*I've got a Boost Assault on the way. My first non Ski-Doo since I was a kid. I had a demo last season for a day and fell in love with it. I ended up buying a 23' MXZ Sport for my wife as well so I have something to ride once the first "stop ride" comes out.*
Having owned an Assault, I can say that I loved that sled, so fun to ride. But, I rode a shorty XCR last year and, WOW, what a difference in the bumps and trail! With a 1.75” track, that thing wheelied better than my Assault. I’m truly torn as to which one to buy next..thanks for the video!
really depends on what the set up in the suspension is. Assaults we can make handle almost like an XCR or we can make an XCR wheelie like an assault. really depends on what you like
Awesome comparison Jesse! Having had a 22 XCR 850 and a 23 Assault boost, both awesome in different ways. I got a chance to get back on a 23 XCR 850 last weekend and realized how much fun I had on the trail with it. I think a 25 XCR 9R smart shock would be the ultimate setup!
Great content! Listened to you on carbide pod yesterday going through the first real winter roads in my area this season (will melt tomorrow, but feeling was still good). Keep up the good work! Greatings from Sweden! //O
Love the video!! Think snow!!! Question Polaris 850 adventure, suggested clutch kit? Ride OF and hill, looking to just beat the rest of the crue on stock 850’s ( bragging rights is all I’m after) thank you! Enjoy the colder weather!!!
Is there an 80 #/inch IFS available for the Assault Walker Evans Velocity 2" IFS shocks?? I had assumed the VR1 spring would fit, but it doesn't. Please advise...
I've owned numerous 800/850 assaults over the years since 2016-2024. Numerous PRO-S and PRO-R's prior the that since 2012. The 100# spring (for our wide open field riding) combined with the Walker Evans "clicker" shocks were like driving cement trucks. With clickers on '2' and the IFS springs backed off to minimal tension, when driving across the mogul fields....instead of the front suspension "absorbing" the bumps....the entire right/left side of sled would lift off the ground instead of the A arm/shock assembly absorbing the hit and then returning to ground contact. This made the "clickers" somewhat useless as going stiffer just made the ride worse. So I conducted an experiment by installing a set of 80# springs in combination with the stock WE piggyback shocks. With the spring tension set at a couple turns tighter from full loose and the shocks now set on '4 or 5' ...i had a compliant front end that absorbed hits and responded like it was supposed to. If fields became even more rough or skis got too playful.....another cliker or 2 of the shocks cured it. We have/had 2 other Assaults at the time to compare to and everyone that rode mine, ended up changing theirs. Not only did this take the "wrist rattlers" out of the handlebars, but truly made the front end more adjustable as you still had the option to tighten the springs down if you didn't feel like there as enough spring pressure. We never had to put the clickers past '6' or '7'. Most would say....."why didn't you just revalve the shocks with the existing 100# springs?".....to that I answer......the 80# springs were an OEM stocked part....and for less than $120 bucks.....I was able to utilize the stock shocks and have the front end act and have the adjustability exactly how I wanted it. So I now own 3 - 850 Matryx Assaults....2021, 2022 and 2024. All of which have very stiff front ends. Because the Walker evans velocity shocks are now 2" bodies on the assaults...there are no 80# springs I can use on any of them as Polaris doesn't seem to make them? I'd really like to try the 80# springs in conjunction with the Velocity shock on one of our Assaults once again to compare outcomes. If my hunch is correct....it will work just as well on these as it did on my 2019/2020 850 Assaults. I realize this pretty much goes against the grain of what most suggest is the right thing to do as most guys are winding their 100# springs to the max......and for hard pack trail driving this may be exactly what you want as you want as much ski pressure as you can get in the turns and such to prevent yourself from ending up in the weeds. Most of the trails I watch you guys ride one aren't very rough....to that I can see why changing the 100# springs to something softer doesn't compute....but all I can say is....the 80# spring with the walker evans piggy back clickers on our 2019/2020 assaults worked very well...and anyone that rode them agreed and soon followed. I have a set of Hygear spring on the 2024 Assault currently....would love to compare a stock set of 80# springs on one of the other sleds to compare!! @@JESSEJAMES322
Im torn i probably ride 70% trail 30% off trail so i think the xcr is the better choice for me but at the same time i wanna do wheelies all day lol. Can a 136 xcr still carry the skis in the deeper snow if set up right?
