sprocket sizes for technical terrain

[Seattle300rr]

My 2017 300rr is due for new a new rear sprocket. I was wondering if anyone has changed from stock sizes. I'm ok with the stock sprocket sizes but I only have a couple years of experience riding technical trails. Maybe I'm missing out on something? I rarely use 1st gear so I was considering running a smaller rear sprocket. 80% of what I ride is constant elevation change with lots of obstacles. roots, rocks, logs and what have ya.

[aj_mariner]

Thought about this myself a couple times. Currently have a 13/49...thinking about the 14. There has only really been one trail where the short stock 1st gear was truly needed, and I was glad to have it. Maybe that’s why I haven’t played with mine yet...probably all in my head though.

[tiojose]

Better learn to use 1th gear on the 13.
The 14 gives you little more speed in 6th.

[NW_250RR]

Almost never use 1st gear here in the PNW. Can still pivot turn or hop a log in 2nd from a standstill. Im running 13/51 on my 250RR (so i bumped up 2 in the rear). If mine was a 300 id be more inclined to stick with stock since it already has plenty of grunt. I'd maybe bump up a tooth in the rear. I personally wouldn't gear taller for the gnar. 2nd gear is the go to for me.

[Seattle300rr]

Almost never use 1st gear here in the PNW. Can still pivot turn or hop a log in 2nd from a standstill. Im running 13/51 on my 250RR (so i bumped up 2 in the rear). If mine was a 300 id be more inclined to stick with stock since it already has plenty of grunt. I'd maybe bump up a tooth in the rear. I personally wouldn't gear taller for the gnar. 2nd gear is the go to for me.

Cool, I have read a lot of people are going up 1-2 teeth in the rear and never using 1st. I might just stick with the stock gearing since I'm used to it and don't have any complaints. I need the top speed it has for when I race Rimrock and a few other places where it's more open. Usually I'm in 2nd or 3rd on the tight trails though.