I cross-posted this in Arctic chat as well..

So I have my new 06 CF7 SP... It's my first decent sled and I've decided to stud it, and my wife's sabercat. I'm confused however by the whole studding thing.. how many studs, pattern, size.. etc.. there are SO many options!

Is there a general recommended pattern/size/count that you experts could recommend?

I will do a bit of lake riding when there's not much snow, otherwise mostly trail riding. I would say that I'm semi-aggressive, but don't push it too hard. I weigh about 235-240 fully loaded and ready to ride.

I was tentatively considering 144 or 162 studs.. in 1.450 size?

The single/double pattern here looks pretty decent: http://www.woodystraction.com/catalog/deta...5877&cat=13

Any opinions on using double versus single backers? Seems like the double will be more rigid and save weight, not that it's a huge issue for me.

Also.. angled backers.. I haven't heard much talk about them, they lookin interesing though!

Overall.. I'm really lost in what to do here and any help would be greatly appreciated!

Jamie

i just got my f7 snopro studded. 153 woodys 1.45" with double and single backers. the double backers are supposed to put less stress on the track. :beerchug:

Hey, my .02, I posted pics of my setup on another topic. Some may not agree with my pattern due to no rear heat exchanger, but its appears that it is decision that needs to addressed by your needs. Also, I have personally seen the difference between all single backers, and all double backers. HUGE difference in stud rigidty. Hope this helps.

you can go to your dealer and buy a specific template for both machines .. i think i put 118 in my wifes firecat(144") .... havent studded my new x-fire yet either but i am using 102? 1.325 megabites... the firecat has 1.25 track also so i used 1.325's in that too

Anyone using plastic backers?

I'm running 192 1" studs with square backers in my old ZR. I have onle replaced 2 studs because the tips where lost. This in about 5000kms.
One backer bent in this time also.

same Question about plastic backer??? anyone stud a m5?????

Thanks for the help so far.. I'm thinking I will go with all double backers on the center and I've been considering also putting singles on the outside, taking the necessary precautions of course.

I'm liking this pattern by a guy over on Arctic Chat: http://www.arcticchat.com/forums/index.php...ssfire+studding
I think he says it amounts to about 136 studs.

Any reason I should avoid studding on the outside?

I'm torn on stud size... 1.325 or 1.450?? Seems like with the 1.25 track the 1.325 is a popular choice, but then there are those that think that it's not enough penetration... too much to think about!

1.325's stick out over 1/4" at least. Longer studs will hook better sure, but also bend more and put MUCH more stress on the track as they try and push back through.

You have to be VERY VERY careful IMO about putting studs in the outside belts. I set mine up so even it the track gets all the way out of line to one side or the other the studs still can't hit the exchangers. If you put studs toward the outside and get some turbulence in the track they will hit.

You also have to flip the little aluminum protectors over in the rear and cut them to fit....I am showing them flipped in the link, but not cut and finished.

Thanks for the reply.. If I go the route of studding on the outside, I was going to take your measurements very much into consideration since you put so much thought and planning into it.

Would you happen to have a pic with the protectors flipped AND trimmed, and finished?

jamie

I put 144 of the Woody's Golddiggers @ 1.325" with the tall nuts. Used a combination of double and single backers. I would have used orange double if I could have found them. I had one or two bend slightly after 1200 miles. Hook up is good but I didn't really care about launching out on the lake....I just wanted to have the safety factor. You want more launch go with the next size up but be ready to have some bend on you.

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