Looking to buy a NEW sled, for ice fishing and riding around. Recommendations?

[TheLionsFan]

Hey guys,

My wife and I have been wanting to buy a snowmobile for several years now and have been looking around for used ones.  I've been reading a lot about different ones and learning.  Without getting into details, I think we've decided we might just bite the bullet and get a brand new one since we're looking for something to last us a long time and we're very very good about maintaining our stuff. 

We don't wanna spend a fortune, but we do want a 2-up fan cooled.   This sled is for ice fishing and just fun riding around the field or a couple trails here and there.  Something we can pull our young kids behind on sleds.  I would say one of, if not THE most important factor is we want something reliable.  As long as we do our part, we want it to start and operate every single time.  I hate to be miles out on the ice and something go wrong.

I've been eyeing up the Polaris Indy LXT, but I see Yamaha makes the VK model, Ski Doo has a couple different models (looks to be a little more expensive)..etc.   I've generally found myself always owning Polaris for no particular reason, just seems that way.  Im not looking to start any war of which is better, but since I am kinda new to snowmobiles and dont know a TON about them, if you had a budget of <$10,000 what snowmobile would you be buying that fits the criteria mentioned?

Thanks guys, I appreciate any info you have. 

[matzilla]

Those are all great options

I'd get a SkiDoo GT - I kinda like the rotax engines, both 2 and 4 stroke are pretty easy to work on. Parts are easy to get. The polaris and yamaha aren't bad either by any means. It might come down to which dealer is closest to you - buying something and having to haul it 100's miles for dealer service isn't ideal
https://www.ski-doo.com/snowmobiles/grand-touring.html

[TheLionsFan]

Those are all great options

I'd get a SkiDoo GT - I kinda like the rotax engines, both 2 and 4 stroke are pretty easy to work on. Parts are easy to get. The polaris and yamaha aren't bad either by any means. It might come down to which dealer is closest to you - buying something and having to haul it 100's miles for dealer service isn't ideal
https://www.ski-doo.com/snowmobiles/grand-touring.html

I appreciate it thank you!  That sled does look very nice, I think it may be just a tiny bit out of our budget though.

[Bucket Rump]

If I was serious about buying a new sled I'd be looking hard at either the Arctic Cat Bearcat or the Ski Doo Skandic fan cooled models.  That said, I currently run a 1994 Polaris Indy Touring Deluxe that I bought used and it has served me well in my ice fishing pursuits with a few modifications done to it - cargo rack, auger clamp, GPS bracket, studded track, carbide ski skegs, ice scratchers, 10" LED light, and a lighted compass.

[bart]

I bought a 2010 Arctic Cat F570 in 2011, new hold-over. It has served my well on the ice. Fan-cooled sled works well on wind-swept ice and warmer days. Electric start and reverse are two luxuries that are sure nice. Modifications that serves your needs... I did a shanty rack, auger rack, hitch, scratchers, studded track, rod holders, bait bucket holders, dash bag and handlebar bag. Modified the trailer also, drive on/drive off with no loading and unloading the gear.

[TheLionsFan]

Thats some great info, thanks guys!

In general, as long as we do our part in keeping the sled maintained and taken care of, is it pretty tough to go wrong no matter what sled I buy?

[badger132]

I am not an expert on new sleds, my main ride is an old 1 cylinder tundra I got for free. I always wondered what a new sled would be like.
There are no guarantees, but you can go a long ways if you do the maintenance. I would recommend a fan cooled 2 stroke sled, for simplicity and reliability. That is why Yamaha had to keep making the VK540 even though they had a strategy to go to all 4 stroke sleds. The old 550 fan sleds from almost all the brands would go 10,000 miles pretty simple if you did not abuse them and did maintenance.
You probably don't need a wide track machine either, unless you live in a very high snow climate.
It seems that the utility machines are not popular, but if you could get one of those, otherwise the entry level fan cooled touring machine should meet your budget. I see a lot of Ski-doo expeditions from rental fleets a year old out here, that is what I would do, but they also have them new.

