We need to talk about the Polaris SLINGSHOT. Reacting to Consumer Reports hot take.
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- Опубліковано 21 січ 2025
- I had a long term demo of a 2022 Slingshot SL for a couple weeks. It was an absolute blast. I recently watched a @consumerreports video discussing the @PolarisORV Slingshot and I had to record a reaction video. I found some of their commentary to be fair but when people start drawing comparisons too far in either the motorcycle or car direction I find myself getting somewhat annoyed. I was not shocked to see so much comparison to the Miata but I have to say, the fact they reviewed an automatic model really left me feeling like they didn't get to experience what its really like to drive a Slingshot in the most comparable form to their beloved Miata. Just wanted to share the reaction video, it was fun to film.
You can view the original full @consumerreports video here:
• 2022 Polaris Slingshot...
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I gotta add this comment regarding the uniqueness of the Polaris Slingshot. You are definitely the center of attention when you're in a Slingshot. Because of that uniqueness, quite possibly the best thing I've ever experienced happened to me. I was getting into my 2017 Slingshot back a few years ago in a Walmart parking lot. A lady I'd never seen in my life approached me. She told me that she had a son who loved hot rods. She also explained that he was ill with a very serious disease. She asked if I would consider giving him a ride. She gave me her phone number. I thought about it overnight, and I discussed it with my wife. I decided I couldn't refuse. I called the lady the next day. The three of us met in another public parking lot. She helped her son, who was probably around 10 years old, into the passenger seat of my Slingshot, and we took off. As I accelerated and went through the gears, that low ride rush that only a Slingshot can provide brought forth laughter from that kid that I'll never forget. He laughed the entire ride. And then I started laughing. He and I had a blast. I've never seen joy like I saw in that sick, little boy that day. It was an experience of giving I'll remember the rest of my life. Honestly, I don't know who got more out of that ride, him or me. That would have never happened if I had been in a car that day on that Walmart parking lot. That woman would have never approached me. The unique, stand out quality of the Slingshot made her approach me. And, it never would have happened if I had been on a motorcycle either. Even if the woman had approached me, I would have never ridden a child of that age with the medical condition he had on a motorcycle. When you own a Slingshot, you just never know what might happen or who you might meet.
You , Sir, Are the definition of both a truly cool dude and a truly good person. I generally don't think much of people in general but it's nice to see there are good people still out there.
@jesseamaya4594 thanks so much. That was truly a great experience. I'm so glad I did that. I found out that day that it really is "more blessed to give than to receive."
Hey Dan, you are the man. I am a 65 year old retired guy, and I own a 2022 Pacific Teal Slingshot R with a manual transmission. I also had a 2017 Slingshot. Before I got into the Slingshots, I rode motorcycles pretty much all my life. You and I are on the same page about the Slingshot. Your videos on the Polaris Slingshot are the absolute best, most accurate ones out there. I've seen so many Slingshot videos made by young men who had never driven a Slingshot until they made their video, and those videos...well...suck, quite frankly. So many of these young guys are from what I call the "Bicycle Helmet" generation, who seem to be scared to death of so much, including the Slingshot. Or, they are critical of the Slingshot because when they're driving it, they are hot, or, if it rains, they complain because they get wet, or they get cold, or it's loud, or they feel unsafe...waah, waah, waah! You've nailed it by doing your best to try to explain that the Slingshot is not a CAR. Neither is it a motorcycle. It's a beast unto itself, for sure. And, you are one of the few testers and reviewers who have figured that out. It isn't supposed to have air conditioning. You will get hot, if it's hot outside, or cold, if the weather's cold. And, you will get wet, if it rains. But, that's all a part of the Slingshot experience, just like the same things will happen if you're on a motorcycle. Regarding safety, again, as you've pointed out, they are