The Intrepid Snowmobiler: An Incredible New Sled

by Craig Nicholson

(©2007 by Craig Nicholson. All rights reserved.)

It’s tough to get the snowmobiling media to agree on anything. But it appears BRP has the magic touch. Last spring, every national snowmobiling magazine cover in North America featured the same Ski-Doo sled. And in one way or another, every magazine also exclaimed that this sled is the best thing to happen to snowmobiling in 2008. Some even said it was the best thing, period.

Regular readers of this column know that I rarely write about the performance or technology of snowmobiles. In fact, the last time I made an exception was in 2003, when Ski-Doo changed the way we ride by introducing the REV platform. The REV’s rider forward position combined with its lower, more centralized mass to deliver unmatched handling, and for most of us, a much more comfortable and natural riding position. However, some riders, especially those with longer legs or knee problems (or dare I say, who are overweight), found the REV position too radical and uncomfortable.

Fast forward to 2008. Ski-Doo has taken what is still arguably the leading platform in the industry and made it light years better. In so doing, they have once again caught most of the competition flat-footed. Welcome to REV-XP, a total track to ski redesign that will once again change the way we ride…

Without getting into all of its advanced technology, what you need to know is how REV-XP will improve your riding. First off, Ski-Doo REV-XP sleds feature flexible ergonomics, thanks to more legroom. One benefit for riders is that you can sit even farther forward than on a REV, or stretch out a little more by moving back on the seat. This is a major advantage over REV on long rides and for touring. The new flexibility also means that you are better able to influence how a REV-XP sled handles by using “body English”.

But be careful, because the most dramatic benefit of REV-XP is weight loss. So when you move your body, expecting to exert the same degree of influence on how a REV-XP handles as you did on any previous sled, you’re in for a big surprise! You’ll find yourself way over compensating until you get used to how light REV-XP really is.

Yes, Ski-Doo engineers have subjected their new REV-XP sleds to a strict diet. We’re talking at least 50 pounds lighter than their own 2007 REV sleds, and as much as 100 pounds or more compared to equivalent models from the other manufacturers. That makes REV-XP sleds a breeze to handle, and with the best power to weight ratio in the industry, REV-XP delivers unbeatable performance, too.
A radical new sled should look the part, and REV-XP’s computer designed exterior is not only eye-catching, but it also offers superior aerodynamics and wind protection. So what about riding it?

I rode both Summit X and the MX Z last winter, and was as blown away as everyone else in the snowmobiling media. It is difficult to describe how much better riding a REV-XP sled is; it’s so far ahead of the rest of the pack that nothing compares. REV-XP is in a class all its own. And you know what, as a touring and trail rider, the best news for me about REV-XP is that it’s available for 2008 as a GSX model for mainstream trail riding! I’ve already ordered one and every mile of every ride will be hugely better for it. Who knows, I may just keep going and never come back!

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