5 Best Snowmobile Studs

If you are looking for a little extra traction or better stopping power, putting studs on your snowmobile tracks is an easy way to accomplish this. 

I’ve installed studs on my sled a handful of times over the years, typically when there hasn’t been fresh snow for a while and conditions are icy. A little extra bite into the snow gives me peace of mind that I’ll stay under control at all times. 

Woody’s Gold Digger Carbide Traction Master Studs is my favorite option and recommended as the best choice here. 

There really isn’t that much difference between various snowmobile studs besides what length you choose. But I find the Woody’s Carbide to be a little more durable than some of the other options out there. 

Regardless, I’ll show you a handful of the best snowmobile studs here so you can choose a set that meets your budget or preferences. 

Let’s get started to keep your sled from slipping and sliding. 

Top Snowmobile Studs

I think that every snowmobiler should have a set of studs. They can prove very useful when conditions get slick and make your sled a lot safer to ride. Below are a handful of the best options around. 

1. Woody’s Gold Digger Carbide Traction Master Studs

• Best for: Overall
• Key features: Durable, excellent traction, track tapping design, two-ply track compatible
• Material: Through-hardened carbon steel
• Length: 1.325 inches
• Quantity: 96

Woody’s Gold Digger Carbide Traction Master studs are my personal gold standard. I’ve used these consistently over the last few years, and they deliver excellent performance.

Their through-hardened carbon steel construction makes them strong enough to give you plenty of bite into ice and hardpack. It also makes them super durable, adding value, extra handling, and performance. 

The 1.325-inch length is my ideal size for superior traction without being too long. It’s a middle-of-the-road length that I think is the most versatile. 

These are compatible with two-ply tracks and will work with most modern sleds. They are also easy to install, so you can get things set up quickly. 

They are a little expensive, but you should expect that with a quality product built out of higher-grade materials. The linked studs here don’t come with backers or a hole drill, and you’ll have to buy those separately if you don’t have them on hand. 

Still, these are some of the best snowmobile studs around and will instantly increase your stopping power while giving your increased handling performance as well. 

==> You can also get it at Walmart.

2. INS Hornet Snowmobile Studs

• Best for: Ice
• Key features: Narrow, rimless tips, lighter weight, extra-long, great grip, thin barrel, no-break no-bend guarantee
• Material: Carbide, nickel finish
• Length: 1.83 inches
• Quantity: 24, 96, or 144

An excellent option for very slippery and icy conditions is the INS Hornet Snowmobile Studs.

These are another impressive set of studs that will give you excellent grip and traction. The longer 1.83-inch length of this option will dig deeper into ice and snow to provide you with an added element of safety. 

They also have a unique design and construction that make them better in slippery conditions. Carbide construction with a nickel finish makes them extremely strong and durable to dig into rock-hard ice. 

With a no break, no bend guarantee, the brand stands behind their products here, displaying how good of a value they are.  

A narrow, rimless tip is also intended to provide extra bite, and though it’s hard to say how effective this is, it makes sense that this would give you extra penetrating power.

Hornets are expensive, especially if you want to get a larger quantity (which I would suggest for extra stopping and turning power on ice). But if you want peace of mind and need better performance on the ice, these are the way to go. 

3. Extreme Max 5001.5364 Stainless Steel Platinum Plus Studs

• Best for: Budget Pick 
• Key features: Affordable, compatible with many different tracks, Nyloc nuts included, radius shoulder design
• Material: Stainless steel head, carbide tip
• Length: Varies
• Quantity: 24 or 48

If you are looking for a good budget option, the Extreme Max 5001.5364 comes recommended. Even though they are a bit cheaper than some other studs, they will give you a good bite and faster stopping power. 

They have a radius shoulder design that will work with just about any two-ply track, making them versatile. A 1-inch head and relatively narrow body provide decent bite in a range of conditions. 

Built with a military-grade stainless steel body and a carbide tip, you can expect long-lasting durability as well. They aren’t as durable as full carbide studs, but that’s why they’re more affordable. 

Nyloc nuts are also included when you order any set of Platinum Plus studs for an easy install. And you have a range of sizes to choose from to match your needs. 

