Ski-Doo snowmobiles: are they worth buying in 2021-2022?

Ski Doo's 2022 snowmobile lineup kicked off in January with the introduction of the Ski Doo Summit 850 E-TEC Turbo. It was the industry's first turbocharged two-stroke engine and was a boon for mountain riders as it retained more power at higher altitudes. How big? At an altitude of 8,000 feet (approximately 2,400 meters) above sea level, the turbocharger helps the engine maintain full power, and above this point the advantage over the same naturally aspirated engine reaches 40 horsepower.

But the 2022 Ski Doo lineup will offer much more, including innovative suspensions and an all-new 600cc engine that marks the end of the Ski Doo carbureted engine era.

rMotion X rear suspension

rMotion X Rear Suspension
The rMotion rear suspension has long been an industry standard. New to the 2022 lineup is the rMotion X suspension, taking suspension performance to an even new level. This suspension model is 2.3 kg lighter, resulting in reduced unsprung weight. Another feature is the updated geometry, based on an extended rear shock absorber with an additional 2.5 cm of travel.

To quote Ski Doo:

The front arm of the rMotion X rear suspension connects the front and rear and creates a perfect harmony of chassis dynamics throughout the sled. By lengthening the front arm, engineers lowered the angle at which forces are transmitted to the chassis, creating ideal weight transfer.

Front suspension RAS X

Front suspension RAS X

Ski Doo equips its new sleds with RAS X front suspension, designed to work with rMotion X. This front suspension features A-arms with a ski width of 43 inches (109.22 cm). Suspension travel has been increased by 1.2 cm. According to Ski Doo, the RAS X suspension “smoothly handles even the biggest bumps and holds the line through the tightest corners with laser precision.”

Pilot X and Pilot TX skis

Pilot X and Pilot TX skis

The 2022 Ski Doo snowmobile lineup features the new Pilot X and Pilot TX skis. Combined with rMotion X and RAS X suspensions optimized for the REV Gen4 platform, these skis offer improved snow hold and grip when turning.

Advanced riders can expect ideal weight distribution that transfers the ski's weight just right for precise steering, resulting in improved grip and flatter cornering, Ski Doo said in a release. -As you pass the apex and open up the throttle, the optimized weight distribution shifts rearward for superior exit speed for ideal cornering.

The lineup

Bombardier has always strived to create a compact and fastest snowmobile. The Bombardier of the first two issues bore little resemblance to the car of his dreams. But at that time there were no technical conditions that would have allowed him to do this. It was only in 1959 that Bombardier realized his dream. With the help of lightweight and small power units, he managed to assemble a model that is somewhat similar to its modern counterparts. The new product is called the “Ski-Doo Bombardier snowmobile.”

The production of new cars grew. Buyers really liked Bombardier's invention. The Skido Bombardier was a snowmobile that performed household tasks and was an excellent tool used for entertainment. Even competitions began to be organized. People were racing snowmobiles and sales were skyrocketing.

Canadian manufacturer Bombardier recently renamed itself BRP. At the same time, the change of brand did not make the Bombardier snowmobiles any worse in terms of technical parameters. Ski-Doo is still considered one of the best machines for driving on snow today. Each BRP brand snowmobile is a combination of the latest technology, ease of operation and comfort.

Today Bombardier Recreational Products produces products under two brands: Ski-Doo or Lynx snowmobiles. The latter used to be Finnish, but in 1993 it was acquired by BRP. Like Ski-Doo, the Bombardier Links sled was aimed at Europe and Russia. The company developed the Lynx Yeti Pro Army model especially for our country. It is the only snowmobile in the world with a track width of sixty centimeters. The BRP product line is so large that everyone will find what they are looking for.

Rotax 600 EFI engine

Rotax 600 EFI engine

The 2022 Ski Doo lineup receives a new engine option: the Rotax 600 EFI two-stroke. This engine is designed to give entry-level riders a new option based on the REV Gen4 platform. This engine is based on the Rotax 600R E-TEC.

