The Shredder gets significant updates for nearly every chassis component to raise the game in deep snow riding while the rest of the line benefits from important upgrades and feature expansion plus a focus on entry-level with the Core Package.

“With the 2026 Lynx models, you’ll see evidence of our dedication to bringing both new, innovative ideas and our constant improvement strategy – which has led to market leadership in Scandinavia, and is now taking hold in North America,” stated Hannu Härkönen, Global Product Manager, Lynx Snowmobiles. “From big things like redesigning Commander and Shredder models to smaller ones that solve irritants like the flippable snow flap, we make sure to bring the best performance in all aspects to the market.”

The Commander RE gets the most up-to-date Radien² chassis with LED lighting, cutting edge styling and the 10.25-inch Touchscreen Display that includes Group Ride functionality in North America without a cell phone or network connection. More new components to boost the ‘go anywhere performance’ include a 4-piston brake system, new arched A-Arms, heated seat and flippable snow flap that stays out of the way when reversing. The leading crossover sled in Europe is ready to show North Americans what they’ve been missing.

Shredder models enter 2026 with a multitude of changes targeting even more deep snow capability with the renowned ‘Built Tough’ Lynx DNA. The chassis gets a shorter tapered tunnel, shorter heat exchangers and elevated, reshaped running boards that all add up to less weight. The reworked PPS³-DS rear suspension uses a new rail profile and new geometry for improved sidehilling characteristics, while lighter and narrower Blade DSS skis, new LFS-DS front suspension and Twin Link steering give riders more control in all situations. Even with all these significant changes, riders can still count on premium features like the best Kashima Coated KYB shocks packages to be offered on Lynx Shredder RE and DS models.

Toughness, durability and performance are at the core of every Lynx snowmobile. The Core package is what Lynx delivers from the start – it includes high-quality KYB shocks, coil over springs that offer long life and less weight, backup rewind starters and reliable fuel efficient Rotax engines. The performance features like legendary suspension designs and ergonomics for active riding are all there too, so calling this ‘standard’ just doesn’t fit. For 2026, this package is now available on all Lynx models with the same Sisu spirit, at an affordable price.

The connected experience jumps another level as any model equipped with the 10.25-inch Touchscreen Display adds Group Ride functionality in North America. This allows riders to track their friends without a cell phone or a network connection in addition to seeing embedded topographical maps and snowmobile trails,* and using breadcrumb tracking to find their way home. Using the BRP GO! app takes it another step with an even richer experience and more functionality, such as turn-by-turn navigation.

More key changes for the 2026 Lynx lineup include the Brutal RE moving to the Radien² platform with powerful LED lights, new aggressive deep snow style running boards giving riders more foot traction and a 4-piston brake system for extra stopping power. The Rave RE adds a new LFS-R front suspension giving more capacity and stability that adds confidence. It also comes with a black color option and the added choice of the Rotax 850 E-TEC Turbo R with its 180 horsepower. Finally, the Xterrain adds choices with the availability of a Limited package offering more comfort, the 10.25-inch Touchscreen Display, a passenger kit, and Rotax 600R E-TEC and 900 ACE Turbo engine options.

BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems and boats built on over 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft and Quintrex boats, Manitou pontoons and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds. The Company completes its lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Committed to growing responsibly, BRP is developing electric models for its existing product lines. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP has annual sales of CA$10.4 billion from over 130 countries and employs close to 20,000 driven, resourceful people as of January 31, 2024.

Luke travels to Finland to check out the radical new Lynx race sled and take part in celebrating the production of over 500,000 Lynx snowmobiles.

In TRAIL TECH we install the latest generation Rouski EVO Wheels from Kimpex and showcase just how easy it is to transition from snow to pavement and back again.

Then in TEST RIDE AJ evaluates Arctic Cat’s fully-jammed 2025 ZR 858 with ATAC featuring the new Garmin G8 display, FOX iQS Shocks with ATAC and the all-new C-TEC2 858 Stroker engine.

