Track selection for 151" RX-1 mountain with Cat skid?

[Frostbite]

I must be the only guy that thinks sleds are getting way to long for all around use. I plan to stay with my 151" track length. Especially since I put on the Cat M7 skid, I seem to have a lot more track on the ground than with the stock Yamaha skid.

I ride about as much trail as I do off trail stuff due to the heavily treed nature of the forests around here.

I am extremely impressed with the way my 151" x 2 1/4" x 15" wide finger track works about 85% of the time but, then there are the deep powder days when using a finger track is like trying to use a fork to put sugar in your coffee.

So, I have been thinking about putting a 151" x 2.3" x 16" Skidoo (Camoplst Challenger) on my sled for days of fluff but then when I'm back on the trail or setup snow I think I'd long for my finger track.

You guys that have used a finger track can understand my dilemna. I do have my track drilled to save some weight but it's just that the the finger tracks are heavy and use old technology as far as track design goes. I wish they were making a 151" x 16" finger track or even a 2.52 pitch Maverick like track that had a combination of fingers and paddles.

I really don't want to change drivers again. I have 2.52" pitch extroverts now. I think I could shoehorn a 16" track into the tunnel but is it worth it?

It seems all the new track technology is being developed for the 3.0" pitch tracks. I see MPI still has the 151 x 2.3 x 16" track on sale for $450. Is it time to upgrade or should I stick it out another season?

Thanks for your help.

Frosty

 

[AaronBND]

I have read your post three times now trying to find rhyme and reason on how to respond. It appears that you would be gaining 1" of width and a lighter track. Does it justify the money spent when you are happy 85% of the time? If you do change it out what percent of the time are you going to be happy? Powder will be better, but what about trails and fluff? Will you then be happy 70% of the time? I would say that the 85% is pretty good all around. You could always try it and see I guess, and if you didn't like it go back, and sell the new track. What would you be out? Spending time out in your garage? Not such a bad thing! Just my opinion! I say......won't know till you try it!

Aaron

 

[Trxster]

I have read your post three times now trying to find rhyme and reason on how to respond. It appears that you would be gaining 1" of width and a lighter track. Does it justify the money spent when you are happy 85% of the time? If you do change it out what percent of the time are you going to be happy? Powder will be better, but what about trails and fluff? Will you then be happy 70% of the time? I would say that the 85% is pretty good all around. You could always try it and see I guess, and if you didn't like it go back, and sell the new track. What would you be out? Spending time out in your garage? Not such a bad thing! Just my opinion! I say......won't know till you try it!

Aaron

Well said...we get nickel and dimed to death for minimal performance gains. I'd say your track probably works fine so live with it. You'll never get a perfect track between trail/powder/climbing. I have heard the maverick is good compromise unless you get turboed but is it worth a $400 upgrade??? Probably not. Besides, getting stuck and digging builds character...and I have a lot of character

Rt

 

[Frostbite]

Thanks guys! There's no doubt it's easier to leave what I have in place.

I know guys with finger tracks that refer to paddle tracks as "slicks" because they don't hook up well at all in a lot of snow conditions.

BUT............... when the powder gets deep the paddle tracks kick butt and finger tracks suffer. I guess it all depends on your typical riding conditions?

Thanks again

Frosty