I have a 2024 850 assault 2.0 track. I plan on adding a heated M2 seat to take my son riding with me every now and then plus adding an M2 journey bag. He's 45ish pounds and I'm around 215 both without gear. What adjustments and/or upgrades to the suspension would you recommend? If any are needed that is. Lol
I’ve been watching your videos and riding a while, I can’t decide between these 2 sleds. I live in the NE with steep hills behind my house that lead to other mountain riding areas, but then I like to load up and go to the trails, and that’s when I would want the coupled rear and shorter track. Is the assault a true 50/50 or is the XCR just as capable off trail 🤔 🤔
i mean the assault can be a really good trail sled with some work. XCR i wouldnt say is amazing off trail but depends on how extrme off trail youre doing. i dont do much off trail so hard for me to say
Yes you get decent hyfax wear right where the rail is tipped. So velocity sled performance had a kit to add a wheel right at that point jjst like the assault
Do you like your chevrolet silverado? I'm thinking about buying the chevrolet silverado 3.0 Duramax. The xcr 850 looks like that will be the sled I'm going with next spring snow check.
Second on the Duramax We have 01 3500hd 05 2500hd 4x4 Duramax Now i just picked up a 3rd 2022 5500 4x4 Duramax And i refuse to sell any, Such a Great Truck... Plus, my Son wants the 05 Can't go wrong with the Diesel (but they are not perfect) so have a reasonable expectation... At least for the older ones! Lol
Dude don't move the camera all around and back and forth so fast. Makes everyone dizzy lol. Obviously if you pretty much ride trails more go with the XCR but if you like going off and on tails and mountain riding too get the assault. Pretty much an easy decision. I've owned both.
Jesse keep asking for subs. It cost us nothing. Remind new people that if them not subscribing because they think they will get a lot of reminders. Let them know that you appreciate them subscribing and they can choose no notifications. Keep the snowmobile videos coming.
I have a 23 XCR 136 and I am going to try and play with suspension to get it to act like a shorty. I’m used to the 121s on the old sleds. Need to find out if the 128 is big enough of a difference than the 136 and also if the 136 off-trail is that much better than on trail. 80 percent trail 20 percent off trail rider here. Tug hill. @JESSEJAMES322
I appreciate the reply! I’m going to lighten the load on the front of the track by bringing front spring sleeves all the way down. That with the pitched rear should act like a shorty and maintain the off trail benefits of the longER track! Best of all worlds!!
*I've got a Boost Assault on the way. My first non Ski-Doo since I was a kid. I had a demo last season for a day and fell in love with it. I ended up buying a 23' MXZ Sport for my wife as well so I have something to ride once the first "stop ride" comes out.*
congrats on the switch! These sleds perform so well and are a ball to ride. if you ever have any questions reach out. id be happy to help!!
Having owned an Assault, I can say that I loved that sled, so fun to ride. But, I rode a shorty XCR last year and, WOW, what a difference in the bumps and trail! With a 1.75” track, that thing wheelied better than my Assault. I’m truly torn as to which one to buy next..thanks for the video!
really depends on what the set up in the suspension is. Assaults we can make handle almost like an XCR or we can make an XCR wheelie like an assault. really depends on what you like
Awesome comparison Jesse! Having had a 22 XCR 850 and a 23 Assault boost, both awesome in different ways. I got a chance to get back on a 23 XCR 850 last weekend and realized how much fun I had on the trail with it. I think a 25 XCR 9R smart shock would be the ultimate setup!
we shall see what comes out!!!!
How would Bruce setup the Assault differently for trail riding?
Great content guys! As someone new to Polaris, looking to understand and also tune my ‘22 Assault suspension, this is gold.
thank you! tons more to come. any questions just ask!
Great content!
Listened to you on carbide pod yesterday going through the first real winter roads in my area this season (will melt tomorrow, but feeling was still good). Keep up the good work!
Greatings from Sweden!
//O
Thank you! Much appreciated!
Well done on the comparison dudes!!!
