I am trying to decide which of these 2 to buy. I will use it for trailriding and hunting in Maine. Most of the use will be light--but there will be some mud (Swamp), rocks and logs occasionally. I am not concerned about speed. Will the 335 be enough?? It would save me 1000 dollars. Thanks!!

 

Hey Klammer, glad you signed my guestbook. You know I live just a bit from you, in Brunswick. When you get a quad, we should go riding sometime.

Now for your question. I like both of these machines. They are almost exactly the same machine, except for the engine. A lot of people say the 335 is a little underpowered, but since you are not looking for speed, then that should not bother you. And like you said, it will save you a lot of money. But on the other hand, if you do want the power of the 500, you can't go wrong with it. The suspension is great on both of these machines. They both have the same IRS. A good friend of mine on the forums has had 2 Sportsman 500's for a few years, and now just ordered 2 new yellow ones. He has had no trouble with any of them so far.

If you ever get up this way, try the dealership I go to. Dr. Coffins in West Bath. He let me ride my quad before I bought it. And he has some good dirt trails and a good sized hill behind his place to test them on.

 

The 335 has decent top end power and can do 45mph and with low range and its weight it will pull hard and has the smoothest ride available over rough terrain.The ground clearance is nice when your riding in single file down a narrow and the bike in front of you is clanging the top of every boulder and you cringe to feel it too and it passes under you somehow without a sound.

 

If you have to go with the sportsman at least get the 500. You might not want to go fast , but the low end on the 500 is alot better than the 335 and that low end comes in nice when your hunting or boondocking.

 

If you plan on riding double alot or doing alot of hillclimbing get the 500. For work,hunting and trail riding the 335 will do good. I've plowed snow and pulled deer out without a wimper from the motor.

 

Thanks all for the replies. RAMMER, what do you mean "if I must get a sportsman??"--What else will give me independent suspension, hi/low choice,2 wheel/true 4 wheel drive-choice, and great clearance??
Also--do you all reccomend extended warranty (less than 400 dollars for 60 months) ?? Use my winch or lift for snow plow??

 

Sorry Rammer--I meant Sledder!

LURCH!! Yes!! Good idea!!

 

klammer, The only thing that I've had to replaced on mine was the outer tie rod ends. I replaced them with the ones from the 2000 model. For less than 400 bucks for 5 years, thats a good deal. It would be good Insurance. I use my winch for lifting my plow. It works great. If the dealer installs the winch, try to find a place that the switch will be easy to reach. I have mine mounted on the outer plastic thats over the gas tank. I can use either hand to run the winch.

 

Klammer, I would get the extended warantee. They are always nice to have on a 4x4. But make sure your dealer is a good one. Some dealers try to say that problems are your fault and try to get out of paying for repairs. But so far, I have not seen a bad Polaris dealer up here where we live. My step dad had a 92 polaris 4x4 and a plow on it. He uses the hand lift for it, but I have seen the winch and like it better. The winch raises and lowers a bit slower, but it takes the work out of lift the blade. I saved your email, so when ever you want, go ahead and email me about anything you want. We will definitly go for some rides when you get your quad then.

 

Get off your wallet and pay the extra 1000 for the bigger,more powerful engine.The tires are also smaller on the 335.You wont be sorry,====BILL

00 Xplorer 400cc 4x4
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