The halogen bulb definitely is something that makes me scratch my head too. My buddy bought a 21 Polaris XC 137 850 and the Led Headlight there is amazing!
YES- this is the vid I’ve been waiting to see! I appreciate all of your comments. Re accessories: never understood why the other mfrs never got this- super easy to engineer a linq-like system, and can sell a ton of accessories.
Nice review, Bobby. I’m glad you are enjoying your new sled. I’ve got over 7,100 miles now in my 3rd season on my ‘19 Renegade XRS 850 and it fits like a glove. It is a fun ride when you’re passive, but when you move from side to side aggressively, that is where it shines. Coming off a ‘12 Renegade X 800, I thought the ‘19 XRS rolled a lot and was tippy. I’ve gotten used to it and use that to my advantage both on and off trail, but you definitely need to actively shift your weight to take full advantage of its capability.
P drive backshifts way better than any other, try your skid in the other position so you can see the difference when you ride. Use it that way for a couple weeks to give it a chance. As far as carbides go you should try Bergstrom triple points and run just a round wear bar on outside using the the Bergstrom ski savers and shims or ski rubbers. I think you almost need a couple seasons of a sled to dial them in. At least i need to. Thanks for the great content.
I have two G4’s, my ‘17 has 12,000 miles on it and it fits me like a glove. My ‘21 has taken some time to get it dialed in, I actually switched to more transfer after the first 1,000 miles and I like the handling characteristics better in that position. Great vid thanks
Bobby Great review. My 17 renegade x 850 rattles like crazy at idle and those tuner skis I don’t like I just ordered c and a for it. But I just bought this sled in December and only put 200 miles on it but you gave me a good idea of what to watch for. Headlights if you put my 800 with just Halogen bulbs and put it beside the 850 with led’s at night WOW then add in the auxiliary led below my headlight it’s like day driving. Great Job Brother. 👍👍
Great job Bobby! Always enjoy hearing your opinions and comparisons. What do you think you will replace the riot with next year? Will it be something your dad wants since he rides it the most and doesn’t really like the seating position of the renegade? Or would you get something more for content purposes like an assault or backcountry? Im hoping for some updates to the backcountry myself
Thanks! Its hard to say. Part of me wants to try a 4 stroke turbo and dad is really into that idea. An Assault or Backcountry would be awesome but more for my personal sled than something as my "second" sled so to speak. If there are Backcountry updates id be tempted to pull the trigger for sure. Maybe do two new sleds on the channel next year instead of just one, but really depends on what comes out. Love the renegade so getting rid of it would be tough.
Nice review...very thorough. I went back and forth between an XRS Rene and a VR1 137. I ended up on thr VR1 and I think it's the best sled I've ever ridden and it isn't close. That said...I hope to get some seat time on a 21 XRS for comparison purposes.
Thanks! The VR1 is an awesome machine. Based on the Axys i think polaris does a great job of building a sled just about anyone can throw a leg over and feel right at home on. Hopefully you do get on a 21 G4, always fun to compare sleds. Thats pretty much what my channel is all about!
Interesting Review. Appreciate your honestly of how you felt the sled handled. A couple of things though that should be considered based on how you set up the sled: 1. You changed the suspension setting that the engineers purposely put there to improve trail handling in the RAS X, then commented about it (admitting you changed it, which is great, but change it back and you will see a big improvement in some of your 'complaint' items). I had watched your video about wanting ski lift when you had changed it when you first got the sled (before even riding it) and you indicated you wanted more lift. Just setting the blocks to 1 will do that and keep it playful and light in the front, ESPECIALLY with your track, which leads to my 2nd point... 2. You put a larger lug track on it. The larger the lug, while riding in trails, is a huge contributor to the bigger the push in corners and rider effort required. I have had tracks of varying lug length and I went with the 1.25 ice ripper this year and it is really great on trail. I get that you wanted more off trail play, but your trail complaint is really a result of your track choice and not a sled issue. 3. I think there is something wrong with your clutch. I have the same sled as you, and I have another 850 - both brand new. One of my sleds does exactly the same thing you described, while the other xrs 137 is perfect. It's like 2 different engine/clutch combos. I haven't figured out the problem yet on the one sled, but both are due for service shortly, and I will be asking my dealer to investigate. A friend of mine thought it was something to do with safety on the throttle that prevents the throttle from being stuck, but we shall see (he also has the same sled as us and his is perfect as well). I strongly encourage you to change that setting back and ride it and give us another review, especially on trail. I fully agree with you about the blocks freezing is a pain, but I just keep mine at 1 and adjust spring and dampening and it works out great, while keeping that light front end when I want to pop. As you mentioned, this sled soaks up ALL the bumps perfectly. The other thing I don't like is the ice build up on the tunnel. That annoys me the most. Keep up the great work on the vids.
