80 vs. 85 Durometer for best Overall Versatility?

[Frostbite]

I just bought a 80 Durometer 2.6" Powerclaw for my 09 M8. I haven't installed it yet. I live and ride in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. My stock 2.25" Powerclaw seems to works just fine in the medium consistancy snow we have here. My question revolves around there being a fairly good chance I may be moving to the wet (West) side of the state next year at this time.

Should I ship my 80 durometer track back and swap it for an 85 durometer now?

If I do move and use the 80 durometer track I have now, how will it work in the wetter Cascade Cement snow?

If I swap out my new track for a 85 durometer and don't move, how will the 85 durometer work in our medium consistancy snow of North Idaho?

I guess I really want to know, which track is more versatile for varying conditions?

 

[CO 2.0]

I'd go 85 duro with what you are describing snow condition wise. I did the 80 duro, but ride light dry snow. I ride with 85 and 90 duro 2.25's out here and they do just fine.

 

[Diamond8]

I live in the Tri-Cities ( Eastern Washington ) and I just bought the 2.6 in 80 Duro 162.........half way through the process of swapping it out. Ya know.....I know it is 80 duro like our stock 2.25........BUT.......the lugs seems thicker and thus a little bit more stout than that of our 2.25's.

I don't know........I was on the fence for quite a while and reading the ride report from snowest in their current issue ( from testing last spring ) they seemed to love this new track in 80 duro under the 2013 sled. I have been very happy with my stock 2.25 so I went with that.

Hopefully somone from the west side will chime in.........I think you would be fine.......but if you can swap it for an 85 that just may be the thing to do. My friends from the west side call the snow "Cascade Concrete" so with a name like that........85 might be better.........sorry for the long reply....just excited for winter!!!!

 

[WyoBoy1000]

I have road from here to there, I would go 85 even here. After 1000miles it turns into 80.

 

[kidrman]

I bought the 85 because it will soften as Wyo says and because the CE I had on my last sled worked so well in our snow.

 

[Diamond8]

Well............maybe I should have went 85........but it's on there now so.....I shall report back in the spring with how good my decision was to go with 80 I am so stoked for sled season......can't wait!!

 

[Frostbite]

Thinking about the future, I darn near ordered the 85 when I purchased the track but, I relented and bought the 80. Hun......

I've got some huge career decisons to make in the very near future. My position in Spokane will be disolved next year and I can either continue to live on the east side and begin to draw my very meager retirement and find another position to keep the family afloat (no new sleds). Or, I can accept one of the several job offers from the west side and make some very good money. I certainly appreciate the quality of life and on the weather on the east side but, with two kids headed to college, finances may win out over geographic desires. The wife and keep waffling back and forth. Our house is a couple years form being paid off here but, the lure of big money has a very strong appeal. I'll keep you posted.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

I say go for it, it will open new doors, experiences and opportunities. There is more over there than you realize. When I moved over to your area it took a while but it is now one of my favorite spots, so don't miss out on the adventure. Life is about the experience not how comfortable you can get. Thats my opinion anyway.

 

[Diamond8]

I say go for it, it will open new doors, experiences and opportunities. There is more over there than you realize. When I moved over to your area it took a while but it is now one of my favorite spots, so don't miss out on the adventure. Life is about the experience not how comfortable you can get. Thats my opinion anyway.

I agree with WyoBoy1000 man.......it's not just that it's great money on the west side.......it's the adventure / new opportunities that makes that so dang appealing!! and ya know what........try it.......see what the West Side has to offer and if you decide you don't like it....... well then come on back! I know that is a lot of moving but man it would make life interesting / challenging / and ya never know what you may find........dated my wife and she lived in Bellevue and man I had a lot of fun over there. The mountains are close and there is a lot of awesome areas to discover and explore for out door activities and they are all close to the city. Not trying to be a cheerleader but I just think the opportunity sounds cool. Just my 2 cents........

Dave

 

[Frostbite]

Well, I checked with our HRO office today and I was told that if I leave "voluntarily" right now, I would "decimate" my federal retirement at a rate of 5% a year for every year I am under 62 (and I just turned 51). That's a 45% permanent reduction in what I would get for the rest of my life.

So, I called the guy making the offer on the west side and told him I very much appreciate the offer and that next October I would be very excited and free to move over there once I am "non retained" from the military side of my position. So, I didn't burn any bridges (I hope) and I next year I can walk away from here with a full retirement and also receive what is called the FERS retirement supplement.

Now back to the track conversation, if you prefer.

 

[Diamond8]

Sounds like a smart plan to me man! Hope all goes smoothly in the fall and that the offer for work on the west side is still there. But for now.......get that sled ready for winter!! Grab the 85 Duro and get that thing on your sled! lol......If I could go back a week I would probably have swapped out......but what the heck.......I am sure 80 will be fine.......I was happy with 80 on the 2.25.

 

[Frostbite]

Thanks Diamond8.

I think I will e mail the folks I bought the track from and see if they would entertain the idea of a swap.

 

[TheBreeze]

You have a hard time making up your mind!

 

[Frostbite]

I guess you could look at it that way.

I like to think of it as gathering as much information as possible to ensure I make good, sound decisions. Since I have never personally ridden on the west side of the Cascades, I thought I would ask someone who has, to see how big of a difference track durometer makes when riding in the wet heavy snow. Isn't that why forums like this were designed?

 

[TheBreeze]

I was talking about the track, not the move. The move is a pretty big deal!