162 X 3" CE vs 174 X 2.5" CE

[High Velocity]

Has anyone had a chance to compare the two tracks listed above. I'd like to go with the 174 x 2.5 if it will be close to my buddy's 162 X 3, simply because I won't have to buy the chaincase. It will be a big dollar saving if the performance is similar.

 

[theultrarider]

Depends on what you want it to do? Ive ridden around both. The 174x 2.5 even under a stocker is amazing in the deep. Steep too. The 3" really shines however once you crank up the hp. Not sure which one I would pick. I havent seen a 3" on a sled putting out less than 200ish hp so not sure how that would be on a stocker.

 

[fredw]

from the testing we have done, the 174 will hold front end down better in the steep, but the three inch 162 will have the edge, its traction is that much better

i would be somewhat concered thou on the hp, a etec with a 3 inch is on the edge with this track, some guys wished they stayed with 2.5 inch since track speed droped but lugs better threw the deep

as mentioned above a 180 plus hp machine is where they shine, seen one on a stock pro last year and it never had the pup it should of for my style

Has anyone had a chance to compare the two tracks listed above. I'd like to go with the 174 x 2.5 if it will be close to my buddy's 162 X 3, simply because I won't have to buy the chaincase. It will be a big dollar saving if the performance is similar.

 

[assault11]

from the testing we have done, the 174 will hold front end down better in the steep, but the three inch 162 will have the edge, its traction is that much better

i would be somewhat concered thou on the hp, a etec with a 3 inch is on the edge with this track, some guys wished they stayed with 2.5 inch since track speed droped but lugs better threw the deep

as mentioned above a 180 plus hp machine is where they shine, seen one on a stock pro last year and it never had the pup it should of for my style

I disagree. You only lose 2-3 miles per hour track speed. And a 174 2.5 won't touch a 162 3 inch. It's worth every penny for the three inch. Especially when you start doing anything technical

 

[glassman]

I disagree. You only lose 2-3 miles per hour track speed. And a 174 2.5 won't touch a 162 3 inch. It's worth every penny for the three inch. Especially when you start doing anything technical

Is this based on real world experience, or speculation? Not disagreeing, just want real side by side results. More flotation with the 174, just not as much traction.

High V, just do the 174 and we can provide real results.

 

[assault11]

Is this based on real world experience, or speculation? Not disagreeing, just want real side by side results. More flotation with the 174, just not as much traction.

High V, just do the 174 and we can provide real results.

Yes I've compared the two

 

[robertyoke]

just go 174 x 3 you will have the float and the goat....and if aint got the get then just slap a turbo on that biach!

just kiddin

 

[GoHiSK1]

3" x 174" on my PRO RMK

I agree with the above statement !!! Just bite the bullet and spend the money [if you can] and do the 3x174
I have not ran the 2.5 174 but am using the 3x174 now and I LOVE it on my 2012 PRO RMK
This is my option on how I see it.
5 days riding on a stock Pro RMK . Nice sled that would hold its own with most of the new sleds.
Then 8 days riding with 3x174 and Avid DNR .. WOW now we are talking a completely different sled . A little higher on the hill [way higher then my sons stock 163 and most 162 E-Tec Ski Doos],and a lot more float in the very deep tree riding. It has made technical tree riding a lot more fun for me.
The front end of the sled stays close to the surface with the skies only a foot or less off of the snow. The track keeps displacing snow and keeps the sled driving forward.
13 days now on 8 - 10 lbs. BOOST with the 3x174 . Most of my riding buddies jokingly say they do not want to ride my sled because it will only cost them $$$$$ ++ to do the mods to there sleds.
We still ride together [most of the time] and drop into all of the semi secret riding areas we frequent but some times I will be the rider that makes the first line to get out.
I never have spent this kind money to build a new sled into this kind of Mountain tamer before in the first year of ownership but I am very glad I did.
I sold 2 other mountain sleds to help off set the costs !!!
Have another 5 + days [maybe 10 ] of riding planed for this season before it gets parked. Might get a 2013 Pro [wishful thinking] for next season and install a Big Bore kit that is in testing by a reputable shop and see how it preforms with another 3x174 track. Not sure I can with the New Belt Drive.
That is the way I see it but of course I would because it is my sled !!!!

 

[glassman]

There is no disputing that the 174 x 3" and the 162 x 3" is an awesome mod. I believe the OP is wanting a comparasin of the 162 x 3" to a 174 x 2.5" This is alot less expensive mod, and the upgrade to the CE 2.5 is a gain right off the bat, never mind the 174". I think the 3" will be the victor in the technical stuff, but by how much, and is it worth the extra $1800.00, and no track warranty etc.

 

[Robbie]

I have owned and ridden several brands of sleds with 162 and 174 lengths. I've used both 2.5" tracks and 3". The 162 3" will out work the 174 2.5" in certain conditions. It has more square inches of paddles in the snow than the 174. The 174 2.5" won't have as much ski lift as the 162 3" does. We have lots of 3" tracks 162 and 174 in this area. Over time you begin to notice that the 3" tracks show up to the top of the hill first. Sure the raw talent of the rider makes a difference, but the bigger tracks help the average rider compete. That is until the really good rider gets one and then it's all over.
As far as cost of the 174 vs the 162 3". The tracks themselves are about the same($1,000). Both tracks require 3" pitch drivers and an anti-stab kit is recommended. The 174 will exclusively require a tunnel extension($189) and rail extensions($125). You can stuff the 174 2.5" track into the sled with 8 tooth drivers, but there isn't much clearance. If you do the FTX mod to the chain case($200), you can use 7 tooth drivers.
The 162 3" will require an extended chaincase and a longer chain($984).
The special parts for the 174 install is $314. The special parts for the 162 install is $984. That's a $670 difference.

If you are interested, Avid is having a Spring sale. Give them a call.