Rail coil type scratchers

[honda400ex2]

Hi,

Looking at scratcher options; has anyone tried these coil type on the rails. I have the XTX and it has a lot of cut outs on the rail, not sure if they would be mountable.
I like the spring style and the smaller size, which should be reversible also.
Thanks

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SPI-Spring...340475?hash=item592fb2dcfb:g:C2YAAOSw9ytdLRyT

 

[apexhank]

Before you buy scratchers, make sure you do a lot of research! The most effective scratchers mount up front, ether on the skis or on the a-arms. Personally I use DURA-FLEX brand mounted on my skis. These have interchangeable carbide tips, and they carry a guarantee as well. Another feature available allows you to backup, some brands do, some don’t. DO YOUR HOMEWORK, watch some videos on you-tube!!!
HANK

 

[Jeff Woodward]

I run the same setup as apexhank on my '15 Viper. I use the ski Ice Scratcher Mounts from Barn of Parts (a sponsor of this forum): https://www.barnofparts.com/apps/webstore/products/show/7107143 IMHO this is a much better/effective setup than coil scratchers, and they were easy to install...

 

[trail traveler]

I'm always searching for some good "reversible" ice scratchers that don't break after one season and have effective downward pressure. I currently have the type you're interested in on my XTX. They have only been in use for one season but seem to be holding up. Another brand I have installed on two of my other sleds is called RT-PRO. These are also holding up well. They can be found on Amazon, but the E-bay link has more detailed information. Here's the link.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RT-PRO-Sno...Mount-Kit-reversable-TRAIL-skiis/252185929965
As stated above, "lots of research" and sometimes just trial and error. Good luck in your decision.

 

[apexhank]

I should have pointed out that I use the BARN OF PARTS bracket for mounting scratchers on skis. I have them on my 18 VIPER LTX DX, as well as my 19 SIDEWINDER LTX DX, with the DURA-FLEX stainless steel scratchers. Have been running them for 3 or 4 years, and they have lifetime warranty. They are fully reversible without having to get off the sled. IMHO they are the best ones out there. They also have replaceable screw in tips, if they ever wear down. I keep a spare set in the sled, just in case, I think they were around $10.00 for a set of two.

HANK

 

[honda400ex2]

Thanks everyone for the replies.
Do you think the rail vs ski mounts give about the same amount of snow in the tunnel, or is one better than another?
I am mainly looking to reduce hyfax wear on the hardpack trails, as there was a few days last year that you could tell the hyfax was getting to warm.

 

[apexhank]

Ski mounts break up hard pack in front of the track NOT on the side, there for track runs over broken up snow instead of hit and miss on the sides.

HANK

 

[Barry]

Hi,

Looking at scratcher options; has anyone tried these coil type on the rails. I have the XTX and it has a lot of cut outs on the rail, not sure if they would be mountable.
I like the spring style and the smaller size, which should be reversible also.
Thanks

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SPI-Spring...340475?hash=item592fb2dcfb:g:C2YAAOSw9ytdLRyT

I use them on my 14 XTX, mostly to keep hyfax lubed up. Sled barely ever runs hot. I cant check location on rail tomorrow if needed

 

[honda400ex2]

I use them on my 14 XTX, mostly to keep hyfax lubed up. Sled barely ever runs hot. I cant check location on rail tomorrow if needed

Yes I am interested in the location, picture would be great if possible.
Was the mounting easy, any modifications needed to get to work?
Thank you

 

[Barry]

Yes I am interested in the location, picture would be great if possible.
Was the mounting easy, any modifications needed to get to work?
Thank you

 

[DVW]

I have had one type of scratcher or another for the last 55k miles. They have all been mounted on the ski because the ice particles have greater potential to enter the side of the track. I could be wrong on that but it is nice to get a visual on the scratchers. I once tried the Duraflex brand. They would bounce around, deform and lose their downforce. The best reversible scratchers where originally developed by Ski Doo. Their original scratchers are identical to those shown on the original post above. Ski Doo changed that original scratcher making it difficult to mount their revised version on the ski. The Vipers good design minimizes the occasional need for scratchers. I went 25k miles on my machine and only needed to use them once. Scratchers are offensive and dirty. Most snow particles get blown off the trail or onto those that follow. Snowmobilers that leave their scratchers down are offensive.

 

[Barry]

I rarely use them except for crossing lake from rental house to trail. Sometimes with just ice and no snow coverage on lake

 

[rebmo]

I only use on icy trails on my 1100 AC turbo, so I do my part grooming but my brother hates me when I do it. He has a 2smoke SkiDoo so I won't ride behind him. Don't have and have not needed scratchers on our Viper.

 

[honda400ex2]

Thanks Barry for the pictures.
I just bought this sled at the end of last season. Had a Nytro XTX before, and it was ok on the slides but did seem to warm them up faster than other sleds. But it sounds like this sled is a lot better for hyfax wear in low snow or icey conditions.

 

[Barry]

Thanks Barry for the pictures.
I just bought this sled at the end of last season. Had a Nytro XTX before, and it was ok on the slides but did seem to warm them up faster than other sleds. But it sounds like this sled is a lot better for hyfax wear in low snow or icey conditions.

Any questions with sled LMK. I got a happy 9k miles on mine