I am thinking of switching from a 650 Prairie to the Cat or Sportsman. I had a 700 right after they came out, and had some problems. Problems were leaking coolant - no big deal, it was fixed by Polaris, I had a lot of problems with the belt slipping and low range was to low in my opinion. Please dont tell me I was driving in high when I should have been in low, as I have owned three other polarises and never had a problem with the others, and two buddies on 500 HO'S were riding the same terrain and having no problems. I am asking for advice and pro's and con's on the two to help me make my decision. I have heard the heel clicker gives the big Sportsman a big boost in the tranny department, any thoughts on this? Is the 600's gearing the same as the 700's? Please no brand bashing, I just want usefull info from people who would know. Any problems with the 700's? Thanks

 

I have a brand new 700. So far so good. It really seems to run strong. I do have a little knock when starting out in high range from a dead stop. Both from this forum, the dealer, and a friend that has had one for some time, I am being told to ignore the knock. This is my 3rd 4X4 atv, my last being a honda foreman. This 700 is so far above the forman in every catagory that I'm shocked.

 

Copper990: In your post you show no interest in the Arctic Cat at all except for mentioning its name. Go with the 700, it was on your mind the most even though you were talking about problems.

 

That was because I asked the same question on the arctic cat board and figured they would answer any thing biased towards the cat. I like the Polaris, as long as I can ride it without the belt problems of my old 700. Thanks for the reply, keep em coming!! Also what about the Polaris 600, Pluses, minuses, comparisons, I've never rode any of the 600's.

 

I own a polaris 700 2003 I also have had problems loosing coolent and I hate the way the engine braking is on the rear wheels only. Going down steep hills is scary, polaris claims there into saftey but they dont have a recall to make the 700 safe.I have owned arctic cats and I think there great machines if I were going to go on some scary trail I take my arctic cat 400 and leave my 700 home so I will come home In one peice.Id tafe the arcticat 650 I would trade my 700 for one.

 

Take a look at the Highlifter.com site. Go into "forums", then Polaris. The 700 has some serious issues with rod bearings failing, and worse than that is the dealer treatment of their customers. It seems the 700 has oil starvation problems on one side of the engine, but you can read more on the site. I think the Pol 600 is the same design. I wouldn't touch one until this is resolved. I'd give the AC a shot, but I am biased, I own one. Do lots of test rides and research before you shell out a bunch of coin

 

I think you should look at the 600 also. There is not enough difference between the two powerwise to make any practical difference.
I use mine like a tank. I have a 5,000 acre hunting lease with very few roads. I use ATV's to make roads for access. There are a lot of sandy firebreaks with steep sides and lots of twists and off camber spots. The Polaris handles this stuff better than any other we have tried. My previous was a King Quad. In the places where I had to back, forward, back, forward to make some turns, the Polaris goes through with none of the back forward stuff.
It steers very light and has a tight turning radius.
When you open it up you realize no sane person needs anymore power.
I also use it to pull trailers on the farm, loaded with horse manure, dirt and such.

I wouldn't worry about the rod failure issue. There is a lot of discussion about this on ATV NATION. It seems to be limited to just a few from an early run. There are many more out there that run perfect and just a few with the problem.
I have had no problem with my belt. I had intended to take it off and clean it but after I got use to it I see no need.

If I had to buy another one today, I would buy one just like I have.

 

Well said Darkhorse. I have an '03 600 and it the best machine out there in my opinion. From reading these forums all the time from what some magazines articles have said, there has to be the least amount of problems with the 600 than any other utility atv. I have 103 hours and 590 miles on mine and it has never let me down. The thing feels like it could tow anything!!

Polaris, The Way Out

 

Check this out.

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Thanks for the replies guys, still trying to decide, I am leaning towards the cat, but cant say I have decided for sure. I wish my dealer would hurry up and get one so I could try it. I would like to try to decide and have my new quad before a hunting trip I am taking on Oct.9th