On these tracks there are 51 openings/lines or places to install studs.
Some people have 96 in their sleds mostly because the way they are packaged, i.e 24 per bag. You should try to keep a balanced track, so 102 should be the minimum. So I'll start there.
102 or 2 per line.
119 or 2-2-3 then repeat ( 2 for the first and second lines , then 3, then repeat)
136 or 2-3-3 then repeat
153 or 2-3-4- repeat. (this pattern is very popular)
153 or 3-3-3 works also
170 or 2-4-4 repeat
170 or 4-3-3 repeat ( this pattern is on my 05 F7 sno-pro)
187 or 3-4-4 repeat. 4-3-4 ends up being the same pattern. (3-4-4-3-4-4) and( 4-3-4-4-3-4-4-3) etc.
204 or 4 on every line. This is for some serious traction.
Try to use double backers as much as possible.
On my 99ZR 700 I bought a Hacksaw 1 inch pre-drilled track (121). The pattern was for 144 studs, all on the center belt. The pattern is 2-4 then repeat. 48 double backer, (96) and 48 single backers total 144 and the pattern looks great. One double backer is stronger and lighter than 2 single backers, so use them when you can.

Used the 153 pattern was 3 per space with a double and switched sides with the double every space. It hooks very well. No pull throughs and does not push using C&A rasors and 7.5 in shapers.

Thanks, I made the change on the first post.
If I left any out, feel free to let me know and I will add to the list...............................tigger

What do I have to do if I have the 3-3-3 stud pattern and want to add more studs to say like 170? My pattern is
---*----**---
---**----*---
---*----**---
---**----*---

get more studs and double backers and swap the singles for doubles

i have to stud my 04 saber. i used to have a 97 zl 440 and that was a pain in the butt to get track/skid out. just curious if it is as big of a headache dealing with the firecats/sabers? thanks, kristin

is it pre-drilled or will you be marking out and drilling it yourself??

if thats the case then its pretty easy to get the track and skid out

Will 102 studs be enough on my stock 06 F7 SP or should I be looking at more? I'm not looking for all day drag racing or timing runs, I just want decent hook up and added traction.

I've got 136 its 2-2-4 pattern....i just bought the sled this summer so i dont know how its ride yets but im sure to find out come winter!!

ok this may be a dumb question but.......hows the patters figured for orientation to the track. is this from a chair looking at back of trac...or bottom of track.......or inside of track....? reasons asking is that im going to do it on the sled. i have before years ago but forgot how the v works in relation to track spin. ''stud boys'' w/ 170 picks on 04 f6 128inch x 1inch track..


stud boy 170 pattern

-------**---
---**-------
-------**---
---**-------

just wondering if this pattern would be enough for my 2005 f6 SP. just bought it last year and didnt get it studded so I'm looking to do it before the season. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I do mostly trail and lake riding.

What about putting studs in the closed window area as part of the pattern??

I have mine studded havent had any problems no rip outs i had 102 added windows to 153 what a difference it makes.

i have a 2003 f7 with a new ripsaw track and it is studded two four two but on the four there are double backers two studs per backer . Great traction

does anyone make a stud pattern for 170 down the center?

---**----**---
---**----**---
------**-------
---**----**---
---**----**---
------**-------
like above, if not, anyone who has done a pattern like this what was your measurements. this will be my first time studding without a template if i have to.

dont ever stud down the center or outside the windows you will tear the hell out of your tunnel and gas tank

I made the mistake of studding the center on my firecat but I noticed b4 I rode it that they would tear up the tunnel - measuring from the outer edge of the track go no further than 6 1/8" o.c. to the stud.

I just studded my 06 F7. I used woodys pattern, 3-3-4 170. It works great, I was able to test ride yesterday, finally enough snow to ride the field behind my house. Provides traction MOST of the time, when you punch it at low speed still slips a little once the power valves start opening.

Have 102 n my 03f7 efi hooks decent adding the studs to the closed windows does make huge diffrence but ur cat dealer will tell u not to or u shouldnt but 3 friends did it to there f7 no tear outs after 2500 miles so far so go for it i am soon

ive had 102 the whole time ive had my f6, works really well.. especially with the new ripsaw on there.. no spin at all

after about 5000 miles mine started throwing studs, but it was still with the stock track... we just cut out all of the tearing or torn studs and i was good to go for the rest of the season

I have an '03 f7. 2nd year of riding in adult life. the sled i have right now has 1"in track with what count to believe a 192 pics, When in the snow that is nothing but traction this thing has been a very wicked and unpredictable ride. Was looking to replace the track and go with a snow pro track and want to know how many pics is ideal, I think the 192 is too many now that Ive experienced this. Thank God my clutch is pretty much stock. I found it is very hard to steer when skis aren't on the ground. Other than this last ride sled was awesome to ride, just glad I kept it right side up and in one piece!

I HAVE A 05 F7 EXT AND WANT TO STUD, HOW MANY SHOULD I DO? IT IS A STOCK TRACK WITH 5000MILES. SHOULD I WAIT TO REPLACE THE TRACK OR CAN I DO IT NOW?

