Hi all, like the title states, I would like to know why I should pick the Arctic Cat over the suzuki and polaris. I just returned from WY where I managed to ride for days on my father in law's sportsman 500, and it was great, but since I had no comparison it was time to join a board to hear the verdict from the true off-roaders.

Thanks!!


Sam

 

Well, here is my two cents.... I have a polaris, it is a good vehicle. However, the power output feel of the new AC 550 greatly exeeds that of the 500 sportsman I own. I still use the polaris, but for work around the farm dragging bails and feed and such. I have an 09 550 TRV. Its easier to clean, work on, and seems more simplistic, but just as durable. Its a little louder, but I can live with that. It performs great competing with my friends and their 700s. I have more climbing power up the hills in Minnesota, and the TRV is more stable on rough terrain. I think the power of a 700 wrapped in a 550 is the key for my choice... besides, it was a couple of grand cheaper.

 

Suzuki does not make a 550 class Utility ATV.

Kingquad 550AXi ? Maybe next year. Did you mean 550 Grizzly?

 

Bought the wifey a '09 550H1 EFI last spring. It just rolled over 600 miles and has been a completely "maintenance" free machine. Other than the oil change(s) and the diff fluid swap to synthetic.....this machine hasn't had ANY problems.

The 550H1 motor is very comparable in terms of pwr to my '08 650H1 (carb'd) TRV and due to the new "ride-in" design AC developed for '09 is a relatively easy machine to handle. Which we found was VERY important for the wifey.

Lower center of gravity with a seat & handlebar re-design for the rider and the new front A-Arm angle change make the 550 ALOT easier to steer as well.

The 2011 "S" models have pwr steering, and from what I here AC made the best that's out there right now.

You will note that the 550 considerably LOUDER than other AC machines due to the new bevel gear and clutch set-up. And there's a noticable "lag" off the bottom end - by design - but as the motor comes up to RPM it take off like a shot.

As mentioned the open "lay-out" of AC machines makes it FAR easier to work on and to clean. (try a YAMMY GRIZ) Everything is relatively very easy to reach.

Another thing to consider is that the AC machines are BIGGER than most in it's class. Thus heavier/wider/taller. Many have complained about the stiff ride.....and noticeably so. AC machines IMHP did it's best to cover the entire spectrum of trail vs. workk and had to find a middle ground when it came to comfort. Handlebar whip is the result (eliminated in the "S" models), and a rougher ride. We found on the wifey's machine that shock pre-load and tire psi adjustment "tweeking" found a suitable set-up for her.

One thing that doesn't seem to get alot of consideration when similar posts come up is - DEALER AVAILABILITY. How far are they away? What kind of reputation? Is their service dept. any good?

If your gonna shell out $7-8K for a new machine it's worth checking out.

Bottom line - both myself and the wifey LUV her 550. We're a CAT family and now own 3. I'm not bashing other brands....I'm just going with what works for us.

My best suggestion - RIDE ONE. Then compare by RIDING OTHER BRANDS in the same class. They all have pos/neg's. You have to decide what works for you.

Good luck

my .02¢

 

Im out here in wyoming also and i just rode the new 550 polaris and ill have to say i was disappointed in the ride. I thought for sure this thing would ride pretty smooth,i mean thats what polaris is known for. The 550 to me was rough. I was on my 700 AC and While following my friend on the polaris i noticed him bouncing around quite a bit. It didnt look like the rear suspension was working very much on it so i asked and he said it was alot rougher than his grizz 700. On the other hand,another friend has the sportsman 800 and its smoooooth! like a Cadillac. Now with the power,the 550 had plenty for sure.

 

the ground clearance and the play of the FIS has come in handy for me more times than you will know