To Stud or not to Stud? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

rgoers · 03-10-2004, 08:59 AM

I just replaced the studded track on my 2000 440 Panther with a newer track. The stock track had .75" lugs, the replacement has 1" lugs but isn't studded.

My question has to do with studding - quite simply: Should I?

What exactly are the advantages to studding a track? I ride mostly farm fields, snow drifts, and a little bit on groomed trails. I have yet to encounter any large ice coverage. Given my circumstances, should I even consider studding this track?

I'm disappointed with the performance of studded tracks so far. I put my ZL550 on a trailer once - I was parked on ice - and all the studs did were dig slots in the ice. I didn't see where they helped with traction at all. I just touched the gas and the track spun freely. No grip at all on ice... Seems to do the same on my driveway as well. I would think I'd have better traction on rubber, than tiny metal nubs! What is the compelling reason for so many folks studding their tracks? Is it "cool factor" or is there a real advantage to doing it??? Are they only necessary for 100 MPH runs across frozen lakes?

I'm really trying to understand the whole issue of studding. Thanks for your help.

MXZ_nut · 03-10-2004, 08:44 PM

they are not only for acceleration, but they also assist in braking. ive got 144 on my MXZ and have never had a problem with accelleration or braking on hard pack or ice, on ice, the only problem ive had is if my carbides arent up to par, then i get a bad push while turning. if your busting your own trails frequently in the fields, studs prolly wont be necessary for you. or if your riding alot of fresh or wet snow. the studs have to have something to bite in order to work. are you sure the studs were long enough on your old track? ive had that same problem with mine if im not going fast enough to make the incline, the carbides bite hard into the wood regardless of speed and thats why it happens, i always give it a quick goose to push the skis up the trailer and get the track up far enough to grab the trailer.

rgoers · 03-11-2004, 07:29 AM

Thanks Jim. I'm busting my own trails most of the time - I absolutely *love* banging and jumping snow drifts along hedge rows!!! Lots of fun, and air time... it can get hairy when there are deep valleys and you stuff the front end and get a snow bath. Still, it's fun!

As for getting on the trailer, one guy I know has an old track attached to his trailer with a couple feet he rolls over the edge to help him get on. Once he's up, he rolls the extra up behind the sled and closes the hard-top. I'm going to try something similar, since I just changed out a track - so I have one to experiment with.

Thanks for the help re: studs. I'm going to leave them off for now, and see how it handles. I noticed last night (my son is taking the safety course *required* in NY state) that the Police don't have studded tracks on their "work" vehicles.