absolutely a safe vehicle. Are they as safe as a car? Obviously, no. Are they as safe as a motorcycle? Yes, even safer. Even though the Slingshot doesn't surround you with safety like that of an automobile, it does sit you within a tubular steel cage. Slingshots have been involved in accidents where much larger vehicles struck them in the side, and the tubular steel protected the occupants from serious injury. You're also strapped into that steel cage with a seat belt and shoulder restraint. Finally, the Slingshot is equipped with roll hoops designed to keep the occupants safe should the Slingshot overturn. Those, too, have proven to do the job they are designed to do. Finally, regarding safety, the center of gravity is very low, the suspension is nice and stiff, and the hugely wide back wheel on that well designed swing arm, all of which are accompanied by electronic traction control, keep the Slingshot stuck to the road in the curves like glue. I've seen your other videos you've done on the Slingshot, and when I saw your first one, I said to myself, "This young man gets it. He knows how to drive, for one thing. Also, he understands the Slingshot, and he's not scared to death of it." We might disagree just slightly on one thing. You seem to tend to believe that the Slingshot is not really a road trip vehicle, although, as you've seen, even on the highway, the Slingshot does great. Speaking as someone who, as I've said, rode motorcycles for most of his life, I'd much rather stick my wife in the passenger seat of my Slingshot, and take off for any destination in the country than do so on a motorcycle. The sit in a seat comfort and the safety of the Slingshot far outpace a bike. Great videos, man. Keep up the good work.
I have one and I love it. These guys don’t know what slingshots all about
I bought my SLR slingshot in 2019 and I love it . I push it so hard through the corners and it sticks every time . I push it way harder then any car could handle . I out corner cars and most motorcycles . I take a road near my house that has 4mph corners and I go into them at 90 and roll out of the apex at 105. It’s not a car and it’s not a motorcycle. It’s FUN!
Rode dirt bikes as a Kid. Started riding again about 20 years ago. Bought a Honda Valkyrie. Went on a couple 3000 mile trips. Really enjoyed it. Life changed and basically quit riding. Now own a nice 2015 Slingshot. I consider all these things “Toys”. They all have a unique personality. I bought the Slingshot knowing it’s not a safe as a car or truck. Great fun in my opinion.
I rented both the automatic and the stick and found the auto was real clunky. And yes you get lots of attention and they are a blast to drive. I ended up buying a low mileage Sling with the stick. And of course with the GM engine. So now I am selling my 2013 BMW 1600 GTL with only 9100 miles and tour in the Sling. If I wanted a convertible car it wouldn't be the Miata. The downside to the Sling is driving it here in the Arizona heat.
I rented an automatic slingshot in gulf shores. Fun as hell, These are for people that love adventure. It's a very mechanical open air experience.Not for everyone.
there are no air bags on a bike either
but does feel safer you always have to pay attention driving either one both offence and defence
People that buy a slingshot. They wanted a slingshot, not a mazda
This Guy is 100% on Point!! I have had my 2021 Slingshot (MANUAL 5 SPEED) for over a year and have over 8000 miles on it and can't get enough of it! I also seen the CR video and thought the exact same things on EVERY point... WHY DID THEY GET AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION? I am a sport bike rider and love curves but this makes me happy to drive. I added the Polaris accessory of 25HP (stock on the R Model) and wider wheels and it is glued to the road in curves. Took it to Deals Gap for a few days and could not stop laughing. The CR guys have completely missed the mark on that review... disappointing. Dan's review is completely right. I'm glad that someone understands this thing and there is no way, I'll ever sell it
Dan, you have to test ride a Vanderhall. You will be blown away.
Best toy I ever bought… my motorcycle hasn’t left the toy box since I got my Sling… ✌️😎
As a motorcyclist and Miata owner, who also doesn’t like being the centre of attention, I can’t possibly see myself owning a Slingshot.
I agree with a lot of CR (and you) said about it, but not all of it. I think they’re cool to look at and I see them on the road often, and that’s made me want to rent a manual version so I can see what it’s like personally.
