Iv been riding for years but recently i wanted to change from a utility quad to a sport quad. I live where there's a lot of open space where you want speed and in some places you just cant avoid mud and water. but I have heard that chains and mud don't mix. And that I am better to stick with shaft drive (250x) ,I have also heard that its fine to ride a chain through mud. so I am not sure. I am also big for my age and i wanted to know how big a 250x will fit someone who is 6ft or bigger. Thanks for any feedback.

 

i've driven my chain drive quads through mud and have no issues. BUT, with having said that, good chain maintenance is a must. good chain lube and a good washing and more chain lube. you got to take care of the chain. i myself also have shaft drive quads. i love'em. i do have a 2007 TRX250ex. i am 6' @ 220 lbs and i am too big for it. wheelbase is short. front end is way light, it is nimble and can be manipulated really good on trails. it is predominantly ridden by my kids. my boy is 18 at 6' weighing 135 lbs and does well on it. my daughter is 23 and weighs just over 110 lbs @ 5'3" and handles it well. i still occasionally drive it but i don't get wild on it as my legs are long, the front end is light, and the center of gravity changes for me on that smaller quad. if i were you, go for the 400. Rod400ex can give you great advice on that quad. or TRK or others that own them. i've never ridden the 400ex.

 

The 250X is to small and underpowered for a 6'. They also aren't very fast and have limited upgrade potential.

Chain drive is fine in the mud, but unlike a shaft, the chain/sprockets require maintenance. I generally clean and lube my chain after every ride. Even then, you will be replacing those components every so often. Mud riding will wear them out sooner. The upshot is chain drive is very efficient vs shaft, hence why quads with a serious sport slant use them.

 

An other disadvantage of a chain it is a lower ground clearance due to the rear sprockets larger Diameter vs a rear diff.
A rear sprocket including its skid guard is lucky to have 4" of ground clearance at most.

Not good if you go over a 5" high rock or log.

 

Whoever says we can't mud is full of themselves. I have never gotten stuck on my 400ex in mud, all in the tires and rider. Go with the 400ex if you want any power and are a larger person. 250s are tiny.