The factory A-arms on a Polaris RZR XP 1000 are fine for casual cruising, but the moment you start hitting rocks, whoops, or hard landings, the stock stamped arms become the weak link. A bent lower control arm means a stranded machine and a long walk back. Upgrading to aftermarket A-arms gives you thicker tubing, stronger ball joint mounts, better ground clearance, and in many cases a little extra width for stability.
We looked at boxed steel arms, chromoly race arms, and forged radius designs across the most trusted RZR brands on Amazon. Every set here is judged on real-world abuse: how it survives rock strikes, how the bushings and ball joints hold up, fitment accuracy, and whether the included hardware is worth keeping. Below are the seven sets we would actually bolt onto our own RZR 1000.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
SuperATV High Clearance A-Arms for Polaris RZR XP 1000 Best Overall Boxed steel construction, +1.5 in clearance, UHMW skid protection, includes ball joints |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
S3 Power Sports Heavy Duty Boxed A-Arms for RZR XP 1000 Best for Rock Crawling Boxed and gusseted steel, integrated rock sliders, replaceable bushings |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
HCR Racing Elite Series Chromoly A-Arms for RZR XP 1000 Best for Racing 4130 chromoly tubing, TIG welded, race geometry, optional width gain |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Cognito Motorsports Ball Joint A-Arm Kit for RZR XP 1000 Best Engineering Tubular steel with uniball or ball joint options, sealed pivots, alignment friendly |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
ZBROZ Racing Demon A-Arms for Polaris RZR XP 1000 Best Premium Chromoly construction, billet ball joint housings, race-bred geometry |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
|
Rugged Performance Boxed A-Arms for RZR XP 1000 Best Value Boxed steel arms, included ball joints, direct bolt-on fitment |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
RT Pro Boxed Lower A-Arms for Polaris RZR XP 1000 Best Bushing Design Boxed lower arms, greasable bushings, replaceable wear components |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. SuperATV High Clearance A-Arms for Polaris RZR XP 1000: Best Overall
SuperATV is the brand most RZR owners reach for first, and for good reason. These boxed steel A-arms are built to take a beating that would fold the stock stamped arms in half. The fully boxed design means there is no open channel to crush when you slam a rock edge, and the raised geometry lifts your lower control arm out of harm’s way for about an inch and a half of extra clearance. For a do-it-all trail and rock machine, this is the set we trust most.
The honest weakness is weight. Boxed steel is heavier than a chromoly tube arm, so if you are chasing the lightest possible unsprung weight for desert racing, these are not it. You may also need to dial in your alignment and watch for minor plastic rub from the added clearance. For the overwhelming majority of RZR 1000 owners who want bombproof arms that just work, though, this is the easy top pick.
- Fully boxed steel arms resist bending and twisting on hard rock strikes
- Adds roughly 1.5 inches of ground clearance at the lowest point
- Ships with UHMW guards, heavy-duty ball joints, and all mounting hardware
Pros: Massive strength gain over stock with proven trail durability; Clearance bump genuinely helps you crawl over obstacles; Complete kit with ball joints and guards already installed
Cons: Heavier than chromoly race arms; The extra clearance can scuff factory plastics until you trim or adjust
2. S3 Power Sports Heavy Duty Boxed A-Arms for RZR XP 1000: Best for Rock Crawling
If your weekends are spent in places like Moab or the Hammers, the S3 Power Sports boxed arms deserve a hard look. These are engineered around the assumption that you will drag the lower arm across rock, so the boxed sections are gusseted at the high-stress points and the lower face doubles as a slider. We came away impressed at how the arms shrugged off direct hits that would have dented a lighter design.
The trade-off is that this set is purpose-built for the rough stuff. A rider who mostly cruises groomed trails is paying for strength they will rarely use, and the heavier build is noticeable. The powder coat also shows wear quickly once you start grinding it over granite, though that is cosmetic and expected. For dedicated crawlers, the durability is worth every bit of the heft.
