Go for the 400ex. I did and have had it over a year and have never missed reverse. Just my opinion. Mike

 

If you are used to reverse like I was, you have to think a little more when reverse is no longer an option. Just don't get in a situation where you can't afford to not back up like mud or snow for example. Or become a bodybuilder so you can move the quad AND the mud or snow.

 

I got my 400 stuck in the snow, and it ain't that hard to get it out if you rock it a few times as you are pulling it backwards. I would rather get this quad out than a 4x4, cause when they are stuck you have about a 15 min. job on your hands. I back the machine into the garage so when I start it when it's cold I can just drive right out, instead of letting it stall as you back it up when it's cold. The quad don't do that bad in the snow, but I am having problems with the sprocket, and rear disc freezing to the skid plate, and swing arm in a big ball of snow, and ice, now I have to push it both ways!

 

I thought I'd throw you a tip, I took my swingarm skid right off but kept my underbody on so I could "Glide" across the snow, and it helps in water skipping too. I went to Lake Winnebago for the Snow drags today and was skimming across open water, it was awesome, we should hook up and go riding sometime, are you going to Hurley for the poker run?

 

I had a 300ex and i hated its reverse. it was a hassle always trying to find nutrual. I've yet to miss it other than unloading it. I now use a 200sx for my trail riding and I can quickly find the reverse on it and its got good low range for the tight places.