I don't have any suggestions for you,but I will tell you this.One day we were out riding and we came across a giant mudhole.One guy on a warrior attempted it but the front plastic went under and the rear silencer was covered with water.We ended up pulling him out.Since he never let off the gas the quad never did die and ran just fine after that.Then they brought a 1997 300 Honda 4x4 out and it went right through it with no problem at all and it ran just fine after that.Then a guy pulled his big AC 300 4x4 out and went through it.He kept on the gas all the way.He never let it die but we ended up pulling him out anyway.Three min after that it died and hasn't started since.Personally I wouldn't have one.

 

Well, i know the Artic Cat is slow (i've rode em) The rancher is a little bit better, but its still not that big special of a machine. THe thing i noticed about it was the rough riding suspension. if your looking for a 4x4 that can get threw anything the best choice is a polaris. A sportsman 335 or magnum 325 would be nice machines. I rode teh 335, its a little slow, but can't beat that ride. If you want a 5 speed, get a xpedition, either 325 or the 425. i've rode the 425, its another nice machine.

 

Have you looked at the 00' Big Bear 4x4?

I have corresponded with many new Big Bear owners. Many are pleased with their machine and I haven't heard anything negative about BB yet. For the features, price and performance, the Big Bear is a great value.

In the www.yamahausa.com website you can read about the 00' Big Bear 4x4. The article is titled
"Big Bear, Stalking the Millenium".

 

I just bought a 2000 Big Bear and I love it. I did not have an opportunity to look at the AC, but I think I looked at everything else. I was looking in the same class range as you are and I narrowed it down to a Rancher or Big Bear. It was a tough choice...but I went with the Big Bear because of the dealer...the dealer I bought from really wanted to make the sale and the Honda dealer didn't seem to care if I bought from him or not. I think that you cant go wrong with Yamaha or Honda. Good luck

 

kmicha3, has made the best point so far. one that we all forget when talking to a potential quad owner. the dealer it VERY important!!!!! In the 300-399 class machines there are basicaly two solid choices, the Rancher and BB. the rancher ahs a MUCH better front differential than the BB but the BB has more torque and slightly better top end, but who uses the top end on tight, windy, twisty trails anyway. the rancher handles better then the BB. i know, i have ridden them both on trails, not just dealers parking lots.

go to a yamaha dealer and a honda dealer. if the yamaha dealer is a better one then get the BB. if the honda dealer is better then get the rancher. if they are both under the same roof get the one YOU feel most comfortable on. both bikes are great machines. why else would the atv rags compare them to upper class machines in there shootouts if they weren't great quads?????? (ex. Rancher vs. Kodiak)
cart

 

I have no experience with the king quad, but if your looking in the 300 - 400cc range you might want to consider the wolverine.
It's not as utilitarian as the rancher or big bear, but it is a blast to ride fast.

 

I think sqooze is right but the wolverine is more expensive then the Big Bear, I like the Big Bear and its price, I should have one very soon. If you want a lot of speed on a 400 I recommend the xplorer 400 its nice but it is chain driving and also is a noisy 2 stroke.