Turkeyhunter1

Fellow hunters, I need too get some input on these two machines. Both machines are the same frame and size, but I need some info on which machine has had problems in the past, and which would be the best machine.
I have looked at both machines, but could use some more "INPUT". I appreciate any help I can get!!! Thank You Fellow Sportsman.........

LY

I went from a '98 500 to an '03 600 early last year. I really like them both, the only problem I have with the 400 is the lack of power. I'm not into speed, but spend most of my time in low gear. With my 500 I had plenty of power, but I don't see were I would've liked to have given up any either. My 600 is very cold natured compared to my old 500 and I assume that the 400 would be closer to the 500 in that respect. Another potential problem with the 600 is the lack of a pull start. So far I haven't had a problem and do carry a very small set of cables, but if you're going to be off by yourself a lot this could be important. I love my 600, but having worn the 'new' off it I kinda wish that I'd of gone with another 500 just for the pull start. My advice would be to go with a 500 instead of either the 400 or 600. The price difference between it and the 400 is small, but the power gain is substantial. The 500 weighs less than the 600, has a pull start and is very easy to start in cold weather compared to the 600. Also, you need to checkout www.polarisofchattanooga.com for some very good otd prices with no tax. Their parking lot is full every Friday and Saturday and they do sell alot of them, upwards of 60+ on a good Saturday. You'll also not be alone with your out of state tags as most everyone there is from at least 500 miles away.

30-06lover

Definately get the 600 twin!! Its a real powerhouse. with that big twin engine under it it has plent of power and will pin u back when u goose it. I recently purchased a 2004 700 twin sportsman and i love it. The 400 just doesnt have enough power for me. I went to a county fair a few days ago and the polaris 600 and 700 twins dominated the competition. They beat suzukis,kawasakis,bombardier,yamahas,and honda all to pieces.

Turkeyhunter1

Thanks for your input!!! I am in the process of buying a machine from Polarisofchattanooga. I put a deposit down on a 400 two weeks ago, and was going too pick it up this weekend. But, the sold tag "FELL OFF" the machine, so somebody else sold the machine. It was the last green 04 400 sportsman left!!! So they are going to try too locate another green 400, or I'll buy the 600. Thanks again........

Shootem up870

personally i would go with the 500 HO. not the 600. it has a pullstart where the 600 doesnt. it also has a lot more power than the 400. either way if u end up getting the 400 it will pull out a deer and has more power than the other brands with the same cc size

Mike from Texas

I am going on my 3rd year with a 400. If you can get a better price on the 400 than the 500HO or the 600, the 400 will do just fine. Trust me, I've had everything from 3 guys and 400# of corn plus a barrel feeder on mine, to pulling a 16' flatbed trailer with a 4x8 wooden box blind up a 40' hill, to hauling 1.5 pallets of sod on a trailer with mine. For every day riding and any situation that I have put mine in, it does more than I ask. I can honestly say that I've never needed more power and I've put mine in some pretty extreme situations. Now wanting more power is a different subject. You can never have too much power.

If I had to choose today though, I'd get the 500 HO. It is a very reliable proven machine and has more than enough power for any situation you could get into. If you are wanting one to drag race and go fast then get a Banshee not a Sportsman.

whiskeysnoot

A pullstart seems insignificant, Until You Need It. Saved my bacon and a hunt more than once. I will always look for it now in a machine.

I don't know about the 400 but I have had a 335 Sportsman that I needed more power from on a couple of occasions. No problems now that I 've had two 500s.

Resale will be better on a bigger machine, too.

Duse500

I was up in maine this past week ATV,ing with 10 other guys.
Before I left I saw the 700EFI dale Ernhalt edition,and thought about trading my2001 500 ho in.Buy the end of the week riding on very steep rocky muddy terraine I decided the 500 had more then enough power to handle 4000' rock climbs so why get another(I have a dalton clutch kit )

2 rincons were trying to get a trade-in for the brute force due to insuffishint low end power

WA7MM

I agree with whiskeysnoot, a pullstart will not decide your buy until you need it in the middle of a rainy, muddy day 10 miles from the nearest road. Only then you think you should have purchased the other model

Ruger-Redhawk

I have a 97 Polaris 500 Sportsman I bought new. It's been a decent 4 wheeler. My main gripe is Polaris's Customer Service.I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER POLARIS. period.Next one will be a Honda.

Ruger Redhawk