I have looked at the Arctic Cats, and several friends have them and they all love them. I have looked at the Eiger and the Prairie 360, the Vinson, and the Prairie 650, I am just about sold on the Kaw, but still like the Vinson, but am still trying to decide what is best for me. I hunt and ride on weekends, usually I have a passenger, so I need one that has some power and is useful for what I do. Can you guys offer some help?

 

ScottOne,

I may be biased, but I just got an Arctic Cat 400i 4x4 a little over a week ago. All I can say is that this is an amazing machine. I have ridden my friends Suk Quad Runner, another friends Kodiac, among other machines, and felt that the AC was the best for me. The price played a lot into that too. I do the same type of riding you plan to do, and have had no problems with the AC.

Ride them all, see what is the most confortable. I'm a tall guy, so I like the size of the AC's. I wasn't riding with my knees way up near the handlebars. The rocker shift takes some getting used to, but I have found it much easier to shift with big hunting boots on than the traditional lifter-type shift.

The only knock that many have with the AC lineup is that top speed is lacking. Personally, I could care less about top speed. On the trails I ride on, it is rare that we break 30 mph. I was more concerned with grond clearance (12" on mine), and ride (the independent suspension is really nice on the rough stuff).

It all comes down to personal preference. You really can't go wrong with most of what is out there. I don't think there any really "bad" machines out there, just bad fits with the potential owner.

Good luck.

 

Really, for just running around, about anything in the 350cc+ category should have enough power for hunting and such. Now if you want to go FAST, you will need a bigger machine than that. Just how speed & power you need will be up to you. I agree, drive them all & get the one that 'feels' best. The quality of all makes has gotten so good, you can't really say that one is better than any other any more. About the only constant is the more 'frills' you get, the more there is to go wrong.

 

Thanks for the input. I am still undecided, but narrowing my choices. Most of the ATV's I have found are in the range of 5000 to 6375, and that is for a 360prairie or eiger 400 man all the way to a vinson500 for 5900. or prairie 650 for 6375., all the cats are in this same price range, so it is a tough decision. I am not looking for tremendous speed, just a two rider hunting and occasional trail and mountain riding atv.

 

One word and 3 numbers: Prairie 650

 

For the money the Kawasaki 650 is the best. Just my opinion though. Others here have their favorites but all of like what we like for particular reasons. If you carry a passenger eliminate the Vinson. Great ATV but the suspension is know to bottom out. The Arctic Cat was on the top of my list too with Polaris because of independent rear suspension. But my ego wanted fast so I went with the Prairie. Now for the good stuff about the Prairie. What type of terrain do you hunt in? For me the Prairie was an easy choice because of the tall grass and cattails that I drive in. Independent suspension catches a lot of crap in its more complex parts. But the ride is great. The Kawi actually handles bumps quite well. Not the feel of the IRS on the Cat or Polaris, but still does well. And if by some chance the rear on the Prairie gets hung up a little some body english to the side and locking the front differential is all it takes to come off the hangup. But the clean rear axle goes over grass and cattails with catching anything. Another choice similar in ways to the Prairie would be a Polaris Magnum 500. Its a little less money, fast, a workhorse, and it too has a clean rear axle. I personally think that Kawi reliability is a tad better than Polaris but it all comes down to the particular machine and the owner. These are my thoughts and others will have different views. But remember, all of us here can lend our stories and experiences and you can mold everything to what you will be using the ATV for! Good luck!!

Daryn

 

If it was me I would go with the P650 or a G660 just depends on if you want IRS or solid axle

 

Rubicon Man has a good opinion too. Prairie 650 or Grizzly 660. I love my 650 and it fits my needs better than a Griz would. But man, that Griz sure is one of the best looking ATV's out there. Especially in the metallic silver.

Daryn

 

Still think the 650

 

I am just about sold on the Prairie 650. I called Kawasaki and talked to the marketing department and they told me the 2003 model would not be out until June. I am wondering whether or not to wait and see if the newer model will look any different. I may go ahead and get a 02 model. I was deciding between the Prairie and the Vinson, but Kawasaki owners have helped sell me on the 650.
Scott