Hey guys, I've read so many posts on DS paddles I'm about ready for my brain to explode. Here's the deal, right now my DS is bone stock but I'll end up probably doing an end cap and maybe something like putting a K&N in. Also, I weigh 230lbs and am a dune-a-holic i.e. I ride, not much hill shooting.

Now, seems like most of the recent posts say to run haulers w/8 paddles in a 22in size; am I reading that right? I've seen some mention of running the "extreme" hauler but I was just looking at Rocky Mtn and they only list those in 20 in size. I've never been a big fan of Skats from the durability standpoint (either paddles staying on or puncture resistance) but I guess if that's the way to go on the DS I'd be willing to use them. Also, after reading tons of posts I'm confused about whether these will rip the heel plates off the machine. I'm not too crazy about having to bust out the Dremel and start butchering stuff. Which model years are more prone to the non clearance issue (or does it matter)?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

22" paddles are the way to go, I had 20" haulers on for while and they would get stuck on fluffy sand. Now I would never go with anything smaller, the 22"s made it a whole different ride. The 04 and newer bombs have a shorter swingarm than the older ones so some people say that 22s will rub the heal buckets, I took mine off of my 02, I never ride anything but sand. Geckos and roosters are heavy and would not even consider either, the sand stars seem pretty light and come in 22". My 22" haulers have been on my DS for 3 seasons at the Oregon coast without any paddle damage, the only time I've seen paddles ripped off and stuff like that is from abusing them on hard surfaces or spinning them loading on trailers and such.

 

how do u think sand gecos would do in the snow cause i dont ride dunes but want something that would be a killer in the snow???

 

One of my rapor neighbors just gave me about 5 mags with sand tire shootouts in them. In every one the ITPs rated up there. Now I know you guys are not big fans of them but I'm not a hillshooter type of guy. I'm just afraid that the haulers are not condusive to railing around bowls and such......comments??

 

What ever you do dont buy the geckos unless you want to dig holes.

 

Think I'm going to break down and get some haulers or extreme haulers, now I'm wondering how many paddles to get. Remember, I'm only going to have an end cap, jetted, and K&N filter and I weigh 230. 8, 9 or 10 paddles?

 

8

 

6 extremes or 8 haulers

 

I have 22inch haulers and have no complaints I just added the 60 percent clutch springs and am anxious to try them out. If I get a second set it will be 22 inch sand stars because they will corner a lot better. I run the sand stars in the front and I really like them[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Thanks guys. My brain is hurting after all this research over the weekend on DS paddles, pipes, jets, air filters...........

I just finished the weekend off by ordering the 22" 8 paddle haulers, with 22" ITP star fronts.


The next week or so should be fun equipping the DS with the pipe end cap, getting it jetted, dropping the K&N in, and the sand tires. The not-so-fun part will be the break in.

Thanks again!