The last thing I wanted to do at SHOT Show’s Media Day was spend time driving a buggy. Media Day is where the shooting and hunting industries set up tables and roll out the red carpet for the press, so that we can experience ammo, guns and gear. And with all that free ammo and shooting available, I thought I wouldn’t have time or inclination to spend one minute on my backside on a buggy.
And then, I got ‘Ambushed’
Actually, Jeff Patterson, of Swanson Russell, asked me if I’d like to look at a Bad Boy Buggies’ Ambush, and take a ride. I like Jeff. He is a great guy to work with, and frankly, I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so I said I’d look at it. But then, when I saw it … Did I mention that its name is Ambush?
I wanted not only to take a ride in it, I wanted to drive it!
Eric Bondy, vice president of the consumer value stream for Bad Boy Buggies, said, “This vehicle is easy to handle. Short wheel-based, but the big thing is … whether you’re a woman or a man, it’s the ultimate hunting vehicle. The ability to switch between gas and electric in a moment’s notice makes all the difference.”
Then he said, “You wanna drive it?” Oh boy, did I. Eric rode shotgun.
Getting a quick lesson from Eric Bondy. Photo by Jason Baird
We headed out through the parking lot to the desert, and that’s where I floored it, kicked it up to (get this) 17 miles per hour, took a hill, veered off the path, almost dived into a ditch and killed the engine. I looked over at Eric. James Bond cool and calm. “Why don’t you just start it up and put it back on the course, Barb?” His knuckles weren’t even white.
Getting it up to 17 mph. Photo by Jason Baird
I know you’ll want some of the specs, so from the Bad Boy himself, here ya go:
Hills? No problem. Photo by Jason Baird
DUAL DRIVE TECHNOLOGY: THE POWER TO CHOOSE
A rugged and dependable 16-hp V-Twin gas engine delivers more range and supplies the muscle to the rear axle while a stealthy-quiet 48-volt DC electric drivetrain powers the front. Switch from one to the other, or engage both at the push of a button for true 4×4 capability.
MAKE SHORT WORK OF THE LONG HAUL.
Bucket seating for two and independent front suspension cushions the ride
9.6-cubic-foot roto-molded cargo bed carries all your gear, stands or your kill
Manually locking rear differential offers additional torque and traction in extreme conditions
Blackout switch turns off vehicle lighting for better concealment… ideal when it’s time to slip into “stealth mode”
12-volt outlet can be used to power small electronics and equipment
25-inch all-terrain tires keep a firm grip on the action
Hydraulic front and rear brakes and regenerative braking to recharge electric batteries on the fly
1,000-lb towing capacity
No leaning required. Not like an ATV at all. Photo by Jason Baird
I like how it rolls in real quiet. Imagine being able to sneak down a logging road, or through a valley. And for those of you who think, “Hey, I’ll just walk!” All right, go ahead and walk, and maybe you’ll be in with all the others on public lands, or maybe you’ll fall into a rabbit hole, or maybe you’ll slip down a stream bank and twist your ankle. I like this idea because you can get in, get close and still have a vehicle that will take you and your child and your two does back to camp afterwards. Or, actually, I’m thinking my three girlfriends and our four 22-pound toms.
You know, I think if I played golf, I’d just use this on the golf course, too. Why not?
So, after that hair raising ride, we coasted back to the staging area and I asked, “So, what’s the writer’s discount on this thing?” And with a straight face, Eric replied, “Well the MSRP is $13999, but for you, it’s $14500.” No problem. Guess I’ll just have to write four more articles.
Alive and well. We sneak back. Photo by Jason Baird
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
Barb, as usual, I loved your article and the photos by Jason are awesome!!! Looks like from the specs that Bad Boy left no detail off this “bad boy.”