connector that goes into the iPhone. Eliminates the concerns in the video with a straight plug. I purchase the cable on Amazon.
Yep, but off brand cables have been known to create connection problems of their own with this system.
My Garmin Zumo is touch screen and it works with motorcycle style gloves but won’t work with snowmobile gloves. Maybe to much insulation with the thicker gloves, weird considering in your case the touch screen was made for snowmobiling. BRP should either fix that or stop calling it glove friendly.
After a full season I can confirm that it works maybe 70% of the time. I think you're right most likely too much insulation.
First off, I'm not a 2-stroke guy but l had the opportunity to ride a G5 850 last weekend and my BIGGEST takeaway after my ride was how incredibly smooth the engine was. Dare l say 4-stroke smooth??? Yup...
Very interesting! I look forward to comparing it on trail and will be reporting back in a future video for sure. Thanks for the feedback.
I love these first world problems. Hahahah. Sled still is nasty. Glad you wrapping too. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. ArcticFX or Deviant. Pipe to maybe lol
Haha! First world problems for sure!😀
Bonne job avec le video!!👍
Merci Marc! 🙏
Great video. Question: how do you feel about the brp go app? I find it useless and prefer polaris ride command app.
I personally like the BRP app overall but yes it does have it’s quirks. I’ve also never used the Polaris app or 7S. Hoping to try it out this season to compare.
Once you ride it more the handle bar controls are much better love the smart shocks on the handle bars lots more, definitely takes much more getting used to but it’s is nice after you get used to it.
Oh nice! Glad to hear it. How are you enjoying the new sled so far @Aiden Kruger?
I have mine on dark mode too lol
Atta boy! 😉
If you took the motor coveroff simply scraped up the finish then I wouldn’t be so happy about how good the finish is. Just saying
Yep, time will tell on how durable it is.
I can't say I'm a fan of the styling.
Yeah, it's not for everyone I guess.
Once you ride it, let me know how frozen you are with absolutely 0 wind and snow dust protection but if you’re worried about looking cool, then I guess that’s the slide to have
Skidoo has plenty of optional windshields if wind protection is a priority for you.
The headlights have a bit of an spider look
Can’t say I had noticed that 🙂 I love these headlights.
Why do I have to buy some damn sled, with those stupid lights. You mean I can see better? When it snowing I can't see anything because the snow does not melt off.
@firstamendmenttshirt4768 I guess if the sled isn't moving the snow could build up but this has never been an issue for me while riding.
I’ll leave it up to you to touch it… The best finishes are Yamaha. It’s Matt finish snow gloss make sure not to put any wax on it or you’ll ruin the finish. My opinion it’s not a good looking sled.
Yep, you're definitely not alone in your thinking on the styling. I haven't seen the latest Yamaha finish in person.
I just looked at a new 2024 sidewinder last week and was actually disgusted with its finish especially the dash area around the handlebars, same with Arctic Cat as you would imagine. Ski Doo's fit and finish Impressed me and it's to the standard a $20,000+ price tag should have for that kinda money. After looks at the Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Polaris I chose the 24 Ski Doo Renegade 900R XRS as it shows why they own like 80% of the market share.
Well, the construction and finish of the seat it’s not looking good either. At this point, I would jump on it and ride it and then talk about it for the amount of money I’ll pass based on the small blemishes and rips that have happened and you haven’t really ridden it yet.
Glad the video helped with your decision.
Again not to be so negative but all those bells and whistles is not what it’s about. It’s a boat riding the snowmobile like it’s been for years. Take all that electronic and luxury crap. Keep the rear skid. Keep the suspension sell it for a decent price that’s what it’s about, no reason in the world a snowmobile should cost what it costs now manufactures are going to ruin the sport and diminish sales numbers except for the people that change sleds like underwear and waste money that could be used for retirement because once you retire, you will never be able to afford a snowmobile at that point. Good luck, I enjoy snowmobiling. I enjoy riding that’s what it’s about. Sorry bud I tell it like it is.
Obviously these new sleds aren't for you but truth is Skidoo is in the business of making and selling sleds. They make them with the features that people want. If the public didn't want them they wouldn't buy them. They also make a NEO 600 without many bells and whistles that sells for more than half of this sled.
Just ride
That's the plan.
Sorry to be so negative, but doesn’t seem like this would be a good buy.
I guess it all depends on how you prioritize the features.
Paint and finish, I guess you haven't owned a Yamaha.
Last Yamaha I owned was a 1989 Ovation. Paint and finish was excellent 😀
The gen 4's look way better. The gen 5 looks like the dad from the old TV show dinosaurs.
Haha 😂 that’s hilarious! Love the comparison.
This is not an XRS 850 overview, this is an software and panel overview, ridiculous bad!
Headlights, new narrow chassis, panels, gauge, vibrations/new mounts, new hand controls. The goal here was to discuss all the NEW features of the Gen5. Sorry you didn’t enjoy it @stian mathisen but what else should have been discussed without me actually riding the sled yet?
@@BeaverTailToys A lot!!
Lol, that’s what I thought. Well thanks for the great feedback.
Unfortunately you will always get people like this. No constructive criticism just negativity. We try to make a video to help fellow sledders out and some people just don't appreciate how much effort goes into it. Just gotta shrug your shoulders and move on
@@sledaddicz absolutely! Well said. Haters always gonna hate 😊
Any sled that I can't afford is garbage. That's why I roll a 1999 550 RMK
Lol 😂 I love 90’s sleds. I would love to buy a mid 90’s VMax.
Good honest review. But man is that thing brutally ugly, the headlights just kill it. But where they really lost me was with their display system, it is garbage and years behind the Polaris 7s display system.
Haha, design is always subjective. The display has it's issues but I wouldn't say it's garbage. I have yet to use the Polaris unit so I can't really make a proper comparison.
@@BeaverTailToys "Garbage" because it needs a phone with cell service to work correctly. The Polaris 7s needs nothing, it is a stand alone unit.
Not a fan of these new machines,,,no windshield seat too small just looks woke stupid
"woke stupid" lol, first time I hear a sled being described that way.
well, i guess the women will enjoy this snowmobile.
Haha, there you go. You can always turn a negative into a positive lol
I don’t like the head lights on these new skidoos now since artic cat kinda looks like a skidoo I might go back to artic cat in 2025 because they are gonna have a bigger motor they say but the headlights are a really off putter for me on my opinion I love my 2021 summit 850 turbo it’s really scary and I want another sled but i don’t like the now head lights
Interesting, I actually don't think there is a big difference in design for the headlight when comparing Gen4 to Gen5. Overall profile and shape is very similar. A little smaller and more rounded. I think the new Polaris has the best looking headlight.
Its ugly
A lot of people definitely share your opinion.
@@BeaverTailToys i was born in 76 so i quess im just use to something different looking lol, i imagine its a nice ride and all that but ya the looks dont do it for me,
Color offerings suck!!
Not many options, that's for sure.
We can do much better wow
lol
Yuck gen 5 sucks. Gen 4 way better looking
I think many would agree with you.
I am tired of rich people doing these reviews
Well that’s a pretty ignorant comment @Mike Alchin, our interpretations of “rich” must be very different.
Makes me sick looking at it
🙃
Why do they make sleds look like this absolutely ugly as hell terrible especially for what they want for price terrible!
...so...I'm guessing you don't like the design! lol
I hated ski doo and I bought two of them xrs mxz smart shocks I love them very well beautiful built sleds
Nice, they are amazing machines! @james cantlin what were you riding before?
@@BeaverTailToys 2022 xcr 137 850
@@jamescantlin1072 nice, looks like you made the switch just in time to avoid all this recall stuff.