Like some others said in this forum, I would wait a year or so on the predator, believe me I know. I own a 2001 Raptor. I am just lucky nothing has crapped out on me. If I had to do it all over again I would still buy the Raptor. Later[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

We have all these wonderful choices now, and more on the way. When PolarisBoy says 400, what does he mean? A 400EX? A Polaris 400 two-stroke? A Z-400?
.. I think the Z is what he was talking about, considering the company, Predator and Raptor.
The choice between these three great quads narrows to personal taste, type of riding you are planning to do, and rider size.
.. Smaller riders, with an interest in MX will want the Z, hands down.
... Duners will want the horsepower potential of the Raptor
.. The Predator has something for everyone in a race-ready package.
All-around, the Predator is the best bang for the buck. I have ridden one, but I have not ridden a Z. The Predator is low and wide, and will out corner any stock quad, especially a widened Raptor. I did not get a chance to jump it, but the guys that were jumping it caught huge air, in total control. I thought the shocks were a bit stiff for me, but that's me. I backed off on the preload on my Baja and the stock shocks are working just fine for me. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Oftentimes when I go to buy something, I use the never-fails "wood test". Yes, you heard me right-the "wood test". Wood is good, Right? All you do is assemble your subjects and go with what "makes you happy". The point is that you can't go by what other people say. Yes, test results and others' opinions should weigh into your decision, but take a long look at your needs and what you want out of an ATV. Those are your hard-earned dollars being spent, so choose carefully! My two cents- go out and check out a Predator at your local dealer when they come out (very soon). Compare it to the Raptor, 400 or whatever and you'll see immediately the Predator passes "the test" immediately[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] The workmanship and trick features stand out immediately from anything else. This will be the ultimate play bike!

 

Probably the predator, if its been as good as it sounds. I think the raptor is very vibrant and too tipsy when on tough trails.

 

Put some Renthals and some bar ends on the Raptor and it will make it feel smoother, but stock it doesn't vibrate bad at all. BTW, the Z400 comes with bar ends and that may be why it has lower vibration. You can get some sport bike ends, turn down the inner diameter for the Renthal bar size and you'll be very happy. I personally own a Raptor and love the heck out of it. My buddy has a 400ex and it is slower but still pretty good. I'm 6'3'' so I like the Raptor better for me; the pegs on the 400ex are too high for my tastes and I feel cramped on it. The Raptor is fast stock and only gets better with modifications, some very simple and cheap like airbox mods, jetting, etc. I am sure the Polaris will be a great quad as well and I'd love to ride one. Competition is good. Go with what makes you happy and you can't go wrong. Have fun!