The new engine produces 85 horses and is equipped with an injection power system. This engine marked the end of the era of carbureted Ski Doo snowmobiles. Other features include plasma spraying on the cylinders and a sophisticated engine control module.

Snowmobile "Bombardier Scandic"

It is perfect for both work and outdoor activities. Snow machines from this series of the Canadian manufacturer drive well in deep snow and are able to navigate in the most difficult to reach places.

The Skandic 550 model is equipped with a two-cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled engine. Its power is 57 hp. with a volume of 553.4 cm³.

The Skandic 600 snowmobile has improved technical characteristics. Its increased stability and improved cross-country ability are ensured by tracks 50 centimeters wide.

The most powerful in the Scandic series are the Ski-Doo Scandic SWT snowmobiles. They are not afraid of either a high snow layer or off-road conditions. They are equipped with SuperWideTrack tracks manufactured by BRP, the width of which is more than 60 centimeters. This provides additional stability and excellent cross-country ability of the Scandic SWT. These all-terrain vehicles are equipped with a four-stroke engine with a displacement of 799.9 cm³ and a power of 65 hp. This motor has an extended forced cooling system, which allows you to avoid overheating.

Panoramic 7.8" digital display

Select models in the 2022 Ski Doo lineup will feature the latest panoramic 7.8-inch digital display. This full-color instrument panel is Bluetooth-enabled and compatible with GPS navigation, music player and helmet intercom communication. It works perfectly in tandem with the new BRP Go!

BRP Go!

Another new product for the 2022 model year is the BRP Go! for smartphones. This application has the functionality of an offline navigator and social map. It has the following features:

• Offline map
• Navigation - turn indicator, route planning
• Location on the map
• Adding POIs (points of interest) to the route being created
• Saving routes taken
• Work offline
• Search for friends (only works online)
• Free
• Compatible with Android and iOS
• Supports 2 languages: English and French
• Compatible with new panoramic dashboard

Ski Doo MXZ 2022

Ski Doo MXZ 2021

Ski Doo's MXZ line of sport snowmobiles has received a number of significant improvements for the 2022 model year. It includes several different MXZ variants: MXR X-RS (available in spring only), MXZ X (available in spring only), MXZ TNT and MXZ Sport. The MXZ Sport variant will now be based on the new REV Gen4 platform, like the rest of the MXZ range. MXZ X-RS and MXZ X variants will get rMotion X rear suspension, RAS X front suspension and Pilot X and TS X skis. Spring models will also feature a large panoramic 7.8-inch color display.

Ski Doo Renegade 2022

Ski Doo Renegade 2021

The 2022 model year sees the return of the Ski Doo Renegade family of five different models: Renegade X-RS (available in spring only), Renegade X (available in spring only), Renegade Enduro, Renegade Adrenaline and Renegade Sport.

As with the MXZ line, the Renegade X-RS and Renegade X feature new rMotion X rear suspension, RAS X front suspension, Pilot X skis and a 7.8-inch color display. Other changes for the 2021 model year include the Renegade Sport's move to the REV Gen4 platform and two engine options: Rotax 600 EFI two-stroke and 600 ACE four-stroke

Specifications

As experts note, after the change of owner, Lynx snowmobiles have significantly improved in quality. BRP has introduced advanced technologies into production and given its products a unique design. Links snowmobiles have a Finnish rear suspension, the main advantages of which are energy intensity, reliability and, most importantly, correct distribution of weight and traction of the track, regardless of the load. Lynx has traditionally been represented by a versatile line of wide-track models.

The 2015 surprise was the Alpine, which features a 61cm track and front wishbone suspension. And in 2016 - XTRIM COMMANDER. The incredible has become reality: the model has a combination of the 800 E-TEC engine (power 160 hp) and a 51-centimeter track.

