Short vs. Long Track

[Thestanimal]

I think I am finally going to pull the trigger on a sled this year.  I've narrowed down the search to a tundra, Tundra LT or Skandic.  My question is-do I really need to have a long track.  I will do some occassional trail riding, main use will be for ice fishing, dragging my equipment, a few kids and x2 a year hauling out my huge ice shack.  Do I need a long track?  What are the pro's and con's of each.  New to the snowmobile scene, but I've done a lot of asking around.  This is the last area I need help with.

Thanks

[SKAMPO]

The only time a long track is going to be beneficial over a shorty is traveling over deep snow. The longer track will give you better flotation and help you stay on top of the snow instead of trenching in. I'm assuming those are offered in a 136" or are they a 144" ?

[Thestanimal]

The tracks being offered are a 137 vs a 154. 

[SKAMPO]

I would say the 137 would be more than enough. I would say if you plan on traveling in some considerable snow depth on a regular basis the 154 would be nice. Plus you will need a longer trailer to haul the 154, a 137 should fit just fine in a 10' trailer.

[viciouscircle]

I would say the 137 would be more than enough. I would say if you plan on traveling in some considerable snow depth on a regular basis the 154 would be nice. Plus you will need a longer trailer to haul the 154, a 137 should fit just fine in a 10' trailer.

The Tundra LT is the same REV-XU frame as my 1200 Expedition. As you can see it fits on a 10' trailer with room to spare.




I would say go with the 154…better to have and not need than need and not have. The 600ACE is nice and you'll float through the wickedest slush/deep snow. Just make sure to adjust the suspension so she steers properly, info in the manual about how to do this.

[CMMahy]

Long tracks can ride smoother on bumpy lakes and trails as well, the longer skid frame tends to bridge over a lot of the bumps instead of riding down into them like a shorter track. Long tracks tend to be harder to steer compared to short tracks though, the extra traction of the long track can over-power the ski's.

If deep snow and slush are a possibility where you ride and fish, get the longest track you can possibly get your hands on. You'll never regret the extra floatation 

[SKAMPO]

The Tundra LT is the same REV-XU frame as my 1200 Expedition. As you can see it fits on a 10' trailer with room to spare.




I would say go with the 154…better to have and not need than need and not have. The 600ACE is nice and you'll float through the wickedest slush/deep snow. Just make sure to adjust the suspension so she steers properly, info in the manual about how to do this.

I was thinking more along the lines of an enclosed trailer, and was thinking it would be a lot longer than that. More like a Summit 154, apparently the utility sleds are stubier in the nose??

[viciouscircle]

I was thinking more along the lines of an enclosed trailer, and was thinking it would be a lot longer than that. More like a Summit 154, apparently the utility sleds are stubier in the nose??

Could be, good point. The length thing is definitely a consideration to look into.

[Thestanimal]

Thanks for the advice guys.  Ended up buying a Skandic LT

[fishondwan]

Nice buy ! I want one.... Did you get the 550F or the ace 600 ?

After you get some use out of it let us know how great that machine performs !

That sled seems to be the perfect balance of weight, track length and power.