what is the difference x ring & o ring

[fishy_inn]

What is the difference between x ring and o ring chains?

[Jeb]

It's the cross section of the o-ring itself. If you cut the rings and look into the end, the o-ring is perfectly round. the x-ring has a shape similar to an "X".

[whiteman350x]

And the x-ring chain has pretty gold sideplates :D .

[Jeb]

And the x-ring chain has pretty gold sideplates :D .


Yeah, I know! I recently put an x-ringer on my Z! :D

[Red Rider]

Fishy, while all of the previous responses are correct, I think you're probably wondering why an x-ring chain even exists. The x-ring is the latest generation in chain technology. Because of the "X" shaped cross-section of the o-rings, it reduces the friction between the chain links, while still sealing them. All that adds up to more power to the rear wheels. Plus, the master-link is easier to install than a standard o-ring chain because the x-rings compress much easier.

[Jeb]

... Plus, the master-link is easier to install than a standard o-ring chain because the x-rings compress much easier.


:shock: They may claim that, but it was still tough to get it clipped on mine. The X shape helps to trap a little grease between the plates and x-rings, which also helps reduce friction.

I saw no horsepower increases in switching from an O-ring chain to an X-ring on my Tri-Z.

[Red Rider]

I saw no horsepower increases in switching from an O-ring chain to an X-ring on my Tri-Z.

Yeah Jeb, I doubt you'd be able to feel any horsepower increase by just switching chains, but every little bit helps, whether it's reduced friction, lighter components, or more power.

[jenndnn3]

I am getting ready to do a full swapout on my 350x. I was gonna go with the O ring chain, and do not not know about the X ring you all are talkin about. Can you give some comparrisons on prices vs life of the chains.

[TimSr]

Think of X-Ring as an updated O-Ring. Its "new an improved" in theory but dont expect anything significant over the O-ring. Aside from the "technical" differences mentioned here, thing of O-Ring and X-Ring as the same thing. Some MFG's dont even offer O-Ring any more, and what youll find is they have been phasing out O-ring chains for a few years now, and X-ring chains have been becomming the standard replacement, but most people continue to call their new X-ring chains, "O-ring". Technically, they both are O-ring chains.