Ribbed vs bandless belts?

I never noticed this ribbed vs bandless (seems they are called different things). Big price difference. I did look it up & the ribbed are supposed to be better. Hype? Or worth it? I really only see Gates locally. Not sure about other manufacturers.

 

I just looked at my pulleys because I have CRS. If the pulleys are ribbed, the belts should be also. I can't imagine putting a flat one on a ribbed pulley (or maybe I misunderstand the question . . . . )

 

These are both Gates - I will add I’ve seen v-ribbed as a common description & thought that’s what I’ve been getting. So ribbed vs not is what’s making me curious.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBH25040420

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PBH4K420

 

I didn’t see your post before I posted that. You’ll see in the description for the 2nd one, it states ribbed. The 1st states it’s bandless. That’s the only dif I can see besides price.
I put flat, because when I did a search for ribbed vs bandless, flat as a description came up.

I went to the Gates site, entered my truck & it only brings up one belt per application, so ? I thought maybe for once I was posting a non-confusing question….

& they do make bandless v-belts. Those seem like they’re for other applications, like timing belts.

Anyway, I guess I’ll need to call them…. Inquiring minds & all….

 

Do you mean ribbed or grooved on both sides, kristi?

 

I’m not sure what you’re asking me. I’m just using the description that NAPA has. Ribbed (31.49) vs bandless (15.99).

 

Thank you both for trying…. It’s just I’m going to need belts & that’s how it all began…. I’ll just stick with Bando & call it a day….

 

I am going to have to use the way back machine because I havnt heard the term bandless belt in 30 years. A bandless belt as far as I know is where 2 belts are used to turn one or more devices. In the old days with old school AC compressors/power steering pumps that took multiple HP to turn when in operation, a single V belt didnt have enough surface area to turn the device without slipping so a second belt was used. That belt usually went to a second device too.

The ribbed belt, I am sure they are refering to a serpentine belt.