AC Wildcat thrashfest in Barstow.

[Jeff Knoll]

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go out and pound the new Arctic cat Wildcat in the whoops of Barstow.

Full report is HERE!

If you like driving fast through big whoops this thing will satisfy. I was blown away at what it will do in the rough terrain of Barstow. It was miles beyond what the old Jepspeed would do in factory trim and no shock tuning. If I wanted to go racing this is the platform I would consider right now as a option based on the price.

[wildman4x4nut]

Good Read. Thanks for posting this up. I can't wait to get my hands on one.

[Kodiak 4x4]

WOW looks like a blast to drive.
you mentioned a couple things that make me think this may not be the best rock crawler.
but vs the xp 900 what do you think is better for the sand and dessert riding?
and if you were to run one out of the box in the KOH utv race which would you choose? (assuming the mild safety upgrades were performed on both)
great write up and i can't wait to see one in the rocks!

[desertwheeler]

Damn i wish i didnt have to work saturday!!! I have been looking into the commander for a while but this might be even better just never been a big AC fan.

[Jeff Knoll]

Originally Posted by Kodiak 4x4

WOW looks like a blast to drive.
you mentioned a couple things that make me think this may not be the best rock crawler.
but vs the xp 900 what do you think is better for the sand and dessert riding?
and if you were to run one out of the box in the KOH utv race which would you choose? (assuming the mild safety upgrades were performed on both)
great write up and i can't wait to see one in the rocks!

That is a very tough question to answer. Based on my personal experience I would go with the XP right now, and here is why (KOH). The after market has kept pace with the XP, and parts are readily available. If the Arctic cat had a been released last year I might feel different. I think both will be about the same in the rocks with maybe a slight advantage to the AC due to wheel travel.

I think removing the side body panel and changing it out for something more durable will be an advantage in the rocks and trees for the AC. Both will suffer the same problem with the rear trailing arms dragging in the rocks and the single sheer rear lower shock mount may on the AC get damaged by rocks or roots. The 5 link design may be a little bit harder for the after market to improve upon, but I bet some one will build a better mouse trap.

I would really like to have a chance to run the wildcat on a trail ride for a good balance more important I would like to run a head to head test against the XP and see which one is going to come out on top. Look for that battle to rage on the race track, and thats exciting stuff.

[Jeff Knoll]

BTW thanks for the compliments on the article. If you like my writing please continue to visit.

[Todd W]

Wish the pics would be bigger when viewed in full-size.
Other than that great write-up

[COPPERHEAD42]

Nice write up. Im far from any desert but I love going to the dunes and pounding threw the whoops. I may have to buy one of these

[MUCHADO]

Originally Posted by COPPERHEAD42

Nice write up. Im far from any desert but I love going to the dunes and pounding threw the whoops. I may have to buy one of these

I hope you do this so I can SMOKE your ass at the dunes