Snowmobiling in Scandinavia is fundamentally different than trail-based riding here in parts of North America and Lynx snowmobiles are designed to accommodate full-throttle roosts on ungroomed trails. The PPS³ suspension uses lots of travel but does not employ coupling, which means the RAVE RE will wheelie through rough terrain with skis off the snow. The sled responds to rider fore and aft movements telepathically. Frankly, the uncoupled nature of the PPS³ system creates a near “dirt bike-ish” response to rough trails.

Some may ask if the 3500mm PPS³ suspension on the RAVE RE 600 is overly stiff on North American trails and you need to understand this: PPS³ is not rMotion. Its set-up is almost bottomless, but in a firm sort of way from half travel to full compression. However, the sensation is not “stiff”. It is more of a precise feeling as the PPS³ eats everything from deep rollers to square edgers, to high-speed G-outs. PPS³ is unlike anything you’ll ride in the sno-mo-biz at this time in history.

Yes, an rMotion has a generally plusher response to junk trails. Strangely though, in rough terrain, the PPS³ suspension provides what can best be described as a more controlled and accurate response. How does this play out with the LFS+ front suspension used on the RAVE RE? Since PPS³ is uncoupled, you may be inclined to think it would produce inside ski lift. After-all, wasn’t ski-lift the reason virtually every skid this biz under 137 inches uses coupling? True story. However, the RAVE RE has a neutral response to cornering inputs and stays mostly flat on corner entry and exit.

A word of caution – the RAVE RE likes throttle. In simple terms drag the brake to the center of the corner then pivot using lots of throttle. On exit shift your weight rearward and dial up the power. BTW, the Blade XC+ skis on the RAVE are Lynx proprietary boards and have long, deep center keels that keep this sled slicing white top with little understeer.

The Rotax 600R E-TEC mill is essentially the same power-pack used by Ski-Doo in a plethora of models. Interestingly, our test pilots feel the engine delivers more urgent power – especially from mid-range to WOT.

We all agree the easy for-aft weight transfer (wheelie) response to throttle inputs gives the rider the sensation of extra-strong acceleration. Is the RAVE RE faster than a similarly powered MXZ? Can’t say for certain right now but it sure feels like it.

There’s some nice stuff the Lynx RAVE RE carries standard. Try KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima coated shocks, ultra-cool indirect lighting on both sides of the hood, cast toe hold close offs and a slightly narrower seat-to-gas tank junction thanks to its Radien² platform design.

What can’t be quantified in words though is the allure the Lynx brand continues to carry and cultivate. When you show up on a Lynx RAVE RE 600R, heads will definitely turn, and you can’t put a price on that.

These are riders who prioritize high speed suspension response and near-perfect handling in the bumps just as much as raw acceleration and top speed. After all, why ride bumps with gargantuan power if the sled’s chassis can’t handle it? The RAVE RE’s 850 E-TEC twin has proven to be more than adequate.

If there’s one thing we can unequivocally say about the RAVE RE, it’s that the Radien² chassis can handle everything the most powerful snowmobile engines in the industry can dish out. Accelerating through whoops or stutters, the RAVE tracks straight and true, daring the rider to hold the throttle open longer, trusting the suspension to perform beyond the incredible.

The front end is very much Ski-Doo but the skid frame is pure European, using the PPS 3 uncoupled 137-incher the Lynx is most identified for.

With the throttle held open, the sled lifts its head and grazes the bumps with the skis while the Pippola suspension simply sponges up the junk. It’s a unique, unforgettable experience to ride a sled that performs like this! Its uncoupled skid has great flotation and offers a higher level of handling quickness.

A reasonable question aimed at a 600 version might be: “Why give riders less power instead of more?” At first glance, the answer may be about lower price. After all, a 600 will have a lower MSRP than an 850 – but we think there’s a bigger reason. Simply, it’s about the RAVE RE reaching a bigger market.

There are tons of avid snowmobilers who love the Lynx cachet but just don’t want an 850. The fact is, the ROTAX 600R E-TEC is a very strong performing 2-stroke and because of the prowess of this chassis, makes a great marriage with it.

Another indicator of the above is last year’s recalibration of the RAVE RE’s shock package. To be fair, the original RAVE’s shock calibration was firmer than most North American riders were used to. Last year the valving was modified so the bottom part of the travel was softer – not a lot, but still softer.

