Hi everyone, John here from Accelerated Technologies. We wanted to take a few minutes to explain dual rate springs and their significance for motorsports enthusiasts, whether you’re riding snowmobiles, ATVs, or side-by-sides.
Dual rate springs are commonly found in dual A-arm front suspension systems, yet they’re not something you often see straight from the manufacturers. Instead, they are typically available through aftermarket companies like ours. The reason manufacturers might not include dual rate springs in stock vehicles could be due to cost considerations. However, we believe that investing in dual rate spring technology can make a significant difference in your riding experience.
What Are Dual Rate Springs?
Dual rate springs consist of two springs stacked together, each with different spring rates. This setup allows the suspension to start soft for comfort but stiffen as you need more support, particularly in rough terrain or aggressive riding scenarios.
We first encountered the theory behind dual rate springs around 15-20 years ago while working with motorcycle fork springs. The principle is straightforward: if you reduce the length of a spring, the rate increases proportionally. This same concept applies to dual rate springs.
For example, if you take two springs rated at 4.0 and stack them, the combined rate isn’t 8.0 but rather 2.0, effectively cutting the rate in half. Conversely, if you cut one 4.0 spring in half, you’d end up with two springs rated at 8.0 each.
The Mechanics Behind Dual Rate Springs
The rate of a spring is determined by the diameter of the wire used. As the diameter increases, so does the stiffness, meaning more force is required to compress the spring. By choosing specific wire diameters and lengths, we can create springs with a wide range of rates, giving us the flexibility to tailor the suspension to your needs.
We use these principles to build dual rate spring systems that start with a softer initial rate and transition to a firmer rate as the suspension compresses. This is achieved through the use of a “crossover spacer” that locks out the softer spring as the suspension compresses, shifting the load entirely onto the firmer spring.
Practical Application on Snowmobiles
Let’s take a look at how this works on a snowmobile. We’ve equipped a few of our Skidoo snowmobiles with dual rate springs to illustrate the benefits. For example, Bob, a rider in his 70s, wanted a setup focused on comfort. We provided him with a setup that starts soft but firms up as he rides, making his ride smooth over trails while also preventing bottoming out during rougher conditions.
On the other hand, Chad, a younger, more aggressive rider, prefers a firmer setup that quickly transitions to a stiffer spring rate, giving him more control and reducing body roll during high-speed cornering.
Why Choose Dual Rate Springs?
Dual rate springs offer a broader range of adjustability, providing both comfort and performance in a single package. They reduce ride height, which minimizes body roll, enhances safety, and improves handling. Additionally, they allow the snowmobile to maintain a smooth ride over small bumps while still providing the necessary support to prevent bottoming out on larger obstacles.
We have dual rate spring packages available for various models, including Polaris, BRP’s Skidoo platform, the Yamaha Sidewinder, and more. Whether you need softer travel for comfort or firmer support for aggressive riding, we can help you find the right setup.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about dual rate springs. If you have any questions or are interested in upgrading your snowmobile with a dual rate spring package—or even an Elka shock package—don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you get the most out of your ride. See you out on the trails!