Thank you! More to come
Love the video!! Think snow!!! Question Polaris 850 adventure, suggested clutch kit? Ride OF and hill, looking to just beat the rest of the crue on stock 850’s ( bragging rights is all I’m after) thank you! Enjoy the colder weather!!!
bragging rights are all that matters! i would call Will from Velocity Sled Performance. He will get it working right!!
Is there an 80 #/inch IFS available for the Assault Walker Evans Velocity 2" IFS shocks?? I had assumed the VR1 spring would fit, but it doesn't. Please advise...
I’d have to check on that. Why would you want to put an 80# on there? Just asking
I've owned numerous 800/850 assaults over the years since 2016-2024. Numerous PRO-S and PRO-R's prior the that since 2012. The 100# spring (for our wide open field riding) combined with the Walker Evans "clicker" shocks were like driving cement trucks. With clickers on '2' and the IFS springs backed off to minimal tension, when driving across the mogul fields....instead of the front suspension "absorbing" the bumps....the entire right/left side of sled would lift off the ground instead of the A arm/shock assembly absorbing the hit and then returning to ground contact. This made the "clickers" somewhat useless as going stiffer just made the ride worse.
So I conducted an experiment by installing a set of 80# springs in combination with the stock WE piggyback shocks. With the spring tension set at a couple turns tighter from full loose and the shocks now set on '4 or 5' ...i had a compliant front end that absorbed hits and responded like it was supposed to. If fields became even more rough or skis got too playful.....another cliker or 2 of the shocks cured it. We have/had 2 other Assaults at the time to compare to and everyone that rode mine, ended up changing theirs. Not only did this take the "wrist rattlers" out of the handlebars, but truly made the front end more adjustable as you still had the option to tighten the springs down if you didn't feel like there as enough spring pressure. We never had to put the clickers past '6' or '7'.
Most would say....."why didn't you just revalve the shocks with the existing 100# springs?".....to that I answer......the 80# springs were an OEM stocked part....and for less than $120 bucks.....I was able to utilize the stock shocks and have the front end act and have the adjustability exactly how I wanted it. So I now own 3 - 850 Matryx Assaults....2021, 2022 and 2024. All of which have very stiff front ends. Because the Walker evans velocity shocks are now 2" bodies on the assaults...there are no 80# springs I can use on any of them as Polaris doesn't seem to make them? I'd really like to try the 80# springs in conjunction with the Velocity shock on one of our Assaults once again to compare outcomes. If my hunch is correct....it will work just as well on these as it did on my 2019/2020 850 Assaults.
I realize this pretty much goes against the grain of what most suggest is the right thing to do as most guys are winding their 100# springs to the max......and for hard pack trail driving this may be exactly what you want as you want as much ski pressure as you can get in the turns and such to prevent yourself from ending up in the weeds. Most of the trails I watch you guys ride one aren't very rough....to that I can see why changing the 100# springs to something softer doesn't compute....but all I can say is....the 80# spring with the walker evans piggy back clickers on our 2019/2020 assaults worked very well...and anyone that rode them agreed and soon followed. I have a set of Hygear spring on the 2024 Assault currently....would love to compare a stock set of 80# springs on one of the other sleds to compare!! @@JESSEJAMES322
Im torn i probably ride 70% trail 30% off trail so i think the xcr is the better choice for me but at the same time i wanna do wheelies all day lol. Can a 136 xcr still carry the skis in the deeper snow if set up right?
it can but if you want to do the wheelies the assault is the better sled
I've got a 850 Switchback XCR - talk about an odd combo with it's 137" 1.75" track with Hi/Lo speed adjustible Pro-S suspension.
136" XCR would be sweet. Especially on the rough trails.
They’re a great sled! Had one myself. Loved it
I have a 23 850XCR 136"
Going back to a 128" during snowcheck in the spring. Its just that LITTLE extra finesse that I miss in the tight twisties!
No sled touches a 128 xcr, not one
I have a 2024 850 assault 2.0 track. I plan on adding a heated M2 seat to take my son riding with me every now and then plus adding an M2 journey bag. He's 45ish pounds and I'm around 215 both without gear. What adjustments and/or upgrades to the suspension would you recommend? If any are needed that is. Lol
would you say you will be riding more with him or without him? That will really determine what we recommend!
I'd say about 50/50. Maybe leaning a bit more to riding solo more often but he'll be out quite a bit too.
