2010 polaris 550 xp review

Big John · #11 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 04:09 PM

You will not be disappointed with either. I had a 500 for 4 years then bought the 850. I think there are differences but whether it is worth the premium is something you will have to decide. The 850 twin is phenomenally smooth. It is especially noticeable at low speeds and the torque is strong enough to move the unit effortlessly at low RPMs. Both control and engine breaking are very effective. While the 850 is a little heavier, the power more that covers the burden and the 30 pounds of weight is very low also increasing stability by lowering the center of gravity. Frankly, though you can goose it and raise the front end easier, the sheer power makes needing to add throttle unnecessary. I found the increased power actually improved maneuverability in the rough stuff, hills and technical challenges. But, again, the 550 is also an excellent unit and some of these advantages are marginal. If I had to finance to get the 850 and could buy the 550 cash I would get the 550 (I hate debt). Otherwise one of my life principles is that nothing is more expensive than underbuying. Get what you know you won't regret if it is within your means.

Smoothbassman · #12 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 05:28 PM

Big John has a great point

I have an 850 but I went went with the big boy since I'm a pretty big guy myself. I rode both units and the 850 really was smoother and had that "POP" that the 550 just didnt have. In most riding conditions you probally don't need to have all that power on hand but its nice to know its there. It really comes in handy if you ride in higher altitudes but if you primarly ride at sea level that's not a factor. If you like mud you need to go 850. Or if you are planning on running 27" or 30" tires you might want to go 850. At the end of the day both units will take you anywhere you care to go just how much power you want to have to get you there is a question you have to answer.

cyberhedz · #13 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 07:11 PM

great responses, thank you. I do plan to move to 26-28" tires later so thats good to know, as far as mud...maybe some, not a lot, i'm more for finding ways through seemingly impassable areas. having the power avail is a nice touch and now knowing that the extra 30 pounds doesn't really alter the ride, I think I can comfortable say the 850 will be my choice. one last question, in total miles, what is the gas mileage of the two? my father in law has an 06 500 and he said he can get like 70 miles. Thanks

**mkeddie** · #14 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 07:47 PM

u will get more mileage out of the 550 the 850 is a gas hog but i still love every min on it think when i had the stockers on i got about 40 miles on a tank(note that i wasnt being very nice to it lot of hills and towing)
also i believe the 550 has a little bigger tank and they both get smaller with EPS

cyberhedz · #15 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 07:51 PM

i was jsut curious, all the review I've read say that the 850 gets 1-2 mpg less than the 550, so i figured worse case is 10miles less per tank, just wanted to know what that was on the XP.