scmurs
Lifetime Member
We've run pretty much every option discussed here except the new Roest boards because we have not even seen them yet.
Findings are as follows:
08-09 OEM boards pretty much suck.
10-11 OEM boards pretty much suck.
Better Boards, Snow Eliminators and WRP Boards are ALOT better at eliminating the snow build up, but are structurally weak. Flat is not a structural geometric shape. We have had them crack, we have had them bend. We even tried pounding in 3/8" chromoloy rod in through the end of the OEM running board extrusions. Still bent.
Last year, two of is ponied up for the Airframe Boards, one being myself. Yes, they are expensive, but proved to be worth every penny. The first thing I noticed was that I no longer noticed my running boards. I just rode the sled without ever having to worry about losing my footing. The other fella that ran them had destroyed a pair of one of the other brands the previous year ( he's a heavier guy ) and he cannot even flex the Airframe Boards.
The main outer tube is made from 1/4" thick wall tubing. It does not bend. I have not heard of a tube filling with water and cracking. There is very little, if any, ambient heat to melt the snow and let water into the tubing and there are no flat surfaces for snow to build up on to start with. And if it was a concern, it would be easy to drill a drain hole or two on the bottom side of the tubing to let any potential water out.
Just my opinion. Not trying to start a war. I've tried them all ( except Peter's ) and will stand by my opinion of what works.
Scott
Findings are as follows:
08-09 OEM boards pretty much suck.
10-11 OEM boards pretty much suck.
Better Boards, Snow Eliminators and WRP Boards are ALOT better at eliminating the snow build up, but are structurally weak. Flat is not a structural geometric shape. We have had them crack, we have had them bend. We even tried pounding in 3/8" chromoloy rod in through the end of the OEM running board extrusions. Still bent.
Last year, two of is ponied up for the Airframe Boards, one being myself. Yes, they are expensive, but proved to be worth every penny. The first thing I noticed was that I no longer noticed my running boards. I just rode the sled without ever having to worry about losing my footing. The other fella that ran them had destroyed a pair of one of the other brands the previous year ( he's a heavier guy ) and he cannot even flex the Airframe Boards.
The main outer tube is made from 1/4" thick wall tubing. It does not bend. I have not heard of a tube filling with water and cracking. There is very little, if any, ambient heat to melt the snow and let water into the tubing and there are no flat surfaces for snow to build up on to start with. And if it was a concern, it would be easy to drill a drain hole or two on the bottom side of the tubing to let any potential water out.
Just my opinion. Not trying to start a war. I've tried them all ( except Peter's ) and will stand by my opinion of what works.
Scott
hugger70mtnmax
Expert
The running boards on my sled have been the single most annoying thing on my sled this year. A lot of my rides have been in semi sticky snow. I would be in the middle of riding a hill and my feet would slip because of horrible snow buildup. I can't wait for the air frames!!!
I've had my Better Boards for three years. Around 1800 miles on these running boards and now they are bending. This makes it hard to ride my sled because the boards flex and a tip downward. I just purchased the Airframes Boards. Hope they are worth the money. M2C
Puppe
Pro
Problem with most aftermarket boards is that there isn´t enough material at tunnel side.
I ordered custom boards with my measurements from local CNC factory. These stay open quite good, only at back snow keeps building up due the original support under board. With Cat M-series sidelist kit I´m very satisfied!
I ordered custom boards with my measurements from local CNC factory. These stay open quite good, only at back snow keeps building up due the original support under board. With Cat M-series sidelist kit I´m very satisfied!
akvector
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
The Skinz Air Frames are nice but the $$$ they cost. My better boards are holding up nicely and work well enough for now. We will see what Roest brings to the table!!!
I have full length roest skid plate as soon as he comes out with his shorty skid plate!!!
I have full length roest skid plate as soon as he comes out with his shorty skid plate!!!
scmurs
Lifetime Member
I was re-arranging at the shop today and took some pics of my boards.
Granted, there is not any snow on the ground here in Minnesota, but snow doesn't stand a chance with the Airframe Boards:
My .02
Granted, there is not any snow on the ground here in Minnesota, but snow doesn't stand a chance with the Airframe Boards:
My .02
hugger70mtnmax
Expert
So after the last few months of hard riding I would assume you could say that these are holding up very well.
Guess you must have had Skinz install them for you
Guess you must have had Skinz install them for you
roostinraptor
Pro
are the air frames as wide as the stock ones, cause i kinda like the wide boards? do u really have to drill all the holes for the traction screws or do they come with some installed or pre-drilled?
hugger70mtnmax
Expert
The boards start out at pretty much the same width on all of them but the 08/09 stay really wide almost all the way back. The newer boards taper off pretty quickly. The air frames are close in width to the newer style but much narrower overall than the older. The air frames also cut off a lot earlier than either board, especially the older one.
scmurs
Lifetime Member
hugger70mtnmax said:So after the last few months of hard riding I would assume you could say that these are holding up very well.
Guess you must have had Skinz install them for you
Everyone and their brother had a chance to beat the heck out of my sled this spring and the boards held up just fine.
BTW, I installed them myself
The traction screws do not come installed, but are quick to put in and then the pattern of screws can be customized based on riding style.
- Joined
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- 2014 Yamaha SR Viper LTX, 2014 Yamaha SR Viper RTX SE, 2015 Yamaha SR Viper MTX SE 162 (turbo), 2015 Yamaha SR Viper MTX SE 153
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Two words. Better Boards! I have run everything else and nothing has the strength of the Better Boards! They are stronger than the stock boards! I am bringing two 08 MTX's with other boards on them and starting over to put Better Boards on! They work great!
Mountaintech
TY 4 Stroke God
Srxspec said:Two words. Better Boards! I have run everything else and nothing has the strength of the Better Boards! They are stronger than the stock boards! I am bringing two 08 MTX's with other boards on them and starting over to put Better Boards on! They work great!
I disagree. the weak link in the Yamaha running boards is the weak OEM outer extrusion. Betterboards don't address this.
yamahaboy701
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
Roest said:Srxspec said:Two words. Better Boards! I have run everything else and nothing has the strength of the Better Boards! They are stronger than the stock boards! I am bringing two 08 MTX's with other boards on them and starting over to put Better Boards on! They work great!
I disagree. the weak link in the Yamaha running boards is the weak OEM outer extrusion. Betterboards don't address this.
X2, better boards with some AC trim and supports makes a big difference. That was my setup and worked very well BUT I still had snow build up in the deep stuff so that is why I am going with Airframes now instead of better boards.
Super Sled
Lifetime Member
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yamahaboy701 said:Roest said:Srxspec said:Two words. Better Boards! I have run everything else and nothing has the strength of the Better Boards! They are stronger than the stock boards! I am bringing two 08 MTX's with other boards on them and starting over to put Better Boards on! They work great!
I disagree. the weak link in the Yamaha running boards is the weak OEM outer extrusion. Betterboards don't address this.
X2, better boards with some AC trim and supports makes a big difference. That was my setup and worked very well BUT I still had snow build up in the deep stuff so that is why I am going with Airframes now instead of better boards.
Hey are u back on a Yammi again YammiBoy?! If so, let's see it! U always "create" great sleds.
And Scott, the sled looks sweeeeeeet!
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