I still remember the first time I saw the 2022 lynx rave re 850 in person, sitting there with that aggressive red-and-black finish that just screams "I'm faster than you." For years, we North Americans had been watching videos of Finnish riders absolutely sending these sleds off massive snowbanks and through waist-deep moguls, wondering if we'd ever get a taste. When BRP finally decided to bring the Lynx brand over the pond, it wasn't just another product launch; it was a complete shift in what we expected from a trail sled.
It's been a bit since it first landed, but the buzz hasn't really died down. If anything, the 2022 model year has become a bit of a legend for those who want a sled that doesn't just "handle" bumps but actively looks for them. Let's dive into what makes this machine tick and why it's still one of the most talked-about rides on the snow.
That Engine: The 850 E-TEC Punch
You can't talk about this sled without starting with the heart of the beast. The 850 E-TEC is a masterpiece of engineering, and while we've seen it in Ski-Doo chassis for years, there's something about the way it's tuned in the Lynx that feels well, angry. In a good way.
It's putting out about 165 horsepower, but it's not just about the peak number. It's the throttle response. You squeeze that lever and the power is there. There's no lag, no hesitation—just pure, linear acceleration that wants to lift the skis every chance it gets. Whether you're coming out of a tight corner or trying to clear a double on a trashed trail, the motor has your back. It's snappy, reliable, and honestly, it's got a sound that just makes you want to keep the flipper pinned.
Clutching and Power Delivery
One thing I noticed about the 2022 setup is how well the pDrive clutch communicates with the rear track. It feels like there's a direct physical link between your thumb and the snow. The calibration on the 2022 lynx rave re 850 was clearly designed for aggressive riders. It doesn't want to cruise at 20 mph; it wants to be ridden hard. If you're looking for a lazy Sunday afternoon saunter, this might be too much sled for you. But if you're looking to tear up the trail, it's perfect.
The PPS3 Suspension: A Different Kind of Magic
If you're coming from a Ski-Doo with rMotion, the first thing you'll notice about the Rave RE is that it feels "stiff." But "stiff" is the wrong word—it's controlled. The PPS3 rear suspension is the secret sauce here. Unlike the coupled systems we're used to in the States, the PPS3 is an uncoupled design.
What does that mean for you? It means the front and rear of the suspension act independently. When you hit a massive mogul, the rear arm isn't being pushed down by the front arm. This allows the sled to track through "whoops" and big hits with a level of composure that's honestly hard to describe until you feel it. It doesn't bottom out with a "clunk"; it just soaks up the energy and asks for more.
KYB 46 HLCR Shocks
To manage all that movement, Lynx threw on some serious hardware: the KYB 46 HLCR shocks with Kashima coating. These things are beefy. The best part is the adjustability. You've got high-speed and low-speed compression damping, plus rebound adjustment. You can spend a whole afternoon clicking these dials to find your sweet spot, but even the factory "cross" setting is remarkably capable. These shocks don't fade, either. You can pound through a rough trail for three hours and the damping stays consistent from the first mile to the last.
Handling and Ergonomics: The Radien Chassis
The 2022 lynx rave re 850 is built on the Radien chassis, which is a cousin to the Ski-Doo Gen4 but with some key differences. The most obvious one is the seat and the gas tank. It's narrow. It's designed so you can move your body around easily. You don't just sit on a Lynx; you ride it. You're constantly shifting your weight, leaning into corners, and using your legs to soak up the terrain.
The Blade XC+ Skis
Another thing that sets the 2022 model apart is the Blade XC+ skis. They have a really deep keel. In soft snow or loose trail conditions, these things track like they're on rails. Some people complain that they require a bit more steering effort, and I won't lie—your shoulders might be a little more tired at the end of the day compared to riding a sled with lighter steering. But the trade-off is precision. When you point those skis into a corner, the sled goes exactly where you want it. No pushing, no darting, just pure grip.
Is it a Trail Sled or a Snocross Sled?
This is the big question, right? The 2022 lynx rave re 850 sits in this weird, awesome middle ground. It has the soul of a race sled but the manners (mostly) of a trail machine.
If you ride groomed trails that look like highways, you might find the Rave a bit overkill. It's like driving a Trophy Truck to the grocery store. Sure, you can do it, but you're not really using it for what it was built for. But if you ride in places where the trails get absolutely destroyed by 2:00 PM on a Saturday, this is your weapon of choice. While everyone else is slowing down and complaining about the "chatter," you're standing up on the boards and skimming across the tops of the bumps.
The Fun Factor
There's a "playfulness" to this sled that's hard to find elsewhere. Because it's uncoupled, it loves to carry the front wheels. If you find a little rise in the trail, a quick blip of the throttle will have the skis in the air, and the PPS3 suspension will land you as soft as a feather. It's a very "active" ride. It rewards a rider who wants to be involved in the process.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Now, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There are a few things you should know if you're looking at a used 2022 lynx rave re 850.
- Cooling: This sled was designed in Scandinavia, where they often ride on very hard-packed or icy trails. It comes with a massive rear flap that's designed to kick snow back into the tunnel. Don't cut that flap! It's essential for keeping the temps down. If you're riding in icy conditions, you'll want to make sure your ice scratchers are down, or that 850 might get a bit toastier than you'd like.
- Fuel and Oil: Like any high-performance 2-stroke, it's got an appetite. It's fairly efficient for what it is, but if you're riding it the way it's meant to be ridden, expect to visit the pump often.
- The "Lynx" Learning Curve: If you're coming from a very stable, planted trail sled, the Rave might feel a bit "lively" at first. Give it a weekend. Once you learn how the suspension reacts and how to use the uncoupled rear to your advantage, you probably won't want to go back.
Final Thoughts
The 2022 lynx rave re 850 isn't just a snowmobile; it's a statement. It was BRP's way of saying, "Yeah, we know you guys want to ride like maniacs, here's the tool to do it." It's rugged, it's powerful, and it has a personality that is distinctly European.
It's built for the rider who doesn't wait for the trail groomer. It's for the person who sees a section of "stutter bumps" and sees a playground rather than a nuisance. If you can find one in good shape on the used market, jump on it. Just be prepared—once you get used to that PPS3 suspension and the raw power of the 850 E-TEC, every other sled is going to feel just a little bit boring.
So, is it the perfect sled? For the right person, absolutely. It's a high-performance, bump-eating monster that makes every mile on the snow feel like a victory lap. Just make sure you've been doing your squats, because this sled is going to push you as hard as you push it. And honestly, isn't that exactly what we're looking for when we head out into the cold?