ATV Television Test - 2010 Polaris Sportsman XP550 Touring EPS

[tomshen]

The Polaris Sportsman 550 EPS looks very nice. Which ATV would you recommend if my use is going to primarily be for snow plowing my driveway? It is not a huge driveway, but living in CT, we get a lot of snow, and I'm looking for a reliable, easy to use, good-looking ATV that I can attach a 60" snow plow to. I will also use it for light trail riding, and hauling materials around my property. Again, the main use is snow plowing a medium size driveway.

Thanks!

[ATVTVCOM]

@tomshen This would be a great ATV for that. Just remember, for pushing a 60" plow through deep snow you'll need some more aggressive, radial tires.

[galligos11]

yamahas way better

[OMGelectronics]

which would be better for the price and what not? the polaris 500 HO or the yamaha grizzly 450 4x4 auto?

[ATVTVCOM]

@OMGelectronics I prefer the smaller, lighter, and more reliable Grizzly. Not to mention it also has separate brake controls for front and rear brakes, and complete 4wd system. I'd choose the next size up though - probably the 550 - it's a top-of-the-line machine.

[1728jeff7928]

what did u not like about this quad

[ATVTVCOM]

@1728jeff7928 Didn't the test kinda sum those things up?

[aux1z11]

Did he say the shocks could be stiffend for Beer Loads?

[ATVTVCOM]

@aux1z11 I think he said the shock's springs can be stiffened for 'bigger' loads, whether that happens to be beer, deer, gear, or your dear's bigger rear ;-)

[Lenar2541]

Hi!

Love Your vids, very helpful. I have never driven an atv so I wonder is longer wheelbase (X2 & touring) safer in terrain and steep hills/climbs than a the regular xp?

I've seen that the X2 550 does not have ESP, is that critical when using it for work in terrain?

Regards from Norway :))

[ATVTVCOM]

@Lenar2541 The longer wheelbase makes the ATV much more stable in irregular terrain. And the power steering helps not only to make the steering easier but also helps the handlebars from being jerked as much in the rough terrain.

[CrimsonBloodStar]

@ATVTVCOM I didnt know out the two which one had more ground clearance? Thanks for commenting back. I am looking around at all kinds of atv's and trying to find a good mud one. Not sure if I should get a 550 or higher? I need good power but also good on the gas mileage. The area I drive in is like 25 mile ride out in the middle of no where. Is there a site where you can see there gas mileage??

[CrimsonBloodStar]

@ATVTVCOM Which one better for mudding 500 sportsman HO or the 550 XP Sportsman? Nice Vid!

[ATVTVCOM]

@CrimsonBloodStar I like the XP way better! What's better for mudding? Don't know. I'd assume the XP because it has more power.

[Travide]

the best quad is the one u like they all break so and need repairs sooner or later some just last longer depending on how you drive it!

[kowal789]

i can never get those speedometers, they are so confusing to me i would just rather have a good old round speedometer!

[ATVTVCOM]

@kowal789 This is one of the most confusing that's for sure. I actually had to stop a Polaris rider on the trail and ask him how to set the clock! He had to pull out his owner's manual. Sad.

[sstroh08]

i see polaris still has those crappy plastic racks...

[TheHanzn]

Guys, i've really done lots of internet research on the best ATV and so far, i c the # one is the Arctic, #2 Can Am, #3 Honda then #4 Polaris. Obviously that was based on Expert's feedback gathered from many forums however i c the Polaris is the leading in ATV !

Appreciate if you could advise me on what to buy ? as this will be my first time to buy an ATV.

Thanks..

[ATVTVCOM]

@TheHanzn Very tough question! We've done a couple videos on deciding which ATV is best for. You can access them more easily from our website. In a nutshell, it depends on what you plan to do with the ATV, where you plan to ride, and (ta da) what you prefer in an ATV. Although one of our favorite ATVs is the new Touring XP850, because we prefer 2 brake levers, the option of locking front differential, and the best reliability we like the Suzuki King Quads and Yamaha Grizzlies.

[blownutsmyass]

thats funny now it takes a 550cc engine to take you up "almost" any hill when back in the day a 300 or 350 would take you anywhere.

[ATVTVCOM]

@blownutsmyass Was it we were younger or we didn't go as many places, or as fast? Whatever the answer your point is a good one.......

[blownutsmyass]

@ATVTVCOM even better one for ya some of these new ATVs are rated to pull over 1000 1500lbs just a few days ago i used a 89 yamaha big bear 350 to pull a full size pickup out of a ditch and up the driveway. i really would love to see any CVT trannys drive belt hold up to that kinda pulling. yes we had to add bricks on the ATV but it did it and keeps on running. i use these old ones for stuff like that all the time and they never give up. or a 85 honda pulling a 6000lb tractor.

