I'm running a set of 20 inch, 9 paddle Skat trak Edge's on my nearly stock '03 Baja. It's got an FMF slip-on, it's rejetted, an I'm running a uni filter with outerwear, with the airbox lid removed. Are these the right tires for my bike? It looks to me like a lot more DS's run 22's instead of 20's, what benefits can I expect from 22's, and how may paddles should I have on them. I really prefer the Edges over the Haulers as I spend a lot more time Duning than I do Drag Racing, but I want to be a little quicker up Competition Hill too. Any advice?

 

I would say for sure to switch up to a 22" tire. First of all you do get a lot more floatation with a bigger tire.
I myself run a 9 paddle extream hauler, but also have a set of 22" 8 paddle edges as well (they are new and might be for sale). You will probably want to gear down a little for the 22". I ran a 14 or 15 tooth front with a stock 40 tooth on the back.
Skat Tracs are the only tire to use - trust me I have tryed most of them and keep comming back to the Skat Tracs

 

MRDS650,

Have you tried anything from Sand Tires Unlimited? Especially something with a competition cut. Against anything else out there, the Skat Trak's are far better, however I believe the only real argument to be made in sand tires is between Skat Trak and Sand Tires Unlimited - the rest are just junk. (IMHO!)

Squidward,

You want to make sure the tires on your DS have at least 20" of true height measured with a yardstick at the carcas (not counting the height of the paddles!) Most 20" tires (ESPECIALLY Skat Traks) measure far less than they are rated. 20" Skat Traks are about 18" and 22" Skat Traks are about 20". Sand Tires Unlimited Sand Skate Is are a true 21" at the carcas and Sand Skate IIs are 20" at the carcas. I think 9 paddles should be OK for you if you move up to the 22" tire. Do a search for paddles and you should see about twenty - thirty posts where people talk about tire size and the number of paddles.

 

22" will also keep you from getting high centered or stuck so often in the soft stuff...

 

the 22" are much better

 

I run 22's on my stock 04 - 10 paddle extremes. They work great

 

22s are the ticket.

 

MR.MEANER what paddles do you think is best? I need to get a set to run @ the red river? I haven't been yet but want to go & meet some of the forum members! Don't have any yet but will be buying soon, after Xmas & wanted to know what is best for where we ride, LA Dunes, LS OK & the red river? 22" but how many paddles & what brand? Thanks for any info!
Later!
Joe

 

I tried 20" on my baja and they did not work well at all so i switched to 22" and they are much better.

 

COUNTRYJOEGLASS,

One of, if not the only brand where you can specify the number of paddles are Skat-Traks. So if you want the option of number of paddles, you'll have to buy them. DSSleuth is running 22" 10 paddle extremes on a stock 2004 DS and doing well - I'd say go with those since you have got some mods. 10 paddles is a lot and from what I've heard you should be in the right area with 10 paddle extremes. It seems I've heard people complain about too much paddle with that type of tire, however that was on nearly stock older DSs and the newer ones are said to be notably stronger so your machine with the aftermarket goodies should have no trouble at all.

The only other option that will do anything good for you is Sand Tires Unlimited. Call Joe at Fullerton Sand Sports about those, he can hook you up with either brand and he's a damn nice guy as well.

I have Sand Skate Is with the competition cut (ask joe what a pair of those goes for) they run awesome. I'm really itching to try a GOOD straight paddle on my ATV to see if I notice any difference in handling etc. I've rode a couple of other guy's DSs with straights and not noticed a damn thing.