Appreciate the feedback! 1. I did ride a 2020.5 XRS for a short time in the upper position, no doubt I could have more experience before making the switch but it felt pretty glued to the snow. In addition having it in the lower position with the coupler blocks on 1 doesn't have a crazy amount of transfer even with my track (in my opinion). It can lift the skis to skip over the tops of moguls but unless there is little to no difference between the upper and lower position I wouldn't want to reduce it much more. 2. Completely valid. I hadn't thought of that. The combo of my suspension settings and my track probably have to do with the numbness when I'm not riding actively even with the 7.5 inch shapers. Great point. (I had been accounting for the suspension in my head but not the track) 3. That could explain it. I've also thought with all the traction from the 1.75 it could be just a seat of the pants difference because the track isn't really breaking loose at all. I'll have to discuss with my dealer and try to get on another one to compare. I will say last year when I demo rode a 600r it felt jumpy like my 850 but then the 2020.5 850 I rode last year didn't strike me as jumpy... so kind of a mixed bag. I've been keeping an eye out for ice build up but haven't experienced it much yet. We are in the heart of the cold, light snow dust part of our season though so we will see how I fare as the season continues on. All great points, just figured id share some further insight from my perspective as well.
Thanks man!! Haha for sure always nice to get into some fresh snow in our few off trail spots. A lot of tracks under the powder tho so carving was dicey haha.
@@Revrider550 I hear that man hit that hard spot under the snow about throws you off lol.. ride safe bud and keep up the good work 7k is right around the corner!!
Love your opinions 👍 I am a trail Rider and love my 850 Patriot it's very easy to ride through the trails but when I wanted to go it goes actually got to ride my buddies 850 do this past weekend it's a 2020 that thing is definitely a stump puller my hands were sore after about 10 miles of trying to hang on at low speeds definitely grabs hard but it's something you could get used to it's a nice machine
Really appreciate it! The power delivery on the 850 patriot is great. Controllable at slow speeds but then past 55ish it seems to pull like a freight train! Almost like its turbo charged. With the etec I feel like I've always got a couple new calluses post ride from hanging on haha.
Thanks man! Polaris makes a great machine. Was absolutely my bench mark for my review. Always good to see what else is out there, but I think polaris has built a sled that can please just about anyone that throws a leg over it which is an impressive accomplishment.
Polaris has made some awesome improvements with the matryx. Making the ergos more rider friendly was something that could really take their sleds to the next level. I used to find myself hitting the squared edges on the panels on my axys and after comparing that to the rounded off panels on the procross I was curious why polaris designed it that way. Seems like they addressed it in a big way! 7S seems like the best gauge in the industry and the smart warmers are some really cool tech I can see catching on. If I had owned a G4 in the past I probably would've tried a matryx myself this season but id never tried a doo and wanted to round out my ownership experience 2019 polaris 850, 2020 riot 8000, 2021 renegade 850.
I think the reason the skidoo feels harder pull is those boost injectors kickin but without this the Polaris might walk all over it Arcticcat should be close have you run riot up against renegade yet but it’s funny about the clutch shagboy broke his secondary rollers and last year Gary did in his 2018 850
I have the same sled and feel the same way you do for the most part. I will say I didn't like what I call the fun factor being taken away. It transferred so little even with the cam flipped to the more transfer position, that I felt it was difficult to ride out a wheelie even when hooking up well over a drop off. Curios is you thought putting the 1.75 over my ripsaw 1.25 would make any noticeable difference in that department? Great for railing the trails, but thinking of going back to the assault to be honest, just because of this issue.
