I am about to buy a new machine [first one] and am having a really hard time. I thiught i had it figured out but the more I look the harded it gets. I have the list down to four. AC 300 4x4 [Independant suspension/selectable 2/4wd] Honda 350ES Great reputation but not indepedant susp. Kawi 300 Prarie Top Speed 42MPH may not keep up with buds and no Independant. Yamaha Big Bear 2000 model no independant. These bikes all price out within $300 of each other. Not owning an ATV in the past, it will be hard to predict what type of riding I will be doing. Any thoughts at this point will help.

 

I think the Arctic Cat 300 will be the best for you.
1.It seems that IRS is important to you.
2.It is the only one on your list with switchable 2wd/4wd(true 4wd with a tiny bit of work) which makes it easier to steer and get it sideways.
3.I believe it has the most ground clearance of the bunch.
4.When it's put in superlow range I don't think even the 400 Big Bear can pull with it.

 

I think the Arctic Cat 300 will be the best for you.
1.It seems that IRS is important to you.
2.It is the only one on your list with switchable 2wd/4wd(true 4wd with a tiny bit of work) which makes it easier to steer and get it sideways.
3.I believe it has the most ground clearance of the bunch.
4.When it's put in superlow range I don't think even the 400 Big Bear can pull with it.

 

I actually think that the Prarie 300 would be one of the quickest of the bunch. It has more compression and is a bit faster than the bayou 300 though they share the same engine block. The suspension is top notch as well. My complaint is no engine braking and a belt driven transmission. I would take the Rancher 350 8 times out of 10 in this grouping. That is my opinion. If the IRS and selectable 2wd is really important, then go with the cat.... or even a Suzuki King Quad.

 

I'm not even going to say a word about the 300 CAT because last time I got into a weeklong fight about it. I have no use for the lack of power it has. The Rancher seems to be pretty popular about right now. I haven't ridden the Prairie or the Rancher so I can't give any opinions whatsoever on them. The Rancher might be alright. It won't tear up and has some nice features, but I don't like the looks of them. That is the only reason I wouldn't own one. It's probably because I saw the orange one before I saw the rest. Good luck on your choice.

 

Have you looked at the King Quad. Essentially the same machine but can lock the front differential.

It is a thought.