As an owner of one, in vegas, I assume they only made the manuals for the rental companies like vegas, beach cities, etc. Where anyone can rent it and they can buy more of them
I own a manual, and I 1000% agree with your take on all of this
I like it for cruising and skirting corners, but it’s not a track car, I’m looking to buy a convertible manual for a more track-car feel, but has to be separated because that’s not what the slingshot is made for
I had a M35A2 (military 2 1/2 ton transport truck) and yes, people were ALWAYS coming up and asking questions because big green ugly just stood out but sure looks like the Slingshot would be a lot more practical and just about as much fun, although I DID tow a house with big green once before a drunk killed it for me.
I don't think a manual woulda helped these ner....these guys.
I enjoyed my time with a slingshot banging gears through the city, slow cruising in certain spots, whole time I was just the passenger.
I own a 2017 and have added custom headers, exhaust and roof. Best go kart money can buy IMO =)
A Miata cannot keep up in the canyons with a Slingshot. Back roads? I live in Southern California, do you think you have more back roads and twistties than us?
I own a BMW Z4 ( E85) as well as a 2019 Slingshot SLR. They are two different worlds and I wouldn't sell either one. The slingshot is a much more raw driving experience, it is a blast. I take the BMW when I want to just relax. The manual Slingshot is completely different experience than the terrible excuse for an automatic. Comparing it to a Miata makes zero sense, no where near the same driving experience.
I've had 3 convertibles and countless sport bikes. I'm honestly surprised I'm still here with how I rode my R1. Convertibles turn in to every day cars quick and they are not something I just want to cruise around on like a bike for no reason. And forget about a passenger on my R1 that is the most un-fun you can have for both of us. I have a 2024 slingshot being built right now. It's the perfect toy in my opinion. A little safer that a bike and a whole lot more fun with my wife along. Damn you for mentioning the SSR :). That's my wife's dream truck and it's the same price as a slingshot. No manuals anywhere near me though. I would definitely consider a SSR fun and some utility but has to be a manual. Still if you look at them people don't drive them 1k-20k miles since 2005 I'm not looking for an ornament I'm looking for something to drive whenever I want and not something to have in a collection.
I rented a automatic a 21. It was fun and when to punch it, it downshifts like a manual. Fun. I'm buying one.
Can you do the Vanderhall?
lol these guys are really lost when talking about a slingshot. Im a new owner 1 day 🙂 I had a Yamaha MT10 motorcycle before the 2023 Slingshot R. You cant make comparison from a car to a 3 wheel slingshot. OMG i have not watched the full video yet. If they say Miata one more time!!
I'm not into sports cars but I'm into something like either Polaris Slingshot or a reverse trike like Can-Am Spyder
I would love to hear Dan compare what it’s like to ride a Spyder and compare the two.
im 80 years old and on my second slingshot 2019 got wrecked, bought new 2020 and love it. have noticed most of the really custom slings are owned by African American fans.
I think the comparison to the Miata is what you get for the price compared to the slingshot. Slingshot is a frame and plastic and certainly not the most reliable. Both convertible but very different. But for the price you get air conditioning, heat, sealed roof/windows, safety features, reliability, and overall just more refined with the Miata. To me a slingshot should start around 15k and fully loaded priced 20-25k and that is pushing it. Same goes for motorcycles that cost over 15-20k, just crazy! If you rent/buy an auto slingshot, you have to get and use the paddles. But I think the manual is the way to go in something like a slingshot or any sports type car like a corvette, etc.
I totally agree.
Comparing Miata with slingshot is a pure stupidity.
Seems like it would make more sense to compare it to a Can-Am Spyder, Vanderhall or even a goldwing trike. I have 2019 and it's construction is closer to a side-by-side or a motorcycle than a car.
At the same time it's consumer reports. I don't think people shopping for powersport vehicles will be making purchase decisions based on people who also review toasters.
My 1st Slingshot was manual and hated it, especially when it down shifted. I only keep it 11 month and sold it.
@@Greg-w6t what year was it. Just curious.
