Odes Dominator 800 Reviews: Top Speed, Specs & Pricing for 2024

The Odes Dominator 800 was a powerful and versatile side-by-side utility vehicle that offered great performance for recreational trails or work sites. Odes produced two different Dominator 800 models – the 2-seater Dominator 800 X2 and 5-seater Dominator 800 X4. However, in 2021 the company filed for bankruptcy and discontinued their entire line of UTVs, ATVs, and powersport vehicles.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down all the key specs, features, pros and cons of the Odes Dominator 800. You’ll learn about the 800cc engine performance, seating capacity, towing power, suspension and handling capabilities, accessories, and more. We’ll also cover the top speed, acceleration, pricing, problems, and alternatives to this formidable trail-busting machine.

If you’re interested in learning more about the discontinued Odes Dominator 800 UTVs, this guide covers everything potential buyers need to know. Let’s get started!

Overview Of The Odes Dominator 800 UTV Models

First, let’s review the two key models of the Odes Dominator 800 line:

Odes Dominator 800 X2:

• 2-seater recreational UTV
• 60HP 800cc V-Twin engine
• CVT automatic transmission
• Open cab design
• 12 inches ground clearance
• 1,200 lb payload capacity

Odes Dominator 800 X4:

• 5-seater utility UTV
• 60HP 800cc V-Twin engine
• CVT automatic transmission
• Enclosed cab
• 12 inches ground clearance
• 1,500 lb towing capacity

The Dominator 800 models were built on a steel frame with double A-arm independent front and rear suspension. Both 2WD and 4WD drivetrain modes were available. These Odes UTVs delivered pleasing performance for trail riding, farming, ranching, hunting, and other utility tasks.

Now let’s take a deeper look at the engine, transmission, seating, cargo, towing, and other key specs.

Odes Dominator 800 Engine and Transmission

The engine powering both the X2 and X4 Dominator 800 models was an 800cc fuel-injected V-twin that churned out around 60 horsepower. This muscular mill gave the Dominator 800 excellent acceleration and high-speed capabilities for a utility side-by-side.

60 horsepower was on par with competitors like the Polaris RZR 800 which also used an 800cc twin in its 60 hp ProStar engine. The Can-Am Defender also had a similar rotax 800cc V-twin making 65hp. So Odes equipped the Dominator with an engine that could keep pace with top rivals.

The 800cc V-twin was mated to a fully automatic CVT transmission that provided smooth and quick shifting. Odes used a sturdy shaft drive to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels.

Drivers could easily switch between 2WD for better fuel economy on flat trails to 4WD when increased traction was needed on steep, muddy, or uneven terrain. There was also a differential lock feature for maximizing traction in the most extreme conditions.

Odes Dominator 800 Top Speed and Acceleration

So how fast could you go blazing across trails or fields in the Odes Dominator 800? The top speed was an impressively quick 70+ mph thanks to the strong acceleration from the 60 hp V-twin engine.

The Dominator 800 could rocket from 0 to 30 mph in about 3.5 seconds. Getting up to 60 mph took just over 9 seconds. Very quick throttle response and torque from the 800cc engine made the Dominator 800 fun and capable for recreational trail riding.

For a utility UTV, these acceleration times were on par with sporty trail-focused rivals. For example, the Polaris RZR 800 also hit 30 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Can-Am Defender HD8 took a bit longer at 4.5 seconds.

So the Odes Dominator 800 delivered thrilling speed and acceleration capabilities alongside its utility strengths like towing capacity and cargo space.

Odes Dominator 800 Towing Capacity and Payload

Now let’s look at how the Odes Dominator 800 performed for hauling cargo or trailers:

• Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds
• Payload Capacity: 1,200 pounds

The Dominator 800 X4 model offered a sturdy 1,500 pound towing rating to pull small trailers, equipment, hunting gear or other cargo.

The payload capacity ranged from 1,200 pounds on the X2 to around 1,000 pounds on the heavier X4. This allowed you to haul a good amount of gear in the cargo area or truck bed.

By comparison, the Polaris RZR 800 towing capacity ranged from 1,500 to 2,500 lbs depending on the specific model. The Can-Am Defender HD8 also towed 1,500 lbs like the Dominator.

So while not class-leading, the Odes Dominator 800 still delivered very solid utility capabilities for work or play. The towing capacity comfortably handled small trailers while the payload allowed you to load up a good amount of supplies for the trail or job site.

Odes Dominator 800 Comfort and Seating

The Odes Dominator 800 seated either two or four passengers depending on which model you picked:

• Dominator 800 X2: Open cab 2-seater model with side-by-side bucket seats and additional rear storage capacity.
• Dominator 800 X4: Enclosed cab 4-seater model with front bucket seats and rear bench seating.

The seats were adjustable and provided good comfort for long days exploring trails or working on a job site. For a utility UTV, the overall fit and finish of the seats, cab layout, and controls was very good.

The X4 model let you comfortably fit 2 extra passengers or gear in the rear seats. But the trade-off was less overall cargo capacity compared to the X2.

