It is great hearing you share the same opinion. When I first rode it I thought it was really good, but I kept asking myself "was it really that good or was it just hype?" After putting it up against the AXYS sleds, it confirmed that it really does work awesome!

thank you.

hopefully it was helpful

Thank you. Hopefully, it will help the people who are looking into a new sled.

LaVallee Levi, any input on the Matryx 129 vs the 137? Coming from a 120 and being older I’m looking hard at the 137 to smooth out the chewed up, whooped out trails of northern Michigan. Thanks for all you do!

haha I am so pumped I found it!

Thanks Roy! 🙌🏼

@@Levi_LaVallee big big welcome Levi👊👊

Thanks for watching!

Thank you!

They are so much fun!

haha it is fun to step back for some smiles and to make you appreciate how good we have it now!

@@Levi_LaVallee yes sir it is indeed. 😊

Snowmobiling USA thank you !

Love that sound too

Thank you! I will have the majority Matryx sleds. Been brainstorming so ideas for Matryx Builds ;)

The XCR 129 was the sled I rode the most this season because it was the sled that I could ride the hardest and take it! It's not as smooth as the Pro S on the trail in the bumps, but I liked knowing I could throw it into much bigger stuff without it bottoming out. The XCR likes going fast and riding hard! That's what I love about that sled! Those were fun days back when XCRs, Ultras, and Storms ruled the land! You must be cool if you had the matching Leathers! That was fairytale talk when I was a kid as it would have taken me a summer of work to pay for the leathers! haha

@@Levi_LaVallee It wasn't easy to afford and that's basically what I did! I recently just picked up a 93 750 storm for a restoration project and a 96 Ultra. It's still feels like a fairytale when I hear these triples and ride them!

Ed Wright you will love it! I can’t wait for next season!

Thank you! The ol 96er is a hoot to ride!

@@Levi_LaVallee I know it isn't Polaris, we just loaded this classic V-FAM vid. Fun to dream with kids. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eq1lnsyU2NTPemw.html

Well, the Matryx is no 1996 XCR 600 but it sure is easier to ride all day! haha

Thank you! The VR1 was the best all-around trail sled I have been on. The stability in the corners, how smooth it was through the bumps, and how natural it feels to move around on it without hitting your knees is what jump out at you right away!

Holy Moly! you need the snowmobile built for 4 seat! haha kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i71liLaV1JzadY0.html

Power sliding through turns is something I haven't done since I was a kid.. until I got the 600 XCR 😜

LaVallee I wish they would bring back an old triple 2-stroke with tri pipes

They need to do an Indy 650 with that new engine and retro 1990's paint scheme!!

Had the same sled with same windshield. Put a m10 in the rear really made a big difference. Can go pretty fast on those old sleds cause they can carry so much speed in the turns.

Thomas Duane Bruce is a good guy for sure and extremely knowledgable when it comes to sleds! 650 runs great! Not quite 850 pull but it seems like it could be 800 strong! Hopefully I get to do a back to back comparison 650 vs 800

@@Levi_LaVallee Bruce is awesome, he found me a VR1 snowcheck back out, so I am pumped

@@APF1201 Awesome news for you! Can't wait to hear what you think of it... It was the best trail sled I have been on!

@@Levi_LaVallee thanks man, will post up when I get it!!