[james139713]

@ATVTVCOM hey i need ur help im etheir getting a king quad 400 or 2010 polaris sportsman 550 wats a better vehicle

[ATVTVCOM]

@james139713 Why the choice between these two? Why not compare the King Quad 500 to the Sportsman 550? Or even the Grizzly 550? If that were the case I'd definitely choose either the KQ500 or the Grizzly 550.

[james139713]

@ATVTVCOM ok thanks

[Travide]

@james139713 i would ride both see which you you like more, I perfer a polaris but thats me!

[blownutsmyass]

rear A arms ar the dumbest idea ever. now you gota have ""ROLL"" to make it ride better when the old school swing arm worked just fine for that. now they fixed the front end with A arms but mess up the rear. i really wish they would make an all USA made ATV that was good. also go back to steel lugage racks. some of us USE are ATV for more then a toy.

[ATVTVCOM]

@blownutsmyass I agree! Read my blog about it = I think if we spent as much effort in making a good, long travel swing arm as we did IRS we'd have a killer suspension. Plus I mentioned IRS was completely consumer driven And - well, just read the blog ;-)

[blownutsmyass]

@ATVTVCOM wheres this blog?

[ATVTVCOM]

@blownutsmyass You can link to the blog from our website. ur website also has Latest News and all the videos categorized. I always hoped You Tube videos just directed folks to the website as there's so much more there.

[ghetemihai]

I just love your videos!



[ATVTVCOM]

@ghetemihai Thanks

[codcoda]

how can i get a job testing atvs?? does any one know theres nothin i strive for more then atv riding id love to test models and give them my feed back!! please let me know thank you :)

[ATVTVCOM]

@codcoda The first thing you need is experience - not just riding, but knowing the differences - the changes little things make, tire pressure, steering geometry. Next, you need to be educated so that you know what steering geometry is.

The best way to get a job is to make yourself 'valuable' to the employee. Go to college and get a degree in engineering, go to mechanic's school so you know how to work on them.

[26ghey]

@ATVTVCOM do you even make good money as a atv tester

[ATVTVCOM]

@26ghey When the economy was good, the pay was good. Now that the economy (and the ATV industry) are in the toilet, the money is pretty much a think of the past....

[FrodeFlodhest]

Nice video. A pleasure to watch. =)

Can-Am Outlander Max 800 vs. Polaris Sportsman 850 Touring?

[ATVTVCOM]

@FrodeFlodhest Thanks. That would be a good face off as they each have some strong points and some what-the-heck-were-they-thinki­ngs ;-)

[SUPERSPARTA41]

i am having a hard time deciding between a sportsman 500, a yamaha 500, and a suzuki 500 which would you perfer? please help.

[ATVTVCOM]

@SUPERSPARTA41 Suzuki with EPS. Smoother running, blighter, more reliable.

[SUPERSPARTA41]

@ATVTVCOM ok and i don't know a lot about atvs so whats eps

[ATVTVCOM]

@SUPERSPARTA41 Electric Power Steering. On the Suzuki it adds a bit of power steering, a great amount of steering stabilizer, and a revised steering geometry. Al good stuff!

[SUPERSPARTA41]

@ATVTVCOM ok so i noticed that the power steeping adds considerably to the cost of any atv...Is it wirth it

[ATVTVCOM]

@SUPERSPARTA41 Sometimes! If you run more aggressive tires on trails with a lot of rocks and stumps EPS is a big help. Is t worth $1000.00? That's a lot of money!

[SUPERSPARTA41]

@ATVTVCOM now that is kindof my delema cuz i will be using my quad mainlt for hunsting of some mountain trails so i really dont know if i need it but if i come across a used one with power steering for a good price then i will surely get one so for my uses would you recomend eps

[ATVTVCOM]

@SUPERSPARTA41 Here's the biggest reason for me - old age! Although I have a lot of experience, old age (and laziness?) have made me weaker in my upper body. The EPS makes steering a tad easier, but its action as a steering stabilizer is the most important benefit. I can ride all day and then come down several miles of steep, rocky trail and not have the handlebars yanked out of my hands. Watch our very first test of the Grizzly with EPS for more explanation.

[codyadams500]

@SUPERSPARTA41 u want the popo

[SoHeavy3]

im having the hardest time deciding between the Brute Force 750 & the sportsman 550 xp. from experience wich do you believe is better? i need help.

[ATVTVCOM]

@SoHeavy3 That's a tough choice. The XP is more comfortable and looks better. I prefer the two-lever braking and the 4wd system on the Brute Force. Plus the engine is one of the best being a V-Twin!

[codyadams500]

@SoHeavy3 get the popo

[ClarksonsinUSA]

I had much mechanical problems from my 2008 800 Sportsman touring....

