My riding buddy has found a new 2000 Explorer 250 4x4 for $3800. He would be moving from (his father-in-law's)93 trailboss 350 4x4 that is pretty much ragged out. His only concern is that he will be giving up too much power. I have a 00 Trailboss and our other friend has a 00 Trailblazer. On the power end, how will he compare? And Compared to a Prairie 300 4x4 or a 350 Rancher 4x4 how will it stand up?
Also, I read several posts from some months back about what some of you think of the machine. Has your opinion changed or have any problems come up you had to deal with?
I know that he will greatly appreciate your input and i'm hoping he gets a quad so he can ride more regularly with us.
Thanks

 

I have a 2001 trailblazer and a 2001 explore 250 4x4 and I realy like my explore. My brother has a 2001 trailboss and as power goes they all 3 have about the same in a drag race on my 1/2 mile drive way there is not more than 1 to 2 4wheeler lenth when we are done. As far as hill climbing and river crossings the explore does as good as my old 1999 honda 300 4x4 with vampire tires and lift kit. The true 4wheel drive of the polaris does as good with its stock tires as the honda did with vampires. When I get real board with it I can add an hpd pipe and get her up to about 28 horse. I highly recomend the explore. It has been great.... it rides like a cadilac and has a great seat. The 4 wheel push button works great you can be in 2wheel and slide and play or when you need it you are full all 4 pulling. The only thing I do not like is after going through deep water you have to drain the starter. This is a 10 minute job but you have to do it every time you are in over 2 feet of water.

realoldguy

2001 Scrambler 400
2001 Trailblazer
2001 Explore 250 4x4
2001 90 sportsman
2001 Honda 250ex

 

I ride with one and the machine is impressive with the 4-wheel drive. Mine is two wheel drive and there is no comparison. I think it would climb a tree in Lo if there were traction. Mods are numerous and relatively inexpensive from Ritter.

 

I rode with a Prairie 2 wheel drive allot when I had my Xplorer 250 and it was just as fast, if not a little quicker we had virtually the same top speed as of 4x4 capabilities the 300 and the Rancher will need some killer tires to keep up with the Xplorer 250 with its stock tires. Polaris true 4x4 is hard to beat, even with the 23 inch front and 24 inch stock tires on i was able to mud with anybody, even make a few people mad who had Vamps and Tri claws on there Hondas and Yamahas. Power was great it felt more like a 350 4 stroke power wise than a 250. Great crawler in low range. in speed he should be right on par with a Rancher and the Prairie in the mud the Xplorer will have the edge for sure, all around trail riding should be about equal. I have not ridden a Rancher but the Prairie is a nice ride, comfy seat and nice suspension felt very Polaris like. It is a great machine. I would not have gotten rid of it had my girl freind wanted her own atv, I traded for a Sportsman the Xplorer would carry 2 people but not as easy as a SP 500. it was not so much a matter of power but the size of the machine the SP is far more stable with two people do to its weight and larger size. but for me I would rather have the Xplorer for tight trail rides it weighs the same as a Honda 300 4x4 but has much better suspension and way quicker.

 

We have 2 2000 250 Explorers and have been happy with them. One time when we went riding with a group, one of our boys said he could of passed a 300 Prairie 4x4 a few times. I am pleased with the machines. A few grease fittings are kind of hard to reach on the swingarm pivot, and the front driveshaft can be a hassle also, but we are getting better at doing it. I have kicked around putting a pipe on 1 of the machines, but am not sure if we will or not.

 

Ive been very pleased with my xplorer also.. For comparison reason the xplorer 4x4 has the same frame as the new trailboss and the engine of the trailblazer..the speed is very close on all three with the nod going to the tblazer.. Ive never got to ride the praire but have heard lots off good things about it. As for a rancher one of my riding buddies has a 2000 es and we are virtually even in most respects.. Top speed is about identical xplorer gets the jump and the rancher catches up in about 3rd and they are usually neck and neck from that point.. Ride quality is better on the xplorer but the rancher handles alil better on tight technical trails.In the mud you'll have to get into some serious stuff before you can see advantages over one or the otherHope this helps

p.s Also as was mentioned above being able to take it out of 4wheel drive can make it a real blast to swing the Rearend out in the slick stuff hehe
cya
RON

2000 xplorer 2504x4
Rcr stage1