We've recently bought these sleds new this season and wondered what is recommended for studs. We will probably get this done during the off season but don't know what kind or number is best. I am leaning towards using 6 inch dooly's for all three after putting them on the Venom cause they seem to help with the darting. Any suggestions out there would be much appreciated. Also, I've heard installing studs voids the track warranty.

Hey there, For installing studs, you will have to first decide what number to run, meaning how many studs. For the Venom which has about 90 some hp, 120 studs would be very well suited. For the Vector, it has 120 hp but WAY more torque, so more studs are going to be needed cuz all that torque is gunna try to spin the track alot. 144 studs should be good for the Viper as well with 120 hp. Ur gunna wanna balnce ur sled out meaning ur gunna need more traction from the skis now that u have more traction from the track. This will keep ur sleds handling light and predictable. As u stated, the 6-inch doolys shud have enuff bite to compensate for the track being studded. You cud go with even bigger carbide runners to make sure u wont be plowing, the only thing with this is that it will prolly make ur sled dart a little more. I think these sleds came with a Ripsaw track, and those tracks cost alot of $$$ to get studded by someone else, and iv never tried, but heard its a tough job. As for the warranty, yes, it will probabally be void if u stud ur track, but if studded correctly, this track shud not give u any problems, its a very high-quality track. Hope this helps!

Originally posted by Yamahammer@Mar 6 2005, 12:37 PM
For the Vector, it has 120 hp but WAY more torque, so more studs are going to be needed cuz all that torque is gunna try to spin the track alot.* I think these sleds came with a Ripsaw track, and those tracks cost alot of* $$$ to get studded by someone else, and iv never tried, but heard its a tough job.* As for the warranty, yes, it will probabally be void if u stud ur track, but if studded correctly, this track shud not give u any problems, its a very high-quality track.* Hope this helps!
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Yes, due to the 4 stroke torque, I'd recommend at least 144 studs down the center only. Some may disagree with staying in the center, but I've studded on the outer belts previously and aggressive riding has a greater tendency to damage the track when the outer belts are studded. Also, when I first studded my Vector, I took the advice of some 2 stroke buddies and stayed with 96. That is not enough to hold it down if you want to get aggressive. Also, I broke one off and bent several others on a 600 mile ride. Went to 144 and that seems to have tamed it a little better. I was a little disappointed when I saw the damaged studs, but that is a heck of a lot cheaper than ripping them through the track. I'm using Woody's Gold Digger 1.325's. My last sled had Saber Wart Hog unbreakables. I was amazed at how durable they were, but if they weren't so dang strong, maybe I wouldn't have pulled a few through the track.

As for studding the Ripsaw, it's as easy as any other track to do in my opinion.

go with 196 studs on the center and edges the center will allow for tracktion and the edges allow for handling on corners. and the woodys he suggested would be a very good choice.

I just studded my track this year. I talked to a bunch of dealers and they tried to steer me away from doing it myself. My last track was studded and the outside studs tore out and damaged the track. I went with 144 single and double down the center. I did it myself and had no problems. I recommend having someone help by holding the template still while you mark the track then make sure the drill is straight front to back and left to right before you start drilling. I used the round backers from woodys for the single studs which they have increased the diameter by 30% on, and have had no problem as of yet. With the round backers you don't have to worry about orientation on the track.

And at the price of around $3.95 to $4.50 per stud installed I'll keep the $600.00 in my pocket thank you.