Ages ago, people who had to brave vast amounts of snow relied on sleds to move themselves and their supplies from one place to another. These vehicles solved many of the problems people had with wheeled carts in deep snow, like marring up and getting stuck. Though some were made to be pulled manually, having animals pull them made matters far less labor-intensive. As is the case with most early developments, though, there were even more effective and efficient things in store for the world of sleds.
Eventually, snowmobiles came into play. Adding motors to the mix took conventional sleds to entirely new levels. Those vehicles are a great deal faster than sleds moved by manpower, dogs, or reindeer. They can work harder and longer as well, and powering through deep snow doesn’t take as much of a toll on them.
Sleds and snowmobiles were originally born of necessity. After all, people needed a way to effectively travel and carry materials and supplies no matter what conditions they were facing. Over time, they became more than essential tools. People began to use them for recreation, and a whole new branch of the industry took shape.
Whether you’re looking for a machine for fun, functionality, or both, you have several models to choose from at this point. As you’re browsing polaris snowmobile deals, you’ll need to think about which tracks would best meet your needs. To find the right ones for you, ask yourself the following 10 questions.
1) What Type of Snow Will You Ride On?
One of the most important factors to consider is what type of snow you’ll be riding on. Not all tracks are suitable for all conditions. Those with longer lugs are best for deep, loose powder. Lugs that are at least two or three inches long are recommended for these riding conditions. Flatter tracks are better for packed snow and trails. They give you more surface area and better contact.
2) How Much Traction Do You Need?
Think about how much traction you’ll need as well. Tracks with steeper pitches, in combination with lugs that dig deeper, can give you more traction, but they may also decrease your snowmobile’s fuel efficiency. They’re not necessary on packed snow and designated trails. Less pitch, on the other hand, can give you more control for fast turns and tight corners. If you’re looking for speed more so than added traction, you don’t necessarily need tracks with steep pitches.
3) Will You Be Riding On Ice?
Consider whether your snowmobile will be up against ice too. If you ride on ice, you’ll need a certain amount of traction. Deeper lugs won’t necessarily give you that added traction, though. They’re designed to scoop up deep snow and keep you on top of it. For ice, studded tracks generally work better. Before taking a snowmobile out on ice, regardless of the tracks you’re using, be sure it’s thick and stable enough to hold the weight you’ll be putting on it.
4) How Much Weight Will Your Snowmobile Carry?
Weight also makes a difference. Narrow tracks are fine for light loads. Heavier loads require wider tracks because they distribute weight more evenly over the snow. They’ll help keep you from sinking in and getting stuck. If you overload narrow tracks, you’ll struggle to get where you need to go, and there may not be anyone around to pull you out of a bad situation.
5) What Track Length Do You Need?
Which track lengths will work best is another matter to consider. Long tracks usually work best in loose snow whereas shorter tracks are recommended for trails. While the former will keep you on the surface of the deep, loose snow, the latter is meant more for speed and cornering on tracks and trails.
6) Are You Looking for Faster Take-Offs or More Overall Speed?
Ask yourself whether take-off speed or running speed is more important as well. Shorter tracks tend to be quicker on the take-off, but they can’t run as fast. Longer tracks are slower on the take-off, but they can run faster overall. Don’t overlook the importance of safety as you’re considering which type of speed you want.
7) Is Comfort Important to You?
Having a comfortable ride isn’t important to everyone on a snowmobile, but it can definitely make a difference. The tracks you choose can play a role here. Bigger lugs give you more traction, but they also cause more vibration and a rougher ride. With smoother tracks, you may get a smoother ride, but you’ll be sacrificing added traction. You may be able to find a compromise, but your snowmobile, the terrain you ride on, and other factors also enter the mix.
8) Will the Tracks You’re Considering Work With Your Snowmobile?
You also need to be sure the tracks you’re thinking about buying will work with your snowmobile. Many tracks are interchangeable, but that’s not the case with all of them. If you choose tracks that aren’t designed for your snowmobile, they may technically fit, but they won’t necessarily provide the clearance, safety, and functionality you’re looking for.
9) How Durable Do Your Tracks Need to Be?
Durability is an essential point to consider. If you’ll be riding the snowmobile a lot and putting it through a great deal of abuse, you’ll need tracks that can withstand those hazards. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace them more often. If you’ll only be riding occasionally, you may be able to get away with cheaper, less durable alternatives.
10) What Is Your Riding Style?
Finally, think about your riding style as you’re choosing tracks for a snowmobile. If you love plowing through deep snow, climbing hills, and racing around turns, heavier tracks may be your best bet. They give you more stability. With the right lugs, they’ll give you more traction too. For slower riding with fewer potential risks, lighter tracks may suffice.
Finding the Right Tracks for Your Snowmobile
Several types of snowmobile tracks are on the market. They come in different weights, lengths, and widths. They also come with different lugs and tread patterns. Remember the points mentioned here to help you find the right ones for your rides.
