Lynx is the market leading snowmobile manufacturer in Europe as well as a sub-brand of Ski-Doo. Both of these brands belong to the Canadian firm Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) Inc. Although these sleds have a lot in common, Lynx snowmobiles have some Scandinavian DNA. In a nutshell, the main difference between Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles is that the latter features different ergonomics and a totally different heavy-duty rear suspension. There are also some minor differences in their design and features.
If you are looking for a Ski-Doo vs. Lynx comparison, you are in the right place.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled some quick facts about these brands under one roof!
What’s the Difference Between Ski-Doo and Lynx?
Lynx is arguably the biggest snowmobile manufacturer in Europe. The company was founded in 1967 and was acquired by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. in 1988.
Although Lynx belongs to the same parent company as Ski-Doo, their products were not available in the U.S.before the 2022 model year.
This means that U.S. snowmobile buyers could only choose from four major brands: Ski-Doo, Yamaha, Polaris, and Arctic Cat.
But to the delight of many fans, BRP surprised the market and brought Lynx snowmobiles into the states for the 2022 season.
It’s big news in the world of snowmobiles as it means a fifth snowmobile manufacturer comes into play!
The first Lynx sleds to become available in the U.S. are the off-trail BOONDOCKER DS 4100 and BOONDOCKER DS 3900, as well as the RAVE RE designed for trail riding.
Just like their Ski-Doo siblings, these sleds are also built on REV Gen4 chassis and powered by 849cc E-TEC (2-stroke, fuel-injected) Rotax engines. They also utilize very similar front suspension geometry as their equivalent Ski-Doo models.
But then what’s the difference between these Ski-Doo and Lynx sleds? Although they share the same chassis and engine, Lynx snowmobiles are specifically designed for rough trail conditions. This is because Scandinavian trails are groomed infrequently, which typically results in rough trail surfaces. That’s why Lynx snowmobiles feature a unique rear suspension, which is known as PPS – “Pauli Piippola Suspension,” a slightly higher seat, and different ergonomics.
All of these ensure excellent traction and handling on rough surfaces even at higher speeds.
Experts say that Lynx sleds offer a different riding experience compared to their Ski-Doo siblings. If you ride these machines in a standing position, you can expect a more dirt bike-like experience.
If you are an experienced rider who’s looking for a performance sled, you should take a closer look at the new Lynx snowmobiles!
Where are Lynx Snowmobiles Made?
Although they are manufactured and marketed by the Canadian BRP, Lynx snowmobiles are exclusively made in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland. Besides snowmobiles, the facility also produces Can-Am ATVs. Just like any other BRP product, Lynx sleds are powered by Rotax engines, which are manufactured in Austria.
Conclusion – Is a Lynx a Ski-Doo?
Contrary to popular belief, Lynx snowmobiles are not completely equivalent to Ski-Doo models. Although Lynx sleds are built on Ski-Doo chassis and powered by Rotax engines, they feature slightly different ergonomics and a special “heavy-duty” (PPS) rear suspension. Thanks to these features, Lynx snowmobiles can easily handle harsh conditions and rough terrain.
The Finnish brand has been part of BRP’s portfolio since 1988, but BRP just brought Lynx sleds into the U.S. market for the 2022 season.
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