Driving on rough terrain needs its own power-up. This is why most people use custom clutches and tuning to make driving smoother.
Duraclutch and Gilomen are the two most popular options for this. Duraclutch is a complete system, doesn’t need re-tuning, and is pricier. Gilomen makes partial kits, involves tuning, and is affordable.
Rough terrain vehicles are more prone to engine damage, that’s why clutch and tuning are important. Duraclutch and Gilomen both are good, but which one should you pick for customization?
Here is a comparison to help you decide.
A Quick Summary of the Comparison
| Feature | Duraclutch | Gilomen |
| Build and specialty | Full clutch system, better for slow rides | Partial kits, better for rough rides |
| Tuning | No need to re-tune | Needs re-tuning |
| Price | Pricier | Affordable |
And that’s the gist of the whole thing. Keep reading below for the detailed breakdown.
Key Differences Between Duraclutch And Gilomen
The truth is, Duraclutch and Gilomen are more different than they are similar. So head-to-head comparison is a little tough and you’ll mostly notice differences.
But regardless, both are really good at their jobs and that’s why they’re so popular.
The major differences between Duraclutch and Gilomen are in their build and specialty, re-tuning, and price.
Here’s how these differences work out in both brands.
- Build And Specialty
Duraclutch focuses mostly on clutch systems (even though they call them clutch kits).
The clutches are better suited for slow riders.
Gilomen on the other hand makes partial clutch kits and does custom tuning.
Their clutch kits are better for faster rides.
Duraclutch isn’t exactly known for anything other than its clutch kit.
This is a full clutch system that gives you smoother brake transition and better control.
It makes your rides less bumpy. But the trick is in the clutch system build.
Duraclutch isn’t bad or unsuitable for fast rides or rough terrains, but they take a bigger toll on it.
You can definitely go for them regardless of your driving conditions, but the clutch system performs better for slow riders or people who drive in less rough terrains.
Gilomen makes partial clutch kits. You can get your specific clutch parts from there easily. But if you want a full system, you’ll have to buy them separately which can turn into a hassle.
Good thing is, the parts are pretty good for rough terrain and fast riders. And the tunings you’ll get are top-notch, to say the least.
Also Read: Differences Between Valair And South Bend G56 Clutches.
- Tuning
This is one of the biggest differences between Duraclutch and Gilomen. Duraclutch systems don’t need to be re-tuned after installation, but Gilomen does.
You’ll have to re-tune every time you install a Gilomen part.
Duraclutch clutch systems are built to take the pressure away from the clutch belts. The transition happens in the internal clutch pack and the secondary is tuned to adjust with the primary one.
Since it is already tuned to adjust, you don’t have to re-tune it.
The only problem with this is that you can’t run Polaris primary with Duraclutch secondary. Both need to be either Duraclutch or Polaris.
Gilomen doesn’t have this going on. Since most of their kits are partial, you’ll have to re-tune everything every time you install a new part. And most of the time the parts work with pretty much any other brand.
- Price
Duraclutch costs higher than Gilomen. This is because they give you a whole system including multiple parts. The price can go from $1299 to $1899 depending on the model you’re getting.
Gilomen prices the parts individually. The pricing can go $10-$1890 depending on what part you’re buying.
If you’re looking for an economic option, buying the Duraclutch system is more efficient overall. But if you’re specifically looking for something affordable, Gilomen is a pretty good option.
Which One Is Better For You?
Well, that’s a little tough to answer. Both brands have their own specialty and that’s why they’re so popular. But the most important key here is their difference.
They aren’t exactly similar if you take a closer look.
So comparing them is hard enough. But choosing one of them is even harder.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll never know what to pick.
You can definitely pick what you need, you’ll just have to look beyond the feature.
The answer will depend on what upgrade you want for your ride.
Whatever option checks off most of your priority boxes, go with that.
If you’re a somewhat slow rider and your ride is shaky when you’re accelerating (or doing the opposite), then you need a full clutch system change.
Duraclutch is pretty much unbeatable in this department. You won’t even have to re-tune your engine. Sure, the price is a little high but it is worth it.
The only problem is that you’ll have to change your full system with Duraclutch and you can’t just get custom tuning.
If you’re looking for specific clutch system parts or custom tuning, Gilomen is your best bet. Gilomen is positively notorious for its tuning programs and they also have clutch kits.
Most of these are partial though. So if you want to do your full system, you’ll have to separately buy everything.
Then there is the thing with tuning. Unlike Duraclutch, you’ll have to re-tune your engine after part replacement.
The best option is to combine them both. Duraclutch’s clutch kit and Gilomen’s custom tuning will give you the best riding experience.
But if you’re going for only one option, Duraclutch is better overall. And if you’re looking for affordable or small-scale upgrades, Gilomen is the better option.
Also Read: Differences Between Delphi And Mevotech Ball Joints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are a bunch of questions people ask about Duraclutch, Gilomen, and custom clutches in general.
Duraclutch will give you a positive engine brake. It makes braking transitions smoother (especially downhill braking) and gives you better control.
Depends on your terrain and driving. The average lifetime for Duraclutch is 5,000-10,000 miles. If you’re driving on smoother terrain or usually go slower, it will easily go for 15,000 miles.
Final Verdict
Heavy-duty cars need something to smoothen out the bumpiness the tires cause. What you’re going to fix depends on your riding style and terrain, hence the whole Duraclutch and Gilomen debate.
The best idea is to go for a combination of the Duraclutch clutch kit and Gilomen tuning.
But if you can only go for one, Duraclutch is the better choice. And if you need specific parts, only tuning, or a more affordable option; Gilomen is as good as it gets.