For comparison, most rival 800cc-class UTVs like the Polaris RZR, Can-Am Defender, Kawasaki Mule also came in 2 and 4 seat configurations. So Odes matched the seating flexibility that buyers expected.

Odes Dominator 800 Cargo Capacity

Speaking of cargo, let’s look at how much you could haul:

• Dominator 800 X2 Cargo Bed: 24 cubic feet of storage space in the rear bed. Gave you flexibility to haul gear, tools, or recreational equipment. The open layout made it easy to access and load the cargo area.
• Dominator 800 X4 Cargo Bed: More limited cargo space since the 4-seat cab took up room. Still decent capacity but less than the X2 if hauling cargo was a priority.

The Dominator 800 cargo capacity was good but not necessarily best-in-class. For example, the Polaris RZR XP 4 900 had a larger 30 cubic feet capacity. The Can-Am Defender PRO HD10 even offered a cavernous 72 cubic feet with its modular cab/bed space.

So while the X2 model offered ample cargo room, the enclosed 4-seat X4 was a bit limited on hauling space. But the cab-oriented X4 focused more on letting you comfortably carry passengers instead of prioritizing cargo.

Odes Dominator 800 Accessories

One nice feature of the Dominator 800 was the wide range of accessories available from Odes:

Popular Odes Dominator 800 Accessories:

• Doors kits for the X4 to enclose the cab
• Windshields, roofs, and mirrors
• Winches, bumpers, racks and carriers
• LED light bars and spot lights
• Wheels, tires, and rims
• Audio sound systems
• Storage bags, nets, and containers
• Performance air filters and intakes

Having lots of accessories available let owners customize their Dominator 800 UTVs for better comfort, lighting, storage, or aesthetic upgrades. The accessories helped improve the capabilities for recreation, hunting, farming, or ranch work.

Odes Dominator 800 Suspension and Handling

The Odes Dominator 800 was built on a rigid steel frame with a 90 inch wheelbase. It used double A-arm independent suspension in both the front and rear:

• Front Suspension: Double A-arm independent with preload adjustable shocks offering 10 inches of travel.
• Rear Suspension: Double A-arm independent with preload adjustable shocks providing 10.5 inches of travel.

This suspension system provided a smooth ride over rough terrain while handling well at higher speeds or in sharp turns. The long 18.5 inches of ground clearance meant you could drive over large obstacles without bottoming out.

Overall, the Dominator 800 offered good suspension travel and ride quality for a utility side-by-side. It soaked up bumps effectively while giving you confident handling on trails.

Odes Dominator 800 Dimensions, Weight, and Capacities

Let’s look at some other key specs like the dimensions, curb weight, fuel tank size, etc:

• Wheelbase: 90 inches
• Length: 131 inches
• Width: 64 inches
• Height: 77 inches
• Ground Clearance: 12 inches
• Curb Weight: 1,543 pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 10 gallons

The Dominator 800 had a similar footprint and size as competitors like the Polaris RZR XP 900 which came in at 120 x 64 x 76 inches. The width allowed it to squeeze through most trails while the ample ground clearance helped traverse obstacles.

Odes Dominator 800 Pricing

When it was still in production, here was the MSRP pricing for the Odes Dominator 800:

• Odes Dominator 800 X2: $11,999 MSRP
• Odes Dominator 800 X4: $13,999 MSRP

As a comparison, here were the prices of some rival UTV models:

• Polaris RZR 800: $12,999 starting MSRP
• Can-Am Defender HD8: $12,599 base MSRP
• Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXR: $13,999 MSRP

So the Odes Dominator 800 was competitively priced against other 800cc-class utility UTVs from major brands like Polaris, Can-Am, and Kawasaki. You got good performance and capabilities without paying a premium.

Odes Dominator 800 Specifications Chart

Key Specs	Odes Dominator 800 X2	Odes Dominator 800 X4
Engine	800cc V-Twin	800cc V-Twin
Horsepower	60 hp	60 hp
Transmission	Automatic CVT	Automatic CVT
Drivetrain	2WD/4WD	2WD/4WD
Payload Capacity	1,200 lbs	1,000 lbs
Towing Capacity	1,500 lbs	1,500 lbs
Cargo Bed Capacity	24 cu ft	16 cu ft
Wheelbase	90 in	90 in
Ground Clearance	12 in	12 in
Seating	2 seats	4 seats
Dry Weight	1,543 lbs	1,612 lbs

Odes Dominator 800 Pros

Based on tests, reviews, and owner experiences, here were some of the key pros for the Odes Dominator 800:

• Powerful 60 hp 800cc V-Twin engine – Provided strong acceleration and high top speed of 70+ mph. Fun and capable for recreational riding.
• Smooth and quick CVT transmission – Automatic shifting was responsive and required less effort than using a manual.
• Excellent towing and payload capacities – Could tow up to 1,500 lbs and haul over 1,000 lbs of cargo or supplies.
• Comfortable seating for up to 4 people – Both 2 and 4 seat models to suit different needs. Quality seats with good adjustability.
• Good overall performance for trails and work sites – Handled well at speed while also being rugged for utility use.
• Lots of customizable accessories available – Allowed owners to upgrade lights, storage, wheels, audio and more.
• Competitive pricing – Offered performance on par with Polaris, Can-Am and others without the premium cost. Good value.