Because there is no standard for bump sizes, "big bumps" can mean different things to each person. The big bumps we were riding were roughly 1.5-2' deep which to me is big bumps for on the trail, on a snocross track they are yawners. haha. The reason I believe the XCR didn't score as high is that the suspension doesn't drive through the bumps like a softer suspension. What I mean by that- have ever seen an offroad truck race through 3-4' deep whoops in Baja? The truck stays flat on top of the whoops "skimming the tops" while the wheels are moving up and down 3' through each whoop. The suspension is stroking a lot. That is what the Matryx and Xc 137 do well, they drive through the bumps absorbing them. Now if the offroad truck had "XCR suspension" the truck would be rocking back and forth like a motocross bike due to the stiffer suspension which strokes less. If the bumps get so big or the "g-outs" get so hard that you begin bottoming the suspension out, then you feel a ridged kick or deflection. This is where "XCR suspension" starts to shine. Hard hits, jumps, High speed "g outs" things you encounter ditch banging and riding hard. Personally, I will sacrifice the smoothness on the trail, to have suspension stiff enough to jump and hit stuff hard like you can on the XCR. The positive is the shocks are beginning to bridge the gap between plush for bumps, and stiff for jumps more and more with shocks like the Velocity that gets more firm towards the end of the stroke, helping with bottoming resistance. Here is a link to the heavier spring kit polaris offers - snowmobiles.polaris.com/en-us/shop/accessories/new-accessories/2884975/ . a lot of times this and some clicker adjustments can help your ride if you are a heavier rider.

Thanks for the explanation about the XCR in big bumps. I have a 2020 and absolutely love it. I’m hoping it will move to the Matryx chassis in 2022. Great overall review!

Exotic_ Neebs thank you! Racing snocross you definitely notice your back after a hard day of riding.

@@Levi_LaVallee thank you for the reply

thank you for watching

🙋🏼‍♂️

I rode the Xc 137 a lot this season and it is a great sled! You are in great shape with that sled!

My guess it the shocks will be a dream on the VR1 compared to the race sled on the trail. Ditch banging the IQR would still be my pick, but if you want the best trail experience, the VR1 delivers.... And the 650 boogies!

It is!

What sled do you ride?

@@ghost1012 Trail sled

Wtf. That doesnt answer the question lmfao

@@ghost1012 lol u mad?

Well when someone is trying to offer some help and you act like an idiot. Good luck

XC 137 was a great machine! The Matryx makes it easier to move around on and less knee bonks.

The 650 pulls hard on the trail from corner to corner. The 850 pulls harder but the 650 feels closer to an 800 than a 600. I really wish I could do an 800 vs 650 comparison because I think it would be close. We didn't do an apple to apple fuel test, so I unable to say.

@@Levi_LaVallee Thank you for the response. I'm currently on a 2018 800 Pro-S Switchback. Considering a VR1 in 129 for next year, but stuck on the 650 vs. 850 question. May have to wait a year until I can get some seat time on each. Except for the vibration, I am really happy with the 800 in spirited trail riding situations, which is 90% of my ride time. Anyway, thanks for the reviews - Lots of fun. Ride safe.

If you are over 200lbs and are an aggressive rider that hits big bumps hard, I would look into getting heavier springs (for sure torsion springs) put on it, and turning the compression clickers in. I believe Ryan is 200+ and he was right on my tail ripping most of the time so I believe it worked well for him. We did have pretty smooth trails though with only smaller bumps for the most part. If it would have been a Sunday ride, it may have changed his opinion. For the conditions we were in, the XCR's felt stiff-instead of absorbing the bumps and driving through it, it would bounce off of them... As mentioned, I didn't get to ditch bang the VR1 which I could tell you a lot more about how it handles the hard hits... But I don't think it will work as well as the XCR ditch banging.

The 2019 XC was smooth if you were going slower but in general I felt the suspension was to soft. With the Velocity shocks on the Vr1 it has great plushness that ramps up for the harder hits. The Vr1 suspension is so good for trail riding. You will be very impressed with the VR1. I agree the 129 is more nimble on the trail and doesn't push as much for the most part. YOu can remedy the push a little with a track with angled side lugs for less side traction, more ski bite (more aggressive skis, bigger carbide, suck on limiter strap, etc), turn up the IFs springs... or get a 129. haha. The 137 is a little more forgiving but not as quick reacting in the turns as the 129.

Bruce is pretty sharp when it comes to sled!

Eric Tracey yes you can sit on one at a dealer and feel the difference in the seat and side panels compared to the other sleds.

