I would have to agree with most. Go with the Kodiak. I bought mine almost a year ago, and love it. I can't say anything bad about the BB, because my cousin has one, and it is a great quad, but no comparison to the Kodiak. First of all you have the choice between 2wd or 4wd. Secondly, the automatic is great. You are always in the right gear, and believe me it helps. Just like someone said above, when plowing snow, I never lose power to shift gears, with a load of snow in front of me.

 

I'm just curious,
did you consider the Wolverine? It's faster than the Big Bear for sure, and probably faster than the Kodiak, it's more fun for recreational riding than either, and it's still really good for work.
Plus it's lighter than both, and it looks really good. I put my racks and winch on for the summer when I have to use it for work, and take it all off the rest of the time when I use it just for play.
I'm very pleased with the Wolverine and wouldn't trade it for a Kodiak (and certainly not for a Big Bear)