I talked to the man at Bergstrom Skegs, and he said I should do the 8" triple points with 96 studs on the gade. I called Woody's to find out about the studs. They sell the Grand Master. Ski-Doo sells the 286 Phantom. Woody's said the Phantom is a Grand Master with a cheaper, heavier steel nut, rather than aluminum. Ski-Doo sells the aluminum nuts as an upgrade.

I have a few questions:

1. Are the tunnel protectors something I can install pretty easily myself? Does anyone have a picture of the protectors installed?
2. Do you think BRP will warrant the Grand Master, because it's the same thing?
3. Does the dealer have to install the studs for the track to maintain warranty? Can I install them myself and the dealer could bless the installation? If I use the Woody's bit, I assume this a pretty risk free process.

Thanks

If you can run a drill to drill out the snow flap rivets and unbolt the rear bumper, then you can install the tunnel protectors. doo part #860200267

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As far as the rest of your questions, that is something you should ask your dealer. After all, he is the one that either will or will not honor the warranty.

The dealer is fine with warranty. However, I sure hear a lot of grumbling about studding single ply tracks on the boosted 1200 forum. Are people having issues with 96 studs on their stock gades?

i dont think theres ANY warranty on any track when its studded........is there??? I would also listen closely To Scott Bergstrom....he is a sharp guy. We have dealt with him for years, and he has not been wrong yet! He single handedly saved my Apex from being destroyed in an awful fire! lol......

My dealer told me, prior to installing the 96 "Phantom" studs on my sled, in the pre-marked (BRP approved) locations that you do NOT void your track warranty.

I never said thanks for the picture - thanks! As a complete noob to the Ski-Doo brand, I appreciate the support you all offer.

I referred to this posting http://www.dootalk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=332724, where the turbo guys may be having issues with studs on the single ply track. One thing said is very true, that with the thinner track, you have to have large diameter parts, which must be heavier, possibly defeating any weight advantage. Also, these large backers might make the track less flexible, making it more difficult to follow the drive sprocket. For them, the result is ratcheting. They have to increase the tension on the track to make it work.

Even with the large backers, there is some extra stress and reduction of strength, due to cutting cords with the addition of studs.

If you double the horsepower, you can double the trouble (while doubling the fun).

I am making a major transition from my unstudded 2002 Polaris 500 XC/XP to a studded 1200 gade. I will be riding trails in MN, WI and MI. I don't see myself going beyond 96 studs or making major engine modifications. If I do the standard 96, I hope I am not setting myself up for trouble.

In your experiences, am I likely to have problems with track damage, reduced track life, ratcheting or the need for excessive track tension? Also, how often should I expect to be replacing studs, due to breaking or bending? Should I see a dramatic reduction in top speed?

Thanks!

IMO 96 studs not worth putting in
they will be burned up in 500 miles
if you use double backers you can use standard studs
and save lots of weight
I ran 96 doubles that worked well for me

I ran 96 studs before going turbo and had no ratcheting problem and all ran good. any studs bending problem with the long nut, even with the turbo. for many reason I have not all resolved, ratcheting problem come only at high speed 90 mph + when on boost

I'll let you know how these work out. No miles on them yet. 126 Grand Masters on a shorty. Screws the warranty I know. I knew 84 would not even be close to enough. If I were to do it over again I would go with two double backers per window (4 studs/ window) 168 on a shorty. I would use regular studs instead on the Grand Masters. Those GM's with their backers are way too heavy!

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Do you have to remove the skid frame to put the tunnel protectors in? Thanks This is my first ski-doo also.

I also meant to ask, are the tunnel protectors really necessary with a 1.250 inch track on a 1200 RenegadeX with the 1.375 studs---thanks

No, you do not need to remove the skid to install the protectors. Just remove the flap and bumper. the protectors (#860200267) even come with Black replacement rivets for the flap.

Yes, you do need to put protectors on ANY studded track. No matter what size.

Thanks....much appreciated-------great info on a great site