We have 2 400ex's and a 300ex we need paddle tires and wheels for. I noticed you can buy them in either 8", 9" or 10" wheel sizes (the stock wheels are 9"). The outside dia. of the tire is 20" in all 3 wheel sizes. The paddles on 8" wheels are $13 per set cheaper than the ones on 9" wheels.

will we notice any difference in performance between the 8" and 9" wheels? Since we have to buy 3 sets I would like to save some money if i can.

 

not to much at all the 8 inch will hook up a bit better and the 9 will turn a little better. i have a pair of sand stars on 12 inch rims(these rims are heavy) and a set of skat trak haulers on 8 inch super lite rims. the sand stars turn like no tomarrow. and with a 12 inch rim they will not bend really at all. the skat trak haulers on 8 inch rim hook up crazy but i cant pitch the bike sideways like the 12 inch and if you jump huge the 8 inch can bend. but between 8 and 9 inchs it wont be to much of a difference.

 

First off, if you are mostly a cross country rider, use the plain Jane stock rims for the paddles, and get yourself some nicer rims for cross country. In that case, you will have to get the 9" size

On the other hand, if you aspire to be some kind of sand god, then get some new spiffy rims for the sand, and leave the old rims on for cross country.

I really prefer the good old buffed down Skat-Traks to any of the new generation of molded tires. The Skats are way lighter, and tend to be wider for more flotation! I would go 7-paddle Edges for the 400's, and 6-paddle for the 300. Think about some ultra light Mohawks for the front too....