BRP, AC or Polaris? I can't figure out which. I need something that is built for the worst of conditions, mud, stumps rocks but is also want a decent trail machine. I'll be riding solo most of the time so I want something that converts back and fourth, not necessarily on the fly.

Here is how I see each, tell me if I'm wrong.

The Outlander Max:
Good on trail but I'd have some concerns when the going gets tough. I don't like how the frame is constructed, I don't like the lower ground clearance or the fact that the rear drive axles have little to no protection. I also dislike how the footboard supports are constructed, seems like they would catch on ever little stump. The design of these are a result of the single spar chassis design. I would prefer a manual locker over the automatic visco lok. On the other hand, both 400 cc and 500 cc engines have good power, the 500 v-twin is the sweetest engine of the lot. If I wanted a trail only machine I'd probably go BRP. I like the 2 up seat setup, how it converts from 2 up to 1 up.

AC TRV:
I'm not sure on the reliability of these, don't know anyone with one and they don't seem to be all that popular. AC recently started making their own engines, how do they hold up? The 400 seems to be a little low on power compared to the Outy so I'd probably end up with the 550. They seems to be the best off roader, good ground clearance, manual locker. Also the CVT works like the Yamaha's in that there is constant belt tension and there is a centrifugal clutch for engagement. They seem to be the simplest with the least amount of gimmicks. I like the option of 2 up or open cargo box the best of the three.

Sportsman X2:
I don't like the X2 for the poor second seat setup. It's the least comfortable and when it's up there is a large piece of plastic taking up a lot of cargo space.
Sportsman Touring:
Good seating but there is no rear cargo space to speak of. Is the second seat detachable?

Not too fond of either of these too setups. I don't like the plastic cargo racks on these either.

Seem to be good off road except for rear wheel only EBS. Not too sure on reliability, I had a Magnum once and it had issues from the get go so I got rid of it again. I need something that's reliable.

 

The X2 is mostly a work machine that can be converted to 2-up on the fly. It will hold up to its 400 lb. rating in the rear. I use it mostly 1-up and it is a blast. Don't let the plastic racks fool you. They carry the weight very well and are better than a metal rack for small items. I've had both and like the more or less flat plastic Polaris racks. The dump bed is nice to have and I got a pad for when riding 2-up so my passengers have a fairly comfortable seat. The other thing that sold me is the under rack storage on the front of the pre-XP X2s. I have a ton of items under there that I use occasionally. First aid kit, tree strap, ****** block, tow strap, 2 rolls TP, cargo net, small socket set, stock tool set, hitch *****, jackknife style hex and torx bit wrench, brush saw and more. It's nice to have all the stuff with you without needing an extra box. I believe the Touring seat can be taken off and replaced with a cargo box. I have 1500 hard miles on my machine without any major problems. Only problem I can think of is the rear brake pedal cylinder is frozen. It doesn't affect the brake lever at all so I just left it.

 

The only two that I would I would even consider is the Sportsman Touring or the Can-Am my personal vote tho would probobly be the Can-Am as that engine sounds sick and will run circles around most 500 or 550 quads. The Can-Am is the only 500 in class quad to be a V-twin as well, plus having the most rack space is a big plus in my book. The only down side is the cost as Can-Am's are dam expensive bikes. The frame thing is a concern but I would invest in a good set or Ricocet skids and it should be good to go!

 

Sportsman XP X2:

 

The x2 may be the way to go... my only passengers will be kids so the rear seat would probably be ok for them. I don't think I'll ever get the wife close to a quad. Regarding the XP version, not sure on something that new to the market. After the experience I had this summer with a vehicle I'm turned off from 'all new and improved" stuff forever. Plus stuff is cheaper at the end of the cycle than the beginning. If I could find a left over '09 500 X2 I might go for that. The Sportsman Touring is still in the old chassis for '10, if the seat is removable I'd probably be happy with that too. The AC looks good on paper but I'm half scared after some of the stuff I've seen from that company, I can't seem to find much info on them or even good photos.

I appreciate all comments, keep 'em coming.

 

I don't know where you're from but I'm selling mine to get a new atv this spring.
$6500 07 500 X2 Deluxe with over $2000 in accessories. 60" plow,winch,handwarmers,handguards, front/rear bumpers,rock rails,26"Bighorns,HeelClicker,TM2s,HD springs etc.....

 

I've got a new 2010 550X2. The rear seat is easily made more comfortable by going to a cycle store and getting an attachable rear seat pad made for motorcycles. It adds a couple inches of padding and will stay put. I really think it's fine the way it is though unless your rider has a boney butt or perhaps has excess body volume (nope, I won't say it). The touring models of the Sportsman are non-convertible and in my opinion look kind of goofy when ridden one-up (big padded seat back sticking way up in the air). You should be able to find a few of last years X2 model available at a larger dealer. Price should be much better than a new one and still has most of the same features....plus the older 500 engine has proven itself already as a great design.

 

No '09 X2s left around, but some tourings. You're right on about the seat, looks weird. The worst part is that the seat is quick release but then you're left with a big gaping hole between the driver seat and rear rack.

At this point I'm leaning toward an AC TRV 550.

 

Hard to find honest reviews of the Arctic Cat TRV 550. Most of the so-called "reviews" that I find for most ATV's are nothing more than ads or repeated descriptions of the vehicles straight from the manufacturer. The website I usually go to for reviews doesn't have any Arctic Cats listed ever since they gave an honest (less than favorable) review of one. Same thing for Honda. I guess that's why I like the site...they aren't into pleasing the ATV companies....just honest reviews. Anyway, the TRV 550 looks to be pretty good. The engine is about 35hp and built in Minnesota (Hemi design). It's got good torque. They have good ground clearance and are supposed to be pretty tough machines. I've heard that the steering on some models suffers from bump-steer. Don't know if that's a fact. They certainly look nice (looks very much like a Jeep) and have a removable rear seat. It might work real well for you.

 

Yeah, it's hard to find a good review, I know a couple people with TRV 400s and they seem to be pretty happy with them, one is an '09 and he has around 900 miles on it. Both rear drive axles were replaced under warranty, as I understand (and have read online) this was an issue that affected a bunch of different models and was due to a supplier issue. That is the only issue I've heard from either of them.

I'm pretty sure i know what mag you are referring to, they rely on the mfgers to supply them with test units. If they don't like the machines and give a less than good review, the mfgers pull out. Pretty short sighted on the mfger's part, better if they improve the product.

What I'd like to have is a good trail machine like a Brute Force 650 SRA, the reality is though that I need a serious off trail machine due to the terrain I have to cross to get to trails. I'd be upgrading the tires to 26 or 27s, most likely a radial due to this as well. The AC and Polaris are probably close to equal in off trail performance, I have had a Polaris before and it had some issues so I may try AC, nothing else really fits the bill. I've read that there is a next to free mod to improve the steering issue on them.