swytak your right about the mini desert tracs but I think for the Raptor you need to get them grooved. I have seen them done like this in pictures and it would probably make them more prone to flats or wear. I have wanted to try some but from what I have heard they are on the expensive side. Try checking in the dune sectoin from the home page and then go to project sand traxIV. I think that there is a good picture of them there.

 

Ward, from what I understand, grooving is only needed if you really want to turn alot better then a V paddle. Otherwise I hear they are good forward biting tire with plenty of turning ability.

I personally am looking for a set of sand tires that turn decent, give excellent straight line hook, are light, yet durable. I am asking or looking for alot, I know.

Any thoughts?

Oh yea, I have a 70+ RWHP Raptor, so I do have some power to turn the wheels!

 

I have had a lot of different paddles. I have Haulers in a couple different sizes, a pair of Edges, Cheng Shin Dune Hopper and Kenda Dune Runners. I have tried Sand Skate IIs and a few others. All the molded paddles are heavier and don't float as well. I believe the Skat Trak Edges (V-paddle) are more durable than the Haulers without adding that much more weight. The Vs have contact with the ground longer on hard surfaces. The rise and fall of the machine on hard terrain is more gradual with the Vs which I think reduces the strain on each paddle. They are bonded to a larger area of the tire making them stronger. V paddles should have less paddles than whatever Hauler would be run. The V has more face surface area. You might see people say they had 8 paddle Haulers and tried 8 Paddle Edges. They will say the Edges did not help turning and bogged their machine down. That is because they should have ran only 7 paddles. With 8, they hooked up too much. On my modified FL350, I run 10 paddle Haulers for straight line and 8 paddle Edges for everything else. I lose very little straight line acceleration with the Vs though. I have run the Vs in the grass around my house before loading up on the trailer. I drive up the ramps with them on and have never torn one.

 

Kiwi,
Actually there is a paddle that does have a rib down the middle, nbot of the whole tire, but a reinforcing type of rib in the paddle itself. Its called a Turbo paddle, but Im not sure who makes it. My buddies have used them at the cinders (tree roots, rocks, etc). and they seem to be holding up really well. If you want more info I can get it for you..

RoostKing...

 

Roost some details would be great. I'm leaning towards the gecko simply becuase they are avaialble of the shelf down in NZ. Skat Traks are indent order $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ basis as are alot of tyres that you guys can get. all the main stuff, Holeshot, shredder, Maxis and turf tamers etc we can get buy paddles............. zero market, one shipment of gecko's probably a screw up at that........... so I might grab a set and chew em up........... Thanks for all the great input guys.

Kiwi