I noticed that tapered bearing carrier's seem to cost about $25 more than a twin row so does that mean they are stronger or better. I have a sparks 690 raptor and was starting to do some research for when I go aftermarket on the back end. I want the most durable carrier available does anyone have any experiences with both types?

Please list Pro's and Con's of both types of carriers.

 

A tapered bearing setup is much stronger than a twin row style bearing because the tapered bearing's rollers are tapered rather than straight right cylindrical. The roller shape allows thrust loads to be withstood in addition to the radial loads. A familiar application for tapered roller bearings is the central hub bearings for automobile wheels. When an auto traverses a turn, the wheels must withstand a significant lateral force, so that tapered roller bearings are necessary. You don't get so much of that lateral force in the bearing carrier of a quad but you do get some. One disadvantage of the tapered bearing setup is the cost as you mentioned but also getting them setup as far as having the proper amount of force applied when "setting" the bearing in place. If you've ever replaced tapered bearings in a wheel hub for instance it's real important to not tighten the axle nut too much or it will prematurely wear out the bearing, too loose and you could create other hazardous results!