Sports variants use E-Tec technology. It is implemented in a two-stroke engine, which allows fuel to be injected directly into the chamber under high pressure. The design of the latter involves uniform combustion. Another striking feature of the Bombardier snowmobiles is that Ski-Doo uses the Rev. platform.

Ski Doo Backcountry 2022

Ski Doo Backcountry 2021

Crossover fans will have a choice of four Ski Doo Backcountry models for the 2022 model year: Backcountry X-RS (available in spring only), Backcountry X (available in spring only), Backcountry and Backcountry Sport. Changes include a new 7.8-inch LCD display on the Backcountr X-RS and Backcountry X, a QRS Vent Plus driven pulley on 850 E-TEC models, a drive belt temperature sensor on 850 E-TEC models, and new Rotax 600 EFI two-stroke engine available for Backcountry Sport

Ski Doo Summit 2022

Ski Doo Summit 2021

The turbocharged Summit is no longer new, but there is news for the 2022 model year. The 2021 Summit X Expert will feature a lightweight one-piece front fairing, a new ultra-low seat for easy weight transfer, and an optional 175-inch track. The 2021 Summit X features a shorter tunnel for improved mobility in deep snow, an updated spindle and ski stop, smaller handlebars and a rain-resistant seat.

For those who don't like turbocharged engines, all three Summit variants will be available with naturally aspirated Rotax 850 E-TEC engines, while the Summit SP is also available with a 600R E-TEC engine. In addition, those who purchase the SP will receive new instrumentation, a smaller handlebar and an updated spindle and ski stop. The Summit Expert and Summit X models will only be available in the spring.

Snowmobile "Bomber"

It appeared back in 1916, when the very first patent was issued in the United States for the invention of a unique vehicle with skis in front and a caterpillar in the back. However, in those years the production of these miracle machines was never started. The Bombardier snowmobile first appeared in 1937, when the Canadian Joseph-Armand Bombardier realized his idea for the production of tracks. The very first model was a fairly large closed seven-seater unit.

Of course, the first Bombardier snowmobile had little in common with modern models, however, it performed its main task - transport - well. This car was indispensable in winter conditions. It was used for both industrial and civilian purposes, and during the war - even for military purposes. The second model, the more advanced Bombardier snowmobile, did not take long to arrive. In 1942, the 12-seat B-12 appeared. By 1951, about 300 thousand units of these machines had already been produced.

Ski Doo Freeride 2022

Ski Doo Freeride 2021

The Freeride, Ski Doo's no-compromise off-road model, will be powered by the new Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo engine for 2021. Other changes to the Freeride include a new shorter tunnel, QRS Vent Plus driven pulley, belt monitoring system, one-piece lightweight fairing, low mountain line, small diameter handlebars, lightweight suspension springs and a new Catalyst Gray color scheme.

The 146-inch model will also receive a number of changes, including: a lightweight ski spindle, 6.5-inch handlebar spacer, Pilot DS3 skis, ski width adjustment (35.7 - 37.4 inches, that's 90.6 - 95 cm), profile footrests and scrapers on the rail.

Spring variants will receive a SHOT engine start system, 3-inch track lugs and sea level calibration for riding below 4,000 feet (1,200 m).

Ski Doo Expedition 2022

Ski Doo Expedition 2021

The Ski Doo Expedition line of sport-utility snowmobiles will be available in five different models for 2021: Xtreme, SE, LE, Sport and the new SWT. The SWT is the most interesting model that has received the maximum number of updates.

The main change is the transition to the REV Gen4 platform. Equipped with a 24 x 154 x 1.5 inch track, the Expedition SWT has the industry's largest footprint for perfect gliding on powdery snow.

The move to the REV Gen4 platform brings a number of changes, including RAS 3 front suspension, Pilot 7.4 skis, high-capacity battery, easy-shift transmission with push-button reverse, 4.5-inch display, low handlebar line and Multi-LinQ mounting system. The model is available in three engine options: Rotax 600R E-TEC, Rotax 900 ACE and Rotax 900 ACE Turbo.

