I have a raptor and it is a real powerhog and also light. I ride in the woods alot and I was wondering if the scrambler wood work better or wood I be missing the power and agility of the raptor? I do some jumping, But not mx style or anything. I geared my raptor down so it wood work good in the woods yet i am clutching it alot. It also gets hot on me. Does the scrambler get hot at slow speeds climbing over trees an such?
I have had polaris work machines in the past(95 350 4x4 and a 97 500 sportsman) and I had nothing but trouble is this still a problem?
My yamaha dealer also sells polaris and they have my raptor right now they say it should not get hot so they were going to look for problems with the cooling system. They said why they look I can try a new scrambler, but if i hurt it I bought it. So I'm thinking about chancing it. I would appriate any info on this thanks.

 

I have a 1998 Scrambler 500 4x4. I love it, although I never have ridden a Raptor so I can't help out too much. It does great as an all around quad. The power is there, as well as the 4WD when needed. As far as reliability, I had no major problems yet. Newer Polaris' are alot better than they use to be. I'd try one out if your dealer lets you.

Good Luck

 

A buddy of mine has a Raptor, and I have a 2001 Scrambler 500 4x4. The Raptor is fast and lightweight. My scrambler has only needed brakes, the raptor a carb and brakes real soon. We mostly ride in sand.

Scramblers have a problem with breaking the tranny case when jumping. I don't jump(or atleast bring it off the ground), so it shouldn't affect me. I have the polaris skid plates, a rack(for trail riding), and a speedo.

Rainman

 

I've owned 4 Scramblers, two 500s and 2 400s. Sold the first set (chain drive to front) and bought two more. The 500 is a great machine but in a whole different class than a raptor. Mine never overheat, do great on trails, dunes, snow, hills, or crawling over rocks. I've had a few minor problems but nothing that would stop me from buying another one. As for brand, I sold my Yamaha wolverine to buy a second scrambler because it was so much more fun to ride. To compare a Scrabler to a Raptor is like comparing a Banshee to a wolverine, different strengths and weaknesses. If you don't race, don't do monster jumps (I've done 20-30 foot jumps without damage...to the machine), and want a more all aroung machine (snow, sand, hill climbs, and trails) then the Scrambler is deffinitely a better machine for your needs.

 

I wanted to thank everybody that gave there opinion on the subject. I did get to try one out. It is a great machine. I run about 3 to 4 tanks of gas through it, and I run it hard. I was impressed, But have not decided if I can give up the power of the raptor. I suppose if I could get enough for the raptor I might give it a shot. I also am curious about the new yamaha machine if there is one? If it is just a work machine I would stick with my kodiak for work and go with a scrambler. Thanks again.