Ideally , studs should be about 3 / 8-inch taller than the tracks lugs .
snowmobile is altering your traction package .
Any veteran snowmobiler knows that a fresh set of replacement wearbars / runners on the skis will provide more bite up front . But sledders can also alter their sled ’ s handling by going with more or less carbide inserts , utilizing different shaped host bars or even running a split bar for less darting .
An even bigger change can be made by studding the track . We ’ re big fans of adding traction studs for the effect they have in the sled ’ s handling and acceleration and also in shortening stopping distances . The key , though , is matching the right studs to your track , your sled and your riding style .
The major stud brands now each have guides on their websites where folks can enter details on their sled and get a professional prescription on the length of studs and number of studs suggested . Users can also download traction patterns .
PRO TIP : Avoid the allure of overstudding . If Stud Boy or Woody ’ s , for instance , says your 600-class trail sled should have 96 studs , don ’ t automatically think that 192 is even better .
PRO TIP II : Pay special attention to the suggested traction pattern and the need to stagger “ scratch lines ” by having consecutive rows of studs offset . And finally , if you add studs , you ’ ll likely need to match that with more aggressive ski runners featuring more carbide material to keep your sled balanced between the front and rear .
Getting a track with pre-studded lugs or installing traction screws into the lugs on an unstudded track is another option that ’ s become increasingly popular in the last 10-15 years . We consider this an effective middle ground – almost like halfstudding , so to speak – where you definitely increase rear grip , but it ’ s not as much of a hooked-up feeling as traction studs .
Aftermarket skis are another interesting off-season option that can have a huge impact on your snowmobile ’ s handling . Because of the variety of ski options and how they influence handling in varying ways , it ’ s a hard subject to cover briefly in an article like this . Do you research , ask your riding buddies about their experiences and know that a change in skis may necessitate a change in your suspension settings .
Carry-All
Now that Yamaha has shown itself to the door , each remaining brand of snowmobile now has an attachment system that makes strapping on a storage bag , spare fuel container or other luggage easy and secure .
From BRP ’ s LinQ to Polaris ’ Lock-N-Ride Flex to Arctic Cat ’ s new ATACH mounting system for Catalysts , the factories are definitely giving riders some fine options ( while also attempting to sop up most of the money that sledders spend on accessory luggage ).
There are some fine aftermarket options as well . Over the past several years , we ’ ve tested the KimpexConnect system and the Up North Technologies LinQ Adapter Bracket Kit on various sleds with great success . And there are still plenty of handlebar bags , tunnel bags , saddlebags , storage pouches and more to consider .
PRO TIP : When shopping for luggage , avoid generic storage options made for ATV or motorcycle use or the really cheap crap on Amazon or eBay . Often they aren ’ t made to keep out snow dust or other moisture .
Tech It Up
The new , high-tech digital display gauges available on modern sleds that integrate GPS mapping , group ride functions and more have become very
This KimpexConnect mounting setup we tested a couple of years ago can mount to any brand ’ s sleds .
popular , and are a major reason some folks buy a new sled . We ’ ll admit it , we ’ re among the converted masses . We ’ ve become huge fans of the Polaris Ride Command and BRP Go ! -based systems , and we also came away very impressed with the Arctic Cat / Garmin system found on 2025 Catalyst chassis sleds during testing last spring .
This just in , though : You don ’ t have to drop $ 20k on a new sled to get such capabilities . First , if you have a relatively current machine , some of the factory gauges can now be retrofit and integrated . But there are several great aftermarket options as well .
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