Need help

[Guest]

I am putting studs on both of my sled and I have never done it before. I have bought a template. I also bought the studs and a cutting bit, but that is as far as I have gone. The sleds will mostly be driven on the ice. I wasa looking for any secrets or tips on installing the studs. Should I follow the template? I talked to a friend and he said not to put any on the outside edge of the track. But the template shows I should.
Any info would be nice.
Thanks.

Fisheatsleep>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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[Dan97]

Howdy F.E.S...

First of all, the easiest way to stud up a track is with if OFF the sled. But, you can do it with the track still attached. Just make sure you have that track as baggy as possible. Totally loose.

As far as a pattern. What you're looking for is what they call "scratch lines". These are the lines made by the studs if you spun them on glare ice. Some say the more the better. I feel each stud needs room to bite. If you have them too close, you end up riding on the studs only and never give them a chance to penetrate into the ice. When you decide on a pattern, mark the track with a white grease pencil BEFORE you cut the holes to eliminate the chance of getting confused. Trust me, it does happen. Yes. Personal experience. Stud pattern/location is almost a matter of riding style. The studs located closest to the slide rails help more with acceleration and braking. While the studs closest to the edge of the track, aid/hinder in handling. If you're looking more for go-fast and stopping power, I would only stud up the center section of the track. Studding the outside edges keeps the rear end planted in the corners. It will stay put and not kick out. This also means a need for bigger and better carbides up front because the outside studs make the sled want to go in a straight line. The other thing about studs down the outside edges is that I have seen riders rip out those studs in heavy cornering.

On my 1995 Polaris 600 triple, I put 96 studs in the middle section only. I get great traction for acceleration and braking, and I'm still able to throw the back end around if need be.

Maybe if you posted the kind of sleds you're going to stud, motor sizes and riding style and how many studs you're planning on and I may be able to give you a more accurate answer.

Whew.....My fingers are tired. Hope this helps a bit. Any more questions, just ask.

Have fun......Dan

Oh yeah. Have fun with all the "bunny terds" you're going to create. You'll find them everywhere for a long time. LOL.

[Guest]

Thanks Dan, The first sled is a 1998 Trail and the other one is a 1998 Trail Touring with the long track. I was planning on putting 96 on each but I did buy an extra bag of forty eight. I don't know if I should put more on the long track? Most of the ridding I do is on trails and the lakes. I'm not an aggressive rider. So I don't take corners on the trails fast. I do like your idea of not putting the stud to close together. I do need good traction when I am pulling my fishhouse out on Millelacs.
Thanks.
Fisheatsleep

[Guest]

Dan Great Response!!!

Fisheatsleep, With what you are using the sled for and your riding style I would keep the studs in the middle of the track. Also 96 should be sufficient on the regular track and I would put an extra 24 on the longer touring track.

Paul
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[This message has been edited by Pwaldow123 (edited 10-20-2001).]