The Best 2002 Models

Best Cross-Country 500: Arctic Cat ZR 500
Runner-up: Polaris XC 500 SP
You might just as well flip a coin between these two sleds and the MX Z 500. All three possess potent engines, excellent ride and handling, and the ability to cover rough ground with the unmatched agility of a lighter package. The addition of the coupler blocks makes the ZR the most capable in the rough, while the Polaris may be the strongest engine package. The Cat handles better, with the right ride height (Polaris sits too low, Ski-Doo sits too high).

Best Cross-Country 600: Polaris XC 600 SP
Runner-up: Arctic Cat ZR 600 EFI
The ZR takes the rougher terrain better, while the XC with the position sensitive Fox rear shock takes the trail chop and stutters smoother. The ZR corners better, but the XC has unmatched engine power in this class. The greatly improved MX Z 600 X is right there in all respects, not quite as powerful or as smooth as the Polaris, not quite as able to take the bigger terrain like the ZR, and it does sit rather high with brakes that just aren’t as good as Cat’s, so once again we are being really picky. The Yamaha SX 600 R is totally under powered, but the flattest cornering and easiest to hang on to.

Best Cross-Country 700: Yamaha SX Viper
Runner-up: Polaris XC 700 SP
This class was our biggest struggle. All of these sleds are truly contenders. If the sled was primarily used for riding smooth trails, take the Viper for the fluid power delivery, economy and flat cornering. As it gets rougher, the Polaris gets more attractive. Rougher yet, the MX Z is superior. The XC seems to have the bottom end and initial acceleration advantage, but the Viper appears to have longer legs on top. While the Viper is heavier, they really feel very similar. EDGE or M-10? Doesn’t matter, they’re both good.

Why not the MX Z 700? Very good question. If Ski-Doo would have had an X package 700 for evaluation, they may have pegged this one. The MX Z 700 we had was an Adrenaline, and it just wasn’t as impressive as these other two machines. The Doo can have DPM, it handles better (not quite as flat as a Viper), and the new skid frame works well across a broad range of conditions. But, it sits higher, and just didn’t provide the impression of being as well balanced. We suspect the Viper and the XC engines are both slightly stronger than the MX Z. There is no clear winner in this class either. 2002 is the year of parity; all very strong machines, none really foul, all just different.

Best Cross-Country 800: Ski-Doo MX Z 800 X
Runner-up: Arctic Cat ZR 800
The new VES power valve 800 engine from Polaris has yet to prove itself, they’re just not quite there yet as it isn’t as close to being final as the 700 VES. Same story with the ZR 800 EFI; late changes to the injection system didn’t allow us to properly test it as it will be delivered. The enhancements to the MX Z 800 X are impressive, and the engine is as solid as it gets. At this moment in time, the MX Z 800 X is the most complete and well-balanced machine in this class.

 

Best Trail Sled: Polaris Classic 600
Runner-up: Arctic Cat ZL 600 EFI SS
In the course of having the opportunity to evaluate 100 sleds in one week, a few really stand out as trail sleds. The Polaris Classic models fitted with the FAST M-10 were so totally dialed for the rough trails we found, it didn’t matter what engine they had. The 600 is a bit lighter than the 700 (about 9-10 pounds) and was the real stand out. Cat added coupler blocks to their ZL 600 EFI SS, which has stiffened the suspension compared to our January-build SS; we believe Cat is still getting all of their skid frame calibrations sorted out in response to the affect of the coupler blocks. The Vmax and Legends just didn’t ride as good, period.

Best “Dual-Sport” Sled: Ski-Doo Renegade 800
This could easily be the best new model of 2002 because of its broad appeal. The execution of each of the Renegade models is stunning, a blend of the best features from both the MX Z and Summit lines. After riding the Renegade 800, four out of five of our test crew felt they would choose a Renegade over an MX Z. If the Polaris SKS 700, with its new VES 700 twin, was offered in an EDGE chassis instead of the Gen II, we’d have a major battle on our hands. Expect this next year, along with a stretched ZR.

Best Mountain Sled: Polaris RMK 700
Runner-up: Ski-Doo Summit 800
The best mountain sled is not the one that performs the best in a single condition; it is the vehicle that performs well over the widest range of conditions. With this in mind, our test riders were most impressed with the Polaris RMK 700. We ran both the 144” and 151” versions, and they both were dialed. Longer is better as the snow gets deeper, but shorter equals more track speed and higher climbing in firmer conditions. The addition of VES power valves to the RMKs tends to level the playing field some; the 700 twin is totally dialed, while the 800 VES is yet to be finalized so we have to reserve judgment here. The Summits are stellar in the bottomless snow with no base, but are more condition-specific and are not as capable in other conditions where the RMKs work well. Even the Mountain Cat 800 was so very close, but it is heavier and the EFI version isn’t finalized yet. The Mountain Max 700 gets up out of the powder better than any other, and has the ride and handling that would appeal to those who spend any amount of time on flatter terrain. Only the lower power and weight of the MM 700 keep it from being the best in class.