Depends on what you plan to do with it. If you plan on doing a fair amount of Off-trail riding, the 146 would be the sled to get. If you plan on blasting trails only, I would get a VR1.

@@Levi_LaVallee Okay I am going with the Assault. Can you explain to me the difference between a 15X146X1.5 Ice Storm and a 15X146X1.6 Cobra track? I will need to decide on what is the best track for me as I plan on doing 60-65% trail and the remaining off trail.

Robert Liggett The Storm track is my favorite trail track. The scoop design in the middle really hooks up for straight line traction but with the lower 1.25 lugs on the outside, allow the tail to slide and feel more playful. The cobra should be better off trail because it is a little taller. I ordered mine with the storm track based on my experience having the storm on my 137 this past season and riding a 1.6 on a 144. I think the storm gets almost as good straight line traction, but i really enjoy having the ability to tail slide on the trail and when we went off trail it gets around well.

YOu will love it! The Pro S works great on the trail, but he VR1 is so stable and smooth, plus the new panels, seat, and 7s display take it to the next level!

Hello. 850 is my favorite. It pulls so hard!

The 129 is more fun feeling to me because you can slide the back end a little better and it feels more agile through the trail and ditches. The 137 is more forgiving feeling. Tracks a little straighter, stops a little better, but feels bigger to me. If i'm feeling racey I go 129, if i'm feeling like a comfortable ride I go 137.

That style sled doesn’t , I still think there the best

We didn't find many big bump areas other than the one section where I get hucka-bucked on the ol 96er. I'd say the bumps were 1.5-2' deep. I would rate both XCR's the same for inside ski lift, but not as flat in the turns as the VR1 or the XC 137.

Add a couple turn of preload to front IFS springs, it almost stops ski lift once dialed in. Your Aarms should be slightly above level when sitting on sled. Not under level. That's where the ski lift comes from

Kwmike-D Thanks, we’ve still got snow so I’ll try that out this weekend. Right now my IQR is way more predictable and corners flatter than my XCR.

Hey Alaska Guy when you gonna make some new vids with that XCR?

The vr1 has a up to 1.5” track so they don’t do the best off trail if it is deep

Coming from the Pro S you will enjoy the new seat, console, and the 650 on the trail! Congrats on the new sled! You will enjoy it!

looking forward to jumping it and making it a custom one off like my pro-s was

That is the truth! My wife says "stop growing, you are getting so big" to our kids. I think that's what my Mom said when I was a kid and sure enough, I stopped growing in body and mind at the 12 years old. haha

congratulations on your new sled! You are going to love it!

@@Levi_LaVallee thanks ,some people label me as headstrong, i prefer loyal, first ride 64 polaris comet, best ride 019 850 xc 129, best looking polaris sleds 79 txl & 79 centurion or maybe my 85 600 se

​@@oldslow3694 I would like to get a Centurion. I have a 80 TXL which is just a little guy and it feels like a rocket! Perhaps the leaf springs add to the feeling of speed. haha. If you liked the 19 XC129, you will love the VR1.

@@Levi_LaVallee try & find 1980 centurion, it was just a little faster then the 79, back in the day my dealer was motor genius, every sled he sold he went thru carbs ,clutches. if the center to center was short or long between the clutches he would find belt that worked for each sled. the old sleds bring back great memories but these new sleds are the best yet, now thinking i should snow check VR 1 850 137 as test sled

new best sled, my 650 vr1 129, only 50 miles on it riding around farm but man what a difference, wed. trails open by me so get to try it my guess will not be disappointed. so maybe next year sell my outdated 019 850 xc129. ,not , staying in fleet

I'm not sure on chassis changes but the ifs is the same front end as we have on our race sleds and have had on the AXYS sleds. The skid is the Pro CC which has been out for the last couple seasons. My opinion on how they were able to achieve better handling on the trail was by lowering the center of gravity with shocks and with the changes to the seat and knee area. Regarding the rack and saddle bags- you should be able to get any attachments that are fitted for the 129, 137, or 146 full tunnel sleds from 2020

LaVallee thanks any hot tent questions let me know, go check out some you tube vids and join the fun

That's a good question. The power is a little less on the 650 so it may be easier to be smooth in the tight trails which would take less effort to ride fast in the tight stuff compared to the 850. The hard part was the VR1 was a 650 and the Axys were 850, the Vr 1 is better in the tight trails for sure with the new seat and side panels. But 650 or 850 is a toss-up.

