What is the best donut gasket to get for 2001 Sportsman 500?

There are a few listed on Amazon.

The most expensive isn't always worth the money and the cheapest isn't either.

And sometimes the cheapest is your best money spent and will last as long as the expensive part

 

I've used several different asbestos type donuts from the oem to aftermarket that people have dropped off and didn't see that much difference. If any exhaust leak it's not usually the new donut,but old weak springs or the flared end of the exhaust pipe has enlarged a tad over the years from vibration.Install the donut,use a good heat resistant coating of rtv around it and use new exhaust springs.Or you can even use safety wire in place of or added to the springs as some have done to really hold the joint tight.

 

Thanks

I have some slightly heavier springs here. I used one on the other connection

I will order the cheap donut and use the heavier springs and some sealant.

I have Permatex ultra Copper, Kopr Kote anti-seize and Nickle Anti-seize here. Or should I get some of the Permatex exhaust sealant -Permatex 80335 Muffler and Tailpipe Sealer, 3 oz. ?

 

Permatex tail pipe and muffler sealer would probably work alright. The best stuff I've ever found isn't made any more. Malcolm Smith products had a stretchy exhaust tape that you just pinched off a little and wrapped it around. When heated up it swelled up and sealed any exhaust leak. Mainly made for two strokes but worked good on 4 stroke pipes also.