After weighing the pros and cons I bought the DS. Then this weekend I met up with a guy on a Raptor on his first big ride too. We talked, I complained about the stiff front shocks on the DS, we both complained about not getting to test ride these rigs before buying. SO one thing led to another and we swapped rides for a while to check out what we hadn't bought.
Well I liked the Raptor just fine. It did better in the high speed sand wash and sliding around turns than I expected, but not as well as the DS. I liked the light front end, it felt like you could put it right where you want it. The motor does not feel as strong as the Bomb, but you gotta love reverse. I think a wider rear axle and the Raptor is a near perfect ride for my almost 13 year old son, who I've been trying to talk into a 400 EX. Reverse and no need to hop up for a considerable while are major factors.
Before you get your panties in a bunch saying he should be on a 250 EX or something hold on. He likes the DS just fine, but thinks the front end is too heavy in the whoops, and I would agree.
He has a 425EXP with a H.O. cam and 42mm Mikuni, that weighs in about 650 lbs. And no He isn't huge for his age, he's quite small 80 lbs, 4'10", but rides very well, obviously. He is a better rider than his old man.
I think almost all ATV's are underpowered. We drive our Polaris-es full throttle or nothing, The DS has power to spare, all over the place.
Most ATV's are like lawnmowers. These aren't.
Both of these quads could use a granny gear/ six-speed tranny, both could use better ground clearance, both could use Independent rear suspension, then they could smoke the Polaris as well on the rough trails as they do on the smooth stuff, 'cause right now, when it gets rough, neither one can touch a Sportsman.

 

A Raptor for an ALMOST 13 year old boy who weighs 80lbs? You think he'll be able to keep the front end on the ground? Hope your right about him being that good of a rider.(It took a pretty good while for my friend's 11 yr. old boy to get used to a Blaster). Although it might look a little funny with a kid that size on a Raptor. Anyway, get some pics. YAMAHA RULES!