These only come available in packs of 24 or 48, which makes their value a little misleading. I like to have at least 96, so you might need to order double. 

==> You can also get it on HomeDepot.com or Walmart.

4. Woody’s Traction 1” Gold Digger Studs

• Best for: All-season use
• Key features: Durable, excellent traction, track tapping design, two-ply track compatible
• Material: Through-hardened steel
• Length: 1 inch
• Quantity: 96

For versatile all-season use, the 1” Gold Digger Studs are the way to go. 

You get all of the expected high-performance traction that Woody’s is known for, but a 1-inch length makes these better suited for less slippery conditions. That doesn’t mean you won’t get a good grip on ice, you’ll just see more versatile performance in deeper snow as well. 

They are highly durable thanks to a through-hardened and heat-treated construction. This beefs up the steel material and makes them resistant to breaking, bending, and dulling. 

These studs are also versatile in application and will work with a wide variety of different tracks. 

A 1-inch length isn’t going to provide you with the most stopping power around. That’s something to keep in mind before purchasing. But if you don’t need a lot of extra traction and want an option that can work in all sorts of conditions, these are recommended. 

5. Polaris Snowmobiles Stud Kit 

• Best for: Stud kit
• Key features: Sled specific fitment, increased control, easy install, all materials included, good bite
• Material: Steel and carbide tips available
• Length: Varies
• Quantity: 120

Getting a full stud kit can save you time and money in the long run. The Polaris Snowmobiles Stud kit is a good option for anyone who wants this convenience. 

You can custom order a kit that is specific to your sled with this option. That means you’ll get a full set of studs, backers, nuts, and any other installation materials needed. You can get whatever length you’d like as well. 

You’ll get Woody’s studs here, so you can rest assured that you’ll have a great grip on the snow and a product that experienced snowmobilers have used all over the world. 

A full kit will be more expensive, so be prepared to pay quite a bit for this luxury. You’ll get 120 pieces, which is a significant amount to use in whatever stud pattern you want. 

For easy install and everything you need to get going included, this is the best stud kit around.  

Best Snowmobile Studs: What to Consider

Before choosing studs for your sled, take the following factors into account.

Length

I think that your studs’ length is one of the most significant considerations when looking at which option to buy. The longer they are, the more they will dig into the snow and provide you with extra grip. But too long can also be overkill if you don’t need it. 

My suggested all-around use length is anywhere from 1.25 to 1.35 inches. This will give you plenty of grip without being too long. If you want extra traction, go with 1.5 inches or more. If you want all-season use, I’d stick to around 1 inch. 

Material

The type of material your studs are built out of is another important consideration. If you get a cheaper material, you’ll be spending more money season after season as they wear out quickly. 

Carbide studs are some of the most durable around, and that’s the material I would suggest for the most durable performance. But they are also the most expensive. Stainless steel is a decent option, and nickel can work too – both of these are cheaper options.  

All studs will wear out eventually, but getting a strong material can save you money in the long run. All materials will provide a similar grip in ice and snow; the main difference is how long they last.

Stud Pattern

Your stud pattern plays a big role in the type of grip and traction you will have. There are many different patterns to choose from, and every experienced snowmobiler will tell you they prefer one type over another. 

Here are some various examples of different stud patterns to choose from. The general rule is, the more studs you use, the more traction you will have. Some patterns are intended to give you better turning or stopping power – you can experiment with them. 

I don’t really notice much of a difference with various stud patterns. Pick a style you like, and it will work. If you happen to see a lot of variation, let me know!

Stud Kits

If you have never installed snowmobile studs on your own before, I would suggest getting an entire kit. This will give you backers and adhesive to put the studs in place correctly. It’s not that hard to figure out, but having everything you need makes the installation process easier. 

My Verdict

My top choice for the best snowmobile studs is Woody’s Gold Digger Carbide Traction Master Studs. These are a tough and durable option that will give you long-lasting traction so you can stop faster and turn quicker in icy, hard-packed conditions. 

All of the options you’ll find here will be effective in giving you added traction on your sled. Studs can increase your handling and performance when conditions are slick. They will provide you with added safety as well.     

About Chaz Wyland