Subscribers get a more in-depth look at the 2016 models here.
Following up a monster year in 2015, Polaris headed for the hills. Not in retreat, but to complete the next round of sled transformations in the mountain segment.
In a move that really shouldn’t surprise anyone, Polaris has brought the AXYS chassis and their 800 H.O. engine to the RMK lineup. In another very unsurprising move, the Rush and Switchback remain largely the same with a few subtle upgrades here and there, but why mess with a good thing? After all, Polaris had their best SnowCheck ever in MY2015 for the trail and crossover market.
Trails
New to the trail segment is the limited edition of the Indy and Rush. There are few but consumers will notice some BNG (check out the Night Lightning Rush), and a few perks such as storage, premium Walker Evans shocks, the GPS gauge and other convenience upgrades on these limited editions.
Other changes to the trail include bringing a 1.25-inch track to the Indy line on the 600 Indy SP Terrain Dominator. And there’s also the option to ‘build your own’ Rush. Consumers will get to pick their suspension (Pro-S or Pro-X), one of three track options, gauges, storage options, electric start and colors. The a la carte style offering is a great way for consumers to personalize their sleds right from the dealer.
Crossover
The Switchback also remains largely unchanged. Like the Rush, buyers will have the same options to customize their new ride. You’re probably sick of hearing us say every sled could use a taller windshield and more storage. The new Switchback Adventure fills this need. It is available in the 800 H.O. engine package with electric start (the 600 is still available as well). That’s not all. The expansion of the Adventure also comes with abundant cargo space and a tall shield with mirrors. A new premium FOX coil over shock package with compression adjustment comes in a new user-friendly 3-setting clicker setup. There’s also a 2-up seat available that replaces the solo in case you find yourself in need of some company on the trail.
The Switchback Assault also welcomes a new Limited-ish model. It carries the same themes as the other Limited models with the GPS gauge, upgraded bumper and storage. The 2-in. track will be excellent for this sled as well, and the “Lime Squeeze” graphics will suit the ‘in crowd’. It’s really a shame this sled is last in line for the Axys/800 H.O. makeover. Freeriders are one of the most exciting portions of the market today, and this sled hits home with that crowd.
Mountains
Mountain riders will be taking many a snowday now that Polaris is bringing the Axys platform and the sophomore 800 H.O. engine to the high country! The mountain machines are getting meaner and leaner. Everyone wants lighter and stronger in the mountains and the new rear skid design is just that; 3 lbs. lighter and 15 percent stronger, thanks to an impressive new rail design. According to Polaris, the more rigid suspension is more responsive to rider input and weight transfer, it transfers more power from the track to the snow and is easier to ride because of a “bigger sweet spot.”
The marketing speak sounds great (as it always does), but will it all hold up once the rubber hits the snow? Rest assured, AmSnow’s trusted mountain team will tell you exactly how true all that marketing mumbo jumbo really is in our upcoming issues next season.
The change from the Pro-Ride to the Axys chassis creates some new geometry for the sled. The front spindles have been raised 1-3/8 inches and are now attached to the industry’s first forged aluminum A-arms. Along with that, the suspension mounts in the rear were lowered about the same amount. The result is a raised chassis that keeps the rider in relatively the same position, but with much less drag from the sled in the snow. 
The RMK sleds are actually narrower (with the exception of the RMK Assault, which keeps its wider stance and previously used A-arms) for MY2016, which should help in the handling department. We were not told exactly how much narrower they are from last season, but the slide Polaris showed us looked straight out of a Jenny Craig commercial.
Finally, the Pro-RMKs get the full customization package like the trail and crossover sleds, but the track options are all-new for 2016. They include the Series 6 (2.6-in. lug), Series 7 (3-in. lug) and the 2.25-in lugged Peak track with replaces the 2.125-in. track on the RMK Assault.
Polaris is bringing back the SKS name to the mountains. The 2016 SKS is being marketed by Polaris as the “most versatile deep snow sled” with just as much punch for the powder as pizazz on the trail. That may depend on the track you choose. Consumers will have the choice between a 2.25-in. Peak or 2.6-in. Series 6 track. The SKS also features a chaincase drive system, rather than the QuickDrive on the RMKs, but shares the mountain sled DNA with the narrow 39-41-inch ski stance.
Utility
The 550 Widetrak LX stirs memories of grandpa’s headlight blazing across the lake with milk and bread in tow! The wide cowl and tall windshield fit with the 20-inch wide track perfectly for flashbacks. Only this one comes with Pro-Float skis, articulating rail and electric start standard. Oh, what grandpa wouldn’t have given for electric start! This sled isn’t new, but been going wild overseas for sometime.
Polaris purists also get the 550 Indy Adventure back for another year. It brings another option for those looking for a touring or utility sled.
Look for more details on the 2016 Polaris models in the upcoming Spring Issue of American Snowmobiler magazine! Make sure you don’t miss out by subscribing here today