7 Tooth Involute Drivers

[pura vida]

Assuming factory specified track tension, would it be possible to run 7 tooth 3.0 pitch involute (no extro) drivers with a Challenger Extreme or PC 2.6 without having a ratcheting issue? Or is there just not enough contact surface with that small of a diameter driver? I run the stock drivers and 8 tooth 3.0 pitch without any issues but pretty much assumed it wouldn't work with 7 tooth since every 7 tooth I can find is a combo driver. Yes? No? Stupid question? Thanks.

PV

 

[mountainhorse]

It would really be speculation at that point.

I know you are a strong follower of Carl's Cycle recommendations... and respect that.

I just have not seen any issues with shorter rails on either cut Polaris rails Nor any of the OEM's factory provided Combo driver setups that have shorter rails from the get-go.

IMO... You should try the 7 tooth "PC style" combo drivers from AVID... It is what I've used on my last 2 builds and what I'll be running this year again.

I've not seen anyone running a non-combo 7 tooth (introvert only)... so comments on this topic will most likely be speculation.

If you are set on not trimming the rails... order up a set and try out the involute only drivers and let us know.

On the taller lug tracks... tension plays an even more important role... A loose track (any free-hang, without weight) will simply not perform as well as the same track with factory spec tension.




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[pura vida]

As always thanks for the opinions MH. Comments/thoughts in red.

It would really be speculation at that point.

I know you are a strong follower of Carl's Cycle recommendations... and respect that.

I am a fan of Carl's but never blindly... And I believe they are doing those "special" center driver set this year that they are matching to the X3?

I just have not seen any issues with shorter rails on either cut Polaris rails Nor any of the OEM's factory provided Combo driver setups that have shorter rails from the get-go.

Neither have I, which makes me much more open to the idea now that more people have been running similar setups for the last couple of years.

IMO... You should try the 7 tooth "PC style" combo drivers from AVID... It is what I've used on my last 2 builds and what I'll be running this year again.

If/when i change tracks this is what I'm sure I'll end up going with. IMO, looks to be the best available setup.

I've not seen anyone running a non-combo 7 tooth (introvert only)... so comments on this topic will most likely be speculation.

Neither have I, or even heard of it. Which makes me tend to believe that it wouldn't work. Then again just because everyone else does it that way....

If you are set on not trimming the rails... order up a set and try out the involute only drivers and let us know.

Can you even order 7 tooth involute only drivers? I'd consider it but I'm don't think I'll will to ruin a $250+ set of drivers. (That and I'm still leaning towards it not actually working well)

On the taller lug tracks... tension plays an even more important role... A loose track (any free-hang, without weight) will simply not perform as well as the same track with factory spec tension.

Couldn't agree more. Been beating that drum for a while.

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I already have an anti-stab kit that I was going to use on the 11 but ending going a different direction. If I end up spending the money I'll probably just go with the avid drivers. So now the question comes down to the X3 or the 2.6 PC.

Is there a higher chance of lug failure at speed with the X3 compared to the 2.6 PC?

What is the durometer of the X3.

The X3 is fully clipped, anyone know how much weight you could shave off the track by pulling every other clip?

PV

 

[damx]

I think the X3 162x15x3" weighs 58 lbs. and is fully clipped.

 

[pura vida]

Thanks, I had seen what the tracks weights. Anyone know the weight of a single clip? Always felt fully clipped was a little unnecessary but every third window clipped wasn't enough. IMO every other window is just right. With that said, I would always take more than necessary than not quite enough...

PV

 

[mountainhorse]

IMO... at 58 lbs for a track with 3" tall lugs... pretty good.

Also... with taller lugs... you have to run factory prescribed tension even with combo drivers (aka 'extro')... With proper tension, you will have less rolling resistance with the sled loaded and weight bearing on the clip from the hyfax.

IMO... I'd keep them.... If Camo COULD lighten the track and given the performance attributes needed, they would have.

ALSO>>>> The center punched tracks are a great idea for those that don't want to trim their rails...There is good engagement and much less possibility for the dreaded ice chunk buildup as compared to the stock center driver configuration.

Easy for me to play devils advocate here when there are two good designs.


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[damx]

MH with the 3" centure punch, would you run a bit tighter then stock track as the 3" has alot more bit.

 

[pura vida]

Good point MH. I would think factory tension would be fine for a 3" track. The vast majority of sled tracks I've seen/been around aren't even close to proper tension. With proper track tension and combos I don't see having any issues.

PV