12 of the Best Snowmobiles for Jumping and Freestyle [Video]


Based on our research, 12 of the best snowmobiles for jumping and freestyle riding are as follows:

  1. Arctic Cat M8 HCR
  2. Arctic Cat ZR series
  3. Arctic Cat Sno Pro
  4. Polaris Pro X
  5. Polaris Pro XR
  6. Polaris Edge X
  7. Polaris IQ
  8. Polaris Switchback
  9. Polaris XC and XC SP
  10. Polaris RMK Assault
  11. Ski-Doo MXZ X
  12. Lynx Rave 850

If you want to find out more about the models and the key factors you should consider in picking the best freestyle sled, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

What kind of Snowmobile do You Need for Jumping and Ditch Banging?

Let’s face it, snowmobiling is not only about hammering the throttle on the trails, and boondocking in the backcountry.

Instead, many riders prefer doing tricks like jumps, “wheelies,” or ditch banging. What’s more, the most advanced sledders can do pretty amazing freestyle tricks with their machines as well.

Are you wondering which model to choose for this type of riding?

General wisdom says that the best snowmobiles for jumping and freestyle riding are modified race sleds. These machines are built on heavy-duty chassis and suspensions, which are essential for such use. They also have high-performance engines that provide adequate power for the jumps and tricks.

Keep in mind that you can do jumps with virtually any type of sled, but many of them won’t last too long. This abuse puts a lot of strain on the parts, which often translates to cracks, bends, and less overall durability.

Because of this, you have to be sure to invest in a high-quality sled that will serve you in the long run. Also, you should consider some modifications like installing aftermarket suspensions and some safety features.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the best jumping/freestyle snowmobiles by brand!

Which are the Best Snowmobiles for Jumping and Freestyle?

Best Polaris Sleds for Jumping

Many riders agree that some of the best freestyle snowmobiles are built by Polaris.

The race-inspired Pro X and IQ series are probably the most popular among riders. They perform well through the jumps and can land very smoothly.

According to SnoRiders, hill climb-racing models like the Polaris RMK Assault are also capable of large jumps and drops.

Based on our research, the best Polaris sleds for jumping and tricks are as follows:

  • Polaris Pro X
  • Polaris Edge X
  • Polaris Pro XR
  • Polaris IQ
  • Polaris Switchback
  • Polaris XC and XC SP
  • Polaris Switchback
  • Polaris RMK Assault

Best Arctic Cat Sleds for Jumping

Besides Polaris, Arctic Cat is also known for its high-quality race sleds. Some of the favorite picks of freestyle snowmobile riders are Arctic Cat’s Sno Pro models, like the Firecat F5 Sno Pro.

Another popular series is the race-inspired ZR family, marketed with many high-performance engine options.

When it comes to hill-climbing sleds, we have to mention the popular M8 HCR. As the name suggests (HCR stands for Hill Climb Racer), this sled is specifically designed for climbing and doing ticks in the mountains.

Based on our research, the best Arctic Cat snowmobiles for freestyle riding are as follows:

  • Arctic Cat M8 HCR
  • Arctic Cat ZR series
  • Arctic Cat Sno Pro series
  • Arctic Cat Crossfire

Best Ski-Doos for Jumping

The Canadian BRP is known for its high-quality products, and its Ski-Doo snowmobiles are no exception.

One of the best Ski-Doo chassis ever built is arguably the REV platform. This innovative design made its debut in 2012 but has undergone many changes since.

The key advantage of the revolutionary REV platform is that it offers the best “riding forward” position. This means that this design moves the rider towards the front, which shifts the center of gravity closer to the middle of the machine.

This riding position and weight distribution ensure an excellent riding experience and outstanding jumping abilities.

Many great sleds are built on the innovative Rev platform including the Summit, Freeride, and MXZ models. The latter with the X package (MXZ X) is considered one of the best Ski-Doos for jumping and ditch banging.

Best Yamaha Sleds for Jumping

Let’s face it, Yamaha snowmobiles are not built for freestyle riding.

These machines built their reputation for durability and reliability, but they tend to be too heavy for jumps and tricks.

Therefore, if you are looking for a great freestyle snowmobile, you should look into the offerings of other manufacturers.

Conclusion

The best snowmobiles for jumping, ditch banging, and freestyle riding are arguably factory race sleds.

The most popular models in the Arctic Cat fleet are the Sno Pro and the ZR series, but the M8 models also do a really good job.

You can also find plenty of great sleds in Polaris’ lineup, including the Pro X/XR, IQ, and Edge X models.

The best Ski-Doos for jumping are the race models built on the REV platforms, the most popular of which is the MXZ with the X package.

For better performance and durability, you may want to consider some modifications to your sled. The most common mods on freestyle sleds are suspension upgrades and engine tweaks for more power.

References

https://snoriderswest.com/article/sled-tech/how_to_choose_the_right_sled_for_your_ride

https://www.snowest.com/2009/02/airing-it-out-the-basics-of-jumping

https://sleddermag.com/ride-tips-jumping-101-with-chris-brown/

Recent Content