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T3 Handling?

Wapow

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Dec 4, 2007
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I'm planning to buy a T3 soon and am hoping to get some opinions as to the differences in handling of the 3 lengths. I currently own an XP 154" that I updated to full XM chassis (flex edge, Tmo, S36, spindles and skis, post forward, etc.), so it handles very close to the pre-T3 XMs. I've never ridden a T3 though. I'm likely keeping the trusty XP, so I'm tempted to get a longer track T3 for pow days. I've read a lot of positive comments about the capability of the 174", but am not sure about the drawbacks. Anybody have significant time on the 163" and 174"? Also interested in hearing about the 154 T3. I don't care that much about straight up climbing ability, as I figure all of the T3s will be better than my current rig in that department. More interested in how they perform in the trees (e.g., do they all hold a sidehill equally well?) and the fun factor. We also have long-ish approaches to the alpine around here (WA), so I'm interested in how the different lengths perform in terms of cooling (probably buying used, and the '15s are way more abundant at this point). Thanks in advance!
 

Chadly

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Aug 28, 2013
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There is definitely a difference in handling between the 174 and the 163. I'd recommend going with the 163. Unless you are a really big guy, a 163 will get you up anything you are going to climb around here. The 174 just doesn't quite turn as tight as the 163.
 
J
Jun 13, 2009
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Hailey, Idaho
The T3 163 will handle as good or better than the 154 XP you have now. I had a very well setup XP , post forward , tmo , s36 and the t3 is hands down a better handling machine.

I prefer the trees and creek draws , the 3" makes the deepest days even more fun.
 
T
Jan 12, 2010
204
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BC
I'd go 163, ive rode both 163 an 174 t3. the 163 felt alittle more playful.
I too have still my full mod xp 154 with close to the same stuff and a lot more, the t3 is so much nicer to ride.
 

Blk88GT

Westbound and down
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Nov 26, 2007
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I went from a '14 154 to a '16 T3 154 and love it. It's a blast to ride in the trees! I'm not a big chute guy either but I really, really enjoy this sled. It's definitely more forgiving compared to the 2.5" track and the handling is noticeably improved. I've never tried a 163 T3, but I bet it's great too.
 
T
Jan 12, 2010
204
41
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BC
You mentioned cooling differences. The 15 only has a half cooler in the rear so it is more prone to heating up in low snow. They went back to the full cooler in 16 which helps a lot.

I have a 15 and 16 t3 163 an still my 08 mod. Never had a problem with the 15 over heating, but I do run the scratchers down all the time on it and drag my feet once in a while and also the chainsaw cooling technique when I stop when it's hard pack.
Also have heard that changing to a aftermarket thermostat helps too with it. Still have yet to install it on the 15.
 
S

sthelenssldnx

Active member
Dec 8, 2013
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Island Park, ID
I own both. a 2014 154 and a 2016 174. I am 6'1" and about 250. for me the 174 handles way easier for me but thats because i have more weight to throw around. Depending on how big you are, that should decide the sled. If you are under 200lbs go with a 154 maybe. 163 if you are under 240lb and a 174 if you are over 240lb or taller than 6'2". For me I can ride better and negotiate trees better on a 174 than I can on a 154. The 154 bogs down and leans too easily so I feel like i am on more of a sharp edge and I wind up washing out the track when I am making sharp powder turns. With the 174" I have more range in how much I can push the track around with my legs and its more forgiving with how much weight I can lean into side to side without tipping completely over.
 

MikeMetzger

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I personally haven't ridden anything BUT my 174" and I would never go smaller. HOWEVER, I'm 6ft5 220lbs so to me the 174 is like a 163 or even a 154 to most people. So if youre a bigger guy, go 174 100% it DOES NOT feel like a "big sled" or sluggish, it handles amazingly well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srn_s1dmm54
 

Wapow

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Dec 4, 2007
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Thanks for all the responses so far! I'm expecting the T3 to be better than my current ride in all respects, just wanted to get feedback on specifics of the lengths. Sounds like the 163 is the clear winner for my size (I'm about 18Olbs ready to ride, wearing a pack). That said, I remember Dave Norona mentioned that the 174 was his favorite length when the G4s came out and he's probably only 150lbs ready to ride. I've read that the skid geometry is different on the 174, whihc supposedly helps it stay level when sidehilling. Sounds like the consensus is that the 163 does just as well.

Anybody have trouble with hyfax wear on their 15s or any other things to look for on the '15 163s? There are some nice ones for sale right now. I'm hoping to pull the trigger soon.
 
D
Nov 26, 2007
371
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Tieton,Wash
I picked up a 15 163 t3. And installed the extra bogie wheels from suggestion from dealer. If you always had plentiful snow probably wouldn't be needed but decided to not take a chance. Anxious to ride my new to me sled also
 
B
Nov 11, 2010
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Salmon Arm BC
I don't feel the length difference between the 163 and 174 but I'm a big guy. The 174 is way more planted and controllable in a climb and holds a better sidehill. The track length and relocated rear bracket helps with the tendency to wash out on a sidehill and keeps the front end down better climbing. It's impressive what kind of situations the 174 will get up on the snow and move in.
 

RDS88

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Apr 24, 2008
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I dont notice a difference between my 174 to 163. Im 5'9" 160lbs
 

HOOTS

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Premium Member
Nov 28, 2007
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18
S.W MN
6’3” 250lbs, sold my 13 shr156 t3 last week, picked up a 15 174 yesterday.
The 156 took awhile learning how to control while climbing but was fun. Looking forward to getting this 174 out in steep & deep.
 
M
Nov 27, 2018
11
0
1
My 163 t3 feels no different than the 154 I came off of. Feels very nimble to ride. I was surprised with how it felt as I was weary myself. I see alot of people replying but don't be hesitant, it's a slick platform to ride!
 
T

timmus

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Dec 6, 2009
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Love my 16 t3 174 6'3 240 got a good deal on the 174 or would have went 163 but do not regret getting 174 still have my 08 163 takes much more rider input to make it too what u want the t3 in any length will be so much more than your pre previous sled
 

MikeMetzger

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Jan 2, 2013
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Edmonds Wa
I'm planning to buy a T3 soon and am hoping to get some opinions as to the differences in handling of the 3 lengths. I currently own an XP 154" that I updated to full XM chassis (flex edge, Tmo, S36, spindles and skis, post forward, etc.), so it handles very close to the pre-T3 XMs. I've never ridden a T3 though. I'm likely keeping the trusty XP, so I'm tempted to get a longer track T3 for pow days. I've read a lot of positive comments about the capability of the 174", but am not sure about the drawbacks. Anybody have significant time on the 163" and 174"? Also interested in hearing about the 154 T3. I don't care that much about straight up climbing ability, as I figure all of the T3s will be better than my current rig in that department. More interested in how they perform in the trees (e.g., do they all hold a sidehill equally well?) and the fun factor. We also have long-ish approaches to the alpine around here (WA), so I'm interested in how the different lengths perform in terms of cooling (probably buying used, and the '15s are way more abundant at this point). Thanks in advance!

I think a big factor is how tall you are and what do you weigh? Im 6ft5 230lbs and I have absolutely NOT issues tossing my 174 around. Actually I freaking LOVE my sled. Though I am looking to add a 154 to my stable...
 

cacsrx1

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Feb 7, 2008
751
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Highmore SD
I loved my 15 163 T3. Never had a problem with it. Scratchers down never got hot, no hyfax problems.
 
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