@@GearsGadgets 2021
I’ve own a 2010 BMW Z4 hard top convertible and own a Slingshot. I can tell you that I owned the Slingshot in three different models for much longer than I had the BMW. If you had the experience for both, I would never compare the two. I also owned a 2019 Harley CVO Street Glide, and ended up staying with the Slingshot for my commute because it looked too weird to wear a suit and ride a Harley to work. The other guys are haters without the experience to shore their opinions because let’s face it, most drive a manual if you have decent driving skills. Only individuals who expect the vehicle to drive for you and not rely on their driving skills are in my opinion, lacking in so many ways. I’d rather have a vehicle I can force a spin out/drift on a turn than a boring Miata. Miata’s are mostly for ladies. Who rents an automatic for fun?
I had a 2021 Slingshot R auto and it sucked big time when it down shifted.
So I'm guessing they would hate a T-Rex as well.
Most fun vehicle I’ve ever driven
Should've had a panel of bike riders...probably more stable the the Harley Rascal (3 wheeler)
The Slingshot is a street legal gocart. Look at it from a gocart angle not car or motorcycle
They weren’t thinking Ferrari.
Bunch of boring guys talking about cars and trying to sound technical while driving an automatic, any real car guy would have jumped at the 5 speed manual
If I won the power ball and had money to waste I “might” buy one lol
They keep calling it a sports car. Comparing it to a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Smh
When you sell something, you want buyers. You will say anything to sell your product especially if your a dealership.
smart move by polaris to offer auto, many people especially young woman want auto, lets face it almost all modern cars that people learn to drive are auto.
ihave1iloveit
If you want a car that gets the attention a Slingshot fills the bill. If you want better handling and year round drivability get a Miata.
The Miata is a better car then the Slingshot in every conceivable way.
If we are judging car to car yes but if we are judging something in between motorcycle and car to car then the judgment has to be sized appropriately which is most of my point. If you want a car, then yes a Miata wins, if you want a motorcycle then any motorcycle wins. If you want something more exciting, unique, and with far mor character than a Miata and also enjoy the feeling of raw mechanical engagement that you get from a motorcycle then the Slingshot is far more compelling. Everyone loves to put the slingshot up against the Miata but it’s not really what it’s even trying to compete against. The Slingshot is intentionally built in its own category to be an in between car / motorcycle.
@@GearsGadgets
Would you still say it was in between a mc and a car if it had 4 wheels instead of 3? A small open cockpit roadster (super 7 or similar) will have the same handling characteristics and "feel"
I do get what you are saying about the uniqueness of it and it does have a place for people who cannot get or do not want a mc endorsement or just want the attention. Having driven both the Slingshot as well as NA, NB, and NC Miata's and the feel isnt much different other than the Miata handles much better.
@@GearsGadgets Exactly.
The Miata is definitely not as much fun to drive as the Slingshot.
@@retiredsearge thats subjective. In your opinion it isnt. But for people who care more about handling the Miata is more fun
Let’s be honest, the slingshot is a fancy toy that you wanna take on a weekend at the beach or backroads
True but so is anything else you spend money on outside of a perfect running 200K miles 2007 Toyota Corolla that is all you really need to get from place to place. Just a matter of where you want to spend money to enjoy life instead of driving that Corolla and waiting to die.
@@GearsGadgets ohh trust me wish I could afford one. I’m still running my trusty 2004 F250 and gonna keep until the last mile
They are a bunch of "IDIOTS"!!!
Experts at what they do "HEH" WHAT A JOKE!!!
I'm 70 years old all my life had motorcycle and one is a old school 1968 Iron Head hard tail suicide shifter with extended forks and no front brakes still have it and drive it.
I hate it also when people in general call it toys.
In most of the world they are considered "Daily Vehicles" rain, snow, heat who cares that's part of the fun...
Used to commute my mother everyday when I was a kid for about 12 years plus 30 miles each way in all kinds of weather my mom loved it just like I did on all types of motorcycle and sidehacks. She especially love it when I lift the "Chair"...
