I need some help from some of the dozen or so high hp rap owners (that I know exist here on the forum) who are using paddles.

I'm looking for a paddle that provides: great straight line hook-up, turn somewhat decent, are light, but yet durable. I know I am asking for the best of everything, but what are your thoughts?

I see that the Bomb guys are raving about running Extreme Haulers (22x11x10).
I have been thinking about the Sand Skate II's (are 20-1/2" tall), Padla brat (20&quot and Desert Mini tracks (grooved or not grooved?)(22&quot

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I still have a couple weeks before my 70+ HP Rap returns. I want to be ready when it does! If it makes any difference in your thoughts, I will be running a +2 swingarm and +5 axle.


Thanks,
Swy

 

I run the padla brat its competition grooved in a 9 paddle configuration. I have them mounted on 10" by 10" wheels. They are light, hookup well, and have the durability of the molded tire. They seem to perform fine for my turbo charged raptor.

 

vilnrk,

Thanks for the reply.

Did you get the PB from STU?
Did they also groove them?
Just wondering, have you tried other paddles for any comparison?
How would you rate straight line performance?
Turning performance?
Lastly, what rims are you using (EX- ITP .160) and have you ever weighed them?

Thanks for your time and help!

 

Earlier he told me that they hook up good but not as good as the Haulers.

Durablilty wise what are you looking for? Is it more of a puncture resistance or tearing off paddles?

In a couple months I will be getting a 686 and I want some new paddles for it as well, but I can't decide on which ones. I have been trying to find the RIGHT ones for me.

 

Well I bought them used from a fella who blew up the engine in his 250R. This was over 5 years ago. I used to run them on my 350R but they were not enough tire. I now drag race the R only, And the tire I'm running on it is a 12 paddle ultra buff 22-11-8 hauler. There is no comparision to the hauler I mentioned to the padla brat. The hauler in a ultra buff is not going to be durable. It is basically an inner tube with paddles glued to it. They buff all the tire down to the cords completely to the bead next to the rim. This is the ultmate in light weight and traction. But keep in mind, you do not want to trail ride it or jump it. Not durable enough for that. My 22-11-8 on 8 inch wide wheels cost 350 bucks. Thats a lot, but worth it if you want the edge on everyone for drag racing.

The padla brat has good turning in the sand. They are not domed like the hauler so they spin on top easier. Some of the hauler paddles are domed top, these are the good drag racing tire. They get the best hole shot. My padla brat tires are wide and flat. They dont get quite the hole shot as say a 21-12-8 hauler does. Sorry if I'm rambling on here, but I guess what I'm tring to say is the hauler, in a 21-12-8 or 10 or a 22-11-8 or 10 is going to get a better launch than the padla brat. But that is my opinion, from experiences I've had and whitnessed at the sand drags. Now as far as durability goes, the padla brat lasts a long time. The haulers last a long time too. I have seen paddles tear and fall off of haulers also. Now to me that is not very durable. Maybe the new extreme hauler is the fix to this ripping problem that the hauler has. I have not had a paddle tear and fall off of the padla brat. They do have a few cuts and nicks in them from rocks and just old age I suppose.

I don't have an exact weight for my padla brats on rims but I would guess prrobally 10 pounds each.

It sound like to me you really want the best possible traction so go with the extreme hauler in the 22" size. 10 paddles should do the trick.


Padla brat on my raptor


12 paddle ultra buff on my 250R

 

vilnrk,

Thanks for all the time and effort posting your thoughts on Haulers and Brats. The Brats, from your description, sound like the paddle I am looking for. I will continue to listen to some more feedback before buying, but I have a good feeling about the Brats now, Thanks.


Ward660R,

Regarding durability, I need a tire that won't loose it's paddles as well as that is puncture resistant. One of the places we ride is all sand no rocks, so not much worry there, but another place we ride occasionally, does have some rocks and stuff. I don't want to spemd 300. + for paddles and rims to have them be tore up within a couple of rides, ya know?


Anyone else with thoughts or information they would like to share? Please do!



Thanks,
Swy