IPI accessories test

Accessories — By ATV Mag on April 7, 2006 at 12:00 pm

We’ve tested accessories from Innovative Products International (IPI), but its new line of products caught our attention. The Utah-based company recently sent us four new products to test.

IPI designed its Fin Grip “Air Ride” ATV Rack ($45) to help protect your hunting tools and investments. Three cushioning air ride pockets are on the bottom of each Fin Grip hook. These air ride pockets absorb impacts to the equipment while you are traveling with your ATV.

The mounting system is compatible with any ATV rack, however, you will have to drill holes in a composite plastic rack. Rubber bands securely hold your “tools” in place, without scratching. And we’ve yet to break a Fin Grip holder while carrying items like shovels and hand ice augers.

IPI’s Bow Grip Pro ($35) consumes less space on the rack and clamps the bow limbs securely between cushioned rubber blocks. The blocks can be rotated on the mounting system to custom fit any bow limb angle position. As with the Fin Grip Rack, the Bow Grip Pro mounts to metal or plastic racks with basic wrenches.

A sore thumb is a common problem during long ATV rides. The IPI Thumb Assist Pro — which is plastic and rubber and retails for $20 — attaches to the thumb throttle of any ATV using provided screws. The add-on throttle lever is adjustable and is longer than the stock throttle, letting you use the palm of your hand or other thumb positions.

IPI’s Three-way Hitch and Receiver Hitch accessories mount to all ATVs with a factory hitch ball location. Both hitch products offer the use of a hitch ball, tow ring and hitch pin attachment location. Flipping over the Three-Way Hitch during mounting lowers the hitch ball height. This setup is permanent, however; the machine could lose some ground clearance in the rear.

IPI’s Receiver Hitch ball insert is removable. The Hitch Receiver and ball insert retail for $65. We didn’t lose ground clearance with this model either. If you don’t have a need for a hitch ball, slide the insert out and leave it behind. The tow loop stays on the mounted receiver base when the tow ball insert is removed. The tow ball insert can be reversed to raise or lower the hitch ball height.

The tow loops are more accessible than other tow points found on a quad for connecting tow straps and providing a secure towing point. We like the elevated tow ball location on our ATV for connecting trailers.
Our Pro Deluxe Bag came in the Mossy Oak Breakup pattern. The removable front corner bags offer versatile toting capabilities. Detaching the five connector straps lets you throw the bags in your backpack or slip them on your belt using the built-in belt loops. Also, elastic straps secure items like small thermos bottles and GPS receivers.

The IPI bags use 1/2-inch thick padding and the main bag has a removable padded divider, too. An additional zippered pouch (non-padded) — located on the outside of the bag — is good for frequently used items and is accessible while sitting on the ATV. Dual zippers on the main bag allow easier access. The zippers are protected from debris buildup by a flap. The Cargo Bag secures to the ATV’s rack with four buckles and straps. The Pro Deluxe bag retails for $90-$100, depending on color.