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2021 Switchback Assault 146 Track

Boss 302

New Member
Messages
3
Age
56
Location
Idaho
Country
USA
Years Snowmobiling
40+
Snowmobile
2020 Indy XC 137 850
So I'm thinking about Snow Checking the new Switchback Assault 146. I ride in Idaho and Montana. I'm trying to decide which track size. I want to be able to still have a decent groomed trail ride. I know the 1.35 won't be enough for the deep stuff. And the studded 1.5 is really unnecessary because mostly powder out here. It really comes down to the 1.6" or 2" track. Just curious what y'all think?

Thanks!
 
I'd recommend the 2". My riding is a 60/40 mix of trail/off trail. I have a 2020 Assault with the 1.6 Cobra and I don't like it for either. For on trail it works fine for most conditions. But it real hard pack you can feel the lugs fold over when you are hard on the throttle. In off trail situations, it's poor. In my experience it will stay on top of the snow pretty well, but when you really need some power, it will trench down pretty quick. I think it has to do with the fact that the lugs are placed close together - meaning they are spaced in a pattern where they are on every bar. This doesn't leave enough room between lugs to really grab the snow.

I also have a 2017 Switchback Pro S, but that sled has a 1.75" Hurricane track on it. Even with a shorter track and a closed-off tunnel design, I can off trail ride it almost better than my Assault with the 1.6". And the 1.75" does great on the trail. I will be swapping my Assault track out this summer for a 1.75" or 2".

In your case, I would definitely get the 2" and you will have no issues. The new 2" track Polaris has coming out for the 146" Matryx Assault is supposed to have a harder compound making it better for trail use. And if you find that 2" is too much, you can always trim it back to 1.75". That option is a whole lot cheaper than upgrading to a larger lug if you find you made the wrong choice on getting the sled with a shorter lug.
 
So I'm thinking about Snow Checking the new Switchback Assault 146. I ride in Idaho and Montana. I'm trying to decide which track size. I want to be able to still have a decent groomed trail ride. I know the 1.35 won't be enough for the deep stuff. And the studded 1.5 is really unnecessary because mostly powder out here. It really comes down to the 1.6" or 2" track. Just curious what y'all think?

Thanks!


You may find this interesting...

 
I'd recommend the 2". My riding is a 60/40 mix of trail/off trail. I have a 2020 Assault with the 1.6 Cobra and I don't like it for either. For on trail it works fine for most conditions. But it real hard pack you can feel the lugs fold over when you are hard on the throttle. In off trail situations, it's poor. In my experience it will stay on top of the snow pretty well, but when you really need some power, it will trench down pretty quick. I think it has to do with the fact that the lugs are placed close together - meaning they are spaced in a pattern where they are on every bar. This doesn't leave enough room between lugs to really grab the snow.

I also have a 2017 Switchback Pro S, but that sled has a 1.75" Hurricane track on it. Even with a shorter track and a closed-off tunnel design, I can off trail ride it almost better than my Assault with the 1.6". And the 1.75" does great on the trail. I will be swapping my Assault track out this summer for a 1.75" or 2".

In your case, I would definitely get the 2" and you will have no issues. The new 2" track Polaris has coming out for the 146" Matryx Assault is supposed to have a harder compound making it better for trail use. And if you find that 2" is too much, you can always trim it back to 1.75". That option is a whole lot cheaper than upgrading to a larger lug if you find you made the wrong choice on getting the sled with a shorter lug.
Thank you. This is exactly the advice I was looking for! I will definitely go with the 2".
 
Given you feel studs are useless where you ride I'd guess the above advise for the 2" to be good advice.
I'd first get my ass to the dealer to get a good look and hands on feel of the new 2" track of which I have no knowledge of.
If the tips are too soft you can cut the track down a little bit to lose the soft tips.

I ordered with the 1.6 Cobra and had the dealer take it off. I figured the 1.6" Cobra is an easy sale and put that track sale money towards a 1.75" Hurricane.
I like some stud traction for safety and also like a good track for dipping offtrail. The Hurricane is getting the I-Grip screw in the paddle studs. (( 3/8" Penetration ))
Depending on the track type I-Grip studs are proven to be durable and what I really like is they are VERY LIGHT in weight.
Gearing to 2.0 with 21/42 gears. I already tested this gearing last year with a 1.75 BackCountry X and loved it.
I'm stoked to be sitting right in the middle of the 1.6" and the 2" with a 1.75" studdable option.
 
I believe the assault has a new 2" track this year. The old track, the tips of lugs where very soft, and they just folded over. Not good at all for trail riding. Very wimpy track. Will be interesting to see the reviews on the new 2" they put on it for this year.

I think the 1.6 would work great on flatter terrain deep snow. but when going up hill, you want as much lug as possible.
 
I rode the Matryx Assault 2" in January with Polaris. On trail it was great. Couldn't really tell it was a 2". Off trail was fantastic. Much more capable than my 1.6 Assault.
 
good day ,,, i have the 2021 , 146 assault , matryx switchback ,, ,, trying to get ice scratchers for the track ,,, polaris says that the ones they have will not fit ,, i tried my old cable units from my last sled , and they wont fit ,,,they hit the slide spring ,,, any ideas what i can use ,,,
 
good day ,,, i have the 2021 , 146 assault , matryx switchback ,, ,, trying to get ice scratchers for the track ,,, polaris says that the ones they have will not fit ,, i tried my old cable units from my last sled , and they wont fit ,,,they hit the slide spring ,,, any ideas what i can use ,,,
Ski-Doo rail mounted work best and bolt on. No drilling. I’ll get you a pic.
 


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