ATV Escape

Sport Quad or Utility Quad

What gets your heart pumping: pinning the thumb throttle all the way forward, or looking down a trail surrounded by trees and dying to know what adventure waits ahead of you? By answering this question, you are well on your way to deciding which kind of 4-wheeler/quad is for you. If you are new to the ATV scene, there are two basic types of 4-wheelers/quads. There are sport quads and utility quads. There are also a few models on the market which are hybrids of the two types. So which one is right for you? Both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on how you will be using yours. This article should help you determine what kind of quad you should choose. Remember that these descriptions are generalized--- meaning that the capabilities of the utility and sport quads sometimes overlap. Sport quads are used for speed, handling, jumping, stunts, and other race-like activities. They are good on well groomed to somewhat rough trails, and they can handle some mud. Some models can even handle the really rough terrain, but rough terrain is not their strength. Most sport quads are 2-wheel drive.

Sport Quad

Sport quads tend to be great at sliding through corners. This is largely because most (not all) sport quads have a solid axle suspension in the back. This does affect the amount of ground clearance they have compared to many utility quads. Most sport quads also have chain drives rather than shaft drives, which are fine in some terrain but not in others. When cornering, they do not have body roll. They accelerate quickly. Over-all, they are designed with sport and primarily sport in mind. If sport is your primary use, then a sport quad is right for you.

Utility Quad

Utility quads are designed with---you guessed it---utility in mind. They are used more for off the track than on the track. Utility quads are ideal for really rough terrain, deep mud, maximum ground clearance, towing things, carrying gear, hunting, long trail rides, and working around the farm or ranch. If these are the things you have in your mind to do with your ATV, then a utility quad is for you. I have seem them in the air, but jumping is not the reason you get a utility quad.

From these descriptions you should be able to get an idea on which direction to head when choosing between a sport or utility quad. From here we will move on to talking about other major options you have when choosing a quad.

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