New for 2022 Ski-Doo

Compared to 2022, the model range has been slightly reduced: the Renegade sports line has disappeared from it. In 2022, 7 lines will go on sale. If we don’t mention minor improvements (we’ll talk about them below), there are two serious new products:

• semi-active Smart-Shox suspension, which takes readings from 5 sensors on the chassis every millisecond and automatically changes the shock absorber settings (BRP previously introduced the same technology for some of their Can-Am ATVs);
• 180-horsepower four-stroke Rotax 900 ACE Turbo R engine with larger injectors and improved boost, intake and exhaust.

Polaris engineers also introduced a new engine - a two-stroke turbocharged Patriot Boost. How many “horses” it produces has not yet been announced, but it has already received the status of the most powerful serial two-stroke. Among other things, 22 models were transferred to the new Matryx platform, released in 2021.

Ski Doo Skandic 2022

Ski Doo Skandic 2021

The Ski Doo Skandic family will receive a new REV Gen4 platform for the 2022 model year. Three models will be available: Skandic SWT, Skandic WT and the latest Skandic Sport. With the transition to the new platform, a choice of four engine options will be available: Rotax 600R E-TEC, 2-stroke Rotax 600 EFI, 900 ACE and 600 ACE. All three models will receive an updated telescopic front suspension designed to improve resistance to breakdown and with improved heat dissipation. The new Pilot 7.4 deep keel ski has improved reverse performance.

The Skandic SWT features a wide 24 x 154 x 1.5 inch Cobra track, and all models in the Scandic family come with new deep snow platforms, an easy-shift transmission with push-button reverse, a new Multi-LinQ rack system and a new 4.5-inch display.

The new Skandic Sport is equipped with a two-stroke Rotax 600 EFI engine and a new Utility seat.

Review of Ski-Doo snowmobile lines

Crossovers Backcountry

The snowmobile, suitable for both piste and powder snow, has changed minimally in the 2022 lineup. It will be produced in four configurations:

• basic - with a single track size (146x15x1.6 inches) and two engine options: 600R E-TEC or 850 E-TEC;
• X-RS - with 146- or 154-inch track, cMotion rear suspension and 850 E-TEC engine;
• X - will also be sold only with the 850 E-TEC engine, but will receive PowderMax or Ice Cobra tracks;
• Sport - with an 85-horsepower 600 EFI engine and a Cobra track (146x15x1.35 inches).

Polaris has a family of crossovers called the Switchback Assault. These are 850cc snowmobiles built on a lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber chassis. The rear suspension is IGX, and the front shock absorbers are Walker Evans Velocity sports shock absorbers. The Switchback Assault feels equally at home on or off the pavement, handling predictably and moving forward with confidence.

And in 2022, the Polaris crossover family was expanded with the new Switchback XC line. It will receive 650 or 850 cc engines, FOX QS3 shock absorbers and IGX rear suspension.

Sports MXZ

Purely sports snowmobiles are a narrow niche: they are designed for prepared trails. However, the Western market loves them, so Ski-Doo produces these models, albeit in fewer modifications. The 2022 MXZ lineup gets Smart-Shox semi-active suspension (850 E-TEC-powered X-RS only), upgraded rMotion X and RAS X rear and front suspensions (on TNT models), and Pilot X skis (also on TNT). “Athletes” will be produced in 4 configurations, all on the updated REV Gen4 platform:

• TNT - with 600R E-TEC or 850R E-TEC engines and with Ice Ripper XT 129x15x1.25 inches track;
• Sport - with simpler RAS 3 and SC-5M suspensions and a weaker Rotax 600 EFI engine;
• X-RS (available in spring only) - for challenging trails, with 600R E-TEC or 850R E-TEC engines;
• X (also only in spring) - the same engines as the X-RS, only among the modifications there will be a short RipSaw track 129x15x1.25 inches.

