Off-Road: August 2010 Archives

After being stranded a hand full of times, I have started packing some common tools on our off-road ATV adventures. Since then I have noticed that I feel much more prepared for the simple flat tire or spark plug change that can occur.

Even though you can’t expect the unexpected, there are several items you can bring along that will help to ensure you make it to your destination.  Check out the list below before you go on your ATV adventure!

What to pack:

1.       First Aid Kit

2.       GPS / Area Map

3.       Compass

4.       Flash Light

5.       Source of communication

6.       Spark Plug Kit - (spark plugs +wrench) \

7.       Tire Inflator/Repair Kit - (Kit = Tire plugs + Plug tools, CO2 inflators with inflator tool, or a small air compressor)

8.       Canteen - (Water)

9.       Tow Strap

10.   Source Of Flame

Summer has arrived and with it brings the new 2011 ATV’s. These 2011 ATV’s are the most advanced on the market.

With the design of electric power steering, bead lock rims, engine braking, and the new 1000cc ATV class, there is plenty to talk about.

  I have searched high and low to find the baddest utility ATV on the market. Below is a list of the top 5 rated ATV for 2011. Feel free to leave feedback as we enjoy hearing from the riders.

1.       Artic Cat 1000LTD – If you think your ATV is bad to the bone…the meanest on the block…the best there can be. Then you clearly haven’t seen the Arctic Cat 1000. That’s right a 1000 EFI stock from the factory. With the engine displacement falling in at a whopping 951cc, this ATV has all others in 2011 beat by over 100cc, s. That’s crazy power right at the tip of your thumb.

        Artic Cat pulled out all the stops and went all out crushing the competition.  With electric power steering and the most fuel capacity out of all five ATVs, a 3000lb winch, and with 2wd/4wd electric front differential locks, you will be able to do what you want when you want. I guarantee you. With this machine people will look and wish they had one!

2.       Polaris Sportsman XP 850 EPS – The 2011 Polaris falls just shy of first place for one main reason, and that is the motor. Even though it has an 850cc V-twin that has ranked high on the list for years, it was still no match for the new 1000cc of Artic Cat.

        Having said that, there are some incredible features that are better than the Arctic Cat.  For example, the new engine braking system (EBS), and the On-Demand All Wheel Drive (AWD) 4x4 system which is the best in the business. In simple terms it’s basically the same drive train system that Jeep uses, just smaller in size. To me that screams hill destroyer!!

        But that’s not all; Polaris has a 12” ground clearance beating the Arctic Cat by 1”. That doesn’t sound like a lot but 1” can make or break you in the all-terrain world. This is defiantly one ATV to look into with a very reasonable price tag.