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What else ya got?
If we were talking cars, Arctic Cat’s LXR models would be considered your “base model.” That may not be what excites a buyer, but you’ll find features far beyond what you’d expect from standard models.
A tunnel bag with room for gloves, goggles, etc., and a heated seat (Gramps’ mind was just reduced to rubble!) are present on the LXR. The dash hosts a 12V outlet for your phone or GPS.
The Ski-Doo features a decent amount of storage under the rear of the seat. And don’t forget those previously mentioned driving modes, which can be great if you’ve got multiple drivers for this sled. There’s a rotating throttle lever, which transforms into a finger throttle if you’d like. For a few extra dollars, you’ll also get two pre-cut placement options for Ski-Doo’s LinQ accessories on the tunnel.
As well-built as both sleds are for the majority of everyday snowmobilers, they won’t please everyone. They aren’t made for consistent abuse through hard-hitting moguls, backwoods boondocking or ditchbanging alongside country roads. You’ll get away with it once in a while, but it might not be your favorite day on a sled.
In the end, our test riding crew agreed both are exactly what many snowmobilers are looking for when it comes to getting the most fun out of your money (ultra-reliable engines, good fuel economy and decent power paired with suspensions ideally suited for the trails). Plus, you’ve got relatively easy 4-stroke maintenance and a few conveniences, all at a relatively lower price point than more specialized or higher-powered models.
If that last paragraph was your sales pitch to Gramps, you definitely would have his full attention. His money would have gone towards the Cat 7000 LXR. That heated seat would have been too good to pass up.