straight axle vs independent rear suspension

[Gunslinger]

I'm new to the ATV world and would like to here peoples opinion about straight axle vs independent suspension.

I am using it mainly for ice fishing. I talked to alot of people before I bought and ice fisherman seamed to swear by straight axle for stabilty on the flat surfaces and towing ice houses. I went with the straight axle somewhat for price and because of the recommendations and I definalty have no complaints.

What are the major differences?

[Scott Stein]

ride quality,my dad has an 03 Rancher 350 (straight axle) and my brother has an 01 Sportsman (Independent)and man can you tell the differnce when u go from the honda to the po-po, the independent rides much much better than the straight axles

[Dave S]

For flat out towing, it's tough to beat a straight axle.

IRS machines will provide a smoother ride and provide better traction in rough terrain as the wheels follow the terrain better. In rough terrain with a SRA machine, one wheel will spend more time off the ground compared to IRS machines.

[coombia21]

irs gets a lot better ground clearance

[tonkapat]

bigger than a light 14' wheelhouse is really hard on irs. Unless your pulling a big heavy house a lot the irs is nice.

[Hafnutz]

Towing with a straight axle puts the weight directly on the axle. If you are towing with an IRS the weight is on the suspension.

[brian77]

Pretty simple way to look at it, Straight axle - fish house, trailer towing, large loads = more stability. IFS - trail riding, comfort, very rough terrain! You are right on the pricing as well. I still sell more staright axle unit than IFS just because most of my customers are moving fish houses or trailers or hauls large loads on the rack. Brian

[Scott Stein]

i know a guy who towed his 3500# house out with his 02 Sportsman 500,runined the suspension