Polaris' alternative to the MXZ includes the Indy VR1, Indy XC and the new 2022 Indy XCR. All are built on the Matryx platform. The most "racing" of the three is the new XCR, which was created based on the experience of Polaris snowmobiles in races, from the Iron Dog to the Indianapolis 500.

Summit for deep snow

In 2022, we will see more than a dozen modifications of Summit snowmobiles. They will be built on the previous REV Gen4 platform. You can choose from three engines: regular and turbocharged 165-horsepower 850 E-TEC, or 125-horsepower 600R E-TEC. In addition to the traditional tracks of 154 or 165 inches, unusual options have been added: a short 146-inch track (only on the most budget version of the Summit SP) and a long 175-inch track (on the Summit Edge and Summit X Expert models). For the most budget version you will have to pay 1.742 million rubles.

In contrast to Summit, Polaris offers a huge RMK line, which includes snowmobiles with a wide range of characteristics. This family has existed for a quarter of a century. This year, RMK will receive two individually modified platforms: RMK Matryx and RMK Matryx Slash - they were created specifically for deep snow. A narrow seat, a narrow tank, a high and light platform, a short tunnel - all this improves the “buoyancy” of the snowmobile even on loose and untouched surfaces.

Some models have already appeared on sale in Russia: these are the 850 Matrix Slash Pro RMK with a 163-inch track and 3-inch lugs, the 850 Matrix Slash RMK Khaos 155 and the 850 Matryx Pro RMK 155 (both with 155-inch tracks). They cost a little less than “Summits”: up to 1.7 million rubles.

Extreme Freeride

The older and more daring brother of the Summit is for lovers of real extreme sports - high and long jumps and very deep snow. There are models with a choice of regular or turbocharged 850 E-TEC engines, and with 154- or 165-inch tracks (a 146-inch version will be available in the Low Altitude Calibration configuration). Most models will come with a SHOT starter as standard. As you can see, almost nothing has changed compared to 2022. The price also remained traditionally high: the youngest Freeride will cost almost 2.1 million rubles. But if a snowmobile is primarily needed in order to twist the gas as much as possible and throw snow from under the caterpillar, then this model is perfect.

Polaris does not have pure lines for extreme sports, but according to the characteristics, several models from different families can be classified as such equipment. First of all, these are the 850 SKS and RMK Assault, the new Indy XCR (we already talked about it above), and another new product - the Cross-Country Racer. However, the latest sled is only available to Polaris racing teams. The remaining models, even if they are inferior in some characteristics to the Freeride snowmobiles, are significantly cheaper.

Tourist Expedition

For those who like comfortable rides, Ski-Doo has a large Expedition line. The main models in it are large two-seater snowmobiles with a high windshield and a cargo area fenced with sides. But there is also a single-seat version of the Xtreme with a short tunnel, a shortened windshield and sports suspensions borrowed from the MXZ X. The main differences between the models are the engines (900 cc engines with or without a turbine, or 850 E-TEC for the Xtreme), equipment and caterpillar

Polaris' touring segment is covered by several models from its Indy line. They were not transferred to the new Matryx platform, however, the previous Pro-Ride chassis also proved to be excellent. The snowmobiles themselves are small, with 550, 600 or 850 cc engines. Most are single-seaters, but longer two-seater versions were also available in previous model years.

The Polaris RMK EVO can also be classified as a “tourist”: a small, nimble single-seat snowmobile, ideal for beginners and amateurs. Its latest version was released in 2022, so the price tag for it is very interesting: about 800 thousand rubles. It has a speed limit of 80 km/h, a reduced overall height and seat height (meaning a lower center of gravity and more stable handling), and wider skis with a high keel - also for better handling.