[ckacr18]

id suggest the king quad

[Mraybrake]

So of the two you Would recomend the grizz??

[ATVTVCOM]

@Mraybrake Yes

[ckacr18]

@Mraybrake I personally think the kingquad is better than both

[Mraybrake]

Not a bad review. Like rainmaker1213, I'm stuck between the yamaha grizzly 550 eps and the sportsman 550 eps. Any suggestions towards either machine? Any help would be greatly appricated.

[ATVTVCOM]

@Mraybrake It's not a bad machine but not as polished as the Griz. Griz steering is more natural feeling. Better drive system. Better 4wd system. Lighter. More nimble.

[Peppepoppldoppl]

@ATVTVCOM im thinking about blowing up my sportsman XP550 with an RPG rocket launcher, any suggestions or tips?

[ATVTVCOM]

@Peppepoppldoppl No rocket launcher necessary - just ride it - it'll take care of itself ;-)

[ericob313]

@ATVTVCOM Realy the 4wd comes down to preference, i' ve owned a kodiak 450 and i now have a sportsman 800 so i've had plenty of experience with both 4wd systems. IMO, the yamaha has a better 4wd setup, but that for my riding style. The polaris AWD sustem works great and i can see why people love it, as in some situations its a lot easier to use.

Bottom line is they are both great 4wd systems, it just comes down to preference.

[ATVTVCOM]

@ericob313 Hmmmmm. Wouldn't you rather have more control over the ATV rather than less?

[ericob313]

@ATVTVCOM Yes i do like to have more control over my atv, that why i prefered the 4wd setup on my old kodiak, but i can understand why some polaris absolutly love their polaris and their AWD system. Once you get used to it, it's not that bad, it actually works really good, but i like having 100% control over my atv.

Like I said before, its just prefernce.

[joskidoofreek]

narowness??? lol. My buddy has one of thease and he loves it,nice video

[ATVTVCOM]

@joskidoofreek Nice to see you appreciate my humor ;-)

[rainmaker1213]

im caught in between both the grizzly, and this... im leaning toward the grizzly because it seems better for the family and it seems like its a work horse. but my son also loves speed. this seems like its also a work horse but does it beat the speed of the grizzly?

[pureoffroad]

i'm looking at the polaris 2 up range and was after a sportsman 500efi touring but like the idea of the 550efi touring. which one would you recommend?

[saggyballsinyourface]

Hey atvtvcom i am looking to buy a polaris sportsman 550 and everyone keeps saying its just "pretty" but it performs poorly can you PM (personal message) me and tell me, is it a reliable atv and will it last me long with regular maintenance -thanks.

[Cletus32261]

put a track system on it and its unstopable

[Claudioman2009]

This is better than the 800?

[ATVTVCOM]

Way better than the 800. Not better than the 850.

The 800 is not an XP!

[J12345cat]

for 10,000 $ it better be good haha.

[gimlioffroader]

i cant wait to see rzr 4 and if u can get some arctic cats in there do the mud pro its crazy!

[greasyredneck]

you got to do a review racing atvs, not just utility

[ATVTVCOM]

We try to stick with what we ride!

[cjk247]

i am trying to decide on the 850 xp or the 550 xp.

[ATVTVCOM]

They are identical except for engine size so if you need the extra power for deep snow, get the 850. Otherwise the 550 is probably powerful enough.

[Claudioman2009]

It´s difficult, one friend was in the same dilema. He bought the XP 550 Stealth Black. I was researching with him, and we decided for the 550 because of the technology and less weight. maybe im wrong, but well it´s done. :)

[ATVTVCOM]

No you're not wrong, the 550 is awesome! Other than needing better tires, the only other thing I wished was for more power in the deep snow. Other than that you'll be more than happy.

[Claudioman2009]

Thanks for your answer, i personally own an old 1998 Polaris Magnum 425 with very few kms and shinning like new, you can see a pic in my channel.

[Donnyron]

I mainly agree with the reivew. I have the same quad and like it, but it does have it's faults. Definitely agree on the numbness of the power steering but the dampening helps a lot. However the biggest problem is the stock rubber on it is quite ill-suited for the sloppy stuff of the snow.

[johndeeretech09]

how about some reviews on the new Arctic Cats?

[ATVTVCOM]

We can't get any. I think we're too tough on them ;-)

[greasyredneck]

@ATVTVCOM couldnt agree more

[itzvincent329]

i'd like to see a review on the new polaris scrambler 500 4x4

[ATVTVCOM]

We've got one sitting here waiting for a little better weather then we'll get a review done.

[nmgferjjkssd]

do a reveiw on a yamaha bruin or grizzly 350 4x4 there amazing