SnowCheck 2022 - What you need to know about the new Polaris sleds
Mar. 18 2021
News
This year's Polaris snow meeting, like most things now days, looked quite different. In an all-digital format earlier this month, Polaris released their all-new 2022 Polaris Snowmobile lineup (22 new models if you're counting). Here's the skinny on what you want to know about the new sleds:
- Matryx platform, introduced last year, continues to expand and replace most Axys models.. If you aren't familiar with the Matryx platrom, it's Polaris's new chassis and sled design that you can read about in our blog from last year's launch. The only remaining models you can get in an Axys is the Indy SP and the 550. 650 and 850 engines are now all Matryx.
- New for 2022, the Indy XCR joins the Indy VR1 and XC on the Matryx platform. This XCR is a true factory mod, forged through years of racing success, from the Iron Dog to the I-500. The 2022 XCR is packed with Polaris Racing Technology components, coupled with the industry-leading Matryx platform built to dominate the toughest terrain. We're excited for this one to say the least, and you can get an in-person sneak peek of the XCR at our Snowcheck event on March 31. Learn more and RSVP here.
- Adding to the crossover lineup, the Switchback XC joins the Switchback Assault as the industry benchmark for ride and handling both on- and off-trail. The Switchback XC delivers superior handling and performance on the trails and in the backcountry, with the standard IGX rear suspension, FOX QS3 shocks and available Patriot 650 and 850 Engine choices. Want more info on the Patriot 650 engine launched last year? Read our blog here.
- The new Switchback XC can be ordered with the 7S touch-screen display and with either lug height of Cobra track, the 1.352” or the 1.6”, in either the 650 or 850 Patriot engines. This is sure to become one of the most popular crossover sleds as so many owners of Switchback Assault sleds find the spring rates and even the shocks to be firmer than they like, or need. Another model variation here is the new Matryx-based Voyager 146”, a 650 Patriot-powered sled with the 1.6” lug Cobra track and even tamer Polaris IFP shocks. This one comes standard with a rack, hitch and the 7S touch-display.
- The new Switchback XC can be ordered with the 7S touch-screen display and with either lug height of Cobra track, the 1.352” or the 1.6”, in either the 650 or 850 Patriot engines. This is sure to become one of the most popular crossover sleds as so many owners of Switchback Assault sleds find the spring rates and even the shocks to be firmer than they like, or need. Another model variation here is the new Matryx-based Voyager 146”, a 650 Patriot-powered sled with the 1.6” lug Cobra track and even tamer Polaris IFP shocks. This one comes standard with a rack, hitch and the 7S touch-display.
- Most of the big news from Polaris this year was regarding the mountain/deep snow lineup. For 2022, the Rocky Mountain King models are now available with the Matryx platform making the new RMK lineup extremely nimble and maneuverable. The narrow, sculpted seat and tank provide effortless control moving around the sled, and the raised, lightweight platform with an all-new short, tapered tunnel provides unmatched lift and response. Both the PRO RMK Matryx and RMK Khaos Matryx are now available in "Slash" - the new body style featuring a short tunnel, long track, new cooling system and extremely lightweight. So, four configurations from the RMK lineup in 2022: PRO RMK Matryx, RMK Khaos Matryx, PRO RMK Matryx Slash and RMK Khaos Slash. Unfortunately the RMK lineup is EXTREMELY limited and only certain dealers were given allocation which filled quickly (for us, our slots were filled by 9:00 AM the day after launch!)
- The other big RMK news? The all-new Patriot Boost engine. The Patriot Boost is the new turbocharged 850 two-stroke engine which features an industry-exclusive, patent pending turbocharger system that delivers more power from sea level to the mountain peaks. The patent pending SmartBoost system enables unrivaled combustion stability, creating 10% more power at sea level and 50% more power at 10,000 feet over the 850 Patriot. Based on internal Polaris testing, it is projected that Patriot Boost models will be 10% more powerful and at least 20 pounds lighter than competitive snowmobiles. With all that it has to offer, the Matryx Slash platform with the Patriot Boost engine will be the sled to beat in the deep snow next winter. The Patriot Boost is only available on the RMK Slash models.
- Other updates worth noting:
- One of the more significant changes to many of the Matryx models is the switch away from Walker Evans Racing shocks to Fox QS3 shocks, front and rear. You'll see this on the Indy XC models, both 129” and 137”, and on the all-new 146” Switchback XC. Polaris listened to their riders asking for a more compliant version of their popular Switchback Assault. So, where the Switchback Assault still runs the Velocity Series Walkers, the new Switchback XC (and Indy XC sleds) all are using FOX QS3 shocks with their 3-position adjusters for adjustable compression damping. This will make it easier to adjust for less intense riders. Assuming this is also due to the supply issue that Polaris ran into with Walker Evans this past season.
- As predicted last year, Polaris has retired the Pro-XC versions of the RUSH and Switchback for 2022. There is no more RUSH, or 137” Switchback.
- Many of the AXYS sleds have been converted over to the Matryx platform for 2022. Indy SP remains on the AXYS as well as the fan-cooled models like the Indy 550, 550 Adventure, EVO and RMK EVO that remain on the old Pro-Ride platform (pre-AXYS) simply as price-point models.
- This also means the old Liberty 600 engine is gone from the performance sleds, but it does still appear in the AXYS RMK 144 and Indy SP with an electronic oil pump. The Liberty 800 HO engine is still available in two Titan models as well, still on the AXYS.
- Polaris also introduced a new drive clutch dubbed the P22 which is only used on Boost models. The P22 replaces the P85 - and both were named after the year they were developed. Yes, that means the P85 Polaris drive clutches originated in 1985. They have gone through many renditions since then, but the original design is still being used. According to SnowTech Magazine, "Where the P22 differs from the P85 is the P22 utilizes an idler bearing on the center shaft to allow the belt deflection to be tight all the time, even as the belt wears. It also has a splined spider which allows the moveable sheave to be removed once the center bolt is removed, normally without a puller."
Lots of big news for 2022 from Polaris. If any Yamaha fans are reading this, you likely know their big announcement for 2022, but just in case: the new Sidewinder has power steering.
Thinking of Snowchecking a sled for 2022? Visit us at our Snowcheck events at Power Pac in Marshfield on March 31, or Erv's Sales and Service in Tomahawk on April 2 and get a sneak peek of the new Indy XCR. Or, stop in any time before April 15th and we'll help you build and customize your dream sled.