The people I quad with have a Polaris SP 500(not a HO), Suzuki Quad Master 500, Kawasaki Prairie 300 and 2 Yamaha Grizzly 600's (I own one). All of our machines are 99’s or 00’s and fully automatic. This is what we have personally experienced over the last 6 months.
Open ground and hard packed turns- The Grizzlies loose all of them. The SP is too “squishy“ and leans too much when cornering on hard surfaces. (I get an UN-comfortable tippy feeling. I’m sure I would get accustomed to its characteristics).
Rough trails and climbing over rocks- The SP looses us (with his cushy suspension - You bet I am jealous). I almost rolled my Grizz when following the SP over a rock.
Mud - (My favorite) it’s all up to the driver and the path he takes. I believe the SP has a locking front end, so he is able to pull out of some soft, watery mess and the independent doesn’t get hung up as easy. Then again, My Grizz has 28” Blackwaters, so I just shoot mud EVERY WHERE. When I get stuck – I AM REALLY STUCK!
Water crossings - The other Grizz was able to make it across, The SP’s belt got wet and slipped. (That’s when we found out he didn’t have a drain plug, It did eventually dry out, He did hit the stream a little fast. Call it Operator error).
Snow - We live in New England, plenty of snow. The Suzuki didn’t go with us, but I bet he would have done pretty well due to the front-end design. The SP seemed easier to ride and a lot more comfortable. The Prairie was fine, maybe a bit under powered. But very sure footed. My Grizzly went through any thing, BUT it was a harsh ride that was always seeking side to side. This is mainly due to the ITP’s I have mounted. The other Grizzly was softer and less of a struggle with the stock tires.
My thoughts:
I like my Grizz, I like the Jeep look. Plenty of power, but a true rough machine, that has been very reliable. It was a Grizzly or a real Jeep.
The SP rides great, looks good. I do see older people riding them, must be the soft ride. This guy has had some small inconveniences with his. I would consider a HO, if it weren’t for the price.
Here is the real surprise, the Prairie 300 4x4. Never a problem and never stuck, just slower and always consistant. Didn’t do the water crossing. The new 650 must be the *****, if the 300's are any indication. Too bad they didn’t add independent rear suspension.
The Suzuki, Not enough ground clearance. Hangs up too easy. Didn’t try the water crossing. Always following up behind, just barely ahead of the 300. Did pull the most weight a local ATV outing.

I heard that the Yamaha is upgrading the Grizzly to Independent rear suspension and a 660 motor.

Now remember - these are just my thoughts and what I have personally experienced. No reason to beat me up about them. I will gather some pics and throw them on line.

 

Nice post. Maybe this spring we will have our own little club ATV shootout. I will then compile a nice list of Pros and Cons with other rider comments. Could nicely increase the hits to our club site. What do you guys think?