FAQs – Answers to Common Questions
Below are answers to some of the common issues facing snowmobilers and a few of the common questions we get asked.
Is there a difference between wear bars and carbides?
Definitely! Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are different.
Wear bars (also called wear rods, runners, skegs or skags) are the steel rod that bolts to the bottom of your ski to protect it from hard surfaces and help improve control of your machine. OEMs usually call them runners. Some wear bars feature hard surfacing for improved durability.
Runners are referred to as carbides when carbide strips are added to the bottom of the bar. Adding carbide gives the bar enhanced control and turning ability as well as improved durability. Carbide is added in a variety of lengths in a single row (Good ’n Ugly), double row or triple row (Triple Points).
How can I eliminate darting?
Simply put, darting or hunting is caused by the tendency for your skis and wear bars to follow in the path and ruts made by other snowmobiles, forcing your sled to move side to side. The result is reduced control of you machine and greater effort to control it.
We have several solutions. Triple Point carbides keep more carbide on the ground whether going straight or turning, increasing your control, and reducing darting. Shims, added to your rubber damper, levels your ski and keeps the entire carbide on the ground. Our Rubber Dampers have the shim built in to the design. Ski Savers also reduce darting by adding an additional edge along the wear bar for improved control.
What carbide is best for me?
Several factors apply in determining your best choice for carbides.
- Riding style… casual, aggressive or bat-out-of-hell.
- Where you ride… open fields or clear trails, or trails with uneven terrain or limited visibility, such as wooded areas.
- Snowmobile size and weight.
- Rider’s weight, which affects the balance of your skis.
- Track length and the number of studs in your track.
A single carbide, such as our Good ’n Ugly Carbides, may be a great choice for casual riding in open areas. If you are an aggressive rider who loves to go fast or ride in challenging areas, our Triple Point Carbides give you increased control and the turning ability you need! A simple rule to remember… trees always win!
For more detailed information check our Carbide Selection Guide.
How long will my wear bars / carbides last?
Depending on your riding habits and where you ride, it can vary widely. However, our Good ’n Ugly carbides will last up to twice as long as our competitor’s single carbides. For ultimate longevity, our Triple Point carbides can last for many seasons and still be effective. Many of our users report years of use before needing to replace their carbides. They are the longest lasting carbides on the market!How can I reduce wear on my skis?
Replacing damaged skis is expensive. Ski Savers are a great inexpensive solution. As you ride, your skis can be damaged by constant pressure from the wear bar and the snow and debris forced around the wear bar. Ski Savers fit between your wear bar and your ski, reducing this damage.How can I prevent uneven wear on my carbides?
If you skis are not level, your carbides will have excessive wear on the front of the bar. Simply adding a Shim kit to the rubber damper on your ski will level the ski and the wear bar, so the entire wear bar contacts the snow. Your wear bar will last longer, and you’ll have better control.
How can I improve traction on icy surfaces?
Our TrailGrabbers are a perfect solution. This screw-in “stud alternative” features a dome of carbide chips that grip the icy surface keeping you in control. And unlike traditional studs, TrailGrabbers cause minimal damage to pavement or to your track.Why am I being charged sales tax?
The government sets the tax rates, not us! Sales taxes are based on the the “place of supply”, or where the product is shipped from, or in some cases, sold from.
Our Canadian customers pay a flat tax of 13% because Bergstrom Skeg products are shipped from Ontario.
Our U.S. customers pay 8.75% since products are manufactured and shipped from Illinois. Even if your state taxes are lower than Illinois, we must charge the Illinois sales tax rate. Dealers in other states may charge the sales tax rate in their state.
Why does it take so long to get products I ordered?
In a perfect world we would ship your order as soon as we receive it. However, several factors can cause delays.
During the peak season our small staff of elves are extremely busy packing and shipping orders. Because of high demand we occasionally run out of the products on the shelves, particularly wear bars, so we must make more for your order, and that just takes time. And sometimes we have difficulty getting the materials we need, causing delays.
We are doing the best that we can and are looking for ways to improve delivery. Please be patient.
