The Right Traction Setup

MOST IMPORTANT: Match the number of studs you use, to the runners you have chosen. DO NOT OVER STUD.

BALANCE

You should look for your sled to perform in a manner that’s comfortable for you. Once you have selected your carbides, and decided on how many studs to install, your sled should steer the way you want it to and your back end should not be too loose on the straights or in the turns.

OVER-STUDDED

This is the most dangerous condition for a rider. If you have too many studs, your front end pushes – it won’t turn and you can wind up in serious trouble in the woods or on a lake. It is a result of having too many studs in your track for the amount of carbide you have on your skis.

UNDER-STUDDED

This is serious, almost as bad as over-studding. With too few studs, your front end turns, and your back end slides right around so that you could wind up facing in the opposite direction. This is a result of not having enough studs in your track for the amount of carbide you have on your skis.

HOW MANY STUDS - These are just recommendations.  Roetin Industries holds no liability for injury or track damage from studding.

Trail/Touring – It’s generally better for the track if you don’t put less than 2 studs per lug. However, some people with lower horsepower sleds, who ride at lower speeds but still need traction, use a simple 1-2 pattern.

Performance – In this range you should look at 2 or 3 studs per lug. The correct number will depend on you, your runners and your riding style. Instead of 2-3-2-3, many riders prefer to go 2-4-2-4.

This gives you the same number of studs, but, an even number is easier to install and keeps the traction pattern balanced.

Expert/Extreme – This is where traction is very important. Less than 3 studs (2-4-2-4) risks damage to your track due to the high forces your riding puts on each stud. So, you should consider 3 or 4 studs per lug. In some cases, it may be necessary to add more than that, but, with today’s tracks, that would be a very unusual situation and should be done only after careful consideration.