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Need Opinions On Paddle Tires.


broke

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I need opinions on paddle tires. I know quite a few of you are regular sand dwellers.

 

There are so many options; my brain is starting to hurt. I'm looking for a good tire for duning that will still hook up hard in a straight line. I was under the impression that straight blades were for drag racing only. I have been reading through many posts and have found this to not be true.

 

I should probably start with bike set up. I would figure it to be around 60-65 hp (that might be slightly optimistic), with a broad power band that is pretty torque"y".

 

Price really isn't an issue. But I have no idea what works good and what doesn't. I realize different tires are going to work better for some people and not for others, and for different quads also.

 

I have no idea what paddle count to get, what the hell "roll out" is, what tire height to get, what tire width to go with, what size rim will work best.

 

I am really looking toward the Skat-Trak line, which complicates things even more. They seem to have different buffs, which isn't even English to me. I guess you can pick and chose whatever paddle set up you like. Is the Kevlar worth it?

 

As you can see I have a lot of questions and basically no knowledge at all. Any opinions are appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

 

 

broke

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I would go with (because this is what I'm going to get as soon as I have $250) is the Skat 21 x 12 x 8 Extreme Haulers. They are a kevlar paddle, which will last longer that the stock rubber, not that they don't last a long time. Mine are 5 years old, and have some cracks, but I haven't lost a paddle, and haven't torn one either. The kevlar blades are the same height as the Hauler 7/8". I am getting 9 paddles as well. 10 hooks WELL, but a little too much body english is needed to steer under power imho. 8 paddles do well too though. I've seen some mad fast bikes with 20 x 10 x 10 8 paddles at the mountain. If you underpaddle, you will spin, but if your bike has enormous nuts, it will spin them enough to get your ass hauling. If you over paddle, you are in trouble.

Summary: 21 x 12 x 8 Extreme Haulers for 60-65 hp.

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I have had very good results with Kings Tire turbo paddle in fact they hook up as good as my Skat traks and they cost about $100 dollars less than the Scat's did, and I don't have to worry about the paddles coming off.

 

I have not seen them for sale anywhere online , I picked mine up at "Jim's" at Little Sahara.

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Thanks for the responses. The Extreme Haulers were the tires that I was looking at.

 

The tire type, paddle number, and wheels size seem to be figured out. As far as the widths go, how will they affect the ride. I will assume that the wider wheel will offer more flotation on sand and have an inch more paddle. Is this the desired affect or do you want a narrow tire that will dig into the sand? Do the different tire diameters mean much?

 

As you can see, I'm a complete moron when it comes to paddle tires. I just don't want to buy the wrong ones, these damn things aren't cheap.

 

 

 

broke

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I will assume that the wider wheel will offer more flotation on sand

 

Not necessarily. I have had 20x10x10 (8 paddles) and my 22x11x8's and are narrower, but float much better. The 22"s will keep you moving forward on nasty hills whereas 20"s would leave you siting high-n-dry on your carrier (high centered). Another reason I really like them is they they are much smoother ride in the rough and rutty sand. Oh and because they are taller, you will most likely have to change your gearing (number of teeth on your sprockets). I have been happy with 13/43.

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in the january 04 issude of dirtwheels theres a sand tire buyers guide on page 152. i have a set of 20x10x8 STU paddlebrats that i use for dragracing here (alot or our drags are held on crusher dust and rough sandy crap) and for the sand pitsi have a set of the good ol STU sand skate ll's. i find them both to be a good tire for what i do! good luck

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