I had a 21 Assualt hated the suspension for trail. Love the xcr
With some Love they can be really good. Same with XCR. some revalving can change the entire sled
I’ve been watching your videos and riding a while, I can’t decide between these 2 sleds. I live in the NE with steep hills behind my house that lead to other mountain riding areas, but then I like to load up and go to the trails, and that’s when I would want the coupled rear and shorter track. Is the assault a true 50/50 or is the XCR just as capable off trail 🤔 🤔
i mean the assault can be a really good trail sled with some work. XCR i wouldnt say is amazing off trail but depends on how extrme off trail youre doing. i dont do much off trail so hard for me to say
Why do many add a wheel kit to the XCR? Has something to do with the tipped rails but what does it actually do? Wonder why they don’t come that way
Yes you get decent hyfax wear right where the rail is tipped. So velocity sled performance had a kit to add a wheel right at that point jjst like the assault
I like the assault and the xcr . But I like the xc and the xc switchback. I'm thinking about an assault 650.
theyre all great sleds. just what you as the rider prefers!
We got our first snow this past Tuesday, bring it on....
its coming!!
Your Welcome. I'm subscribed. This Was a great Vid. Thanks guys
Thank you for that! Much appreciated! Glad you liked the video. Trying to do some different videos this year!
i have a xc 137 that good for trail but bad in deep snow if i change i will take assault it sure
Love the grey & red w blue...hot
Do you like your chevrolet silverado? I'm thinking about buying the chevrolet silverado 3.0 Duramax. The xcr 850 looks like that will be the sled I'm going with next spring snow check.
i love it! been great so far! and that will be a great sled! ive had one
Hope to see you on the trails someday if you get a chance to ride northern New Hampshire.
Second on the Duramax
We have
01 3500hd
05 2500hd 4x4 Duramax
Now i just picked up a 3rd
2022 5500 4x4 Duramax
And i refuse to sell any, Such a Great Truck...
Plus, my Son wants the 05
Can't go wrong with the Diesel (but they are not perfect) so have a reasonable expectation... At least for the older ones!
Lol
Love whiskey jacks.
It’s our favorite place snd only 3 miles from the house
i made a decision,buying 850 boost VR1, dealer had 1 available that a customer backed out of so going to check your video's on sled set up
we did a ton with that sled last year! any questions reach out! im happy to help!
Dude don't move the camera all around and back and forth so fast. Makes everyone dizzy lol. Obviously if you pretty much ride trails more go with the XCR but if you like going off and on tails and mountain riding too get the assault. Pretty much an easy decision. I've owned both.
there are assault guys that will not go back to a short track so not super easy decision
Jesse keep asking for subs. It cost us nothing. Remind new people that if them not subscribing because they think they will get a lot of reminders. Let them know that you appreciate them subscribing and they can choose no notifications. Keep the snowmobile videos coming.
Thank you and I will! It is free to subscribe and you can shut off notifications. but I was shocked when I was 71% were not subbed!
Wait til you have that assault. You can just lean back and go thru the biggest bumps and moguls as fast as you feel you can do it
Excited for It!
I have a 23 xcr the faster you go the smother the ride
oh yes!!
bad comparason xcr is 137 only trail and assault 144 trail and off trail
That is incorrect. XCR’s are 128’s and 136’s. Assaults are 146. They used to be 144 but are now 146
I have a 23 XCR 136 and I am going to try and play with suspension to get it to act like a shorty. I’m used to the 121s on the old sleds. Need to find out if the 128 is big enough of a difference than the 136 and also if the 136 off-trail is that much better than on trail. 80 percent trail 20 percent off trail rider here. Tug hill. @JESSEJAMES322
I would stick with the 136. 128 (in my opinion) is not much of a difference from the 136. Just play with suspension youll get it where you want it!
I appreciate the reply! I’m going to lighten the load on the front of the track by bringing front spring sleeves all the way down. That with the pitched rear should act like a shorty and maintain the off trail benefits of the longER track! Best of all worlds!!
Where's yours?
getting built!
I've got a 850 Switchback XCR - talk about an odd combo with it's 137" 1.75" track with Hi/Lo speed adjustible Pro-S suspension.
great sled!