Stinger HEXCORE Lighting and Horizon XTR Bring New Tech to UTVs

Stinger HEXCORE is part of a much larger move into the UTV market.

At the Sand Sports Super Show 2026, we spoke with Stinger about that expansion.

However, this is not simply a new lighting line.

Stinger is connecting lighting, audio, vehicle data, accessory control, and infotainment across several UTV platforms.

The company recently acquired UTV Stereo, a familiar name throughout the Southwest UTV community. Stinger has also launched HEXCORE lighting and the Horizon XTR multifunction display.

Together, those products point toward something bigger.

Stinger is building an integrated UTV electronics ecosystem.

Stinger HEXCORE Expands Into the UTV Market

Stinger has decades of experience with automotive electronics.

However, powersports represents a different environment.

UTVs deal with dust, vibration, water, heat, and limited installation space.

Therefore, products designed for these machines need more than automotive styling.

During our interview, Mark from Stinger explained how HEXCORE was developed around those requirements.

The lineup includes straight light bars, curved light bars, pod lights, chase lights, and the flagship Hero Bar.

Stinger also emphasizes vehicle-specific installation instead of relying only on universal brackets and wiring.

That approach already extends into several Polaris RZR applications.

UTV Stereo Gives Stinger an Established Powersports Connection

UTV Stereo already had deep roots in the side-by-side market before joining Stinger.

The company says its origins were inspired by rides in Glamis, California.

That connection matters because Glamis helped shape the brand around real dune use.

Today, UTV Stereo focuses on complete audio systems, batteries, electronics, and integrated UTV solutions.

Meanwhile, Stinger now describes UTV Stereo as part of its growing family of powersports brands.

The acquisition gives Stinger an established channel into the UTV community.

It also creates natural connections between UTV Stereo audio, HEXCORE lighting, and Horizon XTR technology.

What Makes Stinger HEXCORE Lighting Different?

Brightness is only part of the story.

Stinger designed HEXCORE around integration, durability, and vehicle-specific installation.

The lighting housings use aluminum construction.

Meanwhile, the Hero Bar uses a powder-coated stainless support structure.

That combination provides a strong mounting platform while controlling weight around the lighting system.

Stinger also rates the HEXCORE lighting lineup at IP67.

Additionally, the company uses thermal protection to reduce output when temperatures become excessive.

Once temperatures drop, normal output can return.

Mark also discussed a pressure-management membrane designed to reduce condensation inside the lights.

Those details matter in environments where temperature and elevation can change quickly.

Stinger currently lists a 50,000-hour average rated life across the primary HEXCORE lighting categories.

The HEXCORE Hero Bar Takes a Different Approach

The Hero Bar is HEXCORE’s flagship lighting system.

Instead of using a traditional single-row LED layout, it combines eight six-inch pod lights.

The current 51-inch Hero Bar produces approximately 39,496 raw lumens.

It also uses 48 LEDs and consumes 864 watts.

Additionally, each pod combines driving illumination with white and amber position lighting.

Stinger currently lists vehicle-specific Hero Bar applications for Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco platforms.

However, Mark told us that side-by-side applications were also being developed.

That fits the broader Stinger strategy around vehicle-specific hardware and wiring.

HEXCORE Pod Lights Bring the Technology to Polaris RZR Pro R

Stinger already offers several HEXCORE lighting kits for the Polaris RZR Pro R.

Current 2022-2026 applications include two-inch, 2×4-inch, and four-inch pod light packages.

These kits mount near the bottom of the A-pillar.

The company also offers a 40-inch curved light bar for the RZR Pro R.

Additionally, a 32-inch chase light provides rear lighting and signal functions.

That gives owners several lighting options without relying entirely on universal brackets.

Stinger’s RZR Pro R catalog also places the Horizon XTR alongside these lighting systems.

Therefore, the lighting and display products increasingly function as one ecosystem.

Vehicle-Specific Wiring Is a Major Part of the Strategy

Mark repeatedly returned to one point during our interview.

Stinger wants vehicle-specific integration.

That means dedicated brackets, harness lengths, and wiring solutions for supported applications.

As a result, installers should spend less time adapting universal parts.

Stinger still offers universal lighting options.

However, the vehicle-specific kits represent the direction the company is pursuing.

The goal is simple.

Mount the product where it belongs and connect it without unnecessary cutting or splicing.

Future CAN bus integration could take that concept even further.

Horizon XTR Is More Than a UTV Radio

The second half of our interview shifted from lighting to the Horizon XTR.

Kevin from Stinger described the XTR as a multifunction display rather than simply a radio.

That distinction becomes clear once the system is running.

The XTR also uses a 10.1-inch optically bonded display.