Very similar story for me weight transfer wise. In the right conditions off trail it can lift the skis (crusty deep snow) or over the right mogul with the right throttle application but in general it doesn't just transfer weight from a stop like an Assault. No matter what I do in fresh powder it doesn't transfer weight which was a bit of a let down running the 1.75 but somewhat expected from what I've heard online. The Freeride 137 guys generally run a 2.25 when they want a sled that transfers weight well. On trail traction with the track is incredible though, corner to corner this was the fastest sled I've owned for sure. But playfulness wise it doesn't bridge the gap between trail sled and crossover as much as I wouldve liked.
@@Revrider550 Thanks for the reply you saved me the time and money of a new track. Awesome sled on trail, just not great for what I like. Thanks again.
Hey @Revrider550 how is your oil consumption? I have a 2020.5 850 XRS and first trip it was real hard on oil. Maybe 175 miles and low light came on. I thought the ETEC was supposed to sip oil? My buddies 800 Axys was doing better. Ergo's on the Axys might be better too... my knees got banged up to hell after a few days of active riding. I hit on the outside corner edge of the bulges where your knees go. Might go with a Matryx next year just for this reason. Btw if you're going to keep the sled check out Sii LED headlights. Go in easy and are SUPER bright.
Some of the things you are neutral or negative on become very apparent and positive when riding very aggressively on really rough trails. It shines in the type of riding that is beyond sketchy for the vast majority of trail riders.
Lol absolutely. When I first got my 850 I could scare the sh** out of myself. It took one roller at 80mph through a field for me to take note. Once I got used to it I was just scaring the sh** out of everyone else. Seriously though, it is designed to rail trails at speeds that nobody should be driving anyways.
@@ianstuart7395 agreed. The vast majority or reviews (this included) review and evaluate the performance outside of the riding conditions it is designed to perform in. It is not a cruising sled and not a comfortable sled (compared to others). It's a trail race sled. If you want go down the most whooped out moguled trail at 70mph skipping the tops on a sled that will track straight and respond predictedy this is the sled. If you are an average fast trail rider you have the wrong tool for the job will never get close to seeing the shining performance.
It's like this for 99% of the people on this sled. They bought a Ferrari and take it out on the trails a couple times and comment that it isn't that good on loose gravel. They realize it sucks on muddy trails and consider changing the tires. When they go through ditches it bottoms out so they read about suspension settings and then teach people how to adjust suspension. The total wrong tool for the job. If you are on an xrs or xcr and after a long day of riding fast groomed trails and you consider those trails good then you probably have the way wrong sled for the job. The roughest of the rough, real ditch banging, snocross and xc type riding
I'm seeing 13.6 for fuel but it seems to be improving still do I didn't want to put a number on it yet. I've only been out of break in for one ride so I can't say on oil. So far in 530 miles I've used about one full gallon. Ill have to see how the next gallon fares.
I think its a feel thing to be honest. I rode a 2020 850 Skidoo back to back with my 21 850 Polaris and thought it was way faster and pulled harder. Then we lined them up and it was SUPER close and I think the Poo was slightly faster to 85 mph anyway
The halogen bulb definitely is something that makes me scratch my head too. My buddy bought a 21 Polaris XC 137 850 and the Led Headlight there is amazing!
YES- this is the vid I’ve been waiting to see! I appreciate all of your comments. Re accessories: never understood why the other mfrs never got this- super easy to engineer a linq-like system, and can sell a ton of accessories.
The bottom clips for the side panels the little tab, lite pressure to the back of the sled, and pull out pretty easy once you figure it out
Nice review, Bobby. I’m glad you are enjoying your new sled. I’ve got over 7,100 miles now in my 3rd season on my ‘19 Renegade XRS 850 and it fits like a glove. It is a fun ride when you’re passive, but when you move from side to side aggressively, that is where it shines. Coming off a ‘12 Renegade X 800, I thought the ‘19 XRS rolled a lot and was tippy. I’ve gotten used to it and use that to my advantage both on and off trail, but you definitely need to actively shift your weight to take full advantage of its capability.