The sled was much nicer for all-day riding – and it didn’t lose its high-speed damping ability. Suddenly more people were interested!

Since being introduced to the North American market in 2022, the Lynx brand has captured the imagination and interest of hard-core riders across the continent with their built tough performance.

The Scandinavian heritage carries a never quit rugged independence known as Sisu that’s coupled with high performance designed for where groomed trails don’t exist.

This combination has an undeniable appeal – which is crystallized in every Lynx snowmobile.

Models available are:

• Rave RE 850 E-TEC with Ice Ripper XT 1.5”
• Rave RE 600R E-TEC with Ice Ripper XT 1.5”
• Xterrain RE 850 E-TEC with PowderMax 2.0”
• Xterrain RE 900ACE Turbo R with Ice Cobra 1.6”
• Brutal RE 900 ACE Turbo R with 16” PowderMax 2.5”
• Brutal RE 900 ACE Turbo R with 20” PowderMax 2.35”
• Brutal RE 850 E-TEC with 20” PowderMax 2.35”
  Low Altitude Calibration Deep Snow Models:
• Shredder RE 3700 850 E-TEC with PowderMax 2.5”, SHOT
• Shredder RE 3900 850 E-TEC with PowderMax 2.5”, SHOT
  High Altitude Calibration Deep Snow Models:
• Shredder RE 3900 850 E-TEC with PowderMax X-Light 3.0”, SHOT
• Shredder DS 3900 850 E-TEC with PowderMax X-Light 3.0”, SHOT

Dealers will be receiving limited quantities of models they ordered starting in September. Customers are encouraged to shop early to assure they get the snowmobile they want.

About BRP – BRP Inc. is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems and boats built on over 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Through its portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft and Quintrex boats, Manitou pontoons and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds. The Company completes its lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel portfolio to fully optimize the riding experience. Committed to growing responsibly, BRP is developing electric models for its existing product lines and exploring new low voltage and human assisted product categories. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, BRP has annual sales of CA$10.4 billion from over 130 countries and a global workforce of close to 20,000 driven, resourceful people.

I don’t think many of our insightful readers and viewers missed the point when BRP pushed the “sell Lynx in North America” button three years ago. It was obvious BRP was up to something bigger than just shipping a bunch of Lynx boxes to this side of the big pond and selling them to early-order buyers with no in-season models available. Go to the 2025 Lynx site and you’ll see Lynx already has in-season models peppered throughout its lineup.

More importantly is the rumbling heard from Valcourt. Rumbling? MY26 may bring stand alone Lynx dealers to the party. It’s no secret that successful dealers all over the North American snowbelt have had the grass on fire under phone lines leading to Valcourt, Quebec. These dealers want to be in the sno-mo-biz and for the most part are high quality, credible retailers. This has had to be awfully tempting for BRP to sign up some of these dealers where territorial conflicts with established Ski-Doo dealers don’t exist.

My point here is this. Lynx is no longer a boutique brand. Expect its retail footprint to expand exponentially over the next two to three model years. Yes, the Lynx name carries copious cache and exclusivity. However, there will be easier access to Lynx sleds on both early-order programs and in-season.

The topic here is the Lynx RAVE RE 600R. This sled is new to the North American marketplace and is a dynamite entry into the huge 600 trail segment. It is cut from Lynx cloth using the Radien2 chassis and the now legendary PPS3 skidframe, which is the heart of a Lynx trail sled.

In this configuration, PPS3 is uncoupled but uses a rising rate linkage on the rear arm and two of the sweetest aluminum body, KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima coated coilover shocks. Keep in mind Lynx snowmobiles are built for northern European ungroomed trails and the capacity this rear skid displays for swallowing jinormous whoops is unrivaled in this industry. The PPS3 system can be driven into anything short of a canyon and come through in complete control. No swapping ends, no kick back, no handlebar whip. This 600 RAVE RE is the benchmark for rough trail competence.

So, if you’re wondering if rMotion is now in second place, Nope, it is not. rMotion is built for North American trails that can be rough but are nonetheless groomed. Here is where rMotion hangs its helmet. However, if you see yourself as a big bump jockey, a RAVE RE 600R may be your ticket to official iconic status.

