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CAN-AM COMMANDER 1000 REVIEW
Not to long ago, we went out to test the new Can-Am Commander 1000 Side X Side at an area called Stoneman Lake near Flagstaff, AZ. We brought along a Polaris RZR4 and a Polaris RZRS to conduct our own Side X Side comparison (PUN intended). The riders for this test were Troy from UTV Off-Road Magazine, his Dad (also named Don), Michael and me.


The Can-Am design team has made some major improvements raising the bar in the side by side market. Before we get into the test ride, here are a couple of thoughts on the look and feel of the Commander.
After unloading the vehicles from the trailer, I couldn't wait to sit in the pilot seat of the new Commander. Sliding into the seat was even better than it looked. The seats are extremely comfortable. They wrap around you on the sides with just the right amount of firmness and the seats are fully adjustable. As I scan the impressive dash I notice the steering wheel is adjustable up and down. The instrument panel is also attached to the steering wheel so it all moves together. I also notice there is a push button that says start. You insert the key and then push the button to start the vehicle. There are a few different keys that can be used which dictate top speed. So for example, your ridding buddy wants to test your new Commander so you give him the key that limits the top speed to 44 MPH. Another awesome improvement is the side netting. This is the easiest and safest netting I have used. The V~shaped locking seat belt style mechanism allows you to lock it in place with just one hand. To me this is huge. Another innovative feature was the water resistant storage compartment under the bed. We certainly tested this out as we rode in rain nearly all day and it was still dry by the end of our ride.



Let's go test this 85 Horse Power Monster!
Our 1st stop was at a rock garden. This is an area with large boulders and they were wet! I was in the RZR4 and went up the wall with no problem. I had Pit Bull Rocker tires installed which I'm sure helped with traction. Troy was next in the Commander. He didn't fare as well as the Visco Loc would not lock up. The tire in the air was spinning and when the one on the ground hooked up it, it threw the machine sideways off the rock. After a few attempts he made it.

I just had to try out the Commander, so I hoped in and went to play. I tried several large boulders and had the same result as Troy. If you get up against a rock with a front tire and try to climb over, the front just will not lock up without making at least 10 revolutions. The Visco system does make them fast in most cases but one time I sat spinning the tire off the ground for about 5 second before it locked up which can be a bit frustrating.


