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

Ledegolden And Big Boy Dead Eye Revolvers
Ledegolden And Big Boy Dead Eye Revolvers

Henry Introduces New Deadeye Revolvers

Henry Repeating Arms has announced the addition of two new revolver variants, the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts.

Range Review: Hi-Point HP-15 M81 .300 BLK Pistol

This recently added pistol from Hi-Point sports a new finish and upgraded features.

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

Federal Ammunition Launches Henry Cattleman Special Edition

Federal Ammunition has launched a limited-edition, commemorative, collectible packaging to pair with Henry's American Cattleman Tribute Edition Rifle. The new 150-grain, .30-30 Win. offering features a bonded soft-point bullet, and the nickel-plated case's unique geometry promotes smooth, reliable feeding through the rifle.

A Rabbit Hunting How-To

Rabbit hunting can be a wonderful social affair that the entire family can enjoy. If you know anyone with a few rabbit beagles do yourself a favor and ask to be part of a hunt!

First Look: Millennium Treestands Antler Shak Ground Blind

Millennium Treestands has launched its new Antler Shak Series, headlined by the Antler Shak 7 Mag and Antler Shak 30/30 ground blinds. Built with a 600D brushed shell in Mossy Oak Country Roots, each blind is designed to disappear into the landscape while providing a spacious, tactically superior shelter for the modern hunter.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.