The rest of the 600 RE is familiar and easy to understand. There’s BRP’s available 10.25 inch touch screen, re-invented switch gear (again) and LFS+ front suspension and Blade XC+ skis. Underhood, there’s a full-on ROTAX 600R E-TEC twin with available E-start. The laundry list of features is familiar and bulletproof. Finish quality (no pun intended) is equally as clean, tight and visually appealing as anything BRP builds here in North America.

A nice touch is the 600 RE’s inclusion of closed-off footrests and frosted white running lights hidden in the depths of the hood panels. The 600 RAVE RE also comes with a 1.5-inch Ice Ripper. BTW, the 3500 track length designation on the tunnel is metric for 137 inches.

Lynx is going to have overnight sales success with the RAVE RE 600R. This sled delivers exclusivity and one-of-a-kind handling on the roughest trails anywhere.

My advice? Get your copy early.

The New rCTRL Rear Suspension

The design of the rCTRL (center-to-rear-linked) rear suspension focused on enhancing rollability and increasing damping capacity, enabling the Lynx Rave RS snowmobile to achieve faster laps on snocross tracks. Durability has been improved, and maintenance has been simplified.

The revolutionary rCTRL rear suspension is based on a unique coupling system. In this mechanism, the center arm borrows damping force from the rear arm through the shock absorber to the center arm area. This unique solution provides the center arm with increased damping power without an excessively stiff center shock.

The center arm plays a pivotal role in modern snowcross racing, as the rider’s and sled’s mass is centralized in a smaller area on the middle of the sled, subjecting the center arm to substantial forces. The rear arm of the rCTRL suspension operates independently at all times, with force applied solely to the rear arm. For instance, when the sled lands with rear weight after a jump, the rear arm smoothly follows the landing, without slamming down the front end of the sled.

The carrying capacity of the rear arm is guaranteed by using a long shock absorber with a total dimension of 590 mm and a stroke length of 175 mm. The long stroke allows the suspension open more, giving more damping force on the landing of jumps. In addition to high damping capacity and carrying capacity, the advantages of a long damper are also easy adjustability.

Thanks to the new geometry of the rCTRL rear suspension, the Rave RS rolls significantly better than its predecessor, especially when riding on bumps. Due to the small variation in the track tension, the pre-adjustment of the track tension can be left looser than before without the track ratcheting.

The slide rails of the rear suspension are machined to their shape from aluminum profile. The center arm is attached to the frame with a fork, which means that to remove the rear suspension, it is enough to simply loosen the bolts of the rear arm and pull the rear suspension out. Parts have been reduced in the name of maintainability and weight saving: the number of parts is reduced by a third which means a weight saving of 5 kg compared to its predecessor. The rCTRL rear suspension is now more service-friendly and faster to maintain, much to the relief of racing team mechanics.

The limiter strap is located outside the suspension, and adjusting the strap does not require opening the strap loop. The bolts of rear suspension are standardized and fewer different tools are needed for maintenance than before. The bolts are placed in such a way that they are easily accessible from the outside of the suspension. The attachment of the rear arm to the slide rails is done by slide sleeve.

The LFS Racing front suspension of the Rave RS racing sled uses new, taller spindles. The change goes hand in hand with the new rCTRL rear suspension, bringing 27 mm more ground clearance under the lower A-arm. As part of the reform of the sled’s suspension, the swaybar has been removed, which contributes to the sled’s weight savings.

Renewed Radien-RS Chassis

The Rave RS 600RS E-TEC has also experienced significant reforms in terms of the structure of the chassis. Four-point engine mounting, lower located running boards and further strengthened structure mean increased performance, better handling and enhanced reliability.

The fierce powerhouse of snowcross tracks, the Rotax 600RS E-TEC engine, is now mounted to the chassis via four attachment points. The alignment of the powertrain is now more constant due to the stiffer engine mounting, which improves the efficiency of the transmission and thus increases the performance even more.

The S-module of the front frame has been strengthened with a new, straight crossbar and new reinforcements. The running boards are 30 mm lower than before, which brings the center of gravity lower, making cornering easier and helping the rider to get support from the sled when jumping. At the same time, the rider’s foot holders have been brought back 5 cm.
The disc brake cover features additional perforation to improve the cooling of the brake.

