Hop on a side-by-side forum or ask around in the track world and you’ll quickly notice that there is a lot of debate around the question: What is the best track system to run on a UTV?

And while there are multiple options to choose from when it comes to UTV track systems, two of the most popular systems that people have to choose between are Camso tracks and Apache tracks. So how exactly do you decide which one is right for you? We’re here to help you figure that out.

What Are the Best Tracks for a Side by Side?

So, what is the best track system for your UTV? The answer is – it all depends on what you’re looking for.

Knowing exactly how you plan to use your tracks is a big determining factor in which brand of tracks will be the best for you. So today we’ll go over Camso and Apache tracks and explore what they’re good at, what they’re not so good at, and how to determine which one is the best fit for your specific needs.

First off, let’s dive into the Camso UTV track system

Camso UTV Tracks

Camso’s truly are the ultimate “all-season” and “all-terrain tracks”. Camso tracks are intended for the snow, but they can handle just about any kind of country you can throw at them. Whether you’re traversing fresh powder, icy roads, or muddy slopes, Camso’s are designed to deliver next-level performance across varying winter terrain.

Camso’s are like a “jack-of-all-trades” – good at just about everything but not necessarily an expert at anything. These tracks are ideal for you if you’re using your tracks for:

• Plowing
• Hunting seasons that extend into late fall or early spring
• Winter farming or agricultural uses

Camso’s are designed for snow, but if you’re planning to ride in areas where you may encounter mud, rocks, dirt, or pavement, these rugged tracks can handle it without a problem. Camso’s are able to traverse such varying terrain without causing damage thanks to their versatile and durable design.

Camso UTV Track Design

Camso track systems are a bogie wheel design and each track system is composed of:

• A solid steel light-weight frame that holds everything together and allows the tracks to travel over objects and across angled surfaces
• Bearing housing with an oil-bath lubrication system
• Rubber tracks with 1-inch lugs that provide traction
• Bogie wheel tires that distribute the weight of the machine throughout the rubber tracks
• A center mount hyfax that guides the track left to right to prevent it from derailing
• A mounting kit to secure the track system to your UTV (In general, standard factory mounting kits tend to be the weak link when it comes to running tracks – which is why we strongly encourage investing in upgraded track mounting brackets)

There are two primary types of Camso tracks that are designed for UTV use. They are:

• Camso 4S1 UTV Track System: 4S1’s are by far the most popular track systems and are compatible with just about every model of SxS.
• Camso X4S UTV Track System: The X4S system is a similar design to the 4S1’s, but is geared towards small to midsize UTV’s with 3 seats or less.

Now that you have an understanding of the Camso track system, let’s dive into their number one competitor – the Apache Track system.

Can-Am Apache Track Systems

Can-Am has three distinct types of track systems to choose from:

• The Apache 360 LT Track System
• The Apache Backcountry Track System
• The Apache Backcountry LT Track System

Let’s take a look at each of these.

Apache 360 LT Track System

The Apache LT Track system is very similar in design to the Camso 4S1. These track systems are Can-Am’s version of all-terrain, all-season tracks. And just like Camso’s, these “jack-of-all-trade” tracks are great for: 

• Those needing to plow during the winter months
• Hunters who head out in the late fall or early spring seasons
• Farming and agricultural uses 

The Apache 360 LT Track System is designed to be run in the snow, but they can certainly handle varying terrains such as pavement, dirt, or mud. They are versatile and have a broad range of uses – unlike their counterpart, the Apache Backcountry LT track system.

Can-Am Apache Backcountry and Backcountry LT Tracks

While Camso’s and Apache 360 LT’s are a “jack-of-all-trades” more generalist track system, both Can-Am’s Backcountry and Backcountry LT Tracks are much more specialized – specifically designed to handle deep snow. With a hyfax design, Apache Backcountry and Backcountry LT Tracks are specifically designed to tackle serious winter riding and offer superb flotation and traction through the snow – whether you’re tracking through deep powder, heavy, thick snowfall, or slippery ice-laden slopes.

