10 New Products from the 18th Annual Sand Sports Super Show

Sep. 23, 2016 By Jaime Hernandez

The Sand Sports Super Show brings together the best people and companies in the sand industry. From sand car manufacturers, to engine builders and UTV accessories—you’re bound to find something for your ride. We set out to find new and innovative products from the show, and boy did we find them. It’s exciting times for UTV owners and the off-road industry. There is such great aftermarket support that it’s extremely easy to customize and convert your side-by-side into a really cool, fast ride. The best part: most of this stuff is bolt-on and can be done in your very own garage.

Here are our Top 10 picks from the 18th annual San Sports Super Show.

Nikola Electric UTV

We came across this interesting electric powered UTV from Nikola Motor Company. The Nikola Zero is made in the USA and is 100% electric, with up to a 200-mile range. Nikola claims their 4x4 UTV has a 0-60 mph time of 3 seconds—unheard of for the UTV/side-by-side segment. It also has massive power with a claimed 520 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. That's over three times the power of the current leading UTV, the Polaris RZR 1000 Turbo, which is rated at 144 hp and 105 lb-ft or torque. If that wasn't enough, the four-seater also delivers 20 inches of wheel travel thanks to its independent suspension design that runs Fox coiler shocks.

Nikola Motor Company takes things a step further by making their Zero side-by-side completely waterproof, as the electric motors have a IP67 rating. We're told the Zero can be completely submerge in water and it still runs. Since it uses an independent electric motor for each wheel, there are no belts to slip or break. The Zero's electric motors run gears made for extreme use. We're told Nikola will be entering a Zero at the Nitto King of The Hammers UTV race in 2017. Stay tuned for more, and check out more at https://www.nikolamotor.com.

Tensor DS Tire

As UTVs continue to push the limits, the need for larger and more durable off-road tires has become increasingly important. The guys at Method Race Wheels took note and launched a whole new brand of UTV tires made by off-roaders for off-roaders. Their newest offering, the Tensor DS (Desert Series), is made with the UTV racer in mind. The USA-made tire is a true 32” (32x10 R15) and is said to be the lightest race tire on the market weighing in at only 34.5 lbs. The Tensor DS features a new racing rubber compound that strikes a balance between durability and performance. The Tensor DS features an aggressive deep tread design pattern, which allows it to excel on multiple terrains, including sand, rocks and dirt. It also has a protective rib shoulder for added protection against punctures. The company says PJ Jones has logged over 1,500 race miles in both BITD Vegas to Reno and Baja with no flats or tire issues whatsoever. Learn more at http://www.tensortire.com/.

RIGID Chase Light

The Rigid Industries Chase rear-facing LED light adds safety and functionality to any UTV, rail, buggy, Jeep, or other off-road application by packing reverse, courtesy, strobe, running, and brake lights into a single compact package. A halo of powerful colored LEDs in red, amber, or blue around the perimeter of the aluminum housing can be used as a strobe (for racing and chase applications), running light, or third brake light.

The center portion of the Rigid Chase functions as a 715-lumen white light suitable for use as a reverse or area light, and there’s also a smaller downward-facing courtesy light for illuminating the cargo area.  The Rigid Chase LED light can be wired individually or in series. Learn more at http://www.rigidindustries.com.

HCR Racing XYZ Long-Travel Suspension

HCR Racing’s new long-travel suspension kit for Yamaha XYZ1000R is designed to add 4 additional inches of width per side over stock (8 inches total). This makes for a more stable ride with the added benefit of increased wheel travel. HCR's proprietary honeycomb boxed arms are built to withstand the beatings of rigorous off-road riding. Every external weld is an internal plate structured into the design. HCR kits run a 4130 heat-treated billet end instead of a tube, eliminating a potential weak point for the arm. Billet ball joint and spherical options are available for racing applications. Learn more at http://www.hcrracing.com/ .

