orion, if this is the way you have decided to go, I would stick with the 300EX.At least stock, it is a better handler than the Warrior. I have always favored handling over speed(unless you can get both!) Especially for younger or less experienced riders.

 

I think Orion has the right idea. Both are great quads for a beginning rider. You can choose either one and be happy with the decision.

 

I have a warrior and a 250x(300ex). My wife rides the warrior and I ride the 250x. After riding both of them, they are polar opposites in my opinion. Both have proven reliability with the motors and design. The fact that they both have gobs of aftermarket parts has obviously been outlined.
Opinion wise, I think the 300ex will fit your son much better. I also think he will enjoy it alot more. It is MUCH more nimble and you can pop the front end up with ease. The warrior is not as "fun" to ride as the Honda. The Warrior does feel alot more comfortable when you sit on it. You kind of sink down into the seat and you have tons of room. This is not the case with the Honda.
The warrior has more of a solid feel to it also in my opinion. The suspension on both is pretty good, although I have swapped out my suspension on the Honda. I have 400ex front shocks and A-arms as well as a Raptor 660 shock on the rear. The rear made a ton of difference for me.
In my opinion, the Warrior has more of a "cadillac" feel to it, whereas the Honda has more of a hot rod feel to it.

This is all just my opinion , take it for what its worth.

Corey

 

All the points made here are valid, but I still have to put in my .02. Heres how I see it, For a younger rider the 300ex would be a better choice for the reasons allready pointed out , such as the 300ex is about 30-35 lbs lighter, which for an adult is nothing but a 11 or 12 year old it's major, Even at 6'4 and 250lbs I grew tired of throwing the warrior around, I have ridden both and feel the 300ex handles better, It's true the warrior has a little more power but is very hard to wheelie because the front end is or at least feels heavy. I would highly suggest the 300ex, besides when he's ready for more power you can install the 330 big bore kit, A 330 piped and properly jetted can hang with a stock 400, ( I didn't say beat I said hang with ). They are both rock solid reliable which hurts me to say because I have always rode RED!!! and always will, but in all fairness the 300ex and warrior have both been proven themselves over time to be two of the most reliable Quads out there. Which everone you choose you son will have a blast, I hope my .02 helped.

 

hello i just bought a 2000 warrior and love it! i think he would to, rides great, cant wait until summer.