No problem Mike! The whole point of Sledaddicz is to bring you guys honest and true feedback on sleds and products. Glad you are enjoying your VR1 buddy. It is an absolute animal of a sled! Cheers, Jesse
Thanks for the great video and review. I can tell by your camera movement the ride on this VR1 is darn good. Been sledding for a long time and have owned and ridden all brands. Current is 2018 T Cat. I do love it and the ride is ok and heated seat is a gem. Not my first 4 stroke by any means but as I'm getting older, the lightness of a 2 stroke is becoming increasingly attractive. I would buy a ski doo or Polaris 2 stroke and this video has me head scratching with snowcheck not far off. Unless of course the 900 Cat is truly going to resurface. Thanks again.
Hey Bartyhummer. I would definitely consider a two stroke snowcheck. The 850s are simply easier to handle and more fun to ride in my honest opinion. Cheers, Jesse
Awesome video, its cool to see a different opinion of sleds , i think polaris has always had great handling and good riding sleds, my problem is i just never feel comfortable on them...
Thanks man! Really appreciate your comment. Yes forsure. I find the polaris sleds to be really fun and playful but the skidoos are just more comfortable. As I usually say, if you asked me which sled I want for 30 mins to have the most fun I would say Polaris. Ask me which sled I want to put 400+ kms on in a day and I would say Ski-Doo every day!
Another great video, Thanks guys. Question: You said this 850 was faster than your Mach Z. Faster for how long? 0-50mph? 0-70mph? I can't see it being faster at top speed?
Faster the whole way through except possibly a couple mph. The mach was only about 5 mph quicker then our ski-doo 850s and the polaris 850 is about 4ish mph quicker then the ski-doos. Cheers, Jesse
Thanks for this honest review. From my home area to boot. Long live Polar bear riders . 😁 On my way to Edmonton Snowshow today to check them out. VR1 looks like a winner..
Hey Pat! Wow that's awesome - enjoy the show. The VR1 is definitely a winner. If you really like it you should stop by Bourques and speak to Jerry - he can definitely get you set up! I am super excited to be heading back to Cochrane Dec 16th to 23rd with Mike again to volunteer with Kenny, Jeff and PBR to help get the trails ready for Christmas. Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz Right on. I live in Alberta now and I actually Snowcheked an Adventure x2 4 stroke . I hope to take it east to ride the PBR area soon. Thanks for helping out my friends and family out there. Love your vids. Cheers.
Oh I didn't realize you were in Alberta! That adventure will be awesome. It's our absolute pleasure - Kenny and Jeff have treated us like family and we always love to help out those that make the sport possible. Cheers, Jesse
Thank you for the honest video being doo guys. Heard a lot of guys love this machine. Zero vibration in the handle bars and the 850 is wicked. I own a 21 renegade xrs 850. But also a 2015 pro s switchback 800. Rode an assault 850 last season that a buddy owns. Did you notice no vibration in the handle bars? Versus the doo?
Great video guys! I've been riding Ski-Doo's for the last 22 years and decided to try a Matryx 850 for '24. I've had mirrors since 2008 and loved them on the windshield side deflectors on my Ski-Doo's. My questions are: #1; what are your thoughts on the Polaris mirrors on the Matryx specifically their location on the panels and #2; how's the vision with the mirrors? They look useless to me (small & not adjustable) but l hear some say they're good and others say they aren't. I'm trying to gather all the information I can to make an educated decision as to whether l should spend the money on them or not. Thanks guys, love your channel!!!!
Hey Bart! Thanks for reaching out. Glad you are liking our content. I actually really like the matryx mirrors. I have ridden with them quite a bit on my dads VR1. They do take a bit of getting used to as at first they seem dumb and useless, but once you learn the correct angle to look at them they work like any other mirror and I have actually come to prefer them over your usual windshield mount mirrors. That being said, the mirrors are not for everyone but I personally do think they are a valuable addition to the sled. Cheers, Jesse
I should probably know already but whats your height and weight? Im 6'2" 145 and need to upgrade from my 19 renny b.c. Owned a 82 cutlass ss w direct drive. If you can power through the corner and then 30' out pull the skis im in.
