Just like most skiing gear, snowmobiles lie well into the expensive extreme. Unless you want your money to go down the drain, you should only purchase from reputable brands.
In today’s market, you can choose between four major manufacturers: Yamaha, Ski-Doo, Polaris, and Arctic Cat. All of them offer incredible quality with excellent durability. In this article, I’ll compare those manufacturers to know which is the best snowmobile brand. Let’s get going!
1. Yamaha Motor
Yamaha Motor belongs to one of the largest Japanese conglomerates — Yamaha Corporation. This giant brand produces musical instruments, electronic devices, automation equipment, and much more. As a subsidiary, Yamaha Motor produces motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, boats, and, of course, snowmobiles.
This amazing diversity is the thing that allows Yamaha to always stay at the top of their game. Their research and development team amazes us each year by introducing new snowmobiles with cutting-edge technologies that were inspired by the other lineups.
Highlights From the 2021 Lineup
Let’s take a look at some of the features presented at the latest Yamaha 2021 snowmobile lineup.
2021 Yamaha Sx Venom
For the first time in 20 years, Yamaha decided to succumb to the pressure of its loyal customers and introduce a 2-stroke engine. When compared to their 4-stroke counterparts, the 2-stroke design makes for a higher RPM with a lighter weight, making the 2021 Sx Venom one of the best trail snowmobiles on today’s market.
To fulfill the promised convenience, Yamaha equipped this model with a revamped digital gauge that shows the speed, RPM, fuel level, and elapsed distance in a clear, concise manner.
2021 Yamaha Mountain Max LE
Yamaha decided to revamp its iconic Mountain Max series with the same 794cc 2-stroke engine featured in the Sx Venom. This model comes in two versions with two track lengths: 154” and 165”.
With the incorporation of the new single-beam suspension and standard electric start, the 2021 Mountain Max LE easily shines as one of the best mountain snowmobiles on today’s market.
2. Polaris
Since 1954, Polaris has been producing high-quality motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. And with the recent popularity of clean energy, they began producing their own line of neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs). Right now, their headquarters lie in Medina, Minnesota.
Although the 2018 reports revealed that snowmobiles account for less than 6% of Polaris’s sales, they still invest considerable time and effort to try and bring new technologies each year.
Highlights From the 2021 Lineup
The 2021 lineup provided some exciting changes, especially in the drive system and engine.
QuickDrive2 Drive System
The new 2021 Polaris RMK is the first mountain sled that features the new QuickDrive2 drive system. According to Polaris, this system has a 10% gearing reduction, which decreases the required rider effort by cutting down on the inertia. The first test runs revealed a quick response with an instantaneous lift, which are highly valued in mountain sleds.
650 Patriot Engine
After the unparalleled success of the 850 Patriot engine, the new Patriot Engine had pretty huge records to break. Much to my delight, the new technology did live up to my expectations.
The 650 Patriot engine delivers around 60% improved fuel efficiency, 10% more power, and 14% bigger torque when compared to the previous engine series.
Since this engine comes with the same crank, rods, and bearings we saw in the 850 Patriot, it’s guaranteed to live for years without showing any signs of wear and tear.
7S Display With Ride Commands
The new INDY VR1 137 and Switchback Assault 146 snowmobiles come with the latest 7S Display that supports the exclusive Polaris Ride Command technology.
Thanks to the unique design, you can interact with this 7-inch display while wearing your gloves. With the integrated handlebar controls, you can explore maps, switch gauges, and even control phone calls without having to move your hands.
3. Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat started in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, back in 1960. According to the official records, the founder, Edgar Hetteen, used to work in Polaris before heading off to fulfill his dream.
Fun fact: Arctic Cat started with the name “Polar Manufacturing”, which was strikingly similar to Polaris. Luckily, the company is currently a giant that doesn’t need to copy anyone whatsoever.
Highlights From the 2021 Lineup
Arctic Cat’s 2021 lineup was by far their largest one. They introduced a bunch of new models and technology that set a record for the highest sales in the snowmobile industry.
2021 Arctic Cat Blast family is my favorite release. The whole family features an electronic fuel-injected 2-stroke 397cc engine. This perk, alongside the Arctic Drive System and Arctic Mountain Suspension, makes for a truly amazing machine that balances between comfort and stability.
4. Ski-Doo
Ski-Doo is the only brand that exclusively specializes in producing snowmobiles. It’s one of the subsidiaries owned by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). Fun fact: BRP also owns Lynx Snowmobile, which holds a considerable market share in Finland.
Despite being based in Canada, Ski-Doo has reserved a permanent place in the American market via its iconic designs and excellent quality.
Highlights From the 2021 Lineup
The 2021 lineup showed a bunch of different innovations that promise major changes in performance and durability.
rMotion X Rear Suspension
The rMotion rear suspension is definitely one of the perks that made Ski-Doo stand out for a long time. But I’m happy to say that the new rMotion X will push the brand to a whole new level.
First off, the new changes promise an impressive five-pound weight reduction, making your rides feel as smooth as butter. And by delicate changes in the overall geometry, the system will also improve how the weight transfers into the chassis, which guarantees better durability for all of your sled parts.
Rotax 600 EFI Engine
Ski-Doo wanted to give entry-level riders a chance to try a truly powerful 2-stroke engine, and that’s what the Rotax 600 EFI Engine provides.
Final Thoughts
So, after taking this birds-eye view, what deserves to be called the “best snowmobile brand”? That’s left for you to decide. Each brand tailors its lineups to fit a different set of needs. The good news is, the four manufacturers don’t disappoint. Almost all of their sleds show exceptional levels of durability, which explains why they charge a lot.