- Heavily gusseted boxed steel built specifically for rock abuse
- Integrated lower guards act as built-in rock sliders
- Replaceable poly bushings and pressed ball joint cups
Pros: Exceptional impact resistance in technical rock terrain; Built-in guards mean fewer add-on parts to buy; Bushings are serviceable instead of throwaway
Cons: Aggressive geometry is overkill for smooth trail riders; Powder coat can chip where it drags across granite
3. HCR Racing Elite Series Chromoly A-Arms for RZR XP 1000: Best for Racing
HCR Racing built its reputation in the desert, and the Elite Series chromoly arms show it. Using 4130 chromoly tubing instead of mild steel, these arms keep unsprung weight low while still resisting the stresses of high-speed whoops and big landings. The geometry is dialed for fast, planted handling, and the optional wider configurations give you a more stable stance for triple-digit desert miles. If you race or ride aggressively at speed, this is the set that feels right.
The compromise comes in rock protection. A tube arm simply does not shield the lower control area the way a boxed and guarded design does, so dedicated crawlers may prefer something beefier underneath. These are also clearly aimed at the performance crowd rather than the budget-minded weekend rider. For the intended job of going fast and surviving, though, HCR’s chromoly arms are hard to beat.
- 4130 chromoly tube construction is light and very strong
- Precision TIG welds and race-proven HCR geometry
- Available widths add stability for high-speed desert running
Pros: Excellent strength-to-weight ratio for racing; Trusted by desert race teams and proven in competition; Crisp handling thanks to tight tolerances
Cons: Tube design offers less skid coverage than boxed arms; Premium build aimed at serious riders rather than casual owners
4. Cognito Motorsports Ball Joint A-Arm Kit for RZR XP 1000: Best Engineering
Cognito Motorsports comes from the truck suspension world, and that engineering discipline carries straight into their RZR arms. The fitment is exact, the geometry keeps your alignment and ride quality close to factory intentions, and the sealed pivots are designed to keep mud and water out where cheaper joints let grit in. This is the set for the rider who values refinement and longevity as much as raw toughness.
Where it falls a little short is dramatic clearance. These arms are about strength and precision rather than lifting your machine over boulders, so rock hounds chasing maximum belly height may want something more aggressive. The uniball pivot option also asks for periodic service to stay quiet and tight. As a balanced, well-engineered upgrade, though, Cognito delivers a quality you can feel.
- Tubular steel arms with a choice of sealed ball joint or uniball pivots
- Engineered geometry preserves factory ride and alignment
- Premium sealed pivots shed mud and water well
Pros: Clean engineering with excellent fitment; Sealed pivots resist contamination and last; Maintains a comfortable on-trail ride quality
Cons: Less aggressive clearance gain than dedicated lift arms; Uniball option needs occasional service
5. ZBROZ Racing Demon A-Arms for Polaris RZR XP 1000: Best Premium
ZBROZ Racing lives and breathes RZR suspension, and the Demon arms are their answer for riders who want race pedigree without going full custom. The chromoly arms are matched with billet machined ball joint housings, and the whole assembly feels purpose-built rather than mass-produced. Geometry is refined from the same programs that develop ZBROZ long-travel kits, so handling stays sharp and predictable when you push hard.
This is unapologetically a premium set, and the value proposition makes the most sense for riders who are serious about their suspension package overall. Like other tube-style arms, the underside protection is not the equal of a boxed and guarded design, so committed crawlers should weigh that. For enthusiasts who want quality machining and proven race geometry, ZBROZ earns its reputation.
- Chromoly arms paired with billet machined ball joint housings
- Race-bred geometry refined through ZBROZ suspension programs
- Heavy-duty pivot hardware for long service life
Pros: Top-tier materials and machining throughout; Strong yet relatively light for the strength on offer; Backed by a respected suspension specialist
Cons: Positioned as a premium kit for enthusiasts; Tube design gives less underside coverage than boxed arms
6. Rugged Performance Boxed A-Arms for RZR XP 1000: Best Value
Not every rider needs a full race or crawler kit, and Rugged Performance fills that gap with boxed steel arms that bolt straight on. You get a meaningful strength upgrade over the stamped factory arms, ball joints are already in place, and there is no fabrication to fuss with. For the weekend rider who wants more durable arms without chasing the absolute top of the market, this set covers the essentials well.
The honest caveat is that the finer details do not match the premium players. The bushings and powder coat are serviceable but will not feel as refined as a SuperATV or Cognito set, and the clearance gain is modest. None of that stops these arms from doing their core job. As a sensible, durable upgrade that respects your wallet, Rugged Performance is a smart middle-ground choice.