Hey Chris! Mike and I are both around 220 and 5'9". You can definitely power through the corner and the pull the skis right in the air as long as you hold down the throttle. Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz my late wife and i were both cat diehards. At one time i was president of our local club and on the board of directors for the indiana snowmobile association. And our local dealer made it impossible to not ride green for 15 yrs. During 03 f7 recall saga i left my sled there to get that weeks updates, then in 2012 the xf axle skidframe and idler wheel issues, i jumped to doo. Have had nothing but good luck with them since i skipped the first year 850. Imo brp wont putup w the Polaris 850 kicking our butt. Will see what preseason brings but will have a new 23 something
We were just used to our XRS Ski-Doos which ride a little stiffer. More so, the VR1 felt like it was bottoming out way too easy so stiffening it up a little bit made the sled handle much much better. Cheers, Jesse
I’m going to be ordering a 2023 renegade or switchback 850. How do you find the fuel range between the doo and the Polaris as well as long distance comfort?
There is no doubt in our minds that we prefer skidoo vs. Polaris. It's more comfortable to ride, doesn't smoke and much better over the bumps. Go with the Doo 850.
2022 XCR 850 ran mine this winter wonderful handling sled, very good in big bumps, Handles like a dream had a VR1 2021 last year much prefer the XCR the 136 with tipped up handles like a 128 so easier to steer, found the XCR shocks to be much better with high and low speed adjestment, Front springs come stock at 100 lbs vers 80 for VR1, gas milage XCR most time 14 miles per gallon, My 2019 XCR was much better on feul up to 20 miles per gallon at cruising speeds Not sure why the VR1 or XCR is now much less my guess running much richer to protech engine. Christoipher Ottawa
I just got back from tug hill in upstate NY and the trails we're amazing! We rode all the way to lake Ontario coming back at 11pm on Wednesday it was like your Cochrane ride it was so cold I had 3 jackets on and had ice between the Jackets 😂Was insane but the trails we're amazing this week👍👍 Don't think the groomer can keep up with the amount of sled's I just saw coming up for the weekend driving...
Hey dude. That is the whole video! That was the first impressions. Keep checking in to the channel for a full review coming closer to the end of the season. Our 850s definitely like to drink fuel! Cheers, Jesse
Here is what I don’t like slippery small seat wish they made a bigger seat option couple inches wider and a bit softer . foot wells are small and right side is blocked by the chain case . Knees slam into the console a lot when ride hard it seems harder to hold on due to the smaller seat and I can’t lock my legs as good without crushing my nuts .lol xcr series you would think of came with a decent suspension set up meaning stiffer .seem like it was setup for a 5,9 175 pd rider. No windshield no helmet heater outlet no stud protectors. Things you would think a xcr would need or Any Indy . Motor runs strong 175 hp .
Yes, mine was 187km/h on the gauge in ideal conditions. In perfect conditions the Mach should pull away but the 850s get them off the start. Cheers, Mike
Love it. Nice to hear your honest thoughts. I just got the call that my VR1 650 in the same colours just showed up! Can't wait!
Thanks! I'd love to try the 650. I think it's a perfect sled for trails and curious how gas and oil consumption compare. Cheers, Mike
@@sledaddicz it's a beast. I was blown away with the power/mid range when I rode it. It certainly doesn't feel like a 600 class engine.
Just bought a 2024 Indy vr1. My first new purchase. So excited to put some miles on it this year
You’re going to love it! We’ve been very impressed.
Great video . I know your a big Skidoo fan but gave an honest review on the 850 Polaris. Keep up the great work.
Thank you! That VR1 really impressed me. It's an awesome sled. Have a great summer! Cheers, Jesse
Nice name yuskymoe i got the 650 indy adventure
Another great video! Keep them coming
Got my VR1 and put 100 miles on it , did a few suspension adjustments, really like it . Thanks for being honest
No problem Mike! The whole point of Sledaddicz is to bring you guys honest and true feedback on sleds and products. Glad you are enjoying your VR1 buddy. It is an absolute animal of a sled! Cheers, Jesse
Yup. Pretty cool to have an admitted Doo guy review a Polaris and like it. Can't get more honest than that IMHO
Thanks for the great video and review. I can tell by your camera movement the ride on this VR1 is darn good. Been sledding for a long time and have owned and ridden all brands. Current is 2018 T Cat. I do love it and the ride is ok and heated seat is a gem. Not my first 4 stroke by any means but as I'm getting older, the lightness of a 2 stroke is becoming increasingly attractive. I would buy a ski doo or Polaris 2 stroke and this video has me head scratching with snowcheck not far off. Unless of course the 900 Cat is truly going to resurface. Thanks again.
