Choosing a new Ice fishing ATV - Feedback requested!

[Wild Lyle]

Hey y'all,

I'm doing some shopping for a new Quad, primarily for ice fishing purposes (hopefully winter 2021)

I have looked at a couple options and wanted to open it up here as I am a newbie ATV guy. I want an ATV because of storage and also to do a few rides in the summer.

The two options I'm looking at are honda and polaris. For hondas, i'm looking at a rancher 420 or maybe a foreman 520.

I know honda to build a bulletproof machine, but am questioning the ground clearance for my uses. Anyone speak to that?

420 Rancher has 7.1 inches clearance and the 520 has 7.5.

When looking polaris, the 2021 sportsman 450 and 570 have a clearance of 11 inches, but I don't know if polaris makes a good machine for ice fishing purposes.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! I should also note that I'll be fishing on Simcoe primarily as well as Erie occasionally on cold winters.

Thanks!

Wild

[dean.f]

I went in to buy a rancher 420 and ended up leaving with a foreman 500 (price was very close due to rebate) a couple years ago, I use it primarily for ice fishing and plowing snow and it very rarely gets stuck and it always starts. The only thing that will stop it is deep snow with a crust on top it will ride up until the wheels lose traction. I can't say that won't happen to whatever machine you buy. I looked at both Polaris and Honda in the same showroom and the decision was easy for me, that might be a bit difficult with covid now.

I ride and fish exclusively on simcoe.

[Canadiangoat]

When I researching for my ATV there were really only two brands that were on my radar as they were consistently dependable machines, being Honda and Yamaha. I ended up getting a used Honda 420 with low hours. It has a pull start cord as well in case the battery dies which I would recommend but most have after market kits you can install if it doesn't come with one. I also have studded tires I change out for ice season, it really helps when there is low to no snow on the ice! Enjoy the search!

[Saskfly]

If money is not an issue it’s the Honda all day long. Run mine all winter on ponds and swamps and never an issue with ground clearance. If your looking at deep snow check out the tracks you can get for them. Kinda pricey at 4000 but cheaper than a sled and they work as advertised. If your going with the track system you will want the 500 cc or higher engine.


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[greatwhite]

Honda or Yamaha, I am leaning more towards the Yamaha Kodiak

[sawbill]

Polaris never had a good reputation especially when it came to dealer support. There are few used Hondas for sale as compared to used Polaris. There's a good reason for that.

[ysyg]

I think your real question is .... is it worth it to go with Polaris because of the gained 3” of clearance? Yes the Honda is bulletproof and resale is easy. I own a Honda foreman and love it. I rarely use it in the snow, so I’m curious too about the clearance differences

[Fisherman]

Buy a Polaris and you'll end up with more time in the repair shop than having fun. Sure they come cheaper, but it will bite you in the butt in the long run.

[Deer Hunter]

I have a Polaris Sportsman 500. Awesome ATV, lots of clearance, better tires, lots of storage, back up lights, pulls like crazy. Around here in the bush I would say you see more Polaris. As far as dealer support, I never needed it even though I know they’re great as I buy pretty much all my toys there. You can’t go wrong with Yamaha or Honda either. It’s like a Ford, Chev and Dodge kind of choice. Not sure where your fishing, around here in deep snow and slush everyone goes fishing on sleds. Make that a Polaris sled. lol.
Good Luck

[trimmer21]

Score another for Honda. I'm doing the "Gee,I don't know which one to get" thing,too. My Grandson wants to buy my Honda Foreman 350TRX. It looks like a 520TRX may find a new home.