Hello all! My name is Joe and a buddy and i are looking into getting some trail quads. We have looked around and narrowed it down to these two but we are having a hard time deciding. They will be mainly used for trail riding, dunes, and just having fun. They MIGHT see a lil track action but that is very doubtful. I am just lookin for opionions from people that actually have these quads. Thanks for all the input!

 

riden both extensively. When comparing the two i find myself feeling like the Pred is simply an evolved version. Personally it feels superior in every way, from power to suspension. The Z400 is a nice machine, flies very nicely and wheels can be pulled in every gear. they're fast and fun and reliable, but the Predator feels like the Z on steroids. It hadles better, is more comfortable, significantly faster, and flies just as well (if not better.) either way, you can't go wrong, but unless you can find Z400s for significantly cheaper than Predators, they Pred is the better machine (in my opinion anyway)

Also, depending on the terrain you plan on conquering, the TLE predator comes w/ a close ratio 4 speed w/ a 5th that is a big overdrive. this allows for the same top speed, while having the ability to ROCKET through the first 4 for track and woods running. They also have FOX podium X shocks which are almost as good as Elkas, and in fact can be with some re-valving. Oh well, whatever you ride purchase, i wish you the best of luck. welcome the the forums, and to the sport! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Predator is by far superior to the z400......You'll like it much better too. It comes with more stock than the z too. These really aren't a real fair comparison though, the z450 should be more in the pred's category.....this is why the pred is better than the z400.....its just a category/step ahead of it...

 

one thing that concerned me is the extra dry weight the polairs brings. seeing how you have rode both scrambler is it really noticeable?

 

you can tell a differance, not big, but when picking up either end of the two quads and compare them the pred is a lil bit heavier. When riding the two you cannot feel the differance, actually the preddy feels lighter on its wheels. The steering of the Polaris is top notch. Very easy to steer and you can ride all day long and not get tired.

If you have the chance to ride them, do so and base your opinion of what atv suits you better. However all around the Preddy is insane compared to the Z400. Trails and woods riding the predator will leave the z400 in the dust. I like jumping the predator better, but my bro likes jumping the z400 better. To each his own I guess. All in all the Predator is the best out of the box atv you can buy. I bought the 06 LE/tld preddy. That close ratio trans is great for the woods, just leave it in third and go! I got a steal on the z400 $5200 out the door in 03 brand new. The Preddy I bought it for $6100. The ride and quality of the predator is top notch and way above the Z400.

On power wise the z400 cannot touch it anywhere! My bike stock, my bro's Z400 with a jet kit, air box w/K&N, full yosh exhaust. From a dead stop, me starting in first I would beat him by 6-8 bikes everytime. Now with my launching in second I would beat him by 9-10 bikes. The one thing I do like about the Z400 more is the contour of the seat but I'm getting used to the Predator. Go with Polaris and you will be happy.

 

I'd say that you cannot feel it. The fact is that the 500 motor is just so much stronger then the 400, that the machine has minimal steering effort at all times. The Predator also flies just as well as a Z400, but thanks to its superior suspension, lands far better. Hope that helps. Anymore questions, feel free to ask [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Hope you enjoy whichever you decide on.

 

One thing that NEVER gets brought up when comparing the Pred to anything else is the fact that stock it comes with Long travel suspension. You simply cant beat that. Although the DS has just as nice suspension.

 

They did a real life shootout with a Pred against the 450R and YFZ450 in the 12hrs of America race. I know it's not a Z-400 but it will give you how good the Predator is. They ran all 3 for 12 straight hours and guess what quad won the race, the 06 Predator. They said it was the smoothest suspension of the 3 and did not have a single issue for all 12 hrs. They raced a standard Pred against both 450's so there was about a $800 price difference. Plus there were no Predator riders at all there just 450 riders and it still came out on top. They were very impressed with the Predator.

 

well i think im convinced on the predator. now whats the deal with the model with the close ratio trans? is that the only differnce or what?

 

No, actually the TLE also come w/ FOX podium X shocks which are comparable to ELKA's and can actually b as good if you re-valve them. The TLE is also sweeter looking (in my opinion), and has Maxxis RAZR radial tires which are SWEEEEEET! (the raised center ridge helps them carve such a sweet line just like razorbacks in the dunes!) i think the plastic, the shocks and the tranny are the only things tho... the question is: do you ride more in the 60-75 mph range or below that? that is on wide open trails, the standard box is better b/c it is evenly spaced in the end, but in pretty much every other cituation, i like the close box lots better (ESPECIALLY in tight trails, fast as h3ll!) good luck w/ the descision.