Optical bonding reduces the air gap between display layers, which can improve visibility and durability in demanding environments.

Interestingly, optical bonding is also an important concept in our own mirror engineering.

The application is different, but both approaches focus on controlling how an optical surface is supported and integrated into the surrounding structure.

It connects to supported vehicle systems through the CAN network.

Therefore, it can display vehicle data directly on the screen.

Users can view information including battery voltage, coolant temperature, RPM, gear position, and other vehicle data.

The interface also allows drivers to customize several gauge layouts.

Meanwhile, off-road screens add information designed for trail and performance use.

Stinger also includes vehicle-specific dash integration rather than a generic tablet-style installation.

Horizon XTR Adds Accessory Control to the Display

Accessory control may become one of the XTR’s most useful features.

The display can control supported accessories directly from the screen.

Therefore, owners may reduce their reliance on separate switch panels.

Stinger lists support for configurable accessory controls and recommends its SwitchHUB system for expanded functionality.

Lighting can also integrate into the interface.

Additionally, compatible Stinger RGB systems can provide color and lighting controls through the display.

That creates a central command point for several vehicle systems.

Wireless CarPlay and OnX Bring Familiar Technology Off Road

The XTR also supports wireless and wired Apple CarPlay.

Android Auto is supported as well.

That brings familiar smartphone functions into the UTV cockpit.

Additionally, Stinger supports OnX Offroad through the system.

Drivers can use compatible mapping while still accessing vehicle information and entertainment.

Optional offline navigation is also available.

Therefore, the XTR combines several functions that normally require separate devices.

Current Horizon XTR UTV Fitments

Stinger currently offers three primary Horizon XTR UTV applications.

Those fitments include:

• 2017-2026 Can-Am Maverick X3
• 2019-2023 Polaris RZR XP
• 2025-2026 Polaris RZR Pro R, Pro S, and Pro XP

Current pricing is $1,699 across those three applications.

However, customers should verify exact vehicle compatibility before ordering.

For example, some factory display configurations require additional hardware or are not currently supported.

This fitment range also puts Horizon XTR directly into several major sport UTV families.

That includes the Maverick X3, RZR XP, RZR Pro R, RZR Pro S, and RZR Pro XP.

How Horizon XTR Compares With Factory UTV Displays

Kevin compared the Horizon XTR with systems like Polaris RIDE COMMAND and BRP GO.

However, the goal is not simply to copy an OEM display.

Stinger is positioning the XTR as a customizable aftermarket alternative.

The system combines vehicle information, audio, cameras, accessory control, lighting control, and smartphone connectivity.

Stinger also lists four camera inputs and a 15-band adjustable equalizer.

Meanwhile, vehicle-specific integration allows the display to retain many supported factory functions.

That combination makes the XTR interesting for owners building heavily accessorized machines.

Why MIRROR-01 Made Sense for the RZR Pro R Build

Our connection with UTV Stereo goes beyond the interview.

UTV Stereo selected Dirtbag Brands MIRROR-01 mirrors for its Polaris RZR Pro R display machine.

The team wanted improved viewability from the mirrors. They also wanted the ability to mount pod lights directly from the mirror system.

Because of time constraints before the show, the pod lights were not installed on the mirrors.

However, MIRROR-01 remained installed on the RZR Pro R display build.

That gave us a documented example of Dirtbag Brands mirrors being used alongside UTV Stereo and Stinger products on the same machine.

Why MIRROR-01 Made Sense for the RZR Pro R Build

MIRROR-01 uses our round-cage clamp system.

The same part number fits many sport UTV platforms using compatible 1.75-inch to 2.0-inch tubing.

That includes applications across Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick X3 / Maverick R, and Kawasaki KRX and Teryx H2 platforms.

The mirror also provides an integrated mounting location for compatible pod lights.

Therefore, UTV Stereo could address both visibility and future lighting placement with one mounting system.

That connection also illustrates something we regularly see at shows.

Modern UTV builds increasingly combine products from several manufacturers.

Lighting, audio, mirrors, displays, suspension, and navigation all need to coexist on one machine.

Stinger HEXCORE and Horizon XTR FAQ

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and editorial purposes. Information is based on interviews recorded at Sand Sports Super Show 2026, manufacturer-published specifications, and Dirtbag Brands’ firsthand observations. Product specifications, pricing, preorder status, shipping dates, features, and vehicle compatibility may change without notice. Always verify current information and fitment with the manufacturer before purchase or installation. Statements attributed to Stinger or UTV Stereo reflect information provided by their representatives or published materials. Dirtbag Brands is not affiliated with or endorsed by Stinger or UTV Stereo unless specifically stated. All trademarks and product names belong to their respective owners.