Utilitarian Skandic

If you look for analogues in the world of cars, then Skandic is most accurately compared with large pickup trucks: they have excellent cross-country ability and are ideal for transporting goods. Reliable telescopic front suspension with a wide and flat bottom, large Pilot 7.4 skis, SC-5U articulated suspension at the rear, economical engines and the presence of two-seater models in the line - this is why buyers love Scandics. The 2022 model year included three models: WT, SWT and Sport, and this was a very good decision - each of them suited its own tasks. For 2022, Ski-Doo followed the same path and released the same three configurations:

• SWT - with the widest track (almost 610 cm) and two engine options: two-stroke 600R E-TEC or four-stroke 900 ACE;
• WT - with a slightly narrower track (154x20x1.5 inches), but there are four engines to choose from: 600 EFI, 600 R E-TEC, 900 ACE or 600 ACE;
• The Sport is a single-seat model with a WT track, 600 EFI engine, and a shorter, narrower tunnel.

The cost of Skandic 2022 starts from 1,125,000 for the Sport version, and goes up to almost 1,700,000 for the SWT.

Polaris has a larger family of utility vehicles: it is represented by the Titan (main and very wide) and Voyageur (not so famous, but still available on sale) lines. In the news about the 2022 model range, nothing is said about their update, but they are good even without major innovations.

Polaris Titan is a wide and very versatile line. There are richly equipped two-seater models with WT track and a huge luggage box (like the 800 Titan Adventure 155), and created for heavy cargo transportation and towing, the 800 Titan XC 155, capable of towing up to 544 kg. Almost all Titans (at least the latest models) have powerful 154-horsepower engines and a 155-inch track.

Polaris Voyageur is a more budget line (younger versions cost just under 900 thousand), with engines of 550, 600 or 650 cc, and with tracks 144 or 154 inches long. This technique is ideal for light work and for travel and entertainment.

Ski Doo Grand Touring 2022

Ski Doo Grand Touring 2021

Ski Doo makes touring sleds as well, but the 2022 Grand Touring lineup, unlike most other models, remains largely unchanged for 2022. Two models will be available, the Grand Touring Limited and Grand Touring Sport, both based on the REV Gen4 platform. The Limited is available with any of three engines: Rotax 600R E-TEC, Rotax 900 ACE Turbo and Rotax 900 ACE, and features an rMotion air-controlled rear suspension, heated seats, heavy-duty bumpers and a Grand Touring LinQ pannier.

The entry-level Grand Touring Sport model comes with a choice of Rotax 900 ACE or 600 ACE.

The snow world of utilitarian snowmobiles in the BRP hierarchy: who is who?

Last year in Sheregesh I plunged into the world of BRP snowmobiles for the first time. Fantastic nature, crazy height changes of mountain ranges... First I talked about “mountainers”, and now we will talk about “utilities” - utilitarian devices. But what kind!

Utility presupposes the ability to carry a load. And in the BRP range, for example, the Ski-Doo Skandic WT 900 ACE heavy truck is considered a specialist in this field. It belongs to the Utility WT class, that is, a utility vehicle with a wide track (Wide Track) - 500 mm. This is not the limit, since there is an extra-wide SWT track - 600 mm!

The basis of such a leviathan, built on the REV-XU platform, is a powerful pyramid-type aluminum alloy structure. At the rear there is an SC-5U suspension with a breaking heel of the caterpillar, which helps to avoid digging into the snow when reversing. Moreover, if you have to tow a heavy trailer or you don’t need a floating heel, say, for religious reasons, then you can fix it with a slight movement of your hand and get a monolithic structure.

At the front there is an LTS suspension (Lynx Telescopic Suspension), that is, in fact, these are just two telescopes - no tricky A-shaped rods. Killing such a structure against a stump or fallen tree is much more difficult than a lever structure. And another feature is the extra-wide front skis, with which a 300-kilogram snowmobile can easily stand on virgin soil of any thickness. Even where, taking a step to the side from the bandwagon, you are guaranteed to fall head over heels.

