The last of the Big 4 to release their 2015 lineup, Ski-Doo brings out the big guns with its new Summit X with T3 package. The first snowmobile to come standard with a 174-inch track and three-inch lugs, this machine is in a class of its own.
In addition to the extra long Powdermax track and deep lugs, the Summit X with T3 features tMotion rear suspension, FlexEdge track technology and Ski-Doo’s new Response Angle (RAS 2) front suspension. RAS 2 is lightweight and the A-arms are angled to make the sled smoother and more stable over bumps.
Like most mountain riders, your first instinct with the 174-inch Summit X with T3 is that it will be a beast to throw around but you needn’t worry about that because the 174 actually weighs the same as the regular Summit X 163. Ski-Doo achieved this by shaving extra weight off the chaincase and repositioning the heat exchanger—among other tweaks.
If you want the 2015 Summit X with T3 package, act fast, because it will be available for spring order only. It comes in a 163-inch configuration as well.
The Renegade X-RS is another new model for 2015. This race-oriented machine features the new RAS 2 front suspension, rMotion rear suspension, KYB Pro 40 piggyback shocks and the dart-eliminating Pilot 5.7 skis.
We’ll also see the ACE 900 engine that Ski-Doo brought in last year powering more models in the 2015 lineup, and all models equipped with the ACE 600 engine will now have the Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) technology and special driving modes.
A new feature on both the 900 and 600 ACE is Ski-Doo’s finger throttle control that can rotate 360 degrees on the handlebar, allowing the rider to position the throttle wherever it feels the most comfortable.
Most sleds in the 2015 lineup will also benefit from Ski-Doo’s new RF D.E.S.S. key. Remember having to wiggle with the tether switch to get rid of that annoying beep-beep sound when it’s not connected to the machine properly? That will soon be a thing of the past. The RF D.E.S.S. features a ball and socket design to ensure proper connectivity.
It all adds up to a pretty exciting year for Ski-Doo. If you want to see the new sleds for yourself, head over to Ski-Doo’s website.
Dream machine:
"I am a mountain rider and shredding deep pow is my favourite thing to do. Hands down that new X package, three-inch paddle tracked sled is the best sled ever built for getting this done." —Rob Alford, Ski-Doo Backcountry Expert, Slednecks rider and owner of Mt. Mackenzie Log Chalet in Revelstoke, B.C. Photo courtesy www.logchalet.com.
