During the season, I had the opportunity to test out the MaxiGrip studs on my snowmobile. Easy to install, they represent an alternative to traditional studs and they have the important advantage of not damaging the track permanently. So, you can remove them and still use the track safely. Here are my observations following this test.
Pros:
-Easy to install
-Cheap
-Can be removed without damaging the track
-Good grip to ice
-Same doings on trail
-No noise
-No risk of damaging the radiator under the chassis
-No damage to the track
Cons:
-Uncomplete instructions given by the manufacturer about how deep we should screw the studs. I have been criticized for not having screwed them deep enough. Despite that, I did not have any problem.
-Studs should be sold separately, along with an installation pattern showing the stud distribution.
-Detractors told me that these studs would rot the track during summer. I do not see how this could happen if my snowmobile is put away like usual in a dry storage room.
Conclusion:
Following this test, I am sure that my next snowmobile will be equipped with MaxiGrip studs!
Adherence test on bare ice:
Comparison with a snowmobile not equipped with studs on a frozen lake:
With MaxiGrip studs
Standing start : very good adherence
Without studs
Standing start : the ski runners stick to ice and the track has no adherence at all.
