When the Conquer was first released, there were a few tracks on the initial build that did have some durability issues. Since that time though from our record they have held up very well. Clipping can plan a role in heat build up. You can save a pound or two by not fully clipping, but a fully clipped track does help dissipate heat / friction which will influence track life. As a result, we have fully clipped a number of mountain tracks that do not come that way.