@@Levi_LaVallee I have ridden 800s in the past and am considering snow checking 850 matryx. After review of the 650 you did, I was sold on that motor. How much different is 650 vs 850? Or maybe better question is how different is 600 vs 650?

I thought the Axys was awesome, and it is! But the Matryx takes it to a new level!

@@Levi_LaVallee now looking to sell 020 600 xc 129 retro colors , guy that wants it has 80 centurion, then buy another vr1 650 or 850 cannot go wrong with either engine

Mike Skidmore Agree so true.

MrPolarisguy11 650 is so strong! Feels more like a 800 !

@@Levi_LaVallee I was kinda wondering about that. How does it compare to the 850 in the twisty trails for feel of power and fuel consumption?

@@MrPolarisguy11 The 850 pulls harder and longer, but the 650 is surprising how well it runs! We didn't get to do an official fuel consumption test but it seemed to burn less the both the 600 and 850 we had along.

@@Levi_LaVallee great. Tanks for the feedback! Too bad this virus has taken over and prevented us to see this new chassis. I will be waiting another year before ordering but good to get real feedback on these new sleds. Great video

all of them are 2 stroke.

it hard not to root for it!

Id have to much fun! haha

What kind of riding do you do?

@@Levi_LaVallee trail riding, ditch banging. Have you ever heard of these 800 having the cylinders glazed after break in?

@@NITROUSnBIASPLYS what do you mean glazed.... or are we talking donuts? Haha

If you ditch bang and want the ability to jump, I would have the shocks stiffened. The XC is very plush for trail riding but a bit soft for ditch banger and catching air.

@@Levi_LaVallee my sled was a new old stock I bought 2 months ago. I put 500 miles on it and pulled the plugs to do a compression check so I know where I’m at with my motor. I got 108&110. I brought it into the dealer with concerns about this low compression and the poor starting when it’s cold out. The dealership got back to me saying my compression was low due to glazed cylinders...🤷🏻‍♂️ Under warranty I will get a new top end they say.

The VR1 is the Premium package with Velocity shocks and the new 7S display.

Also Matryx is the platform like AXYS. VR1 is the model.

It was glued to the ground! I gave it a 7. as long as the corner was smooth, it was a blast power sliding it around the turns!

sleepybrew That’s correct the VR1’s shocks will be to soft for anybody over 200 lbs or aggressive riders. Hopefully 2022 brings a Maytrx XCR.

It sounds like you must ride pretty hard or in rough conditions. If that is the case, the XCR is the sled for you. I didn't touch the clickers on my XCR (assuming they were in the middle of the clickers) and was able to jump it pretty decent in the ditches. The XCR was quite a bit stiffer than the Xc 137 with maxed out clickers. The VR1 suspension is closer to the XC 137 but has Velocity shocks which are bit better on bottoming. But again if you are looking for stiffer, the XCR is the sled.

@@kathleencahill6353 An option would be to get the shocks re-valved as they have Velocity shocks just like the 2020 XCR. Polaris also has heavier springs you can get if you weigh more and the stock springs are sagging to low.

