Nebo, IL (2/14/2016) - For
2016 Can-Am added a new model to their UTV lineup with
the release of the Can-Am Defender, which is Can-Am
first utility recreation UTV with more of an empathize
on work than play to compete with the Polaris Ranger,
John Deere XUV, and Honda Pioneer models. As usual,
Can-Am took its own path and created a unique UTV that
can get the job done and still be fun to drive with
the release of the Can-Am Defender H8 and H10.
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For 2016, Can-am released the all
new Defender UTV model lineup |
When we received our invite to test drive, we didn’t
know what to expect from Can-Am for 2016, so we invited
2x Terracross Pro UTV champion and retired Pro ATV
Motocross racer, Jason Luburgh, to come along as our
test driver/rider with years of ATV and UTV riding
experience, and as we expected he provided some great
insight on how the machine performed and also really
put it to the test at more of a sport recreational
speed.
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Harpole's
Heartland Lodge in Nebo, IL |
We had the opportunity to put the Can-Am Defender
to the test at Harpole’s Heartland Lodge in Nebo,
IL, located just northwest of Saint Louis, MO. The
lodge is famous for whitetail deer hunting and is
utilized by hunters from all around the world. There
are plenty of fields and hilly terrain you would not
expect to find in Illinois. Outside of the hunting
season, the lodge opens up trails for recreational
off-road use, and it provided the perfect location
for a great mixture of terrain to test drive the new
Can-Am Defender models.
Another nice thing about the Harpole’s Heartland
Lodge is we stayed right on the property in one there
beautiful lodge buildings. Everyone had their own
room and breakfast, lunch, and dinner were provided
each day. It was old fashioned, country style living,
and very well organized. “It gave everyone a sense
of comradery. The food was amazing and the hospitality
was great. They were really concerned with how comfortable
we were,” said Luburgh. The lodge proved to be a beautiful
location and was a great place to test out the Can-Am
Defender.
Unlike the original Cam-Am Commander that came out
in 2010 that was more geared toward recreation, the
Defender is a true work oriented machine. The Can-Am
Defender is still great for recreational use, but
it is more of a purpose built vehicle intended to
get the job done for hunters, farmers, and workers.
Can-Am has always been an innovator. When they come
out with a new machine they go out side the box, and
that’s one thing immediately noticeable with the Can-Am
Defender’s unique features.
The all new positioning of the driver’s seat and
hood is a huge advantage for the Defender. The hood
is one of the shortest in its class, allowing the
driver to sit close enough to look over the vehicle.
This really makes the driver feel in control, allowing
for a more confident ride. “The seat was really comfortable
for a bench seat, more comfortable then the competition.
I also like how far forward you are on the machine,
right on the front end so you can see where your going
really well,” stated Luburgh.
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The
bench seats on the Can-Am Defender features
removable under seat storage, which is easy
to access by flipping up the seat |
One of the aspects we liked about the Defender the
most was the seating arrangement. The seats folded
up and out of the way, providing storage boxes underneath
which can be added or removed and used as an ice chest,
a first in the industry.