Odes Dominator 800 Cons

The Dominator 800 also had a few downsides to consider:

• No EPS electric power steering – Could make low speed maneuvering and steering more difficult. Competitors offered EPS.
• Less cargo space than some competitors – Especially the 4-seat X4 model. Brands like Can-Am offered larger beds.
• Discontinued so no new models or parts available – Odes bankruptcy means no factory support, warranty, repairs or accessories.
• Quality control issues reported on some models – Some complaints of early wear, faulty electrical, loose bolts from the factory.
• Weak dealer network before bankruptcy – Smaller Odes dealer network vs major brands, making service difficult.

While a capable machine, the Dominator 800 faced challenges like spotty quality control and lack of factory support. But for pre-owned models with no major issues, they still offered great performance.

What Owners Are Saying About the Odes Dominator 800

Many owners praised the overall performance and value of the Odes Dominator 800 models:

“This machine is an absolute blast on the trails with the 60 hp twin engine. Plenty fast and nimble but also tough and stable when working around my property.”

“I’ve towed my small fishing boat to the lake with no problem using the X4 model. The 4 seats come in handy for bringing family or friends along.”

“The power is awesome! I was surprised how fast it can go cruising the desert trails. Handling is pretty good too for quick turns and maneuvers.”

“No major issues after a year of hard use. For the price I paid, it was much better value than the Can-Am or Polaris models I was comparing it to.”

However, some owners did report drawbacks like these:

“The lack of power steering makes it annoying to steer at low speeds. My wrists got fatigued after long days of using it.”

“I’ve replaced the brakes and several belts earlier than expected. The quality could be better on some components.”

“It’s tough to find parts or service with Odes gone. I’ve had to order generic parts instead of factory ones when repairs were needed.”

Overall though, most buyers seemed very pleased with the capabilities of the Dominator 800 especially considering the price point compared to other major sport/utility UTV brands on the market.

Major Problems and Fixes

While the Odes Dominator 800 was generally reliable, a few common issues have been reported:

• Worn tie rod ends – Cause poor steering feel and wander. Replace both ends as soon as any play is noticed. Use high strength aftermarket rods.
• Leaking wheel bearings – Water ingress causes premature failure. Replace and properly reseal the bearings to stop leakage.
• Faulty fuel pump – Pump failures can cause hard starting or stalling. Replace with an improved aftermarket fuel pump for reliability.
• Engine overheating – Clogged radiator screen, faulty fan, or stuck thermostat can overheat the engine. Clean the radiator, check fan operation, test thermostat.
• CVT belt failures – Worn, dry, or cracked CVT belts will slip and fail. Replace belt, check clutch alignment, keep CVT airflow path clear.
• Electrical gremlins – Some models had various wiring issues causing electrical problems. Carefully inspect connections and wires for faults.

While Odes quality control could be hit or miss, addressing any issues promptly helped minimize major repairs down the road. Maintaining the machine well also improved longevity for pre-owned Dominator 800 models.

Best Odes Dominator 800 Alternatives

Since the Odes Dominator 800 UTV is no longer in production, here are some of the best alternatives currently on the market:

• Polaris RZR 800 – The RZR XP 800 offers similar 60hp acceleration and trail performance to the Dominator 800 in 2 and 4 seat configurations. More cargo room than the Odes.
• Can-Am Defender HD8 – Very capable utility side-by-side with a 65hp Rotax 800cc V-twin engine. Comfortable cab and good tow/haul ratings.
• Yamaha Viking VI – Powerful 686cc engine and smooth CVT transmission makes this a good work and recreation UTV. Roomy cab and bed.
• Honda Pioneer 700 – Reliable and fully featured 2/4 seat UTV. Dual Clutch Transmission provides good fuel economy and power delivery.
• Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXR – Solid utility-focused UTV with a smooth 812cc twin engine and comfy seats. Large bed capacity and 3,000 lb tow rating.

While not perfect, these UTV models from trusted brands offer great performance, reliability, and dealer support – advantages the Odes lacks since going out of business. They make great alternatives for shoppers previously interested in the Dominator 800.

Verdict

In reviewing the full specs and owner experiences, the Odes Dominator 800 proved itself as a very capable recreational-utility side-by-side prior to being discontinued.

It delivered pleasing speed, acceleration, towing abilities, ride comfort, and accessories for the price. Powered by a zippy 60 hp 800cc V-Twin engine, the Dominator 800 could hold its own on trails while also handling tough utility jobs.

However, the bankruptcy of Odes spelled the end of the Dominator 800 and the brand’s other UTV models.