alot of options here to answer your questions. in my experience, tracks with all open windows seem to not wear out the hyfax as quickly. as for the open every third configuration, seems as though track clips weigh more than the rubber square would, so weight savings is the issue here. i remember in the 90's when the polaris rmk came out with the open every third configuration and they were burning hyfax to beat hell. thats where the slp slide buttons came into play. dont know if your familiar with these, but that was the answer to aid in saving the hyfax. i, for one, prefer an all open window track. clip configuration doesnt matter. if i install an open every third, i punch the others open and dont clip. but, keep in mind that we are deep snow riders, not hardpack trail riders, so my experience may differ from yours. we run alot less bogiesthan trail sleds, and use ice scrathers when we have to ride hardpack. hope thhis helps a little. i could go on if you need more info.
