These are the 2 bikes I am trying to decide between. Please give me the pros and cons of each. I know that the Rancher is full time 4X4. What about reliability and any thing else that would cause you to lean one way or the other? I really appreciate all the knowledge that is available from everyone here. Thanks!

 

dont think i would buy a 4wd unit that wasnt switchable. have about 35 mi on my eiger[its a 400 same as cats] . spent the first hunting trip in 4 wd most all the time/ 2nd trip spent mostly in 2wd. mileage difference was pronounced / way better in 2wd- i was surprised

 

I have to agree with oper2nyst, you need to be able to switch in and out of the 4wd. I have an '05 Eiger with 1150 miles on it and use 2wd most of the time. You will notice a wear diffrence in the tires too, my buddy has a honda that is all time 4wd with about the same mileage and his front ties have way less tread. Selectable is also better on mileage witch is nice if you are way out in the middle of nowhere. Hope that helps.

 

Good info. Every time the Rancher is discussed the Warn 424 is brought up. How is the Rancher with the 424? Does the add on work as well as a factory 2WD/4WD selector on other machines?

 

hey, i have a rancher... and would personally recomnd the rancher as they have been around for a while and are bulitproof especialy the manual.. with no electric componients..
althou i dont have the 424 i've heard all +'s and positives about it.. no cons.. it works great, in two wheel drive,ive heard, that it saves gas, feels a lot more sporty, and you are able to really swing the tail around in a turn..

go with the rancher.. you'll be able to use it for life.. also get the 424 though as it will be liked.. i ride mine right now only in 4x4 and it feels fine.. nothing so bad about riding in all time 4x4 escept a bit shaky in highspeed straight aways..
the 424 is aroudn 200 bucks only and you can install it your self..

go with what ever you want..

 

does anyone know if they make a warn 424 for a 2006 rancher? I can only find one for the 01-05 models....

 

Highly recommend the Rancher 350...but absolutely with a Warn 424. The 06 is the same as 01-05...they most likely just forgot to update the web site. My Rancher 350 is an 01, and it has been going strong all these years....no end in sight...not a single problem of any kind!

The 350 is a great machine with very nimble handling. It is however just a basic little trail quad, so if you were looking for a monster mud bogger or a heavy work machine, then look somewhere else. I do imagine it is underpowered compared to the 400.

 

I KNOW THE RANCHER HAS GOOD GROUND CLEARANCE BUT I WOULD IMAGINE THAT THE ARTIC CAT IS GOOD TO. THE ARTIC CAT'S ARE MUCH HEAVIER HOWEVER. DURABILITY WISE, DEFINATELY GO WITH THE HONDA(IT WAS HIT BY A CAR AND IS FINE). I HAVE SEEN MY BUDDIES 350 GO THRU A HOLE THAT MY 750 BRUTE FORCE WOULDN'T!! DON'T ASK ME HOW IN THE WORLD HE DID IT.

 

There's a saying in motor sports: "20% vehicle, 80% driver". Driver skill counts for a LOT more than the vehicle being run.

 

Arctic Cat hands down