Polaris Sportsman ATV Review: Proof That the Four Wheeler Will Never Die

There are some tasks for which a four wheeler is irreplaceable and for those the new Sportsman 570 HD Utility excels

By Tyler Freel / Outdoor Life

Being a die-hard ATV (four wheeler) fan can feel like a lonely place these days. I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but any ATV enthusiast must admit that we’re now living in a world dominated by UTVs or “side-by-sides.” I suppose I first looked at the streams of mud- and tundra-churning buggies crawling over hills and hogging out trails with the same disgruntlement that many hikers or horsemen have always expressed towards ATVs. I didn’t like them.

But I’ll admit there are good reasons for the popularity of UTVs. They are incredibly useful tools. They can haul lots of gear, ride more comfortably, and are more family friendly than a four wheeler. While my willingness to accept them may be progressing, I rejoice in the fact that there are still some applications for which a four wheeler is a better option—and always will be.  

One of those applications is my annual moose hunt here in Alaska. For that hunt, an ATV is an essential tool, and this year I was able to use a Polaris Sportsman 570 Utility HD. This hunt has a bit of everything for a four wheeler: mud, muskeg, heavy towing, thick brush, and endless soggy, bumpy tussocks. I’ve been using four wheelers in country like this for more than 20 years, and modern, high-performance machines like this one make me smile; I know the four wheeler will never die. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY