GEAR all the way my 1987 big bear the first year they came out with it goes throu more than my 00 Grizz. Belts Are Pathetic i don't know why a dealer would make one.

 

Of course manual transmissions are more efficient than autos. But, autos are superior in mud boggin. You never loose momentum for shifting. Belts are used on motorcycles and snowmobiles, both put out a lot more horses than our ATVs. Works for them.