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Gearing for 1.6 Ice Cobra

Greasemonkey

Greasemonkey

New Member
Messages
13
Age
47
Location
New York
Country
USA
Years Snowmobiling
20
Snowmobile
2016 Polaris Switchback 800
Need some gearing advice. Im sure this has been discussed before. I have a 2016 Switchback 800 ProS. I will be replacing Stock 1.25 track with a 1.6 Ice Cobra. Is there a noticeable difference between 1.73 (22/38/68) gear and 1.74 (23/40/70). I know the chain slack for 1.73 is same as stk and 1.74 has more slack. I ride mostly trail with the occasion off trail\fresh snow. Not happy with the 1.25 and don't want to stud (had the pleasure repairing buddys ProR with stud through heat exchanger).
 
Last edited:
Greasemonkey said:
Need some gearing advice. Im sure this has been discussed before. I have a 2016 Switchback 800 ProS. I will be replacing Stock 1.25 track with a 1.6 Ice Cobra. Is there a noticeable difference between 1.73 (22/38/60) gear and 1.74 (23/40/70). I know the chain slack for 1.73 is same as stk and 1.74 has more slack. I ride mostly trail with the occasion off trail\fresh snow. Not happy with the 1.25 and don't want to stud (had the pleasure repairing buddys ProR with stud through heat exchanger).
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this is a tough topic,the final ratios are basically the same,the only difference is the speed difference in the two shafts,some like larger gears for better rotation and less friction,the offset is heavier rotating mass. Typically the way to go is the biggest gears you can to achieve the desired ratio,so in this case 23-40. For what your doing with the sled,im guessing you already have a 68 pitch chain,and 22 top sprocket all you would need is a 38 from venom.I would put a IQR roller in while ur there, to keep cost down just use what parts you have the most of to get your gearing the way you want it.
If your a light guy you might get away with the 1.73,if your not and go off trail more you might consider 21-38 and you can still use the same 68 pitch chain. 1.81 ratio at 8350rpm by the chart is good for 100 mph..
 
Dr.Notadoo said:
this is a tough topic,the final ratios are basically the same,the only difference is the speed difference in the two shafts,some like larger gears for better rotation and less friction,the offset is heavier rotating mass. Typically the way to go is the biggest gears you can to achieve the desired ratio,so in this case 23-40. For what your doing with the sled,im guessing you already have a 68 pitch chain,and 22 top sprocket all you would need is a 38 from venom.I would put a IQR roller in while ur there, to keep cost down just use what parts you have the most of to get your gearing the way you want. If your a light guy you might get away with the 1.73,if your not and go off trail more you might consider 21-38 and you can still use the same 68 pitch chain. 1.81 ratio at 8350rpm by the chart is good for 100 mph..
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Thanks for the info. I did notice Polaris did not offer a 38 gear. I weight about 180 and do more trail than off, but not a lake racer either. I don't mind spending a few extra bucks if its worth it. Ill be sure to add the IQR roller while I'm in there.
 
I'd use the 1.81 ratio for that track lug . You can use a more aggressive weight profile then or more aggressive helix with that ratio vs 1.74 for that lug height.
Just my opinion
 
1.73 less dog leg, lighter gears and chain, one mph more on top then 1.74, slightly more chain wrap then stock gear. 1.74 more dog leg, heavier chain and gears, more chain wrap then 1.73. I have a shorty with a 1.5" track and feel the 1.73 works well with it. Since you state you ride mostly trail I think you would prefer the 1.73 and it will easily make it over 100mph. The 1.81 may struggle to make it over 100mph.
 
think I will go with the 1.73, if I don't like it I can just buy a 21 gear and try the 1.81. I think the 1.81 and the 1.74 have the same dog leg too.
 
Go with the 1.81. I have the 1.6 on my Rush and omg it's a blast. That gearing makes it feel like a rocket in the trails. No lag. Almost feels like a race quad with instant power. I tried the 1.68 and 1.73 and .74 and all felt laggy
 
proS800 said:
Go with the 1.81. I have the 1.6 on my Rush and omg it's a blast. That gearing makes it feel like a rocket in the trails. No lag. Almost feels like a race quad with instant power. I tried the 1.68 and 1.73 and .74 and all felt laggy
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Are you saying a 1.60 gear ratio or a 1.6 lug track height?
 
proS800 said:
Go with the 1.81. I have the 1.6 on my Rush and omg it's a blast. That gearing makes it feel like a rocket in the trails. No lag. Almost feels like a race quad with instant power. I tried the 1.68 and 1.73 and .74 and all felt laggy
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input. Glade to hear you already tried the gears I was thinking of. Lol. I ride double on a occasion and after a lot of research I think the 1.81 may be the better choice. As long as I get it over 100 ill be happy. I read a post from Brock with gearing and clutching recommendations so I think ill use that as a starting point. Did you change your clutching?
 
Ya mine still goes 108-112 and it's a Rush. I had the speedo redone for the gearing change as well. As far for clutching it will depend on your weight but I'm using stock 66 gram weights. 140/320 spring and 48/44 helix 140/220 spring. I also have a pipe on it so if revs right to 8,450 and holds strong exp in deep pow
 
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