Here's my 2cents worth. I have owned both machines. You really would not be disapointed with either. Reverse is nice but it's not as big of a deal as you would think. Worse case scenario, you can pick the 400 up pretty easy to turn around. However, you can't pick up the horses that the 300 puts out without $$ for mods. Then it's not as wide or as long. I had my 300 tricked out, pipe, air filter, jetted. The 400 was more fun to ride, right out of the box. However, for the $$$ the 300 is an awesome quad.
I'd still get the 400 if you can afford it. You wanna go fast, anywhere? Get the 400, like trail riding leasurely and want a bullet proof quad that will last for years and years?? Get the 300. Get your priorities in order and pick one, you'd be happy with either.

 

Th ereason the 400EX costs more is because it is a better machine. It is absolutely ludicrous to think of reverse as an excuse to not buy a 400.

 

Medsker

I'm 5'7" and weigh 258lbs. and my 300ex takes me anywhere I want to go with power to spare, but with you being 6'0" you may need the 400ex. Try out a 400ex (if you can find one) and see if the frame is big enough for your height.

Mawr

 

what is everyones problem with the 300EX size?

I'm 6'0 and i don't feel cramped. Heck i don't even feel cramped on a blaster!

And as for it being light and easy to turn around..don't be fooled, when you are on a tight trail that suddenly dead ends and you need to turn it around..good luck!

 

Get a 400EX, theres no replacement for displacement. Who needs reverse, thats what a throttle and whipping a donut are all about. Besides once you ride you'll no what not to drive into. Or just pick it up and swing it around its not that heavy. The 400 is wider, longer, more powerful and as for mods. With the money saved for buying a 300. That little bit isnt enough to even get the machine comparable to the 400. Sorry all you 300 owners but if youd ride both back to back youd know what im talking about. Hey its still a HONDA!!!!!!!

'86 250R
lots and lots of mods

 

yup yup, the 400ex is faster, and probably better handling. and if you get one you can brag to all your friends that its faster and better than theyre 300. then you can join the crowd of 400ex owners around the jump to watch me sky my 300. so get a quad thats up to your level, and not one because of its name. cause if your puttin around on a 400 Im gonna pass ya and make ya look silly.

 

personaly i would say 400ex it is a all around nicer quad (except reverse) and you can pull it back or lift it around.

 

I'm sick and tired of hearing all of you 400ex owners bragging about how much better the 400ex is than the 300ex. Of course it is better. It is newer and more up to date. All the 300ex is is an updated version of the 250x. The 300ex is an all around better machine mainly because it is an awesome woods machine and can be raced with some extras. Even the 400ex has to be changed to be able to race. Sure you can race it stock but you don't have much hope. I would take the 300ex over the 400ex anyday. It is an awesome machine for begginners through advanced riders. My dad is around 6'3 and doesn't feel cramped. I would also look at the Yamaha Warrior. It is a bigger machine that is more comforting for larger riders. It is not the machine the 300ex is, but it is still a great machine. I have nothing against the 400ex. I have ridden one before and I would have one if I was the racing type. Therefore, if you want to race, which I don't think you do considering you had a Polaris, get the 400ex. If you want to do a little bit of both, but mainly riding around on the local trails, go for the 300ex. You can make it as fast and as good as a 400ex in suspension. My 300ex hasn't met a 400ex to out run it yet. Any chalengers are welcome. My 300es has-DG Hard Krome Exhaust, DG Nerfbars, K&N Jet Kit, Wiesco Pistons, Leager's swingarm, Dura-blue extended rear axl, 36 tooth sprocket in rear, 14 tooth in front, Roll design a-arms, works shocks all around, DG front bumper, Six-pack rack, and lots of other stuff. I have raced 400ex modified just as much as mine. If it were me, not because the 400ex is a bad machine because it isn't, I would choose the 300ex anyway. I do woods and a little of MX riding. I DO NOT RACE. I just go to the local track on practice days and ride. In most peoples opinion, the 300ex is a better all around machine.

 

personaly i would say 400ex it is a all around nicer quad (except reverse) and you can pull it back or lift it around. I still think the 300 is nice but it is the smaller brother but with a good rider a 300 can take the 400 down

 

hey skull when your passing the 400, look up i'm the one jumping past you both!!!!!!