Are Skat Trak Haulers worth it?

[Senator]

As times get tougher, belts get tighter and folks begin to consider options once left behind. What a great time to introduce this sand tire topic for everyone's benefit...even those of us who already think we know everything

It's no question that Skat Trak makes the sand tires that most people prefer. In fact 5 of our 7 bikes run them. Skat Trak knows they have developed a good product and, as they should be, they are proud of it. Very proud. So proud, in fact, that I know of no other sand tire that costs anywhere near as much. Most others are less than half. If they perform the same for a lower cost I assume the free market we live in would have adjusted one or the other by now. I don't know the answer but I want to. And I imagine others here will want to as well. As budgets get tighter, I really want to know whether it's worth it to shell out $210 for another pair of Haulers if I can buy a comparable pair for $100.

So I ask the question, has anyone here had any long term experience with other sand tires that they can compare to their own experiences with Skat Trak products? Not heresay. Not a paid for magazine article placement. Not an advertisment of any kind.

I'm talking about straight paddles here too. Something comparable to the Hauler since that seems to have become the industry standard. Also, for clarification, this is not about racing tires. In racing we all know that money is often not the object so let's leave that for another discussion. Nor is it about V-paddle sand tires. Primarily because they're not a performance based product but also because very few people run them if hooking up in the sand is their goal. And since only the Hauler comes in different paddle configurations, while most others come only in 8 paddle, maybe we could keep that dynamic in consideration as well since most Haulers sold are 8 paddle.

So without further ado, let's get this show on the road. Here are a few of the competitors that I know of but, unfortunately, have no experience with.


AMS Sand Snake $114 for a pair shipped to my door




Kenda Dune Runner $100 for a pair shipped to my door




Kings Turbo Paddle $132 for a pair shipped to my door




GBC Sand Devil $118 for a pair shipped to my door

[SHOWTIME]

this is an amazing topic!!! i am very
interested to read what gets posted.

i have used many V cuts but only
Skat Haulers for straight. id love
to see other straight paddle
comparisons!

[Wildcard-1]

They are heavier than the haulers and the paddles aren't as stiff. One tire I was fairly impressed with budget wise is the Turbo Paddle. The are fairly light for a cheap tire and the blades are stiffer than the sand snake or dune runner.

[YOURADHERE]

I personally think they are worth the extra $$$. If tightening the belt is the issue then I suggest waiting around and trying to find a set used for a lower price over buying any of those tires listed. While I have no experience with the AMS tires I can however tell you the Kendas are absolute garbage. They're big, bulky, and most importantly way WAY heavy. You wouldnt think much about it but they rob alot more power then you'd think. The heavier rotating mass puts added stress on drivetrain components not letting it rev out as easy.

Not all that long ago(within the last couple years) there was a company that emerged to offer a tire similar to the Skat Traks Haulers and a FAR lesser price. And by lesser I mean towards the end of their run they were around $50 per tire. They were simply called Sand Haulers. We were sent a set mistakenly instead of Skat Trak Haulers. While upon first look they seemed almost identical to the Skat Traks after a little further inspection it was evident why they were cheaper. For one thing they were pretty heavy. Just ONE UNMOUNTED TIRE weighed more then one of my Skat Trak Haulers on a rim. Also I found the production quality was below that of the Skat Traks. Im not saying they werent potentially a good tire but the paddles seemed more flimsy and not molded to the carcass as well as the Skat Traks. We quickly requested a refund and returned them.

Another thing to consider about Skat Traks vs the competitors, and this may be completely irrelivant to some, is resale value. Or atleast there was a significant difference before the economy tanked.


It appears Ive been rambling again...so in conclusion I saw go with the Skats right from the beginning that way 6 months from now you're not kicking yourself in the ass.

[Senator]

Thanks Wildcard and YourAdHere. I've updated the original post to include this new option.

So in your experience Wildcard, it sounds like weight and paddle strength are the concerns with some of the more affordable alternatives to the Hauler. Though, of these, the Kings Turbo paddle compromises the least in both of these areas.

YourAdHere it's important that we take this all into account. Frankly I agree with everything you said but I'm trying to be impartial for the sake of keepin it real as we examine all the options.


That's awesome feedback and exactly where I was hoping this thread would begin going.

Next...

[Autophysn]

Many have been down this route, and here is my opinion. Depeneding on your riding style, machine, and preferences, you will benefit by making this a personal decision. Yes the weight factor does play a heavy role, as I see from my Kenda Geckos, LOL! However if you have a 450r and really just play instead of race, then will the extra weight really matter all that much? Atleast they are not knobbies, right?

Bottom line, if you demand performance, style, and bragging rights, then you go with the haulers. Regardless of price. Otherwise, any sand tire will be better than knobbies.

To be honest, I am actually looking for a all around tire so that I will not have to swap them out no matter where I go. I actually enjoy the manuverability of the knobbies, but need the hook up to take my fat ass up the hill, LOL!

But then my views are never very popular

[dunedog]

Yes just like Auto said it really depends on your riding style ! I know for drag racing the skat trak sls is tire of choise because of the light wt and sidewall flex and the many diff size and paddle variations you can order them in ! as far as duning I think any of the paddles in the pics would be fine although I would go with the lightest set !

[glamy]

TO be honest, unless your running a big bore or 60+ hp and just hillshooting,skats are no fun! They are very directional it takes a lot of power to brakem loose or power slide with them, they are a must for racing!! I like to WATCH racing, but i like to go duning alot better! My wimppy little paddles float on top or brake loose or turn or slide easy and still get me up anything thats out there! Just don`t over paddle to your hp or riding style!

[Wildcard-1]

The Turbo paddles are still heavy, don't get me wrong. But they are considerably lighter than the Kenda's and have a better paddle on them. But I run Skat's on all of our bikes so what good is my opinion haha. The only tires I'd rival against Skats are the Paddla Brats. They are lighter than the skats if you get comp cut, but only available in 6 and 9 pdl variations to the best of my knowledge.

[SHOWTIME]

so im guessing the whole question is
if you are not gonna get skat trak then
which would be the best alternative.

we all agree that skats kick ass, but whats
next on the list?

how cool would it be to actially get to test them
all! i dont think the companies would donate
a set for me to test them lol. it would be worth a
try though...hmmm....