right now i have a trailblazer w/ hot seat speed kit on it and i am looking for a new quad. i would like to get away from autos. i have $2500 right now and will have $5000 by the end of the summer. i was thinking of getting a z-400, but i can get a brand new predator for dealer's cost ($5200) any suggestions would be appreciated.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

i am 5-7 160lbs if that helps.

 

If you have the money for the preditor then what is the problem. Why buy a vette when you can get a farrari? You wont be dissapointed in the Preditor. I think everyone will agree. Or you can get the new 450 but who knows about the new quad. Dont get me wrong! The z400 is a great quad but the Preditor is better. Go for the best while you can.

 

I've seen some carnage on Z400's just from trail riding..bent axles, cracked frame mounts around the shocks...the shocks are a little soft for big jumps...If you can get the Pred for cheaper than the Z, take it and run. With the pred you get sweet suspension with the ability to easily upgrade, wide stance and low center of gravity....sweet tires and super duty rims, an axle that will take any beating you can dish out, stainless steel brake lines that help you stop on a dime, and an extra 100cc thumping bet. your legs....[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] But don't get me wrong, both are very rideable and fun quads. Ride one of each and see which one fits your riding style better. If you test a new pred, the tranny will feel a little notchy at first, but after 10-15 hrs., it breaks in and really smooths out. The Z is probably more of a wheelie machine if you like that, but the pred prob. handles better and has better adjustment in the suspension and more heavy duty components. Oh, and the Z has reverse...which may also be a factor for you...but the pred is light enough that it's not a problem to throw it around, or whip it around...

 

Take the pred unless you need reverse.

 

I've only had my Predator for a month now but feel it was a great decision. Already did 4 oil changes and probably need one again by next weekend gotta love it when you get to ride alot. Have fun and hope you pick the Predator especially for that price I paid 6100 OTD that included the 1 year warranty,tax,title and license.

 

Dude,
totally go with the Predator, I rode both recently and played around pretty well....the Pred smokes the Z in EVERY area hands down. THe Z is a great quad, dont get me wrong, but the best quad stock for stock is the pred, the Yamaha is nice too I sat on it, but i would still say get the Pred. I am am experianced rider and racer "dirtbike MX and SX, as well as hard core trail riding" trust me, its money well spent. You would have to drop a few grand into thye Z to make it even close to how the Pred is STOCK!