Reasons to Pick a Snowmobile Track

Snowmobiling is a great wintertime activity. The fresh, crisp air combined with beautiful scenery and high speeds are some of the reasons for the popularity of the sport. The snowmobiles themselves are powerful, complicated machines that need to work with the driver for maximum enjoyment. One area crucial to a functioning snowmobile is the track. The track is the belt that pulls you along the snow.

  1. Track Size

    • The size of the track is important to your riding experience. The size refers to how long the track is when laid flat and is measured in inches.

      The most common track size is 121 inches. Most snowmobiles built for climbing mountains have a 141-inch track, although 144-, 151- and 153-inch tracks are becoming more popular as well. Longer tracks are better for higher-powered machines with larger engines. They are also favored in areas with wide-open terrain. Smaller tracks can be easier to turn and offer a shorter turning radius.

    Paddle Depth

    • Paddle depth refers to the depth of the paddles on the track that dig into the snow and create the traction that propels you forward. For deeper powder you need a deeper paddle as the added depth will push more snow with the increased surface area.

      Paddle depth for snowmobiles designed to be ridden in powder can be up to 3 inches deep. Racing sleds usually operate with a paddle depth between 3/4 inches and 1 1/4 inches.

    Soft Rubber Tracks

    • Tracks are made from rubber and the softness of the rubber has an impact on ride performance. Soft rubber has many advantages, such as a better memory, which means it will spring back into shape after experiencing a blunt impact from a solid object. When riding in deeper snow, soft rubber forces the snow downward and under the sled, which creates good float for the sled and keeps it above the snow.

    Studded Tracks

    • Studded tracks are tracks fitted with very small metal spikes in between the paddles. Studs are only needed when driving in very firm or icy conditions. The number of studs can vary depending on the type of terrain you will be traveling over. The more studs means the track is able to handle rougher, icier conditions. Tracks with studs on them can chew up pavement and can wear down the life of the track quicker than a studless track.