Im looking for a used first sled. I have three choices, A 1997 Arctic Cat Cougar mountain cat 550, A 1996 Arctic Cat 580 Powder special EFI, or a 1997 Ski-doo Formula 583. All three are in good running shape. I ride fast trails and a lot of fields. I love speed so thats a big factor. I will be jumping it but nothing too crazy. I'm 5'10 170lbs if that makes a difference. Thanks SWRules

Based on what your are saying, i dont think you need the mountain. as far as the other 2, they both are comperable, it kind of depends on the condition if them, the mileage, and price. For a first sled, either one of those will do fine.

with your location filled in people here will be able to judge your local terrain and help you.

It would be helpful to have the location for sure.

Two of the sleds he listed are mountain sleds, so I'm guessing he lives somewhere with lots of snow.

The 580 has about a 15 hp advantage over the 550, but it eats the gas too. Also, that EFI is pre-batteryless EFI, which means that with no juice, you got no go. A bit of a pain in the butt shall we say?

I had a 550 Cougar 121x1.25, and it was really good in the snow, and quick off the line. With a black magic clutch kit it would run away from ZR 500's, XC 500's, 580's you name it....for an 1/8 of a mile, then they would all blow by me like I had just hit the kill switch. But depending on your expirience level, and how tight and twisty the trails are, the 550 can be a nice little sled.

Personally I'd hang on to my money and look for a 98-99 ZR 500-600 or similar year XC. Much better sleds for the same kind of money.

Where I'm at no mountains, the rockies are 8-9 hour drive away and with hockey i have no time to make a big trip up there, although i would kill to.... But on average we get about 2 1/2ft of snow throughout the winter.

It sounds like the Formula would be your best bet if your looking for an all around good sled. A little bit of a hog on the gas but should handle great and plenty of speed. Just as long as it does not need any work and the price is right. :thumbsup: SWRules