If you want to learn all about the advantages and disadvantages of using ATV tracks, you have come to the right place. In the following article, I will break down everything about the functionality, adaptability, and overall experience of ATV tracks so that you can make an informed decision about your purchase.
Snow tracks are one of the main updates you can make to your ATV, one that can help you navigate snowy and challenging terrains. Among the pros of installing ATV tracks, you will find that they will provide you with more stability, traction, and towing power. In terms of cons, snow tracks are known to slow you down, drive up fuel consumption, and influence your maneuverability. Apart from that, the price range of purchasing ATV tracks is quite high, so it can be a big investment.
If you want to understand how each of these pros and cons can affect your snow trail experience, I’ll expand on every aspect in the following paragraphs. I encourage you to keep on reading and figure out if ATV tracks are truly the right decision for you.
Pros and Cons of ATV Tracks
When you have been part of the off-road community for as long as I have, you tend to find knowledgeable friends that can give you an expert opinion based on experience. This was exactly my strategy for today’s topic because I wanted to bring you detailed information that is rooted in real-life examples. Therefore, keep in mind that all the benefits and drawbacks of ATV tracks I’m going to share today have been confirmed by experienced athletes.
First of all, let’s focus on the pros. If you are considering purchasing ATV tracks, then you most likely live in a snowy region that has great trails available. Whether you need to move through heavy wet snow that is heavier, or freshly set snow, these will help you drive with ease on tough terrains.
This includes even muddy, sandy, and rocky terrain, because of the high elevation it offers your machine. However, it’s good to keep in mind that these types of trails will wear down your tracks more than snow would.
Apart from having great stability on difficult trails, snow tracks can offer your ATV higher towing power as well. In case you use your quad for work, you can use this added strength to your advantage.
Now that I’ve talked about on-trail advantages, I think it’s worthwhile to mention that snow tracks can have a financial advantage as well. Compared to purchasing a snowmobile, ATV tracks will save you from additional insurances and storage-associated costs.
Now let’s move over to the cons list. First of all, using ATV tracks will greatly affect your speed up to 50% less than you’re used to with tires. The power that your engine uses to move the heavier tracks will also drive up your gas consumption, which results in greater costs than with usual tires.
Because of the added weight and nature of tracks, the ATV will be harder to steer. What your vehicle gains in traction for snowy trails, it loses in maneuverability. While with tires you can explore tight paths, ATV tracks require a larger turn radius. So keep that in mind when you choose a snow trail, so that you don’t get stuck midway through the path.
Last but not least, these updates are quite expensive, with a price range from $2000 up to $8000. Many people choose to look for second-hand options, which are a wonderful choice if you don’t have a large budget.
Just be sure to check that there is not much wear and tear on the tracks. The price point is where a lot of people get stumped on the idea of purchasing ATV tracks, considering that snowmobiles are not that much more expensive.
Do I Need an ATV or UTV?
In case you are planning to buy your snow tracks at the same time as your off-road vehicle, the question above is an important one. Should you purchase an ATV or a UTV? Well, in order to answer that question, you need to go over what each type of machine is and how it can affect your experience.
ATVs are four-wheeled off-road machines that you need to straddle, much like a bike. The steering and maneuverability of this vehicle are similar to a motorcycle as well, with a handlebar and pedals to help you navigate the trail. An ATV is smaller, works well on narrow trails, and is most suited for solo adventurers.
On the other hand, UTVs are larger four or six-wheeled vehicles that have more seats available and are safer all around. While ATVs drive more like dirt bikes, UTVs are more similar to your usual car. Featuring a steering wheel and foot pedals, experienced drivers will have no problem adapting to a UTV.
Additionally, UTVs offer a larger array of safety, storage, and towing accessories. These can drive up the overall cost, but also offer more versatility. Lastly, if you want to use your vehicle for business purposes, keep in mind that UTVs have more towing power than ATVs and might be a better choice in this regard.
As for their compatibility with tracks, both ATVs and UTVs can handle tough terrains and work well in snowy areas. The decision boils down to what type of experience you want to have: solo, adrenaline-pumping rides, or comfortable, relaxing trails alongside your friends. From my perspective, both are great off-road vehicles that offer vastly different practical uses.
Personally, I’m a bigger fan of ATVs, but the choice is all yours! Regardless of what vehicle you choose, I’m sure you will have a blast exploring the snowy mountains in your area.
As for the question of are snow tracks worth it… In my opinion, they are. If you don’t have a garage or cold all year round, I don’t recommend buying a snowmobile.
In terms of the experience on snow paths, nothing can beat a snowmobile. But for people that want to have an all-season solution to do off-road trails, equipping your ATV with tracks is the way to go!
