X3 on a trail vs. series 5.1

[m1kflyingtiger]

I'm contemplating an x3. I've read all the reviews, ridden 3" tracks before, know it's a worthwhile mod for deep fluffy snow, and know they aren't great on trail or at speed. What I'm wondering is how much worse on a trail they are compared to the stock 2.4" track?

I'm not looking for the "don't ride trails" response. I bought my sled to ride off trail, however, my Grampa had a house in the bush and it's a 22 mile trail ride that I make a few times a year. The trail is normally beat up and is work to make it in an hour. Am I going to have to go any slower, find any more snow on the sides of the trail or do any damage I the x3 that I wouldn't have to do already with the series 5.1?

 

[freak485]

from what i have been reading you don't want to rip down the trail like you can with the stock track. I would say a combination of both slower and more snow right off the trail. That is what i plan to do at least whenever i get my x3...

 

[mountainhorse]

3" tall paddles have more leverage on the paddle root at the belting... and therefore you will have to go slowly...sure, you can go fast, but don't be surprised if you damage the track and a warranty is denied due to heat delam from over speed.

So, IMO, YES...you have to take more care of a 3" paddle on hard pack more than a shorter paddle track.

Do you have to baby the track, NO... Can you take measures to make sure that it will last you longer... Yes.

Also, with this track... It is imperative that you keep Polaris factory specified tension on the track if you want it to perform and last... Loose tracks don't perform as well as properly tensioned tracks.






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[m1kflyingtiger]

I guess I'm asking how much more you have to be careful. Is it 20 mph down the trail, avoid hard pack all the time, or just slow down a little and continue looking for soft snow whenever possible just like I already do?

 

[turboless terry]

I probably babied mine down the trail a little more for fear of it coming apart but you don't have to go 20. I think you can go normal down the trail you just don't want to go 60. You shouldn't race down the trails anyway. Have to put the scratchers down on a pro anyway and go. A little extra vibration but no problems here. I probably did 30-40.