[eiderz]

My suggestion is SkiDoo Expedition Sport with the 550 fan. The same chassis as the Tundra LT but with a wider A-arm ski stance instead of the pogo's on the Tundra-hence more stable. Comes with two-up seat standard. Air cooled, two-stroke and has a pull cord starter for when the battery dies.

[TheLionsFan]

I’ll look into the Ski Doo Expeditions.  Definitely not the first time I’ve heard good things about them.

[TheLionsFan]

So I checked out the Expedition Sport.  Like everything about it, just noticed it is liquid cooled.  I’d really prefer a fan cooled.

[eiderz]

So I checked out the Expedition Sport.  Like everything about it, just noticed it is liquid cooled.  I’d really prefer a fan cooled.

Bummer, they discontinued the 550 fan for 2021. Look for a 2020 leftover with the 550, it's air cooled.

[filetandrelease]

 I agree the expedition 550 fan is a nice rig  , I have a tundra with 550 I pull two loaded 2 man shacks plus rider no problem , Plenty of power , if you can find a 2020  expedition
 Have fun shopping 👍

 

[TheLionsFan]

I agree the expedition 550 fan is a nice rig  , I have a tundra with 550 I pull two loaded 2 man shacks plus rider no problem , Plenty of power , if you can find a 2020  expedition
 Have fun shopping 👍

Great info, thanks!  I will do some research for a 2020.

[filetandrelease]

 You can also look at 2021 Polaris Indy 550
LXT ES 8,600 MFSRP that’s a starting price ,

[TheLionsFan]

You can also look at 2021 Polaris Indy 550

Thats the one I/we originally were looking at.  The price seems good, its fan cooled, wife likes the color (lol), its a 2-up.  The place near me appears to have one or two in stock.  Im having a horrible time trying to find any Ski Doo dealers anywhere near me.   

[filetandrelease]

 I’ve owned Polaris with no regrets ,
 Remember a happy wife is a happy life 😉
 For that price you can do some up grading , to meet your comfort zone , you can also see what they have in hold overs 👍
 ,

[TheLionsFan]

I’ve owned Polaris with no regrets ,
 Remember a happy wife is a happy life 😉
 For that price you can do some up grading , to meet your comfort zone , you can also see what they have in hold overs 👍
 ,

I agree there. 

For what we want to use it for, I would think any new sled is probably MORE than what we need to be honest. 

[filetandrelease]

 What ever you decide post a pic

[TheLionsFan]

What ever you decide post a pic

For sure!

[eiderz]

What ever you decide post a pic

Toy pics! 

Whatever you get, one thing I've found to be really useful on ice is studs. Full length picks like Woody's, not 3/8" automotive style. Obviously better for traction, but also throw up lots of ice dust to cool/lube the track on glare ice.

[Bucket Rump]

Whichever sled you choose you might look into some of these details in case you decide to mod it out for ice fishing...

If you add a rear cargo rack can you stiffen up the rear suspension to handle extra weight?
If you add rear weight can you make adjustments to help with steering?
If you fish on large lakes with a lot of bare ice you might consider studding the track for traction/stopping and also adding ice scratchers to help lubricate the track slides.
If you stud the track you'll need carbide skegs on the ski's.
Handlebar grip/thumb warmers come in quite handy at times. 
Electric start with a pull start option is another handy comfort.  Having a battery also helps if you want to add more lights and/or power a GPS unit separate from the ignition switch.
Reverse is a VERY handy option with these bigger sleds.

[TheLionsFan]

Whichever sled you choose you might look into some of these details in case you decide to mod it out for ice fishing...

If you add a rear cargo rack can you stiffen up the rear suspension to handle extra weight?
If you add rear weight can you make adjustments to help with steering?
If you fish on large lakes with a lot of bare ice you might consider studding the track for traction/stopping and also adding ice scratchers to help lubricate the track slides.
If you stud the track you'll need carbide skegs on the ski's.
Handlebar grip/thumb warmers come in quite handy at times. 
Electric start with a pull start option is another handy comfort.  Having a battery also helps if you want to add more lights and/or power a GPS unit separate from the ignition switch.
Reverse is a VERY handy option with these bigger sleds.

