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The next High Performance sled in line is the 2006 F7 Firecat Sno Pro. The differences between the 05 F7 Firecat Sno Pro and its 06 equivalent are not that much actually. The two are pretty much identical except for some suspension modifications and the price. Believe it or not but the 06 High Performance F7 Firecat Sno Pro is even cheaper. If you’ve read the 2005 F7 Firecat Sno Pro review you’ll know that it’s one highly rated sled. Same thing goes for this one, too. People just love it. It’s fast, it’s comfortable and it’s capable of doing anything you expect it to, no matter how much you decide to push it. Here are the given specifications for it:

MODEL    High Performance F7 Firecat Sno Pro
M.S.R.P. *    $9,099.00
ENGINE    Suzuki, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    698 cc
BORE X STROKE    79.7 x 70 mm
CARBURETION    2 in. x TM 40 with TPS
HORSEPOWER    140
IGNITION    3D
CLUTCH    Drive: Arctic (rpm sensing)
Driven: Arctic (roller cam) ACT drive system
SUSPENSION    Front: AWS VI double-wishbone a-arms w/ FOX Float shocks & swaybar; 9.2 in. travel
Rear: FasTrack LTS slide-rail w/ coupling blocks, adjustable torsion, 2 in. diameter IFP rear-arm shock, sliding front arm; 13.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic disc
LUBRICATION    Oil injection
EXHAUST    APV with tuned pipe and canister
SKIS    UHMW plastic
LENGTH    118 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
TRACK LXWXH    128 x 13.5 x 1.375 in.
SKI STANCE    43 in.
DRY WEIGHT    468 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    12.6 gal.

The sled is great, really. I don’t think you’ll have any problems with it. It’s light, but very steady and easy to control. It’s a sled I recommend for more experienced riders since it has much power in it (too much for some). It’s just as good as the 05 F7 Firecat Sno Pro model and since it’s cheaper I say go for it without any hesitation. You certainly won’t regret it.

This is one fast sled, we’re talking about. The High Performance ZR 900 EFI Sno Pro will simply blow your mind away. This time “high performance” really does mean high performance. And that’s exactly what you’re getting from this sled. You can speed it up to 125 mph (one very dangerous speed is I may add) and just leave all the competition behind. The sled is also very easy to control, but yet again you should be careful with the speed. Nothing’s easy when you ride with 125 mph, right? It’s a great sled though and I’m sure you’ll be happy to have it. Here’re the specifications for it:

MODEL    High Performance ZR 900 EFI Sno Pro
M.S.R.P. *    $10,099.00
ENGINE    Suzuki, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    862 cc
BORE X STROKE    85 x 76 mm
CARBURETION    46 mm throttle body batteryless EFI
HORSEPOWER    150
IGNITION    3D
CLUTCH    Drive: Arctic (rpm sensing)
Driven: Arctic (roller cam) ACT drive system
SUSPENSION    Front: AWS V double-wishbone a-arms with remote reservoir shocks, adjustable preload & swaybar; 9.2 in. travel
Rear: FasTrack LTS slide-rail w/ remote reservoir shocks, adjustable torsion; 13.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic disc
LUBRICATION    Oil injection
EXHAUST    APV with tuned pipe and canister
SKIS    UHMW plastic
LENGTH    112 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
TRACK LXWXH    121 x 15 x 1.375 in.
SKI STANCE    43 in.
DRY WEIGHT    516 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    12 gal.

It’s pretty much one problem free sled. At least I haven’t heard people complaining about anything specific. Again watch the handling when speeding. The sled is comfortable and pretty good when it comes to gas consumption. It’s great and ready to run even stock. Modifications are willingly, but not at all necessary. Just like with the previous sled reviewed, this one doesn’t come cheap for a 2006 model, too, but yet again is totally worth the money asked. It really stands up for the high performance.

