Tracks - 2.52" or 3.0" pitch with a 16 x 162"

[Frostbite]

I finally getting to climb in some untouched powder on an APEX this weekend. After feeling the way it's Maverick hooked up compared to my 151" finger track it made it painfully clear I was WAY out gunned.

I was planning to go a 159 x 16 x 2.3" (2.52" pitch) track in a few weeks because I already have 2.52 extroverts. I hadn't thought about going to a 162 x 16 x 2.3" because I guess I thought all 162" tracks were 3.0" pitch because 2.52" pitch tracks are 151" and 3.0" are 153".

I know the 3.0" pitch tracks are supposed to be all the rage. They are lighter because they have less cross bars and clips but, they tend to be more prone to sticking a rail tip through their largish rectangular holes than a 2.52".

Skidoo for some reason hasn't signed on the 3.0" pitch revolution (not yet anyway) and their new Challenger Lite tracks are nearly as light as their 3.0" pitch counterparts.

e 2.52" track could and maybe do have more paddles for a given track length than a 3.0" equivalent (at least from what I have seen). Do these additional paddles provide any real benefit (other than weight) or does a 3.0" pitch of the same length work just as well or better?

It seems most of the new track designs are coming out in the 3.0" pitch. I'm guessing from that one thing that the future will see more 3.0" and less 2.52" tracks.

Is there much difference in effectiveness between 159" x 16" and a 162" x 16" while climbing or boondocking?

Heck, all I know is I need to go longer (or at least wider) track. What is your best advice?

Thanks

Frosty

 

[SoCoRX1]

159 isnt too much shorter, only an inch and a half less on the ground.

I would still do the 162 challenger extreme.

And stabbing a track with the rail tips is not a big deal if you put anti stab wheels on the front. simple enough to do.

 

[Frostbite]

SoCoRX1, will a Challenger Extreme fit?

I'm guessing you'd have to use 7 tooth 3.0" pitch drivers.

Is there any trimming that needs to be done?

Is the extreme 16" wide?

Interesting................thanks

Frosty

 

[SoCoRX1]

The extreme can come in a 16" wide. i know many apex owners that are doing this switch. A 16 wide will fit on our sleds. It is pretty tight but it will work. I would say the extreme because the maverick is very soft and the lugs tend to fold over a little bit with mileage.

Not sure on the pitch. i guess you could find out, but i am pretty sure its 7 tooth 3" pitch.

Trimming shouldnt need to be done. Your dropdown brackets (if an M7 suspension) may need to be adjusted to let the track go over them instead of in between them.

16 wide yes. Supposed to edge out the maverick in every snow condition except maybe maybe crusty snow but then its a tossup

 

[tundra]

Frostbite, i have the same question. The only thing, is changing driver and track is an expensive move if the 2.52 one are still ok.

I guess, that with the 3'' pitch track, we can get more track speed, since they are less paddle.

I will probably go with a 159 x 16 x 2.3. my 151 x 16 x 2 is not in good shape.

 

[Boondock]

If you have the extra money go for the 3" pitch and 16" wide.

If you don't have the extra money for the track and drivers just get the 159 or the ski doo 162. Don't think you would notice much of a difference.
I went from the attack 20 to the camo exteme and the difference is amazing. It hooks up and goes like crazy.

You might feel like you lost some hookup with changing out from a finger to a paddle in the hardpack, windblown stuff but in the powder you will be much better off.

 

[Frostbite]

Boondock, you're right! I am worried a little about losing some of the hard pack ability on my machine. That's why I was looking real hard at the Skidoo Challenger Lite track with the stiffer paddles with the squared off edges.
The Skidoo guys say it trenches like a mother in the fluffy stuff but works great everywhere else. I still think it might work out the best for my application.
The extreme track sure sounds like it would be a kick in the pants but then I'd need another $200 pair of extroverts.

Frosty