Hate new bikes with all the electronic crap. ABS, Traction control "Common"...Bad enough the Helmet Laws...
I have a home built myself piece of shit (kind of like in Mad Max movies), VW trike with long extended front forks, safer then short forks so it can't trip and flip over also sit very low not like a added on trike to a standard motorcycle or cruiser those can trip (flip) over... Both tires are in rear so driving it is different then 2 tires in front. 2 front wheels is safer in reality compare 2 rear wheels, does not trip or flip as easily. A SUV is even much more dangerous then the Slingshot when comparing to flipping on its side.
Front wheel around corners on single wheel will plow or drift. Also going fast around corners best throw your body from side of turn so the "G" Force does not throw you of the machine like sidehack driving...Or you can slide rear wheels by quickly turn left or right tap rear brakes for a quick second and it will slide around corners or do a quick "U" OR 360° turn while accelerating hard, or no acceleration does stop faster so you don't run over someone or hit car in front of you. "If you don't mind look at car that was behind you"."That's why a quick acceleration is sometimes not a good idea"...
I also still have a 1964 Ural sidehack and yes it still a driver, and love that also, total very physical driving when hitting corners hard, because left turn and right turns are very different to handle a sidehack or you can also lift the " Chair"...
I am going to get a slingshot soon for my girlfriend she must use it most of the time as a daily vehicle and not a toy, with a 4 point seat belt and standard box. Very safe vehicle compare to a motorcycle, and getting a old Morgan three wheeler for me with front drum brakes and Matchless engine. Of course British racing green.
But those guys are definitely "Idiots" comparing a slingshot to a bike or sport car.
Plan on building rubber tracks for driving wheels and skis for front wheels then you have a snowmobile.
A lot of these reviewers are always stuck on performance. What happened to enjoying fun car to cruise in…
How are you judging how other people experienced the vehicle? You act like your experience is the real experience and everyone else needs to be measured by that standard. Anything for content I guess
Hi Nathan,
Thanks for your comment. I'm actually addressing how some people compare the Slingshot to sports cars, which isn't its intended market. It's not about my experience being real and theirs being fake. It’s about the frustration of seeing comparisons between a $20,000 Slingshot and much more expensive sports cars, especially by those who often drive high-end press fleet vehicles. The Slingshot isn't marketed as a sports car, and I think it's important to evaluate it based on what it is rather than what it isn't. I share this opinion based on having a ton of experience in the Slingshot myself, not just judging other people’s experiences.
Best,
Dan
Lol these guys should just stick with their old cars lol, this is an autocycle that's how I will treat it. This is different just like I'm different and these guys are just ignorant.
i agree should not be compared with any car. it is a nitch product.
Waaay too expensive to buy new. It’s a toy for the rich, so if I were to pay 40k, I’d rather spend 40k on the tanum with the hayabusa engine or just buy a H2R from Kawasaki. I drove the 2020 SLR and found it clunky and twitchy on the highway at 70+ mph. Not worth driving 500-1000 mi a year or using as a daily with extreme heat or even mild cold. Heated seats/grips not available and a digital rear view mirror not available for 40k. Hmmm this is a high dollar profit vehicle for polaris.
The real question is who prices a 2020 SLR at 40K? I do love when people use the most expensive version as the reason why it’s unaffordable when in reality there is a version that starts at 20K. Same thing people do with Harley, quote the price of a CVO to complain about the barrier of entry into a sportster.
Ignorant horrible review. Wtf are they talking about. Sound like Miata fan boys.
Just a cheap plastic toy with no storage for gas, no added storage abilities for travel. Its a stretch for 23k and comical for 40k. How about those speed bumps 😆 the videos being made all over are nore desperation to push it. None really even give an mpg like a motorcycle or car. Just buy the gocart its fun 😂 and look, aint i cool😂😂 wheres my attention trophy, im special 😂😂
he is so wrong it is the best ride i have had, being a bike rider you get the best of both worlds plus indy car