MOB Armor Switch

The Mob Mount Switch is the ultimate solution in smartphone holders. The Switch combines two mounting options from the original Mob Mount (magnet & bar) into one extreme mount with the ability to hold up in the toughest conditions.  It features a strong magnet rated at 80 lbs. that can be released from the base yet holds in place while the vehicle is in use. It also features an adjustable bracket that can accommodate virtually any smartphone. The Switch comes with a powder coat finish for durability and is available in multiple colors to suit your style. There are currently two mounting options with more to come for this versatile product. Learn more at http://www.mobarmor.com/

Trinity Racing RZR Dual Exhaust System

Trinity Racing has been a household name in the performance ATV market since 1978. They specialize in creating horsepower with exhaust systems, big bore kits, intake systems, power programmer, and turbo systems for ATVs and UTVs.  Their all-new Stage 5 System for the Polaris RZR XP 1000 and TURBO models features a simple-to-install slip-on dual exhaust. The Trinity Racing RZR dual exhaust system offers significant horsepower and torque gains, with added performance sound. They are constructed from 304 brushed stainless steel and are fully TIG welded. The dual aluminum mufflers include 6061 billet muffler clamps and billet machined exhaust tips. Trinity Racing made sure to retain the factory O2 sensor, and works in an oxygen sensor bung into the pipe. The Stage 5 Exhaust includes a USFS approved spark arrestors and is available in Brushed or Black finish. Trinity Racing systems are also made in the USA. Learn more at https://www.trinityracing.com.

Rockford Fosgate XYZ System

For many UTV owners, having an awesome stereo system is part of the lifestyle. The latest offering from Rockford Fosgate delivers an innovative approach to design and speaker placement for the Yamaha XYZ. The front speaker pods are incorporated into the XYZ’s chiseled front fenders, with placement at the base of the A-pillar. It looks really sleek. The Rockford Fosgate YXZ Kit includes a Marine Grade Punch Compact AM/FM/WB Digital Media Receiver 2.7" Display, 6.5" Front Lower Speaker Enclosure and Prime Rear 6.5" Full Range Speakers. A sub woofer option is also available. Rockford Fosgate includes a head unit mounting dash and direct connect wiring harnesses for YXZ models to ensure a factory finish. The system fits 2016-2017 YXZ1000R and 2017 YXZ1000R SS models. Learn more at http://www.rockfordfosgate.com.

K&N Aircharger RZR Intake System

K&N Engineering now has a complete air intake system for the 2014-2016 Polaris RZR XP1000. The Aircharger performance air intake systems are designed to provide increased performance, better throttle response, improved engine sound and long air filter service intervals. The K&N Aircharger replaces the restrictive factory Polaris RZR parts with free-flowing, mandrel-bent powder-coated intake tube, coupled to an oversized K&N "XD" High-Flow Air Filter for higher capacity and efficiency. The filter is protected by a heavy-duty PolyPro canister. The kit includes a 6" radius filter adapter with 3.5" outlet. It’s available for both the Polaris RZR XP 1000 and Turbo models. Learn more at http://www.knfilters.com/.

Rigid Industries D-SS LED

The Rigid D-SS (Dually Side Shooter) LED cube is perfect for any application that requires a wide spread beam, including A-pillars and fog lights. The D-SS cube incorporates the same powerful optics and legendary LED technology as Rigid’s popular D-Series lights but with the added benefit of additional LEDs aimed to the side for a much broader beam. The D-SS fixtures boast up to 120 degrees of horizontal lighting coverage when used in pairs or when used in the single light applications. The main forward-facing LEDs are available with Rigid’s advanced Flood, Spot, or Driving optics. Learn more at http://www.rigidindustries.com.


PFAFF Off-Road Engines



Pfaff Engines out of Huntington Beach, Calif., makes big horsepower for marine and off-road applications. They can build anything from 500 hp to over 2000 hp engines, depending upon your needs. Their most popular off-road engine is the LS3 Vortec 6.2L V-8, which features lightweight aluminum block construction.  Pfaff offers them with a factory style intake manifold or supercharger option.  The one shown above has been marinized and uses a DART Pro Series big block.  This is just a sample of the type of work they do. Learn more at http://www.pfaffengines.com.

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