I do a little bit of everything with my DS and yes, a 4x4 would be nice in the walking paced tight stuff. I have ridden my DS at 10,000 ft and it was a dream. Most of the 4x4's had to walk over the logs, and I simply wheelied the front over and let the rear soak up the log. That might have a little rider ability involved though. The only time I had problems is when we got to a tightly wooded trail end. A five point push/pull was needed to get the sled turned around. That is the only time I have ever needed reverse, well... and when I'm pulling it out of the garage.
On fire roads, single lane switch backs and open wooded areas, the DS is simply AWSOME. I would think that a Raptor would also be good, however the DS will feel much more stable due to it's wider stance.

I'd pick it up before Mario does...... Mario's probably lookind for his third DS and wanting to put a JET TURBINE on it. I don't think he'll settle until he needs to install oxygen on his monster in order to breath. I'm affraid that if he keeps going faster and faster, he'll cross into the next dimension. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

As far as high performance quads go the DS is second to none when it come down to Suspension,comfort,and motor reliability. But for what your descibing it sounds like you would be happier in the long run on a Praire 700 or Grizzly660. At 54yrs old I dont think you will like shifting up and down,and I also think you will enjoy reverse.



Bigger.

 

hey bigger one of the banshee riders at florence that hands out good whippings is 73, it's kind of funny to see him out there loving life.

 

Not a whole lot of logs on these trails. Couple of ridgelines over from Rubicon. same kind of terrain.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

OK, now I've seen it & its a h*ll of a lot lighter than trying to move my Snowmobiles around. Don't know about tryin' to get it back up a steep incline, etc. Has anyone seen/used/have one of those manual winches w/ the webbing instaed of cable? Any other ideas if ZI were to take on "outback of Rubicon" trails?

Anyone put any racking on one of these?

 

they make racks for coolers and gas but not the kind you see on 4x4 quads

 

They make 4x4 type racks, i have seen them on ebay, they are for the back only. Glad you enjoyed the test ride Ken. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

guess i haven't seen those but i can't figure why you would need more than the one in rocky mt. holds a cooler and gas. they also have those carry bags from bombardier also