P drive backshifts way better than any other, try your skid in the other position so you can see the difference when you ride. Use it that way for a couple weeks to give it a chance. As far as carbides go you should try Bergstrom triple points and run just a round wear bar on outside using the the Bergstrom ski savers and shims or ski rubbers. I think you almost need a couple seasons of a sled to dial them in. At least i need to. Thanks for the great content.
I have two G4’s, my ‘17 has 12,000 miles on it and it fits me like a glove. My ‘21 has taken some time to get it dialed in, I actually switched to more transfer after the first 1,000 miles and I like the handling characteristics better in that position. Great vid thanks
Great review! Love watching your vids and getting the Everyman view on the sleds you purchase. Keep it up!
Bobby Great review. My 17 renegade x 850 rattles like crazy at idle and those tuner skis I don’t like I just ordered c and a for it. But I just bought this sled in December and only put 200 miles on it but you gave me a good idea of what to watch for. Headlights if you put my 800 with just Halogen bulbs and put it beside the 850 with led’s at night WOW then add in the auxiliary led below my headlight it’s like day driving. Great Job Brother. 👍👍
Great job Bobby! Always enjoy hearing your opinions and comparisons. What do you think you will replace the riot with next year? Will it be something your dad wants since he rides it the most and doesn’t really like the seating position of the renegade? Or would you get something more for content purposes like an assault or backcountry? Im hoping for some updates to the backcountry myself
Thanks! Its hard to say. Part of me wants to try a 4 stroke turbo and dad is really into that idea. An Assault or Backcountry would be awesome but more for my personal sled than something as my "second" sled so to speak. If there are Backcountry updates id be tempted to pull the trigger for sure. Maybe do two new sleds on the channel next year instead of just one, but really depends on what comes out. Love the renegade so getting rid of it would be tough.
Nice review...very thorough. I went back and forth between an XRS Rene and a VR1 137. I ended up on thr VR1 and I think it's the best sled I've ever ridden and it isn't close. That said...I hope to get some seat time on a 21 XRS for comparison purposes.
Thanks! The VR1 is an awesome machine. Based on the Axys i think polaris does a great job of building a sled just about anyone can throw a leg over and feel right at home on. Hopefully you do get on a 21 G4, always fun to compare sleds. Thats pretty much what my channel is all about!
Interesting Review. Appreciate your honestly of how you felt the sled handled. A couple of things though that should be considered based on how you set up the sled:
1. You changed the suspension setting that the engineers purposely put there to improve trail handling in the RAS X, then commented about it (admitting you changed it, which is great, but change it back and you will see a big improvement in some of your 'complaint' items). I had watched your video about wanting ski lift when you had changed it when you first got the sled (before even riding it) and you indicated you wanted more lift. Just setting the blocks to 1 will do that and keep it playful and light in the front, ESPECIALLY with your track, which leads to my 2nd point...
2. You put a larger lug track on it. The larger the lug, while riding in trails, is a huge contributor to the bigger the push in corners and rider effort required. I have had tracks of varying lug length and I went with the 1.25 ice ripper this year and it is really great on trail. I get that you wanted more off trail play, but your trail complaint is really a result of your track choice and not a sled issue.
3. I think there is something wrong with your clutch. I have the same sled as you, and I have another 850 - both brand new. One of my sleds does exactly the same thing you described, while the other xrs 137 is perfect. It's like 2 different engine/clutch combos. I haven't figured out the problem yet on the one sled, but both are due for service shortly, and I will be asking my dealer to investigate. A friend of mine thought it was something to do with safety on the throttle that prevents the throttle from being stuck, but we shall see (he also has the same sled as us and his is perfect as well).
I strongly encourage you to change that setting back and ride it and give us another review, especially on trail.
I fully agree with you about the blocks freezing is a pain, but I just keep mine at 1 and adjust spring and dampening and it works out great, while keeping that light front end when I want to pop. As you mentioned, this sled soaks up ALL the bumps perfectly.
The other thing I don't like is the ice build up on the tunnel. That annoys me the most.
Keep up the great work on the vids.
Appreciate the feedback!
1. I did ride a 2020.5 XRS for a short time in the upper position, no doubt I could have more experience before making the switch but it felt pretty glued to the snow. In addition having it in the lower position with the coupler blocks on 1 doesn't have a crazy amount of transfer even with my track (in my opinion). It can lift the skis to skip over the tops of moguls but unless there is little to no difference between the upper and lower position I wouldn't want to reduce it much more.
