Hey, new to the forum...found some great info. I'm in the market for a new ATV and I can purchase these models for close to the same price. I'll mainly use the bike for work around the farm and the deer lease but I still like to play some. Sheer speed is not really important but overall quality, durability and fun factor are. I know this is a polaris forum but I would love to hear your opinions. Currently I'm leaning toward the XP550. It's the cheapest out of the bunch even with EPS. I'm going to go look at one tomorrow!

 

If you lean towards utility, the AC700H1. If you lean towards put a grin on your face every time you crack the throttle fun , the Outy. Be aware the frames need skid plates, because they ding easy, and there is a learning curve with the Visco-Lok front diff that can make it difficult to master.

The XP 550 is a good mix of both. Here's a review-

ATV Illustrated-ATV & Quad reviews, videos & riding articles

 

Thanks for the info. I'm kinda leaning toward the XP 550 because it seems to be a good mix between pure utility and some fun. Any opinions on superior or inferior reliability between the three?

 

There was a time when I considered going to an Outlander. My Popo dealer sells them also. They told me that the front ends are weak and had a bunch in to have them fixed/replaced. Nice riding machines if you don't bounce them off a stump or a log and trash the front end.

The AC's run great but if you live where it snows the 4x4 actuator needs to be kept cleared out. Had one for a very short time and blasted around the yard a little after a big snowfall. Next time I went to ride it the 4x4 wouldn't engage. Ended up firing up the furnace in the garage to thaw it out so it would work again.

Never had either of those issues with my Popos.

I've heard the XP's don't tow as well as the SP's because of the lighter front end.

 

The Outty is a twin. I would opt for that easily.

I can't believe they are that close in price. Are you sure?
Usually an Outty 650 is closer to the price of a XP 850.

 

The outty is a leftover 2008 model that I will have to do some driving if I decide to go that way. Popo is a lot closer. So basically I need to decide between 08 Outty 650 and O9 Polaris XP 550. Oh the XP is significantly cheaper without EPS...close to the same with but I'm not convinced I need it.

 

If you think peeing blood after a ride is fun, get the AC. Tough call on the other two, but I love my XP, it's an awesome ride and it tows great, despite what others may have said. The Can-Am's are good machines, and the 650 is damn fast.

 

there really is no contest between the outty 650 and sportsman 550, the outlander will crush it in everything, and will leave it in the dust

 

arghh! I thought I had decided on the XP 550 but now I'm leaning toward the Outty...it's about $500 more and a 6hr drive. I'm going to a closer dealer on tuesday to look at both. Thanks for the opinions! Oh anyone know which one has a tighter turning radius?

 

OK guys one more question. I just came across a used 07 outty 800xt cheaper than all the new ones. It states low hours although I would have to have it shipped. Has there been any changes between the 07-09 outtys? Is the 800 good enough to go used over a new 08 650? Oh, the 800 is a XT version also which I like.