polaris 550 vs 850

New Nate · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 03:54 PM

I am considering purchasing the 2011 550 XP or 850 XP. The 550 is price appealing and the 850 has the 'just in case' power. I would hate to purchase the 550 and not have all the power that may need a couple years down the road and then wishing I had got the 850. I am a beginner rider. Any advice is welcome.

Popo 500 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 03:56 PM

GO BIG or GO HOME!!! If you can afford the 850 than that is what you should get. Just my opinion

bukaty · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 04:17 PM

My 550 has the power to do whatever I ask of it except pull a wheelie. If that is important to you then get the 850

Dbez1 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 05:00 PM

If you watch this forum long enough, you will notice riders moving from the 550 to the 850 but I have yet to read of anyone moving from an 850 down to a 550. At 63 years old, I have an 850 and it's more than about the "emergency" power. In my opinion, there would only be two reasons to get the 550...money & gas mileage. Find a way to ride both and you will understand. Best wishes, it's a win win situation!

Polaris Bear · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2011, 05:14 PM

I agree with most above. The 550 will have the power to do anything you need it to do and then some, but you can never have to much power in a tight spot. I am 55 years old and really like the power of my 850. It seems like the 550's have less problems but that could be based on the numbers of each model sold. I ride with a buddy that has a 550 and I have some ride time on it and it has good power, but not even close to the 850. In the long run you will probably be happier with the 850.

nsipes · #6 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New Nate

I am considering purchasing the 2011 550 XP or 850 XP. The 550 is price appealing and the 850 has the 'just in case' power. I would hate to purchase the 550 and not have all the power that may need a couple years down the road and then wishing I had got the 850. I am a beginner rider. Any advice is welcome.

It really comes down to what you want to do with it. I rode both the 550 and the 850 and there isn't that much of a difference until you get above about 35mph then the 850 starts to pull away. It doesn't increase your rated tow capacity since that's really limited by the brakes more than the power.

If you are going to be putting tracks on or pushing a lot of snow with a plow the 850 probably makes sense or if you really want to do 60 down a trail.

The 850 is a very nice machine if cost isn't a consideration to you then go for it.

Probably the best advice is before purchasing go and rent them and try them out with the type of riding you intend to do. You might be able to talk a local dealer in to taking you up with a couple of them or a local ATV club to try out. Well that and get a winch for whatever you decide.

Smoothbassman · #7 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 05:35 PM

Don't 2nd guess it. Go with the 850. You will not be disappointed.

Action · #8 (**permalink**) 06-13-2011, 07:26 PM

I was lucky enough to get to try out both. The 2 places that I noticed the biggest difference was riding up steep rocky trails and 2 up. Going up a steep rocky trail I was more comfortable with the 850's power advantage. Both machines would do it but it felt easier on the 850. Riding with a passenger was a little easier on the 850 when it came to to powering through soft sand or climbing up longer hills.

Action

skizmo · #9 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 01:04 PM

just read ALL the posts on this forum in regards to 850 problems....550 doesn't even have a 1/4 of these issues..(i dont know if that is due to volume or manufacturing) the 550 is cheaper to buy and way cheaper on gas..my friend bought an 850..I bought a 550...it is my first atv and I am new to riding I did not think I needed a top of the food chain ATV (850)that I would end up killing my self on.......We go ALL the same places with NO difference in ability..we get threw the same mud holes and get stuck in the same mud holes...

I'm sure Ill be hung for saying that..because this forum seems to be mostly 850 owners...sorry guys but I love my 550...Its a great machine and so far quite reliable..(time will tell) its all personal preference...

Couple more years and they'll have V8 ATV'S...there's allays going to be a demand for more,more,more....but do you really need it?????

Down the road when I have more experience and I don't see as many issues with the 850..I will prob trade up to one....but for a beginner the 550 is more then enough.

xp74 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skizmo

just read ALL the posts on this forum in regards to 850 problems....550 doesn't even have a 1/4 of these issues..(i dont know if that is due to volume or manufacturing) the 550 is cheaper to buy and way cheaper on gas..my friend bought an 850..I bought a 550...it is my first atv and I am new to riding I did not think I needed a top of the food chain ATV (850)that I would end up killing my self on.......We go ALL the same places with NO difference in ability..we get threw the same mud holes and get stuck in the same mud holes...

I'm sure Ill be hung for saying that..because this forum seems to be mostly 850 owners...sorry guys but I love my 550...Its a great machine and so far quite reliable..(time will tell) its all personal preference...

Couple more years and they'll have V8 ATV'S...there's allays going to be a demand for more,more,more....but do you really need it?????
Down the road when I have more experience and I don't see as many issues with the 850..I will prob trade up to one....but for a beginner the 550 is more then enough.

X's 2 My 550 has proven plenty capable and I don't regret buying it instead of the 850, but which ever you get the xp's are the way to go IMO.