ATV & SXS - UTV Product Reviews

When Polaris introduced the ACE chassis a few years back we were intrigued.  It was the first single-seat machine from a major OEM since Hondas Pilot almost 25 years earlier.  Surely a new single-seater would surpass the Pilot in every way, still, we couldn’t help but feel the ACE platform was not all it could have been.

The maker of the newest accessory for our GMC truck really did think of everything, right down to the nitty-gritty details of fishing a bolt through a blind hole and including a trick little tool to make it easier.  That’s not always the case when installing an accessory.  Often times it can be a frustrating matter of trial, error, rework and refit.  Not this time!  The ACCESS ORIGINAL SLANTBACK Roll-Up Cover was all access right down to the smallest details.

Regardless of our trail destination, one concern that comes up on every trip is transporting our gear safely and securely. We’ve tossed gear in the back of our truck, strapped it to our ATVs or Side x Side, and loaded down our trailer, but you always have that nagging wonder if it will arrive safe and dry. Not anymore.

Most ATV and Side x Side owners enjoy recreational riding and some are hooked on the thrill of competition, but it’s the ability to transform into extremely capable work machines that has put one on every farm and job site in the country. Wherever there is something to haul, tow, or cut that doesn’t fit a tractor or full blown dump truck you can bet an ATV or Side x Side is ready to tackle the job.

If Magellan had owned one of the GPS systems named after him, he would have never built a reputation as a legendary navigator. Instead he would have been known to history simply as “Ferdinand - the guy who drives the boat.” The new Magellan eXplorist TRX7 GPS system is so easy anyone can complete a treacherous crossing, at least on land anyway. You almost want to get lost just to turn it on.

It goes without saying that it’s good for all of us and a great feeling to buy products made in the ‘ole USA. Buying from home means we are helping skilled workers put meals on the tables of American families just like ours. Of course the bottom line when making a purchase is always quality and price, and recently we’ve been using a trailer that provides both.

ROAD TIME

Nobody is ever going to hand you a trophy for plowing the snow out of the driveway. The best you can hope for is a warm drink and a kiss from your significant other, and with any luck a few days off before you’re forced back outside to fight winter back again. At least you’ve got one of the best tools ever for getting the job done.

Watch practically any powersports event, race, or adventure show and you’ll see small video cameras sprouting from the rider or vehicle. The invention of high definition, highly durable mini cameras has changed how events are filmed and viewed by others. There is no shortage of POV (Point Of View) high definition cameras on the market, and recently we tried one available at CAN-AM dealers called the CYCLOPS GEAR CGX2.

One feature shared by every type of off-road enthusiast, whether they ride a dirt bike, ATV, or even a jeep, is that when it comes time to haul it, you will need a good set of ramps. They’re a tool every bit as necessary as your tire gauge, spark plug wrench, and tie down straps.