The new calibration of the engine optimizes the performance in line with other innovations of the Rave RS factory racer: more power, more speed on the track. The ignition coil and the Rave motor have been repositioned lower on the chassis than before, which lowers the center of gravity and keeps the important components better protected.

Thanks to the new bearings in the chain case, removing the drive shaft is much faster and easier than before. In the future, the track can be replaced without disassembling the chain case, which makes the maintenance staff’s race weekends significantly easier.

Thanks to the more evenly shaped chassis and larger ground clearance, the bottom of the sled hits the snow less often than before, improving the progress of the sled on soft tracks. The rCTRL rear suspension is attached to the rear chassis with a fork-type lug, which distributes the force more evenly to the bearings.

The redesigned RS seat has been brought 30 mm lower along with the running boards, which, together with the chassis changes, lowers the center of gravity.

Lynx Rave RS 600RS is built on Radien-RS chassis and its uniqueness is the short rear chassis and the flexible rear part made of polyethylene. The flexible rear part, unlike the aluminum tunnel, is easy, quick and inexpensive to change in case of damage.

Aiming to Continue The Championship Streak

Lynx Rave RS has been number one on European snowcross tracks for years. In the spring 2023, the Finnish Aki Pihlaja achieved the coveted world championship title with the Rave RS in Kirkenes, Norway, and is eager to renew the title in the 2024 season.

Lynx was by far the most successful racing sled also in the Scandinavian national series: Rave RS riders achieved a total of 12 championships in the 2023 season, complemented by more than 20 podium places.

The completely renewed Lynx Rave RS 600RS E-TEC race sled has gone through a tough test program by front row drivers. The project and test group has included riders who have achieved a total of nearly one hundred prestigious race medals.

2024 RAVE RS 600RS E-TEC HIGHLIGHTS:

● Renewed Radien-RS chassis
● Re-calibrated Rotax 600RS E-TEC engine
● New rCTRL rear suspension
● Renewed LFS Racing front suspension
● KYB PRO RS 46 HLCR Kashima shock absorbers
● 381 x 3487 x 44 mm track
● 1092 mm ski stance
● Racing pDrive -primary clutch ja Team TTS-04 driven clutch
● 4-piston Brembo Racing brake with improved cooling
● Pilot Racing skis
● Renewed RS seat
● New coloration

Here’s one we think deserves analysis: Now we know Yamaha, a premium priced and positioned snowmobile product is leaving the business, is there an opportunity for another premium positioned sled to fill the void they’re leaving?

If you don’t know about Lynx’s premium pricing and “Spring-Break-only” ordering process, here’s what it means. Lynx sleds are sold exclusively through current Ski-Doo dealers across North America. BRP has wanted it this way so shoppers can learn about Lynx snowmobiles when they drop into their local Ski-Doo store.

Shoppers also find out Lynx is not just a Ski-Doo painted a different color. They also learn Lynx sleds carry a premium MSRP. If three years ago BRP had launched the Lynx line-up into an entirely new dealer network there would have been considerable angst amongst Ski-Doo’s successful dealers.

It’s possible BRP felt there wasn’t enough room for a fifth OEM being sold through an independent network of dealers.

The landscape changed in a pretty significant way when Yamaha announced it was exiting the snowmobile market in a couple years. Yamaha has an exceptionally high-quality network of snowmobile dealers and you have to assume many of these dealers would like to stay in the snowmobile biz. In fact, a number of these dealers are probably dealing popping Rolaids like Tic Tacs over losing an important profit center within their powersport dealerships.

Would BRP sell more Lynx premium priced and premium positioned Lynx sleds if they were not solely available at Ski-Doo stores? If the answer to this question is yes, then the availability of a premium quality dealer network, ready to take on another snowmobile brand must be a tempting opportunity.

This is an opportunity coming from what many feel is a somewhat disappointing reality. Sort of making lemonade from lemons. We agree, Yamaha’s exit is a tough pill to swallow for all of us who love this sport. We need four healthy OEMs to shoulder the weight of the snowmobile business.

BRP is an exceptionally opportunistic company that knows exactly what it’s doing and rarely – if ever- misses an opportunity. Stay tuned.