I put a Camoplast Ripsaw on the 05 F7 sno pro, a 1.25 inch track. 170 stud boy 1.375 studs and tall aluminum "lock" nuts. The pattern is a 4-3-3----4-3-3---4-3-3
Lost 14 studs, 5 double backer plates, and 4 single backers within 100 miles.
RED loctite is NOW on every stud.
I guess those tall lock nuts dont stay locked all that well. My 3 other sleds never had any loctite applied, but they used the steel short lock nuts and we never lost a single stud in thousands of miles.
Bent a few, but never lost one.
lesson learnt....................tigger

Hey Guys, I just tore out all 102 studs from my track and I'm looking to put either 170 or 204 in. I've heard that studding down the center will damage my heat exchanger and/or tunnel. I took a picture of my track.....can anyone help me out with these patterns? Remember, it's already got the 102 holes drilled so I need to use those holes. What should I do?

Original holes already in the track....

Click to view attachment

170 Pattern.....

Click to view attachment

240 Pattern.....

Click to view attachment

With the original pattern, there were no scratches or anything in my tunnel or exchanger so I think either of these patterns would work....looking to go with 1.25" studs.....1" track

Do woody's mega bite studs work with the double backers?

^^^ Hey there brother... Local #33 Sheet Metal Worker...!!!!

I've used the template and it shows where *not* to stud to avoid the tunnel. Is it safe to say that I will not need an additional tunnel protector if my placement is accurate?

I'm also wondering about the need for tunnel protection... I have a new 1" hacksaw track and am putting 1.075 studs (102, all double backers).

Do most people not use any type of tunnel protection? I'm going from the 1.375 track but have seen black rub marks on the tunnel now that I think about it.

Regards,
Glen

I have a 04 F7 with 153 studs in it. Its a 1" track with 1.187" studs in it right now. The studs are completley wore out and I am thinking of going to 1.375" studs because I do injoy racing the buds down every lake we come to and hard packed rode. I know it maybe a little aggressive in the trails but I have been riding heavilly studded sleds my whole life. I am just wondering how many people are running a 1" track with 1.375" studs. I want to know if people had clearence issues or not. Thanks for any input.

Ihave a o4 f7 sno pro w/ 1.375 track & 153 1.5" studs - I haven't had any clearance issues but the sno pro has drop brackets where the rear of the skid frame mounts - you might want to consider getting the drop brackets for yours if its not a sno pro. I am considering the 1.7" track & 1.875 studs, has anyone done this?

I just got a 1 3/8 track for my 05 f7 sno pro, I woulld like to stud it any one used a 2 4 2 pattern with all doubel backers. How tall of stud can I use 1 450 or 1 50

I just did a 1in track with studboys pattern with 1.5 studs and double backers.
4,4,2,4,4,2

seems like more questions than answers...so

cat suggests 1/4 to 3/8 past lugs for best length

stay away from studding center and outside drivers!

for best results buy a template and mark holes w white out (dabber) before drilling..

all good stud manufacturers publish studding guidelines for rider styles...read up on

your desires and purchase kits for best price. see MCB Performance.com

I have 136 1.375 in my 03 f5 w 1" track and 170 1.5 in 04 f7 sno pro...no problem

with traction...a pro racer suggested 153 w 3 per bar...then add carbides to match...

I always red locktite!!!!!! and make sure backers are flush with track or you will be

buying more bogey wheels soooooon...hope I was of some help...Z

I have a stud pattern of
-----**-----
----*--*----
---*----*---
----*--*----
-----**-----
and repeat..

This is a sweet setup, it looks good using a smaller amount of studs.
It hooks up nicely and I do not have problems with studs pulling through.

Hey, anybody have the pattern for 204?

tiggershark gave all of the combos. here is the pattern...Z

Sounds like a good pattern to me i haven't tried, i read some were that it isn't the greatest idea to run studs down the center (single backer) i am sure you can get away with it with double backers.

Just make sure when you are putting your outside studs it really helps if they are all in the same spot kind of stager or do a V shape it really helps get the most traction for your studs so something like this is probably a little better.

---**----**---
----**---**---
----**--**---
------**------
---**----**---

Kinda hard to do a V pattern but you get the idea.

I have decided to start out with 102 Studs. What is the best pattern so I have room to double some up if its not enough traction?

anybody know how you would stud a 119... and this question was never really answered. are stud boy 1.375 too long for a 1" track... not a sno pro suspension.

joshlacki per post #33 cat suggests length from 1/4 to 3/8" past lug for best results meaning too long and studs are more apt to break or bend...not long enough resulting in loss of traction...119 you would add one stud every other bar on oposite sides... good luck! Z

I was told the double backer plastic studs were the best studs to buy. They don't bend like aluminum they just flex and take back there shape. They don't cause cracks like when the aluminum backers from cooling.

But i am starting to wounder if the plastic ones are junk, anyone out there with plastics. How do they hold up, do they crack and break a lot? Did you get a longer life out of the plastics them regular studs or what? I am getting some studs from a friend and all i need is backer and bolts. I am going to do the 102. It is mainly for stopping and a little take off. I am hoping i can pull the ski's up easier.

Nick