To the OP (this IS the Honda section lol)- each to his own-
but you've had the 2 stroke- you have the 4. Which seems to be your favorite- handeling wise, and power-wise? If it's a question of reliability- the 400 is a good mix or reliability and power, while the 450's are generally known more for power than reliability.
The blaster is a fun quad- don't get me wrong- it can keep up, but its a struggle. (In my opinion)
Egad! I am a dumb arse! I didn't see this was the Honda section.
Sorry for intruding and stirring it up.
True enough about a stock Blaster, but for most of us a Blaster is so easy to evolve into something a 400ex can never be. Fast and light.
The 400 is a reliable machine, most of the 450s not so much.
When I first took my son's stock Blaster for a spin I felt:
"I like the lightness, better than the Raptor, this thing has potential"
The stock power was pretty pathetic and the ride bouncy.
I can assure you my Blaster can do more than keep up.
It is kind of cheating that I have a KTM engine in it, but Triplecrown's Blaster is nearly as fast.
I can run with the 450s easily enough.
Handling wise, the Raptor had a fair suspension, as good as the 400ex, better than a Banshee, but not as good as any 450 I have taken for a spin.
The Blaster is pretty much at the bottom of the heap but can be improved inexpensively.
The poor shocks and travel is made up for by the light weight.
I like the traction that 4 strokes have, but to trade it for weight, not fun.
I like Dksix's comments about the 400ex being better for slower going.
That is my view too.
Steve