Track chat... 2.52 or 2.86 ?

[Crnr2Crnr]

If you were in charge of track specifications for a snowmobile company and could only pick 2.52 or 2.86 tracks for all your trail sleds which track pitch would you choose and why?  

Here's a little data using one specific track in four lengths... (part#/length/pitch/weight/windows/price)

Camso Rip2 1.25" lug

9215H 128" 2.52 43lbs  51 window  $580

9237H 129" 2.86 39lbs  45 window  $605 

9216H 136" 2.52 45lbs  54 window  $595

9223H 137" 2.86 42lbs   48 window  $595

prices from https://shop.tracksusa.com/Ripsaw-II-detail.htm?productId=-437834&browse=-47152&shopBy=-13144&catalogId=-3693

 

Here's a little more data using specs from a company that offers both track pitches thrown into a gearing calculator... (engine size/pitch/lug/driver/length/gearing & (mph)

2022 Polaris Indy XC/VR1 650 2.86 1.25" 8T 129" 20/36 & 137" 20/36  (107.00mph)

2022 Polaris Indy XCR 650 2.52 1.25" 9T 128" 20/36 & 136" (106.60mph)

2022 Polaris Indy Cross Country 600 2.52 1.3" 9T 136"  22/41 (102.44mph)

all using 8000rpm @ 1/0.90  https://hurricaneperformance.ca/gear-calculator/

Edited April 16, 2022 by Crnr2Crnr

[krom]

2.86 should give you better top speed, and accel because its lighter, and is supposed to turn more freely.

The manufactures went 2.86 because its cheaper to manufacture.

I prefer 2.52 because there is more room for studs, and you cant win if you just spin

[Bontz]

57 minutes ago, krom said:

2.86 should give you better top speed, and accel because its lighter, and is supposed to turn more freely.

The manufactures went 2.86 because its cheaper to manufacture.

I prefer 2.52 because there is more room for studs, and you cant win if you just spin

That's exactly my thinking, too.  Although in the grand scheme of things, I've had both 2.86 and 2.52 pitched tracks and for the overall riding we do ... neither stand out as being noticeably better.  My preference is still a 2.52 based 136" track

[Crnr2Crnr]

1 hour ago, krom said:

2.86 should give you better top speed, and accel because its lighter, and is supposed to turn more freely.

The manufactures went 2.86 because its cheaper to manufacture.

I prefer 2.52 because there is more room for studs, and you cant win if you just spin

I've read a comment once that said the 2.86 accelerates faster because it takes a bigger bite of snow... but, mountain sleds are 3.00P 3.50P so maybe there's something to that? 

I get cheaper, and lighter... mostly cheaper though from a manu's standpoint.  BRP & Cat don't offer any consumer trail sleds with 2.52P, Polaris just has the XCR.  Even the RXC is 2.86P...