track studing question

[mltjanderson]

I'm new to this sport so please help. I have a 98 Indy 500 I add plastic skis w/ dual carbides. The three friends that got me into riding have very different opinions on if/or how many studs I need to add to the track. one says I don't need stud, one says 48 is enough, the last guy says a min. of 96 if not 144. Your opinions please. Thanks Mark

[rmk600]

I have always used the theory no less then 1 stud per horse power. I think 48 might be a little light and think that with that sled that 96 would be plenty.

Just remember that you have to have a stud permit to run on a snowmobile trail.

[BoxMN]

Didn't they do away with the stud permit, and just now use a trail sticker/permit? I don't have studs, but get the trail sticker as you need it even without studs... I thought anyway. But I am new at this

I am thinking about studs on my sleds, but not sure. I see my wife's rear end sliding a bit (haha, insert joke here ) and was thinking it might help her in corners.

[ChuckN]

The stud permit was eliminated a couple years ago.

Studded sleds are not allowed on paved trails, and there are more and more year-round recreation (snowmobile) trails built each year. These trails are posted quite well, and ID'd on the maps to let you know.

96 studs should be minimal and sufficient for a 500cc sled, IMO.

[rmk600]

You are right they got rid of the stud permit and you are required to have a trail permit if you are going to use the trail system.

I have not had to worry about the stud issue for a couple years now with my rmk and forgot.

sorry for the wrong info.

[kdawg]

I had 144 studs in my Polaris 600 last year and wasn't happy with it. I think I should have gone with less studs. This year I have a 600 ski doo. The factory recommends 84 studs down the middle. They won't honor the warranty if there's more than 84, so I'm guessing 84 has to be plenty sufficient, even if you're running on the ice a lot. As soon as there's snow, I'll let you know what I think... but by then, it probably will be too late. Good Luck.

[MN Mike]

You'll be just fine with 96 studs, I had a '98 ZL500 and that is what I put in that one too, good traction control all the way around, with dual carbide skis up front you'll have good control there too.

Mike

[dan z]

i argee 1 stud per horse power and i would say no more then 96. and say you have a lugs size 1.25 your stud size should be aleast 1.375 and so on. for studs patterns go to woodysdotcom and studs sizes also.

i cant wait for the snow.

[mltjanderson]

thanks for all your help. according to woodys web site it looks like 72 for trail riding and 96 for intermidate riding and it showed me the pattern for both. all I need to do now is decide which I want to install. Thanks again. Mark