Catalyst Track comparison

[snoxracer40w]

Those of you out there that ride the new 858, what is you opinion on a 3-in vs the 2.6 track. I have my eye on a couple and one has the 3-in and one has the 2.6 in.

 

[turboless terry]

I have both. 3 inch is supposedly 10 or 13 pounds lighter and way more traction. I guess it depends on off trail to on trail miles. More on trail 2.6 and more off would be the 3 inch.

 

[snoxracer40w]

I heard it was lighter as well, I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to conditions so typically I dont get off my duff unless there is close to a foot of fresh, so I usually only ride trail to get to our stashes. thx

 

[stahlecker]

Have a 21 Mountain Max (Alpha Hardcore) with the 2.6. It's done everything I've ever asked of it. I keep thinking I should swap it for a 3 inch but I can't justify that. However I made sure my 858 had a 3 inch.

 

[MTN_VIPER]

I've had both (on different sleds) the traction that the 3" provides in deep snow is on another level. Unless you like to bomb down the trails at 60+ MPH, I would get the 3" for sure.

 

[Vern]

I’m a firm believer in the bigger pitch tracks being significantly better in deep snow compared to tighter pitch and more busy tracks like the 2.6. Especially after seeing the difference chopping the little fingers off on the 2.6 on my ‘14 proclimb made for deep snow performance. That being said, I don’t think I necessarily need a 3” or taller lug for most of the season outside of the occasional really deep days we get. If they made a 3.5 pitch with 2.75ish lugs I’d probably buy it, but I also ride a 165” so they’d have to offer it in that length as well since the 3” is currently the only option you can get for a 165” alpha rail.

 

[powdermuncher]

2.6 works well all around great for spring riding makes great track speed. Less overheating

3 inch in fluff and grainy deep snow has slightly better traction and is lighter, with all the traction it still will not spool faster in the snow.

I used to have 2 850 doos one with 3 inch one with 2.5 I almost always preferred the higher track speed and playful feel
of the 2.5 and the cat 2.6 track is that much better than the doo track .

One last thing is the durability the 2.6 2ply will probably out live the single ply 3“

 

[Mafesto]

2.6 works well all around great for spring riding makes great track speed. Less overheating

3 inch in fluff and grainy deep snow has slightly better traction and is lighter, with all the traction it still will not spool faster in the snow.

I used to have 2 850 doos one with 3 inch one with 2.5 I almost always preferred the higher track speed and playful feel
of the 2.5 and the cat 2.6 track is that much better than the doo track .

One last thing is the durability the 2.6 2ply will probably out live the single ply 3“

Agreed

 

[Sleddinhunter]

I believe the 2.6 is still a single ply track. I think it has been since they came out with the power claw.

 

[powdermuncher]

The base is significantly thicker on the 2.6 and when I ran them on my turbo Yamahas they were 2 ply unless the dealer back then was not well informed. That is where the extra weight coms in.
Not sure if that also helps the life of the fiberglass rods they for sure brake on the 3“ have had no reports on the 2.6.
We have very inconsistent snowpack here thats why I prefer the 2.6

 

[tenacious84]

The base is significantly thicker on the 2.6 and when I ran them on my turbo Yamahas they were 2 ply unless the dealer back then was not well informed. That is where the extra weight coms in.
Not sure if that also helps the life of the fiberglass rods they for sure brake on the 3“ have had no reports on the 2.6.
We have very inconsistent snowpack here thats why I prefer the 2.6

I think your dealer back then was not well informed. Looking through the 2.6 power claw options on country cat, they all indicate 1-ply in the details section.

 

[Vern]

Pretty sure every powerclaw has been single ply.

 

[hansenmac]

extra weight is from the fingers between the paddles and the 3 inch pitch having more paddles than the 3.5 inch pitch.

 

[turboless terry]

extra weight is from the fingers between the paddles and the 3 inch pitch having more paddles than the 3.5 inch pitch.

Isn’t it a 2.86?

 

[Chewy22]

Isn’t it a 2.86?

Yes it is. The 3inch twin rail power claw is 3.0 pitch.

 

[snoxracer40w]

I got the 3-inch, my dealer said definitely is a big difference on pow days, which is what I'm aiming for, first brand new sled in over a decade and I'm not getting any younger. What front bumper is everyone running? Also, any particular silencer seems to run better, or should I stay away from?

 

[turboless terry]

Diamond s if feeling flush.

 

[arcticridr]

I put the Cat Evo front and rear bumpers on my 858 fit well and look great , bought the Jaws race can , haven't run it yet gonna do break in then make it bark , have the Jaws y pipe and single pipe on my 2020 hardcore runs strong with that combo BMP rat nasty can on it loud but sounds good ! Will report on the Jaws can if we ever get enough flippin snow

 

[koolaid]

I got the 3-inch, my dealer said definitely is a big difference on pow days, which is what I'm aiming for, first brand new sled in over a decade and I'm not getting any younger. What front bumper is everyone running? Also, any particular silencer seems to run better, or should I stay away from?

I run the Cat evo front bumper and Diamond S ti can. Happy with fit and finish of both. Most of the cheaper can are simply too loud and no one wants to be "that guy" in the group. Plus, most of them eventually rust after a season....

 

[Sleddinhunter]

I installed a BDX pro max 2 bumper and a GGB can. The bumper is great good fit and finish and great protection. The can is nice also light weight but not ti light, it sounds good and it’s not loud. Plus the price was good.