What people say about the King Cat 900 EFI is that it’s the number one mountain sled out there. And that’s not just among the Arctic Cat sleds. The King Cat dos have a lot of potential.
It has incredible power and lots of speed in the mountains. It’s absolutely comfortable and easy to control. It really is something you should think of getting if mountain riding is your thing. The thing handles great no matter the conditions you put it through and is very less likely to disappoint you. See its characteristics before we begin:

MODEL    King Cat 900 EFI
M.S.R.P. *    $10,799.00
ENGINE    Suzuki, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    862 cc
BORE X STROKE    85 x 76 mm
CARBURETION    46 mm throttle body batteryless EFI
HORSEPOWER    150
IGNITION    3D
CLUTCH    Drive: Arctic (rpm sensing with titanium spring)
Driven: Arctic (roller cam with titanium spring)
SUSPENSION    Front: AWS V double-wishbone a-arms with FOX Float air shocks; 8 in. travel
Rear: FasTrack LTS slide-rail, adjustable titanium torsion springs, lightweight aluminum AC (IFP) shocks with titanium spring, Torque Sensing Link rear arm; 17 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic disc
LUBRICATION    Oil injection
EXHAUST    APV with tuned pipe and canister
SKIS    UHMW plastic (parabolic)
LENGTH    131 in.
WIDTH    46.5 in.
TRACK LXWXH    162 x 15 x 2.25 in.
SKI STANCE    39 - 41 in. adjustable
DRY WEIGHT    500 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    11 gal.

It’s one very dependable and strongly made sled that you’ll simply love. It really is no cheap sled especially considering it’s a 2006 model, but the King Cat totally deserves that kind of money. You get speed, you get reliability, and you get comfort…you pretty much get everything a sled can offer. There’s really nothing for me to point out on the bad side. I know I usually do, but this time the sled is just too perfect. Definitely go for it without any hesitation.

The limited Arctic Cat M7 EFI definitely has a much better ride than the standard M7. It’s even more comfortable and has better gas mileage. There are many other mountain sleds out there, but nothing even comes close to the M7 in true boon docking, it side hills effortlessly, climbs as good as any stock 900 or better, and if you add turns and side hills, it just runs and hides. However, if you want to use it for a trail sled, you may run into some problem - harsh ride on packed snow, skatey, tipsy and with the Attack track, it doesn’t hook at all; the acceleration is also not one of its advantages. It is absolutely the wrong trail riding machine. See the specifications:

MODEL    M7 EFI 162 Limited (Challenger)
M.S.R.P. *    $10,599.00
ENGINE    Suzuki, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    698 cc
BORE X STROKE    79.7 x 70 mm
CARBURETION    46 mm throttle body batteryless EFI
HORSEPOWER    140
IGNITION    3D
CLUTCH    Drive: Arctic (rpm sensing with titanium spring)
Driven: Arctic (roller cam) ACT drive system
SUSPENSION    Front: AWS VI double-wishbone a-arms with FOX Float air shocks; 9.2 in. travel
Rear: FasTrack LTS slide-rail, titanium adjustable torsion springs, lightweight aluminum FOX Zero Pro (IFP) shocks, TSL rear arm; 19 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic disc
LUBRICATION    Oil injection
EXHAUST    APV with tuned pipe and canister
SKIS    UHMW plastic (saddleless)
LENGTH    139 in.
WIDTH    46.5 in.
TRACK LXWXH    162 x 15 x 2.25 in.
SKI STANCE    39 - 41 in. adjustable
DRY WEIGHT    478 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    11 gal.

You have to make up your mind what you’re gonna use the sled for before getting it and you’ll be just fine. This is the typical mountain sled and it’s one of the best choices you have on the market right now. It’s a little pricy, but you know you’re getting a great sled for that money.  Some problems may occur if you’re using the sled for something it’s not made for (trail riding) – even then though the problems affect mainly the handling. When you get used to it, the machine should perform perfectly. Consider this sled. In my opinion it’s well worthy.

