Studding a 2008 Apex - Risks

[blustar]

I have the basic 2008 Apex and want your opinion on whether or not to stud it. I have spoken to a few people about this and some say go for it while other say there is very little clearance and there is a high risk of doing some serious damage if you throw one or have other issues.

Please provide me with your experiences and comments. How many do you recommend? I am basically looking to do this from a safety aspect only. Better stopping and control on ice.

 

[Carver]

Stud it.

My wife just tipped my sled on an icy surface... not even 2 hours ago. Her leg is bruised, but it could have been worse.

On the bright side, she is now convinced I need studs.

 

[blustar]

Yes it could have. My son hit ice three weeks ago on his 07' Rage and he had a tekvest on, rolled it and walked away injury free. However, the sled sustained $3200 damage. Im paranoid now as my previous sleds were studded and these yammies arent.

 

[82SRX500]

Stud it. I ran 2006's and 2008's Apex's all studded a few small scratches on the muffler over the years no big deal. For safety alone in the Midwest I think your nuts not to run studs. Keeps the trails with snow on them too instead of the guys with out studs blowing all the snow off the trail in every corner doing fish tales because they have zero traction.

Stopping distance improved, Cornering improved, traction improved, hole shot improved, safety improved..... negatives? cost I guess.

 

[NYRider]

Stud it.

My wife just tipped my sled on an icy surface... not even 2 hours ago. Her leg is bruised, but it could have been worse.

On the bright side, she is now convinced I need studs.

I did the same thing. 50 miles new. No studs. Testing it. Fresh snow over glare ice; hand off throttle and unexpected engine braking kicked in. A few donuts (and we're not talk in crispy creme), and sled is on it's side.

Studded it as part of the $1000 introduction to engine braking.

Glad your wife is okay.

 

[Phazernut]

I had mine studded with 192 1.450 studs before I went to the 144 extension with the back country track. I wouldn't go with 1.450 studs again as I had marks on my front cooler from them. If you do a lot of riding on trails and lakes then I would reccomend them. 1.325 should be plenty. 144 up the middle will be good unless you really want to hook up hard. 192 makes the sled a bit harder to corner and I noticed a drop in top speed. I had 2 friends end up with concusions from riding without studs. Unfortunatly with the 1.75 track on mine now studding is not an option.

 

[Honk]

I only lightly stud and it helps out alot.48 up the middle. I never studded untill my first four stroke 1 day old. got stuck on an icy hill, slid back into my buddy $250 damage to me. That would have paid for the studs! Best thing! No damage to him, or it could have really been expensive!

 

[blustar]

So If i go down the centre, then how many and what about installing an aluminum guard(s)? Length.
I dont want to spend a fortune on them but want something decent? Any names? FYI I am not a very aggressive rider - perhaps on a scale of 1-10 ,,,, 6.5 or 7

 

[Phazernut]

With the power of the Apex anything less than 144 is not great. Some have gone with 96 down the middle. Woodys stainless seems to be the most popular. There are tunnel protectors in the Apex. If you go with 1.325 studs you will be fine. Also remember to keep them tight. Loose studs can cause you major grief with tearouts.

 

[Riceburner]

I am riding about the same level of aggressiveness as you currently.

96 woody's Megabytes 1.325's down the middle, 14 scratch line pattern.

10,000 KM, no pullouts, none bent, track in great shape. No clearance issues or sled damage from the studs.

Plenty of hook up and braking for trail riding and racing your buddies if they are not studded to the nines.

 

[Apex2006]

I have the basic 2008 Apex and want your opinion on whether or not to stud it. I have spoken to a few people about this and some say go for it while other say there is very little clearance and there is a high risk of doing some serious damage if you throw one or have other issues.

Please provide me with your experiences and comments. How many do you recommend? I am basically looking to do this from a safety aspect only. Better stopping and control on ice.

Stud it up the middle 144 is excellent, 1 stud per horsepower. Hooks up well compared to 96 as I originally started with. Length is important to avoid damage. I run 1.375 and no damage or tear outs going into 3rd season. I can't imagine running without pics, the sled has way to much power and will never hook up for you when you need it.