OK. Here goes my attempt to write a review of the new Hammerhead 400. I'd like to start out with a little info about my self. As I read many reviews on BN I would notice many different opions on the same machine. I assume this is because of the different riders and riding styles, so I always wished a review would also give some background info about the rider.
I am 40 yrs old and have owned Honda 300 ex's, a few dirt bikes and have rode a few utility quads. When I started thinking about the minibuggy, my idea was for a machine that my boy(age 9) and wife could ride. We plan on taking rides that will be mostly logging roads, oil line roads and quad trails. While the areas we will ride have places that offer challenges, one can also ride the easy routes(when wife and daughter are with us).
Now about the buggy. I have only had these for 5 days now so my experience with them is somewhat limited. Also, this is my first buggy so I will have to compare it to what I'm used to.
As for my initial goals of a family buggy, these will work just great.
Top speed: the displayed showed 50 today and I hadn't hit the limiter (I guess it has one),
power: enough to climb most any hill in 1st if you don't loose traction. Not enough to climb steep hills in 2nd. I tried one today that was about 60 degrees and had about 20 ft of approach. The hill is about 150', I could make it to the last 15-20 feet and would need to down shift to 1st. Then would spin out. I lowered the tire pressure from 9lbs to 6lbs and may need to go down to about 4 in order to get better traction. keep in mind it rained most of the night before so that is a big factor for the traction. The factory tires will work great in dry to damp conditions but I'm concerned about mud.
Brakes: A little disappointed, they will stop the cart fine and hold on a hill fine. I just expected a little more stopping power. But again, I not used to stopping an 800lb buggy.
Ride: I will say about like a 4 wheel drive quad. not overly harsh and not real plush. Seems set up for spirited riding.
Quality: So far-great. I did have a problem with one, which turned out to be the spark plug. Reccomend a new quality plug, the factory seems cheap. Shifting works fine once you learn to shift and not baby it.
Would I buy again? Yes, these seem very well built, nice enough ride, look good,plenty of power for where and how I will ride. Plus the power seems to get better as they brake in.
I have driven on some slopes trying to get an idea of when they would begin to roll over. Not found it yet, these are very stable,though I know there is a point at which it would tip. But, I wouldn't hesitate to take most any slope with speed such as a bermed turn.
Well, thats it for now. I don't want to start out too long and bore everyone. I think it best to let you all ask questions so I can give the info you need and want.
I took some pics today and will try to get them loaded ASAP.
Bob,

What did you pay for it?
Who did you buy it from?

Thanks for the review. Looking forward to some pictures. Any action shots?

I paid 5600 each. Bought from stakers outdoor equip. in portsmouth, OH. Very good people and nice to do business with.

No, no action photos yet. Maybe the next evening or two, It's supposed to warm up some.

One thing I forgot to mention is these motors are 4 wheel drive motors. They have the front drive yoke coming out of the engine. Some of you fabricators may easily convert these to four wheel drive with some sort of disconnect? It would be handy to have the ability to engage the front wheels when needed.

Still trying to find the camera cable to get the pics up. I want everyone to see that they've added a sunscreen that I hadn't noticed in the pictures on the net.

Will it lock the wheels up during breaking?

sounds like you got a couple toys! congrats! very nice review! Good luck and be safe!!! Get those pics up asap!!! lol


John

The brakes will lock up in dirt but depending on the ground one or two may not slide the whole time. I was able to get them to lock up on blacktop as well but had to press really hard on the pedal. The more I ride it the better I feel about the brakes.

We have been waiting for a review on these carts ( the hammerhead version that is ) thanks for posting.

I am originally from the Portsmouth area, Franklin Furnace, just up the road a bit. Did Stakers have these carts in stock when you bought them, I would love to see one in person.

Hi, He didn't have them in stock when I first inquired(no one had any at that time though). But he got on the ball and had them in no time. He called me Tuesday to see how they were doing and told me he now has two more in stock and ready to go. I hope you get to see them before they're gone. I know when I picked my up people that were there for other reasons were amazed when they looked at them.
By the way FYI they are open Saturdays until 12 noon.

Update: We took a pretty good ride today. One of my friends and I rode in one cart. Another friend and my son rode the other. We started out on some fairly tight quad trails weaving through the trees, up and down some decent hills. I will say I was amazed, these cart turn very good, climed very well and the ride was good. One friend who has been considering buying one said they were much more than he had expected. We climed one hill that I would have bet money we would spin out.
This hill began with the front wheels against a three foot bank that was nearly verticle(approx. 70 degrees) and then went another 50 feet or so at about 45 degrees. Another good feature is the approach and exit angles. Because the wheels extend beyond the frame both front and rear you don't have to worry about hanging up. I now have the rear tires running at 5lbs, this is a big improvement.
We also went through some heavy mud in a flat area. although the tire spun most of the time we never got stuck or stopped. We did however get covered in mud. (just a part of buggying)
The brakes are better than I first felt. I think the problem was I not used to braking with my left foot. Now that it seems more natural I fell the brakes are actually very stout.

I'm still working on the pictures and wished I'd taken the camera today.
Bob