My buddy is looking to buy one of these three bikes and was wondering which would be the best? They are all within a couple hundred dollars of each other so money isn't really an issue. He will mainly be riding a lot of wide open fields, trails, hillclimbs, and jumps. I also would like to know which is the best from a reliability standpoint? Thanks for the replies in advance.

 

The DS would be my choice if its more open terrain. For trail riding I'd go with the z400. The pred is a great bike, but I think the z is more nimble and the ds is more fun in wide open spaces.

 

The Z is the best all-around machine there is! Handles well and has good power (engine hops up real well). Proving to be just as reliable as the venerable old Honda 400EX.

I have put in a lot of miles on a buddies DS. The DS is a larger machine. Needlessly heavy in my opinion and kind of big for tight trails. If he is a big guy, then maybe. Nobody I know who has one, has kept one for long..........

Never ridden a Predetor, but I am not the least bit fond of any of the other offereings from Polaris, so I would be highly skeptical about this one. As I recall, aren't they kind of heavy???

 

I like the Z400 for riding. I dont care for the ds or the pred. have him try all 3 and see what feels comfortable to him. thats what I did and
I couldnt be happier

 

I say go with the Predator.

 

Go with the Z400 its light and kills almost anything stock.. I killed a 400 ex and it was piped im all stock i tied with a predator and teher kinda heavy and are to low no ground clearance. if ur looking for trail riding fg with the Z if ur looking for the track go with the predator it gets up there fast and i find it fun to come out of burms on it and u dont worry about it coming up in a wheelie I highly reccomend the Z400

 

The Z is slower than these two bikes, and the Z is easily the better choice for the track.

 

z400.

 

My brother had a Z and liked it but wanted more power, traded for a 04 Pred and could not be happier. The Pred is only a 1" wider and we have nothing but tight trails and the Pred does awesome. With what you get on the Pred stock plus the extra 100cc is well worth the few $ more. Also as far as reliability both have been great.

 

you tied a pred he must of been 2 years old or 300lbs.lol