2016 Vehicle of the Year: Yamaha Wolverine R-SPEC

by
posted on May 9, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
vehicle_of_year_2016.jpg

“Best in class” just about says it all. It announces to the world that you stand head and shoulders above your peers. To those companies whose products are featured herein, we say, “Welcome to the ‘best’ class.”

Vehicle of the Year: Yamaha Wolverine R-SPEC
The Wolverine R-Spec is made, writes AH contributor Lazelle Jones, “to work in settings where the world is covered by rough terrain” (“Making Tracks,” October ’15).

Its 708cc engine is married to a Yamaha Ultramatic CVT transmission, which provides continuous belt tension and reduced belt wear. On-Command four-wheel drive includes 4WD full differential-lock. When equipped with electronic power steering ($13,199), even with 4WD diff-lock selected, rough terrain is transparent.

The Wolverine R-Spec is built for expedition-length adventures with a 9.7-gallon gas tank, a cargo bed that carries 300 pounds and a tow rating of 1,500 pounds. Navigation is no problem with a low hood to maximize visibility; a chassis tapered to minimize contact with objects; full underbody skid plates swept up 2-plus inches; and 11.4 inches of ground clearance.

“Independent suspension fore and aft provides the kind of front and rear wheel travel required to take on backcountry challenges,” writes Jones. “Two inches of ‘sag’ is designed into the suspension on each wheel to enhance driving performance when maneuvering in and out of terrain.”

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., May 20-22.

Latest

LEDE LCO Pro F2
LEDE LCO Pro F2

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

New for 2026: Vortex Crossfire II

Available with either a red or green dot, the Vortex Crossfire II Red Dot lineup brings added function to the Crossfire series.

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.