Reinforce Gripper Ski When Using Aftermarket Ski Rubbers?

[couch]

The iQ runners work great + braces hold up much better. Haven't had to replace a set since

 

[Fat_Tones]

The pic of canada sled parts brace shows nuts being used. Spindles will hit the nuts if you try to run the skis in the outer and inner positions. So middle position will be the only option for that kit.

PNW's kit uses an aluminum bracket that has threaded holes so the bracket acts as the nut. This is the same bracket design I bought from Source Innovations who has since gone out of business. Design has worked well. I almost think that PNW bought the source innovations design when he retired. Instructions look exactly the same. Speaking of which I would recommend different drill sizes than the instructions. Stick with the 15/64 drill for the initial hole. After getting that pilot hole drilled remove the bracket. Then drill with a 1/4 drill all the way through. After that drill the outer hole with a 21/64 drill instead of a 3/8 as the instructions suggest.

Carbon sleds kit uses a different kind of nut so there is still clearance to run the skis in any position.

View attachment 428415

I installed the Canada Sled Parts kit today, and it seems there’s decent clearance with the skis on the most narrow setting. I just put the nuts to the outside:

 

[mountaincat 800]

Sheetmetalfab, how can I purchase your ski braces?

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Sheetmetalfab, how can I purchase your ski braces?

Polaris Gripper Ski Braces Axys Rmk Pro 600 800 850 | eBay

<p>Polaris Gripper Ski Braces Axys Rmk Pro 600 800 850. </p><br /><p>Includes 4 pieces. </p>

www.ebay.com

16 left.
Debating on getting another 50 sets for the season.

Still 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of the others.

This is from my swapmeet thread.

 

[FlynHigh]

Good idea to put the nuts on the outside. Guess I was locked into thinking the bolts come in from the outside since that's the way the PNW kit works.

 

[tb123]

Sheetmetalfab, are your brace plates aluminum or steel?

Are people finding that these are necessary with the Salazzking rubbers? I have a set of Salazzkings that I want to install on a new set of Grippers, but I don't know if I should order braces first.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Sheetmetalfab, are your brace plates aluminum or steel?

Are people finding that these are necessary with the Salazzking rubbers? I have a set of Salazzkings that I want to install on a new set of Grippers, but I don't know if I should order braces first.

Aluminum.

It doesn't matter what ski rubbers you use.
The plastic ovals out.

 

[Griff]

2 sets from Sheetmetalfab here. Used to salvaged one set of grippers before it was too late and avoided the ovaling problem altogether on a second with a preemptive install.

 

[tb123]

Aluminum.

It doesn't matter what ski rubbers you use.
The plastic ovals out.

I’ve never had a Gripper oval out with stock rubbers (at least I have never noticed this). Maybe I’m not riding hard enough…

I also don’t understand how a higher durometer rubber would increase the chance of the ski plastic wearing. It seems like the highest force on the ski plastic hole would occur during compression on the damper/rubber (while landing a jump or hitting a bump). In this case, it seems like a harder ski rubber would actually allow less force on the plastic hole because a harder rubber would displace less while under compression. How do the high durometer bushings (old Durapro, before they switched to a softer material) cause the holes to oval out?

I might order a set of the Sheetmetalfab braces as a preventative measure…

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

I’ve never had a Gripper oval out with stock rubbers (at least I have never noticed this). Maybe I’m not riding hard enough…

I also don’t understand how a higher durometer rubber would increase the chance of the ski plastic wearing. It seems like the highest force on the ski plastic hole would occur during compression on the damper/rubber (while landing a jump or hitting a bump). In this case, it seems like a harder ski rubber would actually allow less force on the plastic hole because a harder rubber would displace less while under compression. How do the high durometer bushings (old Durapro, before they switched to a softer material) cause the holes to oval out?

I might order a set of the Sheetmetalfab braces as a preventative measure…

If you haven't had a problem there's no reason to buy anything.

 

[couch]

If you haven't had a problem there's no reason to buy anything.

If you haven't had one oval out you're not riding hard or riding only in absolutely champaign powder.... Do yourself a favor and add the braces - buy them or make your own

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

If you haven't had one oval out you're not riding hard or riding only in absolutely champaign powder.... Do yourself a favor and add the braces - buy them or make your own

You realize i'm the one who has been making and using them since fall of 2019.

I've sold over 400 sets.

I think there's still 40-50% of sledders who legitimately won't need the braces, or notice the benefits of better ski rubbers.