Howdy Yall,

My younger brother is coming of riding age and it's getting about that time to get him a quad. He is 13 and about 5'9" 145lbs. We are thinking of getting him a good used warrior or raptor 350. He will be riding mostly trails that can vary from hard pack, sand, moderate mud, and occasionally a little snow. Since it's his first machine the 350 more than enough power. I have had warriors in the past and think they would be a good entry level sport feel on a solid platform that can bulldog through the occasional mud hole if need be. From reading up on the raptor 350 it seems to basically be a warrior with raptor plastic. He does favor the raptor for that reason, which is fine. So would I be safe to assume aside from the plastic that it's the same handling machine with all the same basic parts as the Warrior? (Warrior parts that are dime a dozen on EBay)

Any one have any experience with the two they would be willing to share? Or other suggestions for that matter also.

 

the raptor 350 has better suspension, handling, and well just an all around better quad over the warrior. although hes only 13 he will outgrow the 350 quick if he is serious about riding.

 

Raptor 350....... no contest......

I've owned both, and the Raptor 350 is vastly superior is ergonomics and handling..... the Warrior you sit very low and back. The Raptor they moved the foot-pegs up and forward and they changed the angle of the steering stem. They also tilted the engine forward a bit and changed the angle of the A-arms. All of this combined to change the entire handling characteristics of the machine....... you sit in a more aggressive riding position and the balance of the machine is much better....... the Raptor is also about 25 pounds lighter.....

They kept the good stuff from the Warrior (rock solid reliability) and gave it an updated ergonomics package......it is not the fastest thing but it is a fun ride in the woods for sure. Put an exhaust on and get back that low end they took away with the new head-pipe and it will be just that much more fun.....

 

This information helped me a great deal. THANKS!!

 

a better choice would be a 400ex he wont outgrow quite as fast, there super reliable, can be made as fast as a 450 without much effort, and are one of the best trail quads, also they have better low end power than yfm 350's which is a big plus, me i like the warrior over a raptor 350, i dont like raptors(350,660,700) high stance i can manuver on a warrior alot better plus i like there classic look better, the raptor 350 looks like a little baby wimpy 660 or 700 imo, but he will be happier with either one, ppl on here like the raptor 350 so why not just buy a 400ex, a way better quad, just my opinion.