I hunt in southern louisiana marsh/swampland. There is a large part of the season where my hunting property is under 1-2 feet of water. I know my Yamaha 400 has really done well there, but it's time to buy a new bike. I've been looking hard at Arctic Cat, but I don't know how well it will hold up in the type of area I plan on riding in. I also use my bike to knock down trails in thick brush (which has torn my yamaha to shreds). Any knowledge on the Arctic Cats ability in similar conditions? or any advice on another bike that has survived similar conditions?

 

I've ridden my Polaris Sportsman X2 in the very same kind of conditions that you are talking about. Including using the quad to push down small trees and brush on my property. It has survived well and continues to amaze me. Honestly, I think any of the major makers have good quads that will do what you are asking. The only quad I'll avoid at this time is a Honda due to only having a limited slip in the front. Hondas also tend to be a little lower than other's quads so water fording could be an issue there. Super, super, reliability though. Some quads I've seen in the conditions you've described are Suzuki's King Quad, Yamaha's Grizzly, CanAm's Outlanders, Kawasaki's Brute Force and the Polaris Sportsmans. Where I ride in Claremont, NH it seems that the lion's share of the quads are Polaris machines. Noticing a lot of 2-up machines and Polaris has two models. The X2 and the Touring. Try them all out if you can and see which you like best.

 

LOL I like doing that as well. For that its not about the type of ATV but what aftermarket "STEEL"bush guard you add also some nice aftermarket CV boot protectors help alot. Any ATV thats 4wd and has a low range is a tank. The heavier the ATV helps as well.

My 700 pound ATV will crawl up the small trees but eventualy the tree gives and snaps while my lighter Big Bear would clawl straigh up to a stand postion and fall overbackwards because the tree would not break.LOL

 

Thanks for the responses, It seems like I'll be safe with most major ATV makers. I'll probably be buying one next weekend. As much as I love my Yamahe, I'm going to try something different.

 

Another thing about Polaris is the outstanding amount of on board storage. Everything that I use to carry in a rack pack can be carried in the storage compartments which leaves more room for goodies. This aspect was what won me over to Polaris instead of Arctic Cat because I had been divided between the two brands. Good Luck.

 

Mile High makes a great point that I didn't mention. The Sportsman models that come with the front storage under the rack have great totability. I have 2 tow straps, a tree strap, foldable hex key, foldable torx, small ratchet set, first aid kit, ****** block, 2 rolls of TP, Leatherman type tool, cargo net, owner's manual, folding tree pruning saw, etc. It's nice not having to put a box on the rack to carry all that gear.

 

I wasn't aware Sportsman had that. I'm sold on the Arctic 550 though. I'm probably going to be picking one up Sunday or the following weekend to get one. Got to find time to make the 3 hour round trip to Baton Rouge.

 

I hated my Arctic Cat. Always something small going wrong. When it was running it was fine, just could never depend on it. It was a 2002 500 auto. Maybe they are more reliable with 7yrs more experience.

 

So, you're reccomendation is?

 

Stay far far away!!!