1. Is there that much difference in forward traction from a straight paddle as opposed to a V paddle? 2.Is the handling much different from the two? 3.With no engine mods and not much to spend, what size and type tire do you recommend? I drag and cut up about 50/50 and I weigh about 200 lbs. I jump a little, but really no death defying leaps. Please spread some knowledge and number your answer so I can get all of this down.
I thank you all and drive scarefully![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

1. Can't answer, don't have V-paddles (yet).
2. YES. Straight paddles are resistant to a change in direction.
3. 20" Skat-Traks, you choice Haulers (straight blades) or Edges (V-blades). Skat-Traks arethe lightest sand tire available and take the least amount of power (lower inertia). However, they are only good on pure sand. If there was any gravel or hardpack, I would go with a cast tire even though it's heavier. Maxxis is bringing out some new sand tires that look promising. ATV Sport magazine did a snad tire shootout a couple issues ago it seems that the Skat-Trak Edges were a good compromise between forward acceleration and handling. I'm planning on picking up a set to 20" Edges on 10" rims later this spring. To give your Raptor a little more bounce, pick up a ProDesign/K&N/Outerwear air filter setup for MAXIMUM protection against sand intrusion into your motor along with a Dynojet kit (or K&N Stage 2 jet kit, same exact thing). These mods are about a 2 1/2 hour install and you'll pick up 10-12% more HP across the band while still retaining that quiet stock pipe while providing better intake protection for your motor. In sand too much HP is not enough.

 

Do you how much of a weight difference there is between Skat-Traks and Sand - Devils from GBC?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

The best all around sand tire S.T.U. SAND SKATE 1 comp cut.There is no better all around tire!They sale for $360 on wheels.The tire size you should run is 22x12x10.They are a little pricey but worth every dime.

 

Go straight paddles - MOVE THAT SAND!! V-Blades turn better but they are a lot less efficient. 90% of the riding that I do in the sand is either hill climbing or drag racing, so I went with a 10 paddle Sand Devils. Awesome tires..........cheep too. Add some Dune Trackers in the front and your in buisness!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

well over the years i ve had just about all the best paddles out. from sand skate II's to skat trak hualers. i had sand skate II's on my raptor and i thought the paddle was too hard even after i let all the air out. now i have skat trak edge 20x10x10-10paddle
with the 10 paddle edge you get a good take off and still have good handling.

01blu660r

 

I have both V and straight for my raptor. Which is best depends on your preference. 1. it depends on the manufacturer. Haulers will give the best bite, but throw sand alot, and they are straight so powersliding is tough.
Vee paddles will slide well but dont bite as well, throw little sand usually.2.see 1. 3. I run 22x10-10 haulers and its alot of hook, but they dont last long, and dont tollerate any sticks and rocks. Like 95 warrior said below a cast tire is a good choice. try ebay Ipicked up a set of GBC cast tires on wheels for 60 bucks, did not care for them, ran a few times and sold for 60 bucks.Sand tires unlimited sand skates and my choice padla brats are awesome, but not for the light of wallet. like I said its a preference thing, if you can ride some other quads and get a feel for them.