Okay - how do they match up stock to stock and also hopped up (CDI, Pipe, etc).

700cc EFI sounds pretty sweet and the third seat is definitely nice. Anyone know if an aftermarket bench from Racecraft or Jet Trim or Beard would fit?

Polaris claims 40hp stock...only 3hp more than I think the rhino has stock...but the Rhino REALLY wakes up on the BRP CDI and jetting. What can you do with the Polaris?

I'd be interested in putting 4-points across all three seats right off, and upgrading to an aftermarket seat possibly with those harnesses shortly down the road.

How does it handle vs the rhino, perform, etc?

Any info would be AWESOME!

I've never driven a Ranger, but I can say for certain that while I have seen them at Patton and Test, I have never seen them go up, nor I have I seen them get there through the dunes. I have seen my rhino cruise through the dunes either leading or following a group of quads without any trouble. I've also gone up Test and Olds. All it took was the BRP cdi and beadlocks and paddles all around. I also have the BRP harness bar and harnesses.

And MasterCraft is making seats specifically for the Rhino....

the rhino next year will probably have the 700 efi motor from the raptor, that y i m waiting , or for a honda

Yeah - and for a 2-seat, I think the Rhino - especially the 700r model (or possibly the Arctic Cat???) would be the way to go. But I am looking at the Ranger XP specifically - because it has 3 seats (front bench). There is no way to get beyond two seats in the rhino without adding the rear seat and cage, and I don't feel comfortable doing that and dragging my kids through the dunes.

I believe there has got to be at least one person in here that has a Ranger XP 700 efi and can fill in the gaps!

I took my Arctic Cat to Gordons for the first time last weekend and had a lot of fun with it. Pretty much able to dune it anywhere I wanted to go with it as long as the dunes/bowls were large enough to carry some speed. I took it on several rides with the buggies and quads in our group and was always able to follow without problem. Top speed lacks a bit in keeping up with the 'Boys" run (had to cheat a few times to keep up) but it had no problem maintaining speed on the family runs.

The only places where it felt limited or uncomfortable was on uneven razor transitions or in smaller, up and down type dunes where it is hard to carry speed. You either avoid these types of dunes or climb through them (it's like duning a jeep). It went up Patton hill with no problems with the stock tires air down abit. The Rhinos were definately struggling on the same hill. Over all I was very happy and impressed with it. I know that it doesn't address the Prowler 700 feedback you are looking for, and it still a 2 seater like the Rhino, but it certainly a machine definately worth considering if you are looking for a side X side.

'Bob

i saw a ranger running up comp hill (dumont) all night on friday night. I don't know what he had done to the motor, but he had straight paddles on the back. as far as aftermarket stuff, try aaenperformance.com and see if any of the sportsman products can be used on the ranger.

as far as the seat is concerned, you could always take the factory seat to an upholsterer and have them install custom cut foam and custom seat covers to give you a better feel. that is what they do on the high end golf carts.

i have a hand full of friends that have rhinos and one that has a ranger, and not one of them complain about their choice, so either way you go, you should be happy.

Check out the January issue of Dirt Wheels........there is a Side-By-Side Test on the 2006 Ranger XP. I am looking to go with the XP at this point if I can find one. My buddy has the Ranger 500 and he goes everywhere in Glamis with 3 people.

You've got a PM.

We whent on a mean night ride with 4 rhinos and 3 Rangers.
All the rhinos made it back with no porblems and no injuries.
only one Ranger made it back and one of the ones that diddn't make itback had a split lip.
The Rangers are just not set up as well as the Rhino's. When you sit in them you feel like you are driving a bus.
The only thing I see a Ranger having over the Rhino is the 3 person capacity.

My dad has a new XP. Before it he drove a 500. Several buddies have Rhinos. I have driven all three. There are good and bad about all three. I like the rhino's seats because you feel like you're sitting "in" them, not "on" them. But only 2 seats limits it(for me). All three need better harnesses.The rhino's handeling is a little sharper than the rangers as well.The new XP motor is SWEET. Lots of power stock and mods are available. My dad added a plug in "tuner" for the EFI. What a difference. I was stopped in my drive way, floored it, and broke both rear tires loose on dry, rough cement for 10ft. The 700 engine is a proven design thats been around a while. In military testing its the ONLY one that passed the specs. I also like the extra width of the Rangers as it adds stability in the corners. I did drive the 500 more than the XP and it was a great machine. Went everywhere in the dunes and is now EFI(or will be next year). I was told not to expect EFI on the rhino until 08. I will be buying one or the other soon and like a lot, I'm not sure where I'll be shopping.

The ultimate setup? 700XP motor, 3 wide rhino seating, rhino handeling, ranger stability.