The simplest telescopes have a very modest stroke - 150 mm, but it is difficult to damage them off-road

The downside of such snowshoes is smeared control and a pronounced reluctance to lay on one side. But you can haul a half-ton trailer. After all, in addition to the CVT, there is a full-fledged two-speed gearbox with a special mode for towing. By the way, lowering will not be superfluous when forcing steep slopes, but you need to measure the effort on the trigger with extreme caution. The traction in towing mode is deadly - you can bury yourself in a completely harmless place.

I would characterize the huge seat as a 2+1 seating formula, that is, it will be possible to accommodate two passengers behind the driver. There is a backrest and heated passenger handles, in addition to wind protection. Plus there is a spacious underseat space and an impressive trunk in the rear, where you can attach an optional trunk. There is also an ocean sail fairing and a sea of ​​legroom. Interestingly, the Canadians have retained an interesting modification in their production line - the Skandic WT 550F with a two-cylinder air-cooled two-stroke engine with a volume of 553.4 cm³ and a power of 53 hp. Carburetor! This Mohican is still very popular in places where there are old believers who believe that the carburetor is more reliable than injection and can always be repaired with a hammer. However, an important role in the demand for the relic is played by the almost half the price compared to the older one - 782 thousand rubles.

• The 600R E-TEC engine, compared to its predecessor, has lost 1.7 kg and added 5 hp. — now there are 125 forces. Both cylinders are made as a single block • The Rotax 900 ACE has also been upgraded: changed calibration parameters, updated drive pulley of the pDrive variator. The output is plus 5 hp, that is, a total of 95 hp.

But the usual option is a three-cylinder 899 cc four-stroke Rotax with 95 hp. It's as quiet as a church mouse, and the manufacturer's claimed fuel consumption is vanishingly low by snowmobile standards - 10.8 L/100 km. If you don’t try to pretend to be an athlete and switch the engine to Standard mode (there are also Sport and Eco options), then the reactions to the electronic throttle trigger will become extended and smooth, and at a reasonable speed the suspension will cope with almost any irregularities. By the way, the speedometer is immodestly marked up to 200 km/h, but you can count on an honest 100 km/h.

Lynx 49 Ranger 600R E-TEC PRO

Of course, if you try to jump or increase the travel on uneven surfaces, you are guaranteed to hit the “muzzle”, because the front travel of the telescopes is only 150 mm - still, you should not forget about the purely economic purpose of the model. The company has other models for adrenaline injection, and the Ski-Doo Skandic is an extremely versatile all-rounder, capable of driving both on the trail and in really deep snow. I believe that long trips will not be a big problem for Scandic, given the 45-liter gas tank.

The Lynx 49 Ranger is a completely different story. Formally, the company classifies it as a Light Utility class, that is, “light utility vehicles,” although, for me, this is a pure crossover. The stylish fairing hides the Radien-X platform with an aluminum tunnel-type frame - in fact, it is a slightly elongated “trolley” from the Lynx mountain models. At the front there is an A-arm lever, and at the rear, a signature feature of snowmobiles from the Finnish branch of BRP is the PPS²-4100-A suspension, named after the famous racer Pauli Pippola. The number 4100 is the length of the track in millimeters, and the letter A means that there is also a breakable heel (A - Articulated). Yes, there's over four meters of Powder Max FlexEdge gooseneck with flexible edges that adjust to the terrain and make it easier to tilt the sled. The height of the lugs for the Russian market is 39 mm. You still have to try to plant such an anaconda!