2. Completely valid. I hadn't thought of that. The combo of my suspension settings and my track probably have to do with the numbness when I'm not riding actively even with the 7.5 inch shapers. Great point. (I had been accounting for the suspension in my head but not the track)
3. That could explain it. I've also thought with all the traction from the 1.75 it could be just a seat of the pants difference because the track isn't really breaking loose at all. I'll have to discuss with my dealer and try to get on another one to compare. I will say last year when I demo rode a 600r it felt jumpy like my 850 but then the 2020.5 850 I rode last year didn't strike me as jumpy... so kind of a mixed bag.
I've been keeping an eye out for ice build up but haven't experienced it much yet. We are in the heart of the cold, light snow dust part of our season though so we will see how I fare as the season continues on.
All great points, just figured id share some further insight from my perspective as well.
I ride a 2019 G4, the rattling i find is the little wind deflector thing right in front of the goggle box. Or ice below the head lights.
Ahhh great call! That does seem to be the area its coming from.
@@Revrider550 hopefully that's what it is for your sake.
As always another banger video!! I saw you found some deeper snow to play in and test out that 1.75 inch track!! Keep up the good work buddy!
Thanks man!! Haha for sure always nice to get into some fresh snow in our few off trail spots. A lot of tracks under the powder tho so carving was dicey haha.
@@Revrider550 I hear that man hit that hard spot under the snow about throws you off lol.. ride safe bud and keep up the good work 7k is right around the corner!!
How does it compare to the your riot for Suspension,performance and overall comfort. Would love to hear your feedback on that
Me too. Plus have there been any problems with the Riot.
Love your opinions 👍 I am a trail Rider and love my 850 Patriot it's very easy to ride through the trails but when I wanted to go it goes actually got to ride my buddies 850 do this past weekend it's a 2020 that thing is definitely a stump puller my hands were sore after about 10 miles of trying to hang on at low speeds definitely grabs hard but it's something you could get used to it's a nice machine
Really appreciate it! The power delivery on the 850 patriot is great. Controllable at slow speeds but then past 55ish it seems to pull like a freight train! Almost like its turbo charged. With the etec I feel like I've always got a couple new calluses post ride from hanging on haha.
Great review Bobby, still sticking with my Polaris tho
Thanks man! Polaris makes a great machine. Was absolutely my bench mark for my review. Always good to see what else is out there, but I think polaris has built a sled that can please just about anyone that throws a leg over it which is an impressive accomplishment.
SnowTrax TV vibes with this one 😎😎
More like PolarisTrax lol
How does it compare to your riot? I'm guessing off trail the doo rides nicer but what about on trail performance?
I think you have something loose, my buddy has the same sled and I'm always impressed by how smooth it idles compared to my assault 800!
Nice to see someone not riding a mountain sled when its not needed.
what do you think about Polaris’s new Maytrx platform?
Polaris has made some awesome improvements with the matryx. Making the ergos more rider friendly was something that could really take their sleds to the next level. I used to find myself hitting the squared edges on the panels on my axys and after comparing that to the rounded off panels on the procross I was curious why polaris designed it that way. Seems like they addressed it in a big way! 7S seems like the best gauge in the industry and the smart warmers are some really cool tech I can see catching on. If I had owned a G4 in the past I probably would've tried a matryx myself this season but id never tried a doo and wanted to round out my ownership experience 2019 polaris 850, 2020 riot 8000, 2021 renegade 850.
I think the reason the skidoo feels harder pull is those boost injectors kickin but without this the Polaris might walk all over it Arcticcat should be close have you run riot up against renegade yet but it’s funny about the clutch shagboy broke his secondary rollers and last year Gary did in his 2018 850
Would you ever consider going back to your 850 switchback assault?
I have the same sled and feel the same way you do for the most part. I will say I didn't like what I call the fun factor being taken away. It transferred so little even with the cam flipped to the more transfer position, that I felt it was difficult to ride out a wheelie even when hooking up well over a drop off. Curios is you thought putting the 1.75 over my ripsaw 1.25 would make any noticeable difference in that department? Great for railing the trails, but thinking of going back to the assault to be honest, just because of this issue.