While Backcountry may not be quite as diverse as Camso’s, if you’re planning on riding in harsh winter conditions and deep snow, this is where this track system truly shines – and they can take you much further and through significantly deeper snow than Camso’s or Apache 360 LT’s ever could. 

Can-Am Backcountry tracks are ideal for:

• Snowmobilers transitioning to running a UTV with tracks
• Avid winter riders that want to play in deep snow
• Those that are looking to go off-trail and explore
• Anyone looking for higher ground clearance out of a track 

So what’s the difference between the Apache Backcountry Tracks and the Apache Backcountry LT Tracks?

Apache Backcountry Tracks Versus Apache Backcountry LT Tracks: What’s the Difference?

The Apache Backcountry tracks and the Apache Backcountry LT tracks are nearly identical in their design. They primarily differ in size.

• Apache Backcountry Tracks: Provide a contact patch that’s 23% bigger than the Apache 360 LT
• Apache Backcountry LT Tracks: Provide an even bigger contact patch – measuring 37% bigger than the Apache 360 LT

Thanks to their cutting-edge hyfax design, Apache Backcountry and Backcountry LT tracks can get your side by side into some spectacularly remote and snowy winter locations. 

Apache Backcountry and Backcountry LT Track Design

Apache Backcountry and Backcountry LT track systems are a hyfax design and each track system is composed of:

• A solid aluminum light-weight frame that holds the track system together 
• Sealed bearing system attached to the drive wheel that propels the tracks forward
• Rubber tracks with 2-inch lugs that provide unmatched traction in deep snow
• Hyfax system that transfers the weight of the machine through the frame and allows the rubber track to slide – using snow as a lubricant
• Mounting brackets and hardware to secure the track system to your SxS

This hyfax design is what makes these aggressive tracks simply dominate in the snow.

UTV Track Speed – Will Tracks Slow My UTV Down?

Yes, you can definitely expect a reduction in your speed when running tracks. Exactly how much tracks will slow you down depends on what tracks you’re running:

• Camso tracks: run approximately a 50% gear reduction
• Apache 360 LT: run approximately a 50% gear reduction
• Apache Backcountry and Backcountry LT tracks: run approximately a 30% gear reduction 

If you’re running a Can-Am machine, you can purchase a DPS sensor that turns up your power steering and corrects your speedometer to properly reflect your actual speed. And we’re currently in the process of creating a speed revision sensor for Polaris – so keep your eyes peeled!

Apache Tracks for Polaris: Will Can-Am Apache Backcountry Tracks Fit Polaris?

If you’re an avid winter rider and want to explore and play in deep snow, you simply can’t beat the flotation, traction, and power of the Backcountry LT track system. But considering that this track system is a Can-Am product, those running Polaris, Yamaha, or Kawasaki applications have been pretty limited when it came to deep snow tracks.

That is until now. Thanks to our new patent-pending design, you can now convert Apache Backcountry LT tracks to run on Polaris, Yamaha, and Kawasaki side-by-sides. Ready to upgrade to your own set of Apache Backcountry tracks? Head over and check out what models we have available by clicking here.

Ready for Your Own Winter Side by Side Adventures?

When it comes to track systems for your UTV, there’s no single system that’s “better” than another. Each system has its own strengths and flaws. And which one is right for you is entirely dependent on your personal preference and how you plan to ride.

If you’re still unsure which system would be the best fit for you, we’re always available to help. Our mission is to help you have a blast while ensuring you’re as safe as could be. Which is why we specialize in creating the most rugged and reliable track mounting systems money can buy. 

So, if you have questions, feel free to shoot us a message by clicking right here. Or if you’re ready to get your own tracks, mounting brackets, or conversion kit – don’t forget that you can get 5% off your first purchase by clicking right here. We’ll see you at the top!