2021 Polaris 850 Switchback Assault 146 Snowmobile Review

Awesome video as always guys. Seriously considering this sled

I have been riding snowmobiles since the 70s and live in Minnesota and it's polaris

Really love the design they used for this assault

Cool, thanks for the honest review.

I'm gonna snowcheck one this summer

How would you compare and rate this sled against the 2022 Ski-Doo Backcountry XRS? As far as trail/off trail riding, flickability, throttle response, power, etc etc?

I am so torn between snow checking one of these next year or the ski-doo xrs Renny.... the display is great in the polaris. I am a 80 percent on trail and 20 off but want a playful sled that handles the trail great. From what I can see the polaris will do that. I have ridden a 850 renny x and thought it was great but this switchback has my head spinning.

So.... The one thing that set the axys assault apart (as well as the rush) was the sleds ability to pick the skis up at will. Its playfulness. No one ever mentions it in their online reviews, but I'd be willing to bet its a big factor for the guys who buy these sleds. Why is that simple thing an elephant in the room? Also, does the matryx assault get the skis up like the axys?

I would love to see you review the switchback 146 Xc 2022. Love the reviews you guys do

Quick question, how is it for carving in the powder? Its a debate between this and an sks...please help...lol

excellent video. Just snowchecked mine for next year

Spring checked 2022 Assault 850 after watching this.

Well that's gonna get all the 'Yellow Undies' in a bunch! ^_^
Love it AJ Wonder how many of the whiners actually realize you raced Doo, lol

I wish they would offer an adjustable ski stance since they killed off the SKS for next year. I prefer a narrower stance.

i need to get into snowcating.

i was just wondering, how much hp does it have?

I'm confused. I've watched a bunch of these videos today because the weather is crap here and I'm left with little to do. I can't figure out which sled is best or if all of them are best. I'm going back to watching Scotty Kilmer because he tells it like it is and not how the dealers wish it to be.

great video

My first sled in 20+ years and love it. Great review and accurate, thanks Snowtrax

17,000 bucks but cool.

My 2018 Assault is the best sled I've ever ridden...I can't wait to jump on the new VR1 Assault, but if they come out with an SKS or KHAOS with the Matryx chassis I'll be grabbing it at end of season.

You say the 1.5 track rides good on the trails. How would you say the 2" is on trail? Thanks. Great video!👍👍

Thanks to you, and these videos, I just bought this exact snowmobile today. This is my first brand new snowmobile in my life. I've been riding since 1984. This Assault does not disappoint, and its a world away from my older machines.

Is the riser adjustable? I’m 6’3 and like to stand a lot when I ride

Put the react front end on and done!

Really torn between matryx chassis vr1 or an mxz

Wow, amazing video and review of a worthy sled! I love the matryx chassis with very slick looks and styling! Good job guys! Got a new sub from me!

I’m thinking about buying this next year but I want my dad to be able to use it on the trails. Will he notice a huge difference between the axys rush and this?

Make a pro rmk with this chassis

Anyone having plug fowling issues with the 850s?

Yeah I wish there was snow in my state all year round ! Then I could justify the price of these machines now , there going to keep going up ..

I don’t like the looks of the front of it I like the old style looks for plastics

“Luc said that the Indy VR1 is the best riding trail sled that he’s ever ridden. And this Switchback Assault 146, is the best ridding crossover that I’ve ever ridden”. Sounds like you guys are going to have to have an arm wrestle to determine who wins the 2021 Sled Of The Year.

Is this an uncoupled suspension to get faster transfer and front lift?

Polaris just went from making arguably the nicest, most aggressive-looking snowmobile chassis ever produced (Axys) to one that looks like a mosquito on steroids (Matryx).

Wish I could get some snow around my place, I'm sick and tired of sitting in my house all day for 10 months in a row

So glad you guys are back. Love the review! I just want to thank you guys for your in-depth and honest reviews. I spent 2 years watching all your videos and reading all the sled mags b4 jumping back in and buying a couple sleds this winter. Your advice was invaluable. Keep up the hard work and don’t pay any mind to the haters. Thanks again!

AJ are you going to do a review of the 650 patriot in the assault platform. Currently driving an 850 Backcountry but I’m really interested in switching to an assault.. not sure at my age I need an 850 for trail riding and ice fishing..

Ok idk I love my Renegade Backcountry 146 800 E-Tec but it still looks like a nice sled I definitely would go take her for a rip lol

You know what the Best snowmobile is? The one you can get on and ride. Sure we all want a new sled and those that can afford a new one that's great. Just give me some snow and I'll have a sled to ride!!!

Hey AJ excellent video on a excellent sled I have 800km on mine and the side panels need more engineering but a sweet sled

Is the 850 worth the extra $$ compare to the 650 on the assault 146?

I miss when the cowling used to be in the picture, you lift it up and EVERYTHING is right there...dumbass panels always break when its -10 outside

AJ! Can you do a review/install on screw in studs on a 1.6 Cobra! Would be super helpful!

Nice Machine..but Man I hope they have some Nicer color graphics for next season

I still believe the #1 crossover sled is an SKS 146" with a track swap to the new Matryx 146"x2" track.

The prosteer skis on the stock Assault suck off trail. Grippers are night and day difference. But can still rail on trail with shaper bars and shims. The Assault doesnt come with an adjustable width front end. Because of this, it will never be a perfect 50/50 sled. SKS 146 already has the following: 1. rear suspension that the Matryx Assault has. 2. Gripper skis. 3. Adjustable front suspension. Just needs a track swap.

Isn't the rear suspension basically the same as the SKS 146" in Axys? Same ratio, same IGX 146" and same stiffner points as the SKS. Probably just different shock valving?

Can’t believe none of the sponsored riders built this sled into a 155 mountain sled.

Riders with OCD are seeking therapy. The cockeyed decal placement is driving them mad. Seriously. I've seen a bunch of guys complaining about it on FB. They don't realize they are meant to be angled that way.

Most of the people that have ridden production Matryx VR1 or SBA 146 sleds with the Velocity IFS and the Velocity Needle RTS, are impressed with how comfortably they ride, but the progressive resistance of the shock, keeps them from bottoming. If you don't have heavy enough spring settings for your riding weight, and they sag close to mid travel, THEN they might be stiff riding. The cooling system is doing a good job even during break-in and sometimes limited snow on the trail this season. The SmartWarmers work as promised: Set your desired temperature, they warm at fast even at idle, and you don't have to mess with it after that, unless you change your riding gloves. When the sled starts, the left hand control shows you what you were set at when it was shut off.