You may think that the 2006 Arctic Cat Trail Performance Sabercat 500 EFI LX is one small slow sled, but you’ll be wrong. The thing has plenty of power in it and just as fast as any 600 sled. It’s very comfortable ride and has plenty of things to surprise you with. It’s very maneuverable, easy to control and with awesome fuel economy (16-18 mpg). It’s a great sled for beginners or intermediate riders. It’s very trustful and less likely to cause problems. There sure are faster sleds out there, but you can get the Trail Performance Sabercat 500 EFI LX up to 90 mph, which I think is not at all bad. For the money it’s priced you sure get one very nice deal. See the specifications for it:

MODEL    Trail Performance Sabercat 500 EFI LX
M.S.R.P. *    $6,899.00
ENGINE    2-Stroke Single, Oil Injection
ENGINE    Suzuki, 2-stroke, liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder
DISPLACEMENT    499 cc
BORE X STROKE    71 x 63 mm
DISPLACEMENT    89 cc
BORE X STROKE    52 x 45 mm
CARBURETION    Single 46 mm throttle body batteryless EFI
HORSEPOWER    80
IGNITION    3D
CLUTCH    Drive: Arctic (rpm sensing)
Driven: Arctic (roller cam)
COOLING    Air Cooled
STARTER    Electric / Kick
SUSPENSION    Front: AWS VI double-wishbone a-arms w/ AC (IFP) gas shocks, adjustable preload & swaybar; 9.2 in. travel
Rear: FasTrack LTS slide-rail, adjustable torsion, AC position-sensitive (IFP) gas rear shock, AC (IFP) gas front shock; 13.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic disc
LUBRICATION    Oil injection
TRANSMISSION    Automatic (CVT-belt) with Reverse
FINAL DRIVE    Chain 428 O-ring
EXHAUST    Single tuned pipe and canister
SKIS    UHMW plastic
LENGTH    118 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
TRACK LXWXH    128 x 13.5 x 1 in.
SKI STANCE    43 in.
DRY WEIGHT    491 lbs.

As I said problems are not often with this sled, but there are two recalls on the sabercat (and firecat on that matter) that you should know about. Number one is the gas tank -
problem being is the tank neck may split and leak gas. Number two is steering shaft may have a bad weld. Both of the recalls are easily fixed (if it happens that they occur). You just have to take the sled to the dealers to have it repaired. Other than that the sled is just perfect. And once again – for the money you pay for it, it is a great deal.

The only difference between the F7 Firecat EFI and the F7 Firecat EFI Sno Pro is the suspension…and the price obviously. Other than that those are absolutely identical sleds. Not that this is bad considering that the F7 Firecat EFI is one awesome sled. The Sno Pro is just as comfortable (even more giving the different suspension), just as fast and just as fun to ride. It’s a fast sled so if you’re not used to handling so much power my advice will be to take it easy the first time. It’s pretty easy to handle though, once you feel it. And I know I mentioned this in the previous review, but it’s totally worth repeating it – this is the best race sled among the 05 Arctic Cat models. Here are the specifications for it:

MODEL    F7 Firecat EFI Sno Pro
M.S.R.P. *    $9,299.00
ENGINE    Liquid Cooled, 2 Cylinders
DISPLACEMENT    698cc
CARBURETION    2 x TM 40 w / TPS
HORSEPOWER    140 hp
IGNITION    3D
CLUTCH    Driven Clutch: Arctic (Roller Cam) ACT drive system
SUSPENSION    Front: AWS VI Double-Wishbone A-Arms w/Fox Float ski shocks, adj. preload springs & sway bar, 9.2 in. travel
Rear: Fastrack Long-Travel Slide-Rail w/Coupling Blocks, Adj. Torsion Springs, Arctic Cat Gas IFP rear arm Shocks; 13.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic Disc
LUBRICATION    Oil Injection
EXHAUST    APV w/ Tuned Pipe & Canister
SKIS    UHMW Plastic
LENGTH    118 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
TRACK LXWXH    128 x 13.5 x 1.375 in.
SKI STANCE    43 in.
DRY WEIGHT    470 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    12.6 gal.

So as we said the suspension is the only difference between the F7 Firecat EFI and the Sno Pro which automatically means that the rear suspension problem we had with the F7 Firecat EFI is now a history. This not only makes the sled more comfortable, but also more steady. Yet again I think you should be careful with the speed when hitting those jumps. The price is up of course, but I think it’s totally worthy for those who ride not only for the fun of it, or the more experienced riders. For the rest…I think you’ll be just fine with the normal F7 Firecat EFI.