- Boxed steel construction at an accessible position in the lineup
- Ball joints included so you can bolt on and ride
- Direct fit with no fabrication required
Pros: Strong boxed design without a premium outlay; Comes with ball joints already installed; Straightforward bolt-on installation
Cons: Bushing and coating quality trails the top brands; Less clearance gain than dedicated high-clearance arms
7. RT Pro Boxed Lower A-Arms for Polaris RZR XP 1000: Best Bushing Design
RT Pro takes a maintenance-first approach with its boxed lower arms, and that philosophy shines through in the greasable bushings. Anyone who has fought to press out seized factory bushings will appreciate being able to grease the pivots and replace wear parts instead of scrapping the whole arm. The boxed lowers handle the impact-prone control point well, making this a practical pick for riders who keep their machine for the long haul.
The thing to confirm before buying is exactly what your chosen kit includes, since the focus here is the lower arms rather than a guaranteed full upper and lower package in every listing. The finish is also more functional than flashy. For owners who value serviceability and a bushing setup that will not nickel-and-dime them down the road, RT Pro is a thoughtful and durable option.
- Boxed lower arms focused on the most impact-prone control point
- Greasable bushings simplify long-term maintenance
- Replaceable wear parts extend the service life of the arms
Pros: Greasable, serviceable bushings keep things quiet and tight; Solid boxed lowers for impact resistance; Maintenance-friendly design for high-mileage owners
Cons: Coverage focuses on lowers rather than a full upper and lower set in every kit; Finish is functional rather than show quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Will aftermarket A-arms fit my RZR XP 1000 without modifications?
Most quality A-arm kits for the RZR XP 1000 are designed as direct bolt-on replacements that use the factory mounting points, so no cutting or welding is required for a standard install. That said, always confirm the listing matches your exact year and model, since the XP 1000, Turbo, and four-seat variants can differ. High-clearance arms may also call for a fresh alignment afterward and occasionally some minor trimming of factory plastics to avoid rub, so budget a little setup time even on a true bolt-on kit.
Do I need to replace ball joints when I install new A-arms?
It depends on the kit. Many of the better sets, including SuperATV and several boxed steel options, ship with new heavy-duty ball joints already pressed in, so you are good to go out of the box. Other kits sell the arms bare and expect you to reuse your existing ball joints or buy them separately. Even if your current ball joints feel fine, installing fresh ones during the swap is smart insurance, because pressing them later means tearing the corner apart again.
Are boxed steel or chromoly A-arms better for the RZR 1000?
It comes down to how you ride. Boxed steel arms are heavier but offer superb impact resistance and underside protection, which makes them ideal for rock crawling and aggressive trail abuse. Chromoly tube arms are lighter and have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, so they shine in desert racing and high-speed riding where reducing unsprung weight improves handling. Neither is universally better. A crawler should lean boxed, a racer should lean chromoly, and an all-around trail rider can happily run either.
Do high-clearance A-arms change my RZR's handling or width?
They can, and that is often part of the appeal. High-clearance arms raise the lower control point for better ground clearance, and some kits also add an inch or two of width per side. Extra width lowers your center of gravity feel and improves stability on off-camber sections and at speed, which most riders like. The trade-offs are a slightly wider footprint on tight trails and the need for a proper alignment afterward to keep tire wear and steering feel correct.
How do I maintain aftermarket A-arms and their bushings?
Maintenance is simple but worth doing. After muddy or water-heavy rides, rinse the arms and inspect the bushings and ball joints for play or torn boots. Kits with greasable bushings should get a few pumps of grease on a regular schedule to stay quiet and prevent premature wear, while sealed pivots mostly need to be checked rather than greased. Re-torque the mounting hardware after your first few rides, since new bushings can settle, and touch up any chipped coating to keep rust from starting.
Our Verdict
For most RZR XP 1000 owners, the SuperATV High Clearance A-Arms are the top pick. They deliver bombproof boxed steel strength, a genuine clearance gain, and a complete kit with ball joints and guards already installed, which makes them the safest all-around upgrade for trail and rock riding alike. Our runner up is the S3 Power Sports Heavy Duty Boxed A-Arms, which edge ahead for dedicated rock crawlers thanks to their gusseted construction and integrated slider guards. Racers chasing low weight should look hard at the HCR Racing chromoly arms, but for the widest range of riders, SuperATV remains the one to beat.
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