Just purchased an 07 500 Sportsman X2 and have very limited knowledge of anything except what the dealer is pushing. Was wondering if anyone had any pros/cons to installing a factory polaris winch or something else (Warn). There is a rebate at the store when vehicle is purchased with free install on all Polaris products

Should I go with a Polaris or something else? Dealer told me that it is already prewired - Is there a better model out there that will work with the factory wiring? I was also looking at the Warn lineup RT25 or XT 30. Not sure which way to go metal or synthetic rope.
Last is the polaris body guard setup - anyone have any knowledge on this type of brush guard. It's an expensive option.

Thnaks in advance

Dave

 

I've been really happy with my Polaris winch so far and I've heard very good reports on their reliability.

I've got a few very good reasons for going with a synthetic rope vs. cable.

1. Frayed cable cuts (just think of a really bad paper cut).
2. No memory. Working with rope is much easier.
3. Strength to weight ratio. Rope has all the strength of cable at 1/6th the weight.
4. Safety. If it does fail, there is little to NO recoil of rope (if cable is used hang a heavy blanket or jacket over the cable to absorb the recoil).
5. Rope is repairable. I broke mine last weekend pulling a pickup (don't ask - I know it was stupid), but I was able to splice (no knots) it back together with no strength loss and only a couple of feet in length lost.

On the down side, abrasion can be a problem if you're not careful (use a short strap to wrap around a rock or tree instead of hooking back on the rope itself).

Also fairleads need to be new (smooth) for abrasion reason.


I've got just a brush guard on the front of mine which seems to be enough protection (wouldn't go without it).

 

Thanks for the advise. Can the polaris winch be purchased with Syn rope??

 

Evenin HALO
If you go with the cable, make sure you get the Winch Saver It will keep you from getting kinks in the cable, The fair lead will eat the cable,
http://www.winchsaver.com/atvwinchsaver.html

 

Yea I got a fray in my cable and not really sure how it happened. I am usually
pretty good when I have used it to put the strap around the object and winch from
its hooks? I also lubed it when I first got it to keep it from rusting. I also have kept
tension on it when winding back in?? Don't know maybe when it rolled up something
happened? I guess what I am saying is it may look like I need a new wire rope or I
go with the Synthetic rope? Quesiton will rain, water or mud, dry rot out the synthetic
rope?

R'

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: HALO

Thanks for the advise. Can the polaris winch be purchased with Syn rope??</end quote></div>

I have never seen it, but it may be an option at your dealer. Otherwise, I got mine at rockstomper.com in a few days.

Just order the same diameter and length (usually 1/4" or 5/16" x 50') that comes on your winch and replace the wire cable. Don't bother going up in diameter it won't fit on the spindle.

Just remember when you use the winch to leave at least 8 winds on the spool (I use some white electrical tape on the rope as a marker). Same with cable.