in my experience with soup mud, the kodiak out performs the polaris strictly cuz of the light weight, and that was without the diff lock

 

Look at the latest issue of DirtWheels ( Or is it ATV Action? ) they have a shoot out with the Kodiak, Sportsman and a few others. It might have some of the information you want. Get it and maybe it might help you decide or maybe you might like one of the other machines.

 

Can't beat the Sportsman for mudding or comfort. The 500 has a decent top speed, but may not feel especially 'zippy'. The true 4wd refers to a locked front differential.
Not much else has the comfort for the passenger as a Sportsman, with it's long, comfy seat, cushy ride, and adjustable rear suspension preload.

Don't believe all you hear about Polaris lack of reliability. I have 8900 miles on my Xplorer, and it hasn't been to a mechanic yet. I have done a little work to it, including brake pads, and minor stuff, but have never had to walk due to breakdown yet.

Farmr

 

a group of us went to the up of mich. all diff. types of trails,3vinsons,one 500pol.a660grizz and a450 honda,everone got stuck in the deep stuff up there near 3 lakes.it's how you ride!every machine has good points and bad,get information on them all,sit on them and test drive all,what type of trails,and what type of mud?no bad choice out there.

 

The belt on the SP shouldn't get wet unless you sink it about the the PVT intake or you have a bad seal on the PVT cover. The SP500 HO has great power and the IRS makes it a great mudder. That and the TRUE $WD, and you are golden[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

dont get me wrong but i ride with a 500sp and im not impressed by its muddin capabilities, it always just seem to sank, and the kaw650, foreman450, and my kodiak cruised right through it. the polaris does have a great suspension though. if u want more handling, ignore polaris, but if u want a smooth ride, polaris is the way to go