In the best traditions of BRP modifications, the “forty-ninth” has the colors of a chameleon: for example, the version with the PRO prefix means a single seat and an enlarged luggage platform - this can accommodate provisions and fuel for a week-long expedition. And the ST version has a double seat. If under the hood is the already familiar 95-horsepower 899 cc three-cylinder Rotax 900 ACE, then constant thrust throughout the entire rev range, coupled with a Nordic character on long journeys, is a definite benefit. But how surprised I was when I switched to the same Ranger, but with a two-cylinder two-stroke Rotax 600 E-TEC with 125 hp - a completely different snowmobile! And it’s not just about the high power - the skis have a different track (921 mm versus 996 mm). Interestingly, the track parameters are adjustable within 42 mm, and this is true for all snowmobiles described in the material, except for the Skandic series. In addition, while the three-cylinder Ranger 49 weighs 277 kg, the two-stroke version is 11 kg lighter. This means that it is easier to tilt the snowmobile and go in traverse - there are already sporty notes here. And if you remove the passenger part of the seat and the giant fairing, which can be done without tools, then in a matter of seconds you have almost a mountain climber on your hands, ready for difficult steps on steep slopes.

But there is also the Lynx Ranger 69 with a track width of as much as 600 mm! According to the generally accepted classification, this is Utility SWT, that is, Super Wide Track - such a “canvas” provides almost limitless versatility. Moreover, the steering wheel has height adjustment in a very wide range, 130-205 mm - only here I could comfortably ride while standing and did not have to reach down to the handles. The engines for this model are only four-stroke - either Rotax 900 ACE or a 1200 cc four-cylinder unit with 130 hp. with torque evenly distributed throughout the entire range. A snowmobile with such a motor is called the Lynx 69 Ranger Alpine 1200 4-TEC and is designed for use at ski resorts.

The main difference from the 49 series is a different platform, L-XU: a pyramid-shaped aluminum frame designed for significant loads with increased torsional rigidity. The front has a similar lever design - like the youngest in the series, and the PPS-6900-A suspension works at the rear: there is also articulation here, that is, a “running” heel. But the wide track has left its mark on handling: the snowmobile lays on its side with noticeable laziness, and during active maneuvering it requires considerable effort. On the other hand, this is pure “junk” - and such driving modes are uncharacteristic for it. But in deep snow you feel like you’re on an autobahn! And on the plain, the 69 Ranger is very stable: it can only be thrown off balance by outright provocations.

And the cherry on the utilitarian cake was a real snowmobile yacht - the luxurious “tourist” Lynx Commander LTD 900 ACE. The skeleton here is the same as that of the 69th - an aluminum “pyramid” L-XU, and four engine options are already offered: two two-stroke engines of the 600/800 E-TEC series and two four-stroke 900/1200 ACE. My Lynx Commander with LTD and Rotax 900 ACE engine was stuffed like a Christmas turkey, even including a shovel and a small saw. In front there is the already familiar lever on concave A-shaped arms, which, when moving through deep snow, do not rake the shaft in front of them, but allow the snowmobile to float above the virgin soil. However, the main bonus is the increase in ground clearance and avoidance of possible collisions with “unauthorized” objects under the snow. At the rear is the Easy Ride suspension, lighter by ten kilograms compared to its predecessor. Depending on the load, you can adjust the amount of track pressure on the surface by changing the position of the link located between the front and rear suspension arms. Interestingly, the heel here is also on a hinge, but in its normal state it is in a raised position and only begins to work on difficult terrain.

There is more than enough space for the driver, the passenger can be of any size, up to the average sumo wrestler, the fairing is taller than skyscrapers... The only thing you can complain about is the lack of cup holders and “music”. Almost 350 kg of curb weight made me pretty nervous in the mountains and on large bumps - the snowmobile seemed to ask every time: “Maybe we shouldn’t turn here and just go straight?” But as soon as the speed was increased a little, life became easier. In a word, Commander is a ready-made expedition vehicle that requires minimal modification to conquer, say, the Dyatlov Pass. Or exploring the abandoned Osudareva Road.

Well, are you ready to go? Yes, it’s not cheap: if you don’t plunge into the Mariana Trench of endless modifications of BRP snowmobiles and don’t take into account the budget version of Skandic WT 550F for 782 thousand rubles, then the average price of all the machines I tested is about 1.3 million rubles. But this is a reasonable price to pay for the door to another, snowy world - returning from which will not be at all easy: it’s addictive. I know it from myself.