The F7 Firecat EFI is kinda funny looking sled, but if you’re a bright color fan you’ll just love it. Color on the other hand has nothing to do with why you should consider getting this sled. It’s all about the performance. And with the F7 Firecat performance is on a very high level. The machine is capable of speeding up to 115 mph and is probably the best racing sled of all the 05 models. The sled is very light and comfortable. It’s pretty good for flying jumps and bondocking in the powder if that’s your passion. Mileage is also not too bad and I think you’ll be happy with it. Go through its specifications:

MODEL    F7 Firecat EFI
M.S.R.P. *    $8,499.00
ENGINE    Liquid Cooled, 2 Cylinders
DISPLACEMENT    698cc
CARBURETION    2 x TM 40 w / TPS
HORSEPOWER    140 hp
IGNITION    3D
CLUTCH    Driven Clutch: Arctic (Roller Cam) ACT drive system
SUSPENSION    Front: AWS VI Double-Wishbone A-Arms w/Arctic Cat Gas (IFP) Shocks, Adj. Preload Springs & Sway Bar; 9.2 in. travel
Rear: Fastrack Long-Travel Slide-Rail w/Coupling Blocks, Adj. Torsion Springs, Arctic Cat Gas (IFP) Shocks; 13.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic Disc
LUBRICATION    Oil Injection
EXHAUST    APV w/ Tuned Pipe & Canister
SKIS    UHMW Plastic
LENGTH    118 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
TRACK LXWXH    128 x 13.5 x 1.00 in.
SKI STANCE    43 in.
DRY WEIGHT    460 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    12.6 gal.

The one complaint I can think of about the F7 would be the rear suspension – it is not quite stiff enough even on the heaviest setting, so if you hit even a few small jumps there’s a possibility of tipping. Just be careful with the speed and that problem is solved. Other than that this is one very steady and reliable machine and you’ll enjoy riding it very much. Think about it, but also check out the newer models. You just never know.

The 2008 Trail Touring Deluxe wouldn’t differ that much from the other Trail Touring sleds of Polaris if it wasn’t for the suspension that makes it probably the most comfortable Trail Touring ever. Just like the others it’s a big steady sled, but it’s also one of the easiest to handle. You won’t have any problems with it, especially when you get used to the size and weight. As to the power - this machine has lots of it and will run 70 to 80 mph without pushing it hard. I know many will find that slow, but if you’re looking for a speeding sled you’re certainly reading the wrong review. Here are the specifications for the Trail Touring Deluxe:

MODEL YEAR    2008
MODEL    Trail Touring Deluxe
M.S.R.P. *    $6,299.00
ENGINE    Polaris, 2-cylinder, fan-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    544 cc
BORE X STROKE    73 x 65 mm
CARBURETION    2-VM34
HORSEPOWER    60 hp
IGNITION    Digital CDI
CLUTCH    Drive: P-85
Driven: LWT TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: EDGE; Nitrex Select shocks; Nitrex track shock; 10 in. (25.4 cm) travel
Rear: EDGE 136; MPV Select track shock; 13.9 in. (35.3 cm) travel
BRAKES    Phantom, hydraulic disc
EXHAUST    Single
SKIS    Composite
LENGTH    128 in. (325.1 cm)
WIDTH    48 in. (121.9 cm)
HEIGHT    49.5 in. (125.7 cm)
TRACK LXWXH    136 x 15 x 1 in.
SKI STANCE    42.5 in. (108 cm)
DRY WEIGHT    570 lbs. (258.8 kg)
FUEL CAPACITY    12.25 gal. (46.4 l)

You really won’t regret getting this thing, trust me. The sled just doesn’t give you anything to complain about. Even the price is beyond great…it’s a 2008 model after all. So if you are looking for that high top end speed and a machine to race this is absolutely not the sled, but if you want a great machine to ride with your child or spouse this machine will far outmeet your needs.

