Finally Studded

[CuzzinOlaf]

Wow, what a difference. I threw on 144 Woody's Megabites down the center and took the Apex for a ride last night. I dunno why I didn't stud it sooner. I only did the 1.325s because I wanted to play it safe but they still helped a lot. To anyone who hasn't studded theirs yet... DO IT. Handling, Acceleration and overall traction difference is HUGE.

FYI.... this is my first studded sled

 

[radta7]

What are the drawbacks of studding? How bad do these tear up trailers?

 

[Groomerdriver]

Just a few comments:

* Put traction mats on your trailer and studs won't damage your bed.

* Sometimes a stud can pull through and get thrown into a cooler. Very rare IMO but it does happen.

* MUCH BETTER traction when trails are icy. I don't worry about me, I worry about the guy coming at me and want to be able to quickly get out of the way of possible.

* Little if any help on snowy trails.

* Only stud down center...not on outer belts. Dealer studded my outer belt when I bought my Vector from him.. I could KILL HIM!! Outer belts are weakest point of track. Studding all the way across also causes sled to push a little more in corners....IMO

 

[radta7]

Thanks!

 

[4Fighter]

I found that my RX-1 (136") pushed too much without studs in the outer belts - but you can try it down the middle first to see if you like it - I don't.

 

[Groomerdriver]

I found that my RX-1 (136") pushed too much without studs in the outer belts - but you can try it down the middle first to see if you like it - I don't.

I'm not a studding expert for sure! It seems that my 121" Vector with studs all the way across pushed more than the 136" sleds I've had with studs only down the middle. Some trusted friends I ride with have done 121's both ways, and say 121's with them all the way across push more vs having them onoy in the center.

Just my .01's worth.

 

[4Fighter]

I found that my RX-1 (136") pushed too much without studs in the outer belts - but you can try it down the middle first to see if you like it - I don't.

I'm not a studding expert for sure! It seems that my 121" Vector with studs all the way across pushed more than the 136" sleds I've had with studs only down the middle. Some trusted friends I ride with have done 121's both ways, and say 121's with them all the way across push more vs having them onoy in the center.

Just my .01's worth.

Interesting:

Mine was with 8" carbides. It would not turn worth a crap with the center studded only. I studded my buddy's Attak down the middle and he seems to like it - different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

[Groomerdriver]

I found that my RX-1 (136") pushed too much without studs in the outer belts - but you can try it down the middle first to see if you like it - I don't.

I'm not a studding expert for sure! It seems that my 121" Vector with studs all the way across pushed more than the 136" sleds I've had with studs only down the middle. Some trusted friends I ride with have done 121's both ways, and say 121's with them all the way across push more vs having them onoy in the center.

Just my .01's worth.

Interesting:

Mine was with 8" carbides. It would not turn worth a crap with the center studded only. I studded my buddy's Attak down the middle and he seems to like it - different strokes for different folks I guess.

Weird hey? Setup, different somethings or others....whatever works!!!

Can the guy go from 144 down the center to 144 across?

 

[rxrider]

I have both my sleds studded 2-4-2-4 all the way around, 162 studs in the 136" and 144 studs in the 121". I like it that way, you will need 8" carbides with this setup. I have not had any problems with studding the outside. IMO traction is improved running this stud pattern (StudBoy) over an all down the middle pattern, installing studs close to the sliders adds more pressure on each stud giving better traction, just my $.02

The guy can go from 144 down the middle to 144 across. On a 121" track, leave 2 studs between each paddle in the middle, drill out new holes every other paddle to get a 2-4-2-4 pattern, then install the studs you removed from the middle on the outside.

 

[Groomerdriver]

Great advice! Any concerns over leaving open holes in the track? I know..probby a stupid question!!!

 

[rxrider]

No problems. I have my 121" track drilled for 192 studs 4-4-4 pattern, but decided on installing 144 studs for starters. I found no good reason installing more studs so I left every other hole on the outside open. Same with my 136", also drilled to take a 4-4-4 stud pattern but studded 2-4-2-4. I've had no problems whatsoever with the open holes left unstudded.