There is a lot of confusion between wear bars and carbides. I have searched on the internet, and no website or blog clears the difference. So, I went to some official Polaris stores, and of course, some old snowmobilers to get the required information. Now I will tell the difference between snowmobile wear bars and carbides.
Wear bars are made out of regular steel. They are usually OEM ski runners. Carbide runners are made out of carbide steel and are preferred by enthusiasts and hard-core snowmobilers. Wear bars are perfect for beginners and casual riders, where carbide runners are more durable and last longer.
Why are wear bars / carbides important?
Wear bars and carbides are necessary as they reduce the darting and drifting, and improve the traction and handling of a snowmobile. More traction means more control over the snowmobile and more enjoyable the ride will be. They are also important as a safety concern. If you lose control over your snowmobile, you might crash.
Wear bars have different types, such as hard bars and carbides. Carbides are better because they last a long time and provide more traction and control. But there are different types of carbides too, and you must consider your riding style while selecting one for your snowmobile.
Different types of Wear bars
Hard bars are normally used for beginners, and they improve steering control.
Single pointed carbide runners are sharp and provide more grip over the rounded ones. They reduce the darting and drifting at higher speeds and are usually preferred by people who ride a lot.
Dual/Triple Pointed carbide runners are the best that I have used. They significantly improve the steering and cornering experience. Even at high speeds, the snowmobile feels under control. They are best for racers and hard-core riders.
If you want to know the difference between snowmobile studs and carbide runners, I have discussed it in detail here.
In the end…
In simple words, wear bars are ski runners, and they are made up of steel. Carbides are also ski runners, but they are made up of carbide steel, which lasts much longer and performs significantly better. There is a variety of carbide runners available, according to your riding style.