Sand Mountain Trip Report
Can-Am Commander at Sand Mountain, NV
April 2011
Sand Tires
This was a great father/son trip to Sand Mountain, NV. We
brought along our Polaris RZR XP 900 and Can-Am Commander 100 XT. Both
were outfitted with sand tires from
Fullerton Sand Sports. The RZR
XP had buffed ITP Dunestars and Comp Cut 60/40 stagger STU Sand Blasters mounted
on black DWT wheels. The Commander had buffs up front and Play Cut STU
Sand Blasters mounted on OMF Billet Center Wheels.
Buffed DWT Doonz and Comp Cut 60/40 stagger STU Sand Blasters (smaller size)
Play Cut STU Sand Blasters (larger size) and Buffs up front
I have used the play cut setup several times on my Commander,
Teryx and the RZR XP. I really like the overall size and looks of this setup.
These are slightly larger than the setup I have on my RZR XP and I learned
something from Dave at Fullerton Sand Sports. The STU Blasters are not all the
same size. They buy so many that they can mix and match to get a package
that works front and rear. I think the larger size just looks awesome, and
I also like the extra ground clearance and additional float provided by them.
But I do think the play cut with full width paddles is a bit much for the RZR XP
and Commander (not my race Teryx though!). They pull the tire fine, but after
experiencing the 60/40 comp cut tires, I know there is more performance to be
had.
The 60/40 stagger cut paddle has less paddle and therefore less
bite. On a stock RZR XP or Commander 1000, this helps the engine keep those
tires spinning easier. On the RZR XP, I felt like the climbing performance in 2
wheel drive was nearly as good as all-wheel drive. This is definitely not
the case with the play cut tires with full width paddles.
Fullerton Sand Sports can also "Comp Cut" paddles. This
will remove material from the paddle and reduce weight. This can make a
big difference because you are taking away rotating mass on the drive wheels and
this increases performance. But with every positive gain there is usually a
negative. When you remove material from the tire, it is more susceptible
to damage and I can attest to this! The camping area at Sand Mountain is
littered with rocks. I figured this would be my biggest challenge so I was
pretty careful coming in and out of camp. But on Saturday night, there was
a decent wind storm. My son wanted to go to the top of the mountain to see
the sunset and I did not grab my goggles. On the way back down the face, I
couldn't see much but I wasn't too worried because I just had to make sure I
could see the other vehicles. Just my luck, there was one random rock that
someone had to have brought it up the hill and left it. Of course I had to
center punch it.
One random rock and a comp cut paddle is toast.
So if you want the additional performance gains of a comp cut
paddle, there are some additional cost and risks. I would not recommend a
comp cut if you ride where there are rocks, sticks or even asphalt.
At the end of the day, I think the play cut 60/40 stagger is the
best tire for me. My RZR XP and Commander are relatively stock and the
smaller bite lets the engine work better. If I was going to do some engine
work or a turbo, the full width paddles might be better. I did like them
on my race Teryx (999cc Muzzys engine).
The front tires did not make a huge difference for me. I
have no problem steering with the complete buff, but I think the additional
razor from the Dunestar helps the front grab a little better. I think the
more important piece is what size. The larger STU Sand Blasters are too
tall for the modified Dunestars, so you need to get smaller STUs to match up.
Again, this is a key benefit to dealing with Fullerton Sand Sports. They can
create a matched set for you.
Commander Long Travel
This was my first real dune trip with the long travel on my
Commander 1000. The kit is a +4" from
TCB with Elka Stage 4 SXS
shocks. The additional width provided by the TCB arms creates a much
more stable platform for aggressive driving in the dunes. Not to mention the
extra amount of wheel travel.
The Elka Stage 4 shocks have high & low-speed compression
adjustment, plus rebound adjustment. Since I ride in a variety of terrain,
I really appreciate the ability to adjust my shocks to suit the terrain and
driving style.
In addition to the Elka Suspension shocks, I swapped in a set of
progressive rate springs from King Springs.
The springs are a bit long for the rear, but I wanted to try them out on the
Commander.
I have used these springs in the past on another project and
really like how they worked. The springs work similar to a dual rate
setup, but even better and in a smaller package. Soft in the chop, but
progressively stiffer the more the spring is compressed.
Progressive rate coil springs from King Springs
I am very impressed by the difference King Springs progressive
springs can make to ride quality and hope some of the shock manufacturers take
note. This is a great option to offer.
More Photos:
Can-Am Commander 1000 XT
Polaris RZR XP 900
Videos:
Spotlight on other Aftermarket Accessories:
Pro Armor
Suicide opening doors with all aluminum construction to
save weight and ensure strength and durability. Features an
integrated automotive grade slam latch.
Website: www.proarmor.com
SSV Works
Overhead Audio System - SSV
Works iPod Weather Proof
audio system for the
Polaris RZR, RZR-S and RZR XP provides Hi-Def stereo sound. The
system clamps in overhead to your stock cage, installs in 15minutes
with a simple 2 wire hook up and is totally weather proof.
Billet Side Mirrors - Fully
adjustable billet race mirrors clamp to your roll cage.
Increase your visibility for safety. Available black anodized
or aluminum.
Website:
www.SSVWorks.com
Links:
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