@@Levi_LaVallee i weigh 200lbs, and live in NY. i ride hard for sure, usually 180 mile days, cranking out as fast as we can. i did revalve every sled between 03 and 18. it was the only way. the spring test rides had great valving, but the production units were soft. why let someone ride a non-bottoming sled, they like it and order it, and they get a bottoming sled . clickers do nothing on those with that valving. i feel that a sled like that is dangerous . i know some posers cry about too stiff, but they should be honest with themselves and buy the right sled. someone who buys a "pro r" over a standard rush would expect that the pro r would be a bump monster. my pro r would bottom on anything. my friend's pro s , although called a groomed trail sled, was the same way, bottom out on the smallest of hits. i waited for a leftover just to be sure the xcr was not just another sled needing shock work, and it is the real deal. thanks for replying!

Why I think the SWB scored lower was the XCR's, in general, are valved stiffer and then add Pro XC rear suspension which is a more progressive rate, it felt like it was deflecting off the bumps instead of driving through them. My guess would be the SWB Pro S would score better as the suspension is much softer than the SWB XCR.

@@Levi_LaVallee What if you're bigger and need that stiff suspension? I bought a 19 xc 129 and after a lot of shock work with Bruce from this video I ended up trading it back in for a 2020 swb xcr because in aggressive big bump riding the Indy just couldn't cut it imo. Medium bumps and groomed trial sure it was great but by mid-afternoon the trails are always whooped out around here. I'm sad knowing the SWB is prolly being phased out after this year because after owning that new chassis I think Polaris actually went backward. The new chassis does look great and handle groomed to mid-sized bumps extremely well and has better storage options but that's where it ends. Still a good video and appreciate you using different sized riders. Nice Job

If your over 200 pounds or just ride aggressively on bumpy trails you need an XCR. These videos never talk about that they just try to sell you the sled they are talking about. Some will even say the XCR isn’t stiff enough. It would be nice if when you snow check a sled you could have shock spring and calibration choices to fit your weight and riding style.

They are similar to the XC. Good trail sled for sure.

Think someone said it’s all quarter turn knobs no rubber strap like Ayxs.

@@kathleencahill6353 I know that. I wanna see them come off

There is this thing called Google, it will take you to the Polaris website and help you with all the acronym's. I'm a Ski-Doo rider but interested in all the brands technology, I get it though there is a lot of different versions out to choose from.

@@spyder3777 Yes but my point was I don't which model they were talking about after they rode it .. I don't know the XYZ from the PBS Razor ..

ajlukelepuke ??

The interesting thing is Nick and Ryan are carpenters, Bruce is a Polaris Dealer, Joe is an event cordinator who does events like X Games and Rally X. Far from paid Polaris people. As mentioned in the beginning of the video, I try to have a diverse group of riders to get different opinions because I understand that people may question my opinion because of my long history with Polaris. Also I would disagree that 99% wouldn't notice the difference. Nick hasn't had a sled since highschool, Ryan has 1998 xc 600 that i'm not sure he has ridden in years yet both of them noticed the differences when going back to back because they are very noticeable. The Axys is a great sled but as mentioned in this video, there are noticeable differences between Axys and Matryx and the goal was to simply inform people of the differences.

That will be fun!

All I had to do to get a RB helmet was jump 412' and rotate a double backflip on a snowmobile;)

It was so much fun! we would go for 15-30 minutes at a time on it before you would start to get beat up feeling.... I think we are getting soft from riding the new sleds because we use to ride days on the old iron without issue, not 15-30 minutes. haha

VR1 for trail riding... XCR if you are going race speed on the trail and want to ditch bang as well. The VR1 was so smooth and flat corning, for sure the best trail sled.

Haha on smooth trails you have a hard time keeping from smiling the whole time on the XCR!

David Clausner 1995 was for sure flat! My Dad had a 95 he put pipes on and I cross country raced it. So flat in the turns!

I had that same machine. 1995 xcr 600 special.. with rounded tank and lower seat height.. instill regret selling it. It went to 10 000 miles.. then sold er. Nover opened motor once

Was my dad's machine too. Lol. I rode it more then him though

Jesper Hägglund the old race sleds are still great for jumping for sure! Pretty stripped down compared to these sleds because they were purpose built for racing and you do need comfort racing as long as you can go fast on it!