We’ll start the 2008 Polaris reviews with the beautiful Turbo Switchback. This really is one gorgeous sled to have, but good looks aren’t its only strength. It’s the entire machine that’s worth having, actually. You get great speed, extreme comfort, durability, quiet and on top of it extremely easy handling. As to the fuel mileage -  with a full thank (40 L) you run between 170 km and 230 km, so I’ll let you decide for yourself. The maximal speed of the Turbo Switchback with factory settings is 92 mph, which is not too bad at all; no matter if you like speed or no. It really is a nice piece of work, Polaris has to offer, here are the specifications for it:
MODEL    Turbo Switchback
M.S.R.P. *    $9,749.00
ENGINE    4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    750 cc
BORE X STROKE    85 x 66 mm
CARBURETION    EFI
HORSEPOWER    140 hp
IGNITION    Bosch - closed loop
CLUTCH    Drive: P-85
Driven: LWT TEAM
SUSPENSION    Front: IQ; Ryde FX, HPG, IFP shocks; Ryde FX, HPG, IFP track shock; 10 in. (25.4 cm) travel
Rear: IQ 136 coupled; Fox PS5 track shock; 14 in. (53 cm) travel
BRAKES    Phantom, hydraulic disc
EXHAUST    Single turbo
SKIS    IQ
LENGTH    120 in. (308.4 cm)
WIDTH    48 in. (121.9 cm)
HEIGHT    48.5 in. (123.2 cm)
TRACK LXWXH    136 x 15 x 1.25 in. RipSaw
SKI STANCE    42.5 in. (108 cm)
DRY WEIGHT    598 lbs. (271.5 kg)
FUEL CAPACITY    10.2 gal. (38.6 l)

The biggest difference that you’ll find between this sled and all the others is in the track. This one is equipped with rip saw track, which is very effecient. It allows you not only run those tracks fast and steady, but also climb those hills, no matter how deep the snow is. This really is a worthy sled. And I don’t say that just because it’s a 08 model. It really has advantages before the other Switchbacks Polari offers. And for the money you can get I day don’t hesitate at all.

So for the mountain lovers we have the M7. And again there are plenty of options for it and the 162 is the only one that’s gonna be reviewed, but I’ll tell you how they differ later. So the M7 162 is pretty good sled to have. Actually the only thing that can come close to the power, maneuverability, and comfort of it is the Ski-Doo Summit. The m& 162 just has more power than you will ever actually be able to use. It’s also amazingly good looking and I’m pretty sure you’ll fall for it once you have it.  See the specifications:

MODEL    Mountain M7 EFI 162
M.S.R.P. *    $9,099.00
ENGINE    Liquid Cooled, 2 Cylinders
DISPLACEMENT    698cc
CARBURETION    46 mm throttle body batteryless EFI
HORSEPOWER    140 HP
IGNITION    3D
CLUTCH    Driven Clutch: Arctic (Roller Cam) ACT drive system
SUSPENSION    Front: AWS-V Dbl Wishbone A-Arms w/Alum. Arctic Cat gas (IFP) shocks, adj. preload springs, 9.2 in. travel
Rear: Fastrack Long-Travel Slide-Rail, Adj. Torsion Sprg, alum. Arctic Cat (IFP) shocks, Torque Sensing Link rear arm, 19 in. Travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic Disc
LUBRICATION    Oil Injection
EXHAUST    APV w/Tuned Pipe & Canister
SKIS    UHMW Plastic Saddleless
LENGTH    134 in.
WIDTH    46.5 in.
TRACK LXWXH    162 x 15 x 2.25 in.
SKI STANCE    39 in. - 41 in. Adjustable
DRY WEIGHT    465 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    12.0 gal.

So on the not so bright side - the 162″ is a little big if you ride the trails. But that’s exactly where the M7 153 and M7 141 come to save the day. Their track is shorter and that makes the handling part easier (especially in the tight corners). Still, if you decide go off the trail, and you like to hill climb or go out in the deep powder, then the M7 162 is exactly the right sled for you. You have to be careful though because the hood and the removable side panels tend to fall off when the sled takes a rollover, even a minor one. So to get rid of this problem, just be careful riding it. Other than that the sled is awesome and I’m sure you’ll like it very much.