No Studs Suggest Carbide Size

[Arctic Express]

I am not planning on studding my wife's Vector and wonder about carbide size for the sled. New sled and no experience with newer Yamaha's; concern about easy of handling for her. Also, any comments on thumb fatique from throttle pressure with the 120's hp. Hoping this will not be a problem for her. I didn't exactly let her pick out her own sled now I wondering if I got the right one for her. If she would have saw the price tag she wouldn't have been interested in a new sled. I always give her the about price...... O h! They were about $6000!

 

[Tork]

I think you did fine, the vector is a great machine and that 3 cylinder is a great engine.
For your lady I would lean in favor of 4 inchers, because the bars will be easier for her to turn. If the front end pushes you can always go longer next time. Throttle pull is not bad.
What I do is loosten the clamp screw on the throttle and then tighten it back up to the point that if you put hands around it you can rotate it without tools. Might have to change the angle a few times to find the comfort sweet spot for her

 

[NY_Nytro]

I would stick with 4"

 

[stevenknapp]

I've got the same question, not for my wife, but for myself.

I've got 6" on my Rage now, I'm thinking about the 7.5" shapers for this season.

What are the pros/cons of too much or too little?

 

[Swiss Sledder]

Too little carbide will cause the sled to push in the corners and you will probably have some near misses with the trees. Too much carbide and your arms will be sore at the end of the day trying to make the front end turn.

I recently read a really good article on the Shaper Bars when compared to the Doolies. The magazine review actually preferred the Shaper Bars. I am biased towards the Bergstrom Triple point skegs because they work extremely well. They are a bit expensive compared to the others, but tend to last multiple seasons. The carbides from CB Performance look quite good too. Since they are a site sponsor, why not post your question to them in their section? I am certain they would provide you with good advice.

In terms of length, 4 inches should be sufficient for an unstudded 121" track.

 

[Tork]

Like Suisse Sledder says, just adding that too much carbide can give you oversteer (the front end turns but the back end wants to come around on you) This wont happen with studs and certainly a 'bare' ripsaw will help reduce understeer compaired to tracks of 3 years ago

What are the pros/cons of too much or too little?

 

[Bakemono]

I think a Vector is a great choice for anyone, no matter if they are man or woman.
As for carbides, arent the stockers 4"? How does the sled corner with those? Is it hard for her to turn the bars with the stock ones?
It sounds like you just got the sled and she hasnt ridder it yet, so Id wait and see how she likes it with the stockers.
I think that if you have no studs that 4" should be just fine.
Me personally, Id go with 6", but I like being able to slide the back end out a little bit in the corners It comes down to the old saying, "loose is fast", but thats just my personal preference. If your wife isnt comfortable with sliding out the tail in the corners, stay with 4"s.
Cap'n

 

[Steely Dan]

I would stick with the stock carbides until they are worn out. Take note of how they wear. My wife and I each bought a Rage last year and found the 4 inch were adequate but I did go to a six on my sled and am going to put a six on my wifes also. She didn't have any problems with handling the sled or with fatigue. If you would call Scott Bergstrom at Bergstrom Skegs he will help you with your decision. Also he sells shims and ski savers along with his skegs.

 

[stevenknapp]

Well, I must say that I've not had any problems with sore arms and 6" Bergstrom's triple points. And it's hard to impossible to get the rear of the sled loose.

I think I'm going to try the 7.5" shapers. Worst case, I go back to the bergstrom's which probably have plenty of life left.

Oh, I wasn't impressed with the ski savers. Mine came apart at the front, making a weird "Y" and I needed to remove them trailside.

 

[06vectorgt]

Just some more carbide tid-bits
I spoke with Scott Bergstrom, wrote to Stud Boy & Woody's concerning carbide lenght on a non-studded Vector and every body replyed 6" max!
I went with Stud Boy Duce Bars this time but once they are shot its Bergstroms TP's!

 

[Arctic Express]

Thanks for the input. What about dualies?. I ran dualies on my polaris's and elimated most to the "dog tracking". Think I'll let her ride it for a while and see what happens with the stock carbides.

 

[impalapower]

What about dualies?. I ran dualies on my polaris's and elimated most to the "dog tracking". Think I'll let her ride it for a while and see what happens with the stock carbides.

My wife ran the Roetin dual carbides. Easy to steer, virtually no darting, and they are still on there after nearly 3,000 miles.

You won't get much use out of those stockers.

 

[Arctic Express]

What about dualies?. I ran dualies on my polaris's and elimated most to the "dog tracking". Think I'll let her ride it for a while and see what happens with the stock carbides.

My wife ran the Roetin dual carbides. Easy to steer, virtually no darting, and they are still on there after nearly 3,000 miles.

You won't get much use out of those stockers.

Can't expect mile miles on stock carbides. My 600 Classic as all over the trail until I put on dualies. I think that is the way I am going to go on both sleds. I got a set of new dualies for a polarsis that the dealer should swipe with me.