I think you'll find the Yamaha the nimblest of your selections.

My personal quad is an Eiger ......an excellent 400cc machine........however, I ride a Yamaha as a demo rider for ASI saftey classes (I ride several different makes......this is the current "loaner")

I've found it to be a very nimble, quick, nice handling machine.

While IRS may provide a more comfortable ride, I think it's a bit over rated. Nothing......NOTHING....beats a solid axle for stablility when you start twisting it........much better "feedback" than an isolated IRS setup...........kind of a BMW vs Mercedes deal (I know.......BMW doesn't have a "solid" axle......it's the feedback issue)

The Yamaha is a fine choice.

 

That 700 has some great features. I would be lary of some of them. (power steering?) good luck with what ever you choose.

 

The grizzlies are nice too. Same options a bit more speed, not that much really. But I hear they are a pig on fuel. Suit yourself, everyone likes something different than the next guy.

 

Sure, I can talk you out of a Kodiak, like you asked on the first page. Here it goes...You said you can get a Kodiak *450* for $6000. I know a place in Delaware where you can get a brand-new Kawasaki Brute Force *650* 4x4 for $6,099. For me, it would be a no-brainer. $100 extra for 200cc's more power? Do I have you sold yet? If not, read on. The 650 has more ground clearance, more power than you can imagine, is very comfortable, and handles better than the 650i (IRS) due to a SRA. Sure, going over rocks would be easier with IRS, but since you didn't mention that, it should be fine.

My dad has a BF 650. Last year, we got a snow storm of close to 3'. We started at the top of my driveway (~300 feet, pavement), lowered the plow, and went the full length to the bottom without even slowing down. The power of the 650 is amazing. It is a big quad, but for its size, it moves and handles extremely well. You won't be disappointed if you get a BF 650. If you have any questions about it, ask away!