Hey Bartyhummer. I would definitely consider a two stroke snowcheck. The 850s are simply easier to handle and more fun to ride in my honest opinion. Cheers, Jesse
Polaris 850 you will not be disappointed we have three of them the ride
is extremely impressive impressive
Awesome video, its cool to see a different opinion of sleds , i think polaris has always had great handling and good riding sleds, my problem is i just never feel comfortable on them...
Thanks man! Really appreciate your comment. Yes forsure. I find the polaris sleds to be really fun and playful but the skidoos are just more comfortable. As I usually say, if you asked me which sled I want for 30 mins to have the most fun I would say Polaris. Ask me which sled I want to put 400+ kms on in a day and I would say Ski-Doo every day!
Another great video, Thanks guys. Question: You said this 850 was faster than your Mach Z. Faster for how long? 0-50mph? 0-70mph? I can't see it being faster at top speed?
Faster the whole way through except possibly a couple mph. The mach was only about 5 mph quicker then our ski-doo 850s and the polaris 850 is about 4ish mph quicker then the ski-doos. Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz wow, Impressive, thanks. I just purchased a Polaris 850, had a 2018 XCR 800 so I’m curious how much quicker it will be.
Thanks for this honest review. From my home area to boot.
Long live Polar bear riders . 😁
On my way to Edmonton Snowshow today to check them out.
VR1 looks like a winner..
Hey Pat! Wow that's awesome - enjoy the show. The VR1 is definitely a winner. If you really like it you should stop by Bourques and speak to Jerry - he can definitely get you set up! I am super excited to be heading back to Cochrane Dec 16th to 23rd with Mike again to volunteer with Kenny, Jeff and PBR to help get the trails ready for Christmas. Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz Right on.
I live in Alberta now and I actually Snowcheked an Adventure x2 4 stroke . I hope to take it east to ride the PBR area soon.
Thanks for helping out my friends and family out there. Love your vids.
Cheers.
Oh I didn't realize you were in Alberta! That adventure will be awesome. It's our absolute pleasure - Kenny and Jeff have treated us like family and we always love to help out those that make the sport possible. Cheers, Jesse
Thank you for the honest video being doo guys. Heard a lot of guys love this machine. Zero vibration in the handle bars and the 850 is wicked. I own a 21 renegade xrs 850. But also a 2015 pro s switchback 800. Rode an assault 850 last season that a buddy owns. Did you notice no vibration in the handle bars? Versus the doo?
I have a 21 Doo 850 and there’s zero vibration in the bars.
The 850 and 650 are crazy smooth. My old 800 would put your hands asleep from the vibrations after a while
Hey Travis. Funny enough I notice about the same vibration in both the 850 Doo and the Poo. Both very very minor. Cheers, Jesse
Great video guys! I've been riding Ski-Doo's for the last 22 years and decided to try a Matryx 850 for '24.
I've had mirrors since 2008 and loved them on the windshield side deflectors on my Ski-Doo's. My questions are: #1; what are your thoughts on the Polaris mirrors on the Matryx specifically their location on the panels and #2; how's the vision with the mirrors? They look useless to me (small & not adjustable) but l hear some say they're good and others say they aren't. I'm trying to gather all the information I can to make an educated decision as to whether l should spend the money on them or not. Thanks guys, love your channel!!!!
Hey Bart! Thanks for reaching out. Glad you are liking our content. I actually really like the matryx mirrors. I have ridden with them quite a bit on my dads VR1. They do take a bit of getting used to as at first they seem dumb and useless, but once you learn the correct angle to look at them they work like any other mirror and I have actually come to prefer them over your usual windshield mount mirrors. That being said, the mirrors are not for everyone but I personally do think they are a valuable addition to the sled. Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz sounds good, Jesse, thanks for the help, l appreciate your time and input.👍
@@bartunertl302 no problem! let me know if you have any more questions. Cheers, Jesse
I should probably know already but whats your height and weight? Im 6'2" 145 and need to upgrade from my 19 renny b.c.
Owned a 82 cutlass ss w direct drive. If you can power through the corner and then 30' out pull the skis im in.
