First, I am a newbie to the atv scene. Just bought a 2000 Honda 400ex, and been to the Oregon Dunes twice. I am amazed at how they can take the steep dunes. Mine, probably has the original stock tires for both sand and trails. Although, my 400ex could took most of the hills, it couldn't do some of the steep ones. My questions:
1. How much of a difference do the paddle tires make?
2. I like riding the trails around the dunes. Are paddle tires good on the trails too? The trails are mostly sand.

Last, when I couldn't make the hill, I started angling across, the turned back down the hill, pretty scary feeling. What are some tips for taking the sand hills. What gear? Do you down shift, etc...

Thanks!

 

1) not sure if you mean paddles over dirt tires or the difference in different types of paddles,paddles over dirts for sand theres a HUGEMONGUS(hey its a word) difference,theres also a difference from straight paddles to V paddes but not to much that youd notice one way or the other,the strights are for dragin and the V's are for turning,but i run straights and have no probs at all in turns and i hook up better on the climbs,Id go with a 6 paddle hauler if i was you

2)with paddles any kind of hard pack on the trails and it'll feel like you have bricks duct taped to your tires ,i say get paddles and stick to the sandy parts of the trail

 

For me, at Oregon Dunes it is a tossup whether to run paddles or say maybe stock tires aired down. Unlike places like Glamis, Dumont, or Pismo where it is pure dunes and paddles are essential, Oregon has a lot of variety where one can get by easily or maybe even be better off without paddles. But then again, I can't see making some of the big climbs without paddles.

I run the very light buffed down Skat-Trak Edges (V-shaped paddle), and at Oregon I am always afraid of getting a stick poke (but it never happened). I like the V paddles because it lets you maneuver better on the sandy trails.