If you do alot of riding were you go over stumps and rocks and need a really strong wheel than the stock wheel is very strong, but heavy. Also if you go to a 8 inch wheel you will have alot more tire selection to choose from, if you order from rocky mountain they seem to have alot bigger selection in 8 an 10 inch wheels, as do other places. You can't beat a 8 inch wheel in the sand it gives you alot better float and traction and i would also go with the 22's ground clearance is everything when you are doing hole shots and riding in soft sand. The number of paddles depends on how much motor you have compared to how much you weigh.