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.