Our F3 700 came with 150? or so studs (not installed).. They have yellow plastic backing plates , carbide tips and nylon captured nuts.I can't find a manufacturers name anywhere on them, but there is a "S" embossed on the plastic backer. It appears as though they have been used. There is a little wear on the carbide tips. I looked at the track and sure enough, there are holes drilled in it everywhere and the studs fit into the holes.. I still haven't decided if I want to run studs or not.. When I read the threads about them, there seems to be a lot in favor but just as many against using them.... My question is this: Since the track is already drilled for the studs, should I use them? Will the track be weaker w/o the studs installed because of all the holes in the track? Is it common to take the studs out for various snow conditions? Maybe the previous owner installed them and then decided he didn't like them?.. The sled has less than 800mi. on it and except for the holes, the track looks to be in good shape. The shop aligned it, said it was good but didn't mention the holes.. That's a lot of holes in the track!. It also appears panels were cut out of the track, This is to help cool the tunnel?... Sorry for all the Q's.. Just getting back into the sport.

put the picks in the 2 holes in the middle. leave the outside hole empty. they will be ok with out. when you put studs in use some green or red loctite. thoses backers are the good plastic ones. i use the same. you can hold the pick with a hex wrench. make sure the wrench is nice and square on the end or it will slip. if you do slip grind it flat again. make sure backers are straight with lugs. when you tighten nuts don't over tighten. when you see the nut start to dig into backer stop. don't forget the loctite specialy with used nuts.you may want to grind the end of a 1/2" deep socket so there is no taper by the hex. this will help socket from slipping.

Thanks tunedbyear!.....I just called the previous owner.. He took them out because of riding on a lot of roads... He did say they can't be beat on the trails though! Now I don't want to leave Sue and her 550 without if I'm going to have them..... I may try w/o them first... Just to be sure, the yellow plastic part goes on the OUTSIDE right?...

ya try them without first. yes on the outside. oh by the way we got like a foot yesterday,overnight and today. all fluff though,2 times through it and your down to dirt. when i get back i'll check the trails out and let ya know. if you do come just bring your picks with and if you want to try them we can put them in at my garage quick.

here

another

dyno

160HP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dang.... I thought the F3 was fast.... can't wait to get up there and do some riding.... Have fun in MI...

ok cya i should hit the hay

Like Tunedbyear said just ride it some without and see what you think. Here in Michigan I mostly ride the U.P and would never really need them, now if I rode in Lower Michigan they would be a must as the trails are always iced out in the corners. The open holes should be ok, there is the slim chance the something manages to hook itself in one of the open holes creating a tear but his is a long shot IMO. Good luck J