I also am a little biased, but it is firmly my opinion that it would be worth the extra couple hundred dollars to get a Prairie 650. They are scary fast, with a great ride! Not to mention the best of all worlds (in my opinion). I agree from what I have seen, the Honda and AC are a little behind the other two models. I don't think the ride quality is bad on the Honda and it will most likely run forever, because that is what Hondas seem to do. The sportsman is an excellent machine, but I am not sold on the single brake lever system and the true four wheel drive is a bit jumpy. For an experienced rider it works well, but I could see how new riders might have trouble with it.

The Prairie 650 has everything. The dual break levers attached to outstanding brakes plus the differential lock makes this machine a little more user friendly. Not sure that the Vinson has a diff lock. One complaint though! Why didn't they put real tires on the 650 is beyond me.

In the world of big bore quads, the price of a new smaller 4X4 is so high, I would consider stepping up to the top level and gauranteeing yourself he best machine.

 

My pick would easily be the 500i Cat, now has same motor as Vinson, not as sporty but with independent is far supierior off-road & rides equal to the Sportsman only lighter.

 

I second the choice of the Arctic Cat 500i 5-speed. The fully independent suspension is awesome and it has the same power as the Vinson.

Now, if you want PURE sport the Vinson is probably the better choice, but if you want pure capability, the 500i is it. AND unlike the Sportsman, you actually get to choose when it's in 4WD and when it isn't.

Rob

 

My concern with the Artic Cat would be its reliability. Unfortunately, I have not been around them and know very little about them. Do you feel that AC is a dependable quad??

 

THe arctic cat is very reliable. I am a Arctic cat mechanic and as far as reliability goes there great. Way better then some. They were underpowered unitl this year. I just assembled an 03 the other day and took it for a ride around the lot. It has got some great power. The new engine works great. I can even get wheelies out of it. But i would have to agree with everyone else. If you want good power and great ride with IRS go cat. If yah want the best sport ride go vinson.