Very similar story for me weight transfer wise. In the right conditions off trail it can lift the skis (crusty deep snow) or over the right mogul with the right throttle application but in general it doesn't just transfer weight from a stop like an Assault. No matter what I do in fresh powder it doesn't transfer weight which was a bit of a let down running the 1.75 but somewhat expected from what I've heard online. The Freeride 137 guys generally run a 2.25 when they want a sled that transfers weight well.
On trail traction with the track is incredible though, corner to corner this was the fastest sled I've owned for sure. But playfulness wise it doesn't bridge the gap between trail sled and crossover as much as I wouldve liked.
@@Revrider550 Thanks for the reply you saved me the time and money of a new track. Awesome sled on trail, just not great for what I like. Thanks again.
It’s a XRS your supposed to ride it aggressively!
Hey @Revrider550 how is your oil consumption? I have a 2020.5 850 XRS and first trip it was real hard on oil. Maybe 175 miles and low light came on. I thought the ETEC was supposed to sip oil? My buddies 800 Axys was doing better. Ergo's on the Axys might be better too... my knees got banged up to hell after a few days of active riding. I hit on the outside corner edge of the bulges where your knees go. Might go with a Matryx next year just for this reason. Btw if you're going to keep the sled check out Sii LED headlights. Go in easy and are SUPER bright.
On break in mode they sip down the oil, after they are much better
@@camdunleavy2997 Sled has about 750 miles on it. Break in period should be over, right?
I’m enjoying my 21 XRS!
Glad to hear it! Theyre an awesome sled 👍
snowtrax style review, i like it!
Some of the things you are neutral or negative on become very apparent and positive when riding very aggressively on really rough trails. It shines in the type of riding that is beyond sketchy for the vast majority of trail riders.
Lol absolutely. When I first got my 850 I could scare the sh** out of myself. It took one roller at 80mph through a field for me to take note. Once I got used to it I was just scaring the sh** out of everyone else. Seriously though, it is designed to rail trails at speeds that nobody should be driving anyways.
@@ianstuart7395 agreed. The vast majority or reviews (this included) review and evaluate the performance outside of the riding conditions it is designed to perform in. It is not a cruising sled and not a comfortable sled (compared to others). It's a trail race sled. If you want go down the most whooped out moguled trail at 70mph skipping the tops on a sled that will track straight and respond predictedy this is the sled. If you are an average fast trail rider you have the wrong tool for the job will never get close to seeing the shining performance.
It's like this for 99% of the people on this sled. They bought a Ferrari and take it out on the trails a couple times and comment that it isn't that good on loose gravel. They realize it sucks on muddy trails and consider changing the tires. When they go through ditches it bottoms out so they read about suspension settings and then teach people how to adjust suspension. The total wrong tool for the job. If you are on an xrs or xcr and after a long day of riding fast groomed trails and you consider those trails good then you probably have the way wrong sled for the job. The roughest of the rough, real ditch banging, snocross and xc type riding
What riser and bars do you have?
CFR 4 Inch Knucks riser and Boondocks 2.0 bars.
Will you ever go back to Polaris
For sure, I'm confident over the next few years they will release something that will interest me and I'll try it out.
You're probably the only person on the planet praising Arctic Cat's clutches, lol.
I've always had good luck with them. I know the 2015 and earlier clutches had issues, guess I'm not aware of issues with the Team setups.
Fuel and oil consumption?
I'm seeing 13.6 for fuel but it seems to be improving still do I didn't want to put a number on it yet. I've only been out of break in for one ride so I can't say on oil. So far in 530 miles I've used about one full gallon. Ill have to see how the next gallon fares.
@@Revrider550 Look forward to hearing your after break-in numbers.
I feel that the skidoo’s pull way harder and handle equally to Polaris, the power of the skidoo is not matched compared to the Polaris and arctic cat
I think its a feel thing to be honest. I rode a 2020 850 Skidoo back to back with my 21 850 Polaris and thought it was way faster and pulled harder. Then we lined them up and it was SUPER close and I think the Poo was slightly faster to 85 mph anyway