Hey Chris! Mike and I are both around 220 and 5'9". You can definitely power through the corner and the pull the skis right in the air as long as you hold down the throttle. Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz my late wife and i were both cat diehards. At one time i was president of our local club and on the board of directors for the indiana snowmobile association. And our local dealer made it impossible to not ride green for 15 yrs. During 03 f7 recall saga i left my sled there to get that weeks updates, then in 2012 the xf axle skidframe and idler wheel issues, i jumped to doo. Have had nothing but good luck with them since i skipped the first year 850. Imo brp wont putup w the Polaris 850 kicking our butt. Will see what preseason brings but will have a new 23 something
What was it that was better going from soft to stiff?
We were just used to our XRS Ski-Doos which ride a little stiffer. More so, the VR1 felt like it was bottoming out way too easy so stiffening it up a little bit made the sled handle much much better. Cheers, Jesse
I’m going to be ordering a 2023 renegade or switchback 850. How do you find the fuel range between the doo and the Polaris as well as long distance comfort?
There is no doubt in our minds that we prefer skidoo vs. Polaris. It's more comfortable to ride, doesn't smoke and much better over the bumps. Go with the Doo 850.
Skidoo 850 is slower than xc 850
2022 XCR 850 ran mine this winter wonderful handling sled, very good in big bumps, Handles like a dream had a VR1 2021 last year much prefer the XCR the 136 with tipped up handles like a 128 so easier to steer, found the XCR shocks to be much better with high and low speed adjestment, Front springs come stock at 100 lbs vers 80 for VR1, gas milage XCR most time 14 miles per gallon, My 2019 XCR was much better on feul up to 20 miles per gallon at cruising speeds Not sure why the VR1 or XCR is now much less my guess running much richer to protech engine. Christoipher Ottawa
I loved the XCR I rode last season. What a fantastic sled. Cheers, Jesse
running out of gas is never a bad thing. ride that beast!
Haha! That's for sure! Mike
I just got back from tug hill in upstate NY and the trails we're amazing! We rode all the way to lake Ontario coming back at 11pm on Wednesday it was like your Cochrane ride it was so cold I had 3 jackets on and had ice between the Jackets 😂Was insane but the trails we're amazing this week👍👍 Don't think the groomer can keep up with the amount of sled's I just saw coming up for the weekend driving...
Wow sounds like you had an awesome time! Heading to Quebec today for another 800 km weekend :). Cheers, Jesse
@@sledaddicz jealous 😂😂 I'm like an iron dog Rider,I can ride and Ride and never get tired....
Where is the rest of video? seems the 850 polcat is a slug on fuel.
Hey dude. That is the whole video! That was the first impressions. Keep checking in to the channel for a full review coming closer to the end of the season. Our 850s definitely like to drink fuel! Cheers, Jesse
Any fuel mpg guesses
12mpg running hard o corridors. Trails 14 mpg. I have this exact machine and 1450 miles, Love Love this sled!
Hey Josey! I agree with Todd. We get around 165 to 180 kms to the tank of gas on the hard and fast trails. Cheers, Jesse
did you have any issues with the machz suspension being to soft i was thinking of trading my machz for the vr1 for next year
Not really. I actually find the sport mode to work really well. Sport+ I find very stiff. The Smart shocks work well 👌 Mike
A must is fat man springs if over 200 pds
Agreed!
Here is what I don’t like slippery small seat wish they made a bigger seat option couple inches wider and a bit softer . foot wells are small and right side is blocked by the chain case . Knees slam into the console a lot when ride hard it seems harder to hold on due to the smaller seat and I can’t lock my legs as good without crushing my nuts .lol xcr series you would think of came with a decent suspension set up meaning stiffer .seem like it was setup for a 5,9 175 pd rider. No windshield no helmet heater outlet no stud protectors. Things you would think a xcr would need or Any Indy . Motor runs strong 175 hp .
BTW my mach z will do 194km/h (stock)
Yes, mine was 187km/h on the gauge in ideal conditions. In perfect conditions the Mach should pull away but the 850s get them off the start. Cheers, Mike
1 have a top speed on my stock mach Z of 195kph on a groomed trail... dream meter reading of course...
Of course this was after the updates they offered for the mach z which woke it up like crazy