Gold Diggers v/s Signiture Series

[MCApex44]

gold diggers will outlast the stainless hands down , megabites,are a good cheaper alternitive to gold diggers,make sure you run the big nuts with the nylon inserts....oh and one more thing,96 studs is not enough for the apex!!! later R.R

Just wondering why you mentioned 96 studs is not enough for the Apex? I had 96 studs put on which was the recommended amount by the dealership. Here in WNY we do mostly trail riding and not much lake/ice running and with the 1.5 inch track I figured that 96 would be enough. I always thought that more studs will make the front end "push" as well.

If I ride it a few times and I feel it needs more studs...can more studs be added?

Why would you consider what I wrote hijacking your thread?? You said you are considering 96 studs to your Apex...that is what I added to my Apex and the one fella mentioned 96 studs is not enough for the Apex. I was only asking him why. I would think if you were considering 96 studs you would also want to know before you have it done...no matter what brand of studs you choose.

 

[Shivesy]

mchimera:
Well to me, and I may be wrong here, when a topic is started by an author and another member asks someone about a different topic in the post that is concidered "hyjacking a thread".
I didn't aim to be rude but I have read alot of post on this site about the number of studs in a 121" Apex track. There are alot of different view points on that subject of how many studs are enough ect. and I didn't want a pissing contest to start on that subject like I have read on past posts. My apoligies if I offended you.
Again what I am concerned about is the difference of Woodys Signature v/s Gold Diggers and are the Gold Diggers worth $70 more.

 

[4Fighter]

I have the Signatures, and quite a few bent ones at that.

 

[jds1000]

mchimera:
Well to me, and I may be wrong here, when a topic is started by an author and another member asks someone about a different topic in the post that is concidered "hyjacking a thread".
I didn't aim to be rude but I have read alot of post on this site about the number of studs in a 121" Apex track. There are alot of different view points on that subject of how many studs are enough ect. and I didn't want a pissing contest to start on that subject like I have read on past posts. My apoligies if I offended you.
Again what I am concerned about is the difference of Woodys Signature v/s Gold Diggers and are the Gold Diggers worth $70 more.

Well I think the number of studs you use may make a difference in the stud you use. Only going with 96 you may want to use the traction masters because they have a larger head and will be less likely to pull thru. Also the SS stud will tend to bend more easily when only using 96 than if you use 144. So... my recomendation is go with the stronger Traction Master studs when using 96 and go either way when using 144 studs. Stainless studs may not rust but they are softer and will bend more easily, but if you use greater numbers of them they will work fine.

 

[X-APE]

Signature series here, not a bent one to be found, and they look great! been using them for years.

 

[monsterattak]

Have never bent a signature series in past but also never had 150 hp and this much torque.....

 

[RTX]

If you plan on understudding your track.
that is, not putting the recomended amount that the stud mfgr recomends then i would suggest spending the extra money and get the gold diggers.

 

[cgwiz]

I've used SS on RX-1 & Apex GT, - 144, I've never had a stud bend or come out, and no rusting!

 

[maddogjeff]

In 2004 I put on the Woody's Gold Digger Traction Masters and by the end of the season I had 40 bent and broken studs out of 118. Last year I replaced them all with the Shade Tree stainless, by the end of the season I had 0 (zero) bent/broken studs. In my book Shade Tree studs rule.

 

[Mighty]

I replaced them all with the Shade Tree stainless, by the end of the season I had 0 (zero) bent/broken studs. In my book Shade Tree studs rule.

I just got a catalog from shadetree and they are blowing out last years SS studs, go check this out:
http://www.shadetreesnowmobile.com/cgi- ... -2006.html
You are only paying .79 cents each with nyloc nuts when you buy 144. I also believe they will ship orders over $100.00 for free to boot!

 

[drbrake]

Three of us bought the shade tree studs last year and after trying to install them we all sent them back. We were not able to get the head of the stud to sink into the track because it was so thick. Past experience told us not to use them because they would destroy the wheels. We have had perfect success with the Fast Track studs and went back to them with no problems on any of the sleds. Each of us have a 128" track on our machines and we put two studs per slat. We had an improved ride with this set up. We were still able to kick the rear out when we wanted to which helps keep the fun factor in it. Sometimes saving a little money just isn't worth the risk.

 

[Mighty]

drbrake, That might explain why Shade tree switched manufacturers for their studs this year.

 

[Shivesy]

Thanks to all that posted and I think I have made my decission to use the Woody Signatue Series Stainless Studs and put 144 of them in the Apex. Thanks again: Ronnie

 

[Yummy]

It all depend how/where you drive that sled.

After 6700+ miles I broken about 10 SS and have about 20 bents. (I had 144 down the middle)

So it's bad for that kind of millage, and the price is very good.

If I were you I would give them a try.

 

[**sj**]

here's the deal on thru hardened studs....just about any stainless stud will not be as strong in the host material (nothing to do with the pin) as a conventional stud.
this is due to the fact that stainless lacks the carbon needed to get as strong as a non stainless stock...
the rest of what is said is still true..under studding or layout etc play a role...apples to apples stainless cannot wear the same...
that being said...I' like the clean look of non rusting stainless!