Thats some great info!  I need to write that stuff down.  The biggest lake I would take it out on, I would probably go no more than 5-6 miles out.  And if its bare ice and not necessary for sled, Ill take my 4 wheeler.

If I pursue this sled, or any of the sleds recommended, I will ask the salesman about these.

Thanks!

[dsupercat]

You might want to check into the expedition 900ace.  I'm not sure if the sport has it but my le model has a built in radiator with a fan so the fan will cool the motor without snow if needed.  The reliability of a four stroke will outlast the 2 stroke fan.  The sport model would probably fit you better with with a narrower track 15" for the trail.  The le and se models come in either a 20", or 24" wide track.  They are great in the deep stuff but a little more to handle on the trail.  Also the le and se models have a 2 speed transmission.  If you want to use the sled more as a utility sled with the 2up option then the le or se models will work but if riding on trail is more your preference I would choose the sport.

[TheLionsFan]

You might want to check into the expedition 900ace.  I'm not sure if the sport has it but my le model has a built in radiator with a fan so the fan will cool the motor without snow if needed.  The reliability of a four stroke will outlast the 2 stroke fan.  The sport model would probably fit you better with with a narrower track 15" for the trail.  The le and se models come in either a 20", or 24" wide track.  They are great in the deep stuff but a little more to handle on the trail.  Also the le and se models have a 2 speed transmission.  If you want to use the sled more as a utility sled with the 2up option then the le or se models will work but if riding on trail is more your preference I would choose the sport.

Awesome, I will check them out.  So you're saying it is liquid cooled but even if theres just a dusting of snow on the ice it will still cool without issues because of the fan?

I dont think I will be doing much trail riding, maybe just taking it back to the woods here and there and across the fields, but definitely not any state trails or anything.

[dsupercat]

Correct I can start mine and let it set on concrete and it won't over heat.  The also make a radiator for the 600 ace also.

[TheLionsFan]

Correct I can start mine and let it set on concrete and it won't over heat.  The also make a radiator for the 600 ace also.

I like the sounds of that.  My only issue is its looking a little more than I'd like to spend.  Unless that second stimulus check comes... lol

[filetandrelease]

 I agree Dsupercat I stayed within his Spending cap
 

[dsupercat]

Just remember that's msrp.  I bought my 2017 for 9k and a friend bought a 2020 for 10,800.  These sleds are in high demand in Canada but dealers in the south WI, Iowa, MI. Illinois sometimes have left over ones that can be had for a discounted price.  Otherwise wait and buy one in spring during there spring buy option which will be a discounted pre-buy for the next season.

[TheLionsFan]

Just remember that's msrp.  I bought my 2017 for 9k and a friend bought a 2020 for 10,800.  These sleds are in high demand in Canada but dealers in the south WI, Iowa, MI. Illinois sometimes have left over ones that can be had for a discounted price.  Otherwise wait and buy one in spring during there spring buy option which will be a discounted pre-buy for the next season.

Great point.  Might have to just stop in and see what they say.  Wouldn’t mind waiting til spring but many are predicting a very cold and snowy winter so I’d like to take advantage.  Especially because here in Michigan it’s so hit or miss.

[Baetis62]

I got my 2017 Tundra in July of 2017.  There are websites that can help you find in stock units...Snowmobile trader?  Once you locate your rig in stock, call that dealership, ask for a sales rep and assure them you have cash.  Then schedule a closing date & time.  I live in the Boulder area but found my sled in stock in Steamboat Springs. Negotiated a cash price and date to pick up.  Made a weekend of it in Steamboat (bonus points with the wife and son) then slipped out for an hour or so to pick it up and close on the sled. It was great. Since it was scheduled the rep I'd been working with since the initial call met me and went over the belt change, tool kit, suspension adjust, fuel requirements and performance expectations based on my use right there in the showroom.    Find the sled in stock, assure them you have the cash (maybe not CC) and schedule the close.  EZ Peazey.