New belt on 2020 questions

[Mjunkie]

First I apologize for being a newb to ski-doo and not knowing the history as well as many others but as I was looking into a spare belt for my new freeride, I saw that it has changed from the year before. Some kind of "upgrade" from last years. As far as I could learn, there isn't any change in clutches from 2019 to 2020 so no reason there for a new belt there. I also read about a lot of belt eaters in 2018 (hopefully something of the past). Does anyone know what the real difference is and can offer opinions on whether it's worth buying the $219 "upgrade"? Can the older belt still be used? Also according to the ski-doo website the new belt isn't available right now even though I was able to find a few on eBay at full retail, and the dealer I got my sled from has a few but still at a premium price. Thanks for the input.

 

[farmboy84]

The belts have have been used on the 850's are 391, 531 and 571 which is the current "best" belt. I have never used anything but the two 391's that came on my sled new in '17. I have never blown a belt and am going to find a new 391 for another spare for half the price of the 571.

 

[Mjunkie]

The belts have have been used on the 850's are 391, 531 and 571 which is the current "best" belt. I have never used anything but the two 391's that came on my sled new in '17. I have never blown a belt and am going to find a new 391 for another spare for half the price of the 571.

Ok, so they are all interchangeable just probably different durometers and "upgrades". Thanks!

 

[sledhead_24_7]

Run at min the 531. That only pops the top cog off a bit when you blow a belt, 571 is the same. 391 is complete carnage, chunks everywhere. Pretty sure the 391 was discontinued, but I could have heard wrong.

At least my experience.

 

[Twistgrip]

First I apologize for being a newb to ski-doo and not knowing the history as well as many others but as I was looking into a spare belt for my new freeride, I saw that it has changed from the year before. Some kind of "upgrade" from last years. As far as I could learn, there isn't any change in clutches from 2019 to 2020 so no reason there for a new belt there. I also read about a lot of belt eaters in 2018 (hopefully something of the past). Does anyone know what the real difference is and can offer opinions on whether it's worth buying the $219 "upgrade"? Can the older belt still be used? Also according to the ski-doo website the new belt isn't available right now even though I was able to find a few on eBay at full retail, and the dealer I got my sled from has a few but still at a premium price. Thanks for the input.

I got the same sled as you, mine came with the 571 belt. I brought mine to Sled head Racing so Big John could put his clutch kit in and align and shim the motor. I think more of the problem with belts blowing is that the motors just need to b aligned and shimmed to perfection, which you don't get when they are rolling down the assembly line.

 

[idahoskiguy]

Can confirm that when the 391 goes it is a complete mess!

 

[Matte Murder]

I think the 571 belts are WORTH it as are the 19 upgrades. My 18 got all the 19 upgrades (except finned secondary) and extra weight on top of that but I ran a 531 belt. My buddies stone stock 19 with 571 belt felt stronger, especially in the mid to high mid range.

 

[sledhead_24_7]

391 belt

531 belt

571 belt