[DaveFroti]

Tire reviews for Utility quads. V:1.2
All tires shall be reviewed on a pro/cons basis. Experience or opinions might differ from mine but this is really based on a neutral point of view.
Tires are tested on board various machines all using stock wheels


OEM replacement tires.

Dunlop Quadmax

Pros:
Slightly better traction
More surface contact
All-trail tire

Cons:
Expensive for an oem replacement
2 ply only


Kenda Pathfinder

Pros:
Similar tread patern ( proven to work in various terrain )
More front end grip
4 ply in size 25inch

Cons :
Sidewall very flexible
More expensive then OEM
Rubber isn't any better then stock


Aftermarket All-trail tires

ITP Mudlites

Pros:
Better traction then OEM
Good tread patern for mutli terrain usage
6 ply offers better durability

Cons:
Sidewall resistance questionable


ITP Mudlite XTR

Pros:
Flat contact surface for better traction
Radial tire
Very vesital tread patern.
Great for muddy conditions
Robust 6 ply

Cons:
Rough ride
Rubber compound is hard
Need to work the handle bars more to move around
Expensive


ITP TerraCross XD

Pros:
Outstanding traction in almost all situations
Good hardpack handling
Predictable at speeds
6 ply
Radial

Cons:
Expensive
Soft rubber even after then New XD rubber
Heavy


Carlisle 489

Pros:
Price
Better tread pattern for soft packed, hard packed, muddy conditions (below floor boards)

Cons:
3 ply ( not much better then 2 ply )
Slippery Traction in rocky terrain


GBC DirtDevil and DirtDevil 2

Pros:
Long lasting compound
Great for softpacked trails
6 ply

Cons:
Heavy tire
Tread design digs in Hard packed
Heavy Steering


GBC Dirt Commander

Pros:
8 ply
Works in all situations
Proven Race pattern

Cons:
Price
Heavy ( but not as much as bighorns )


GBC Grim Reaper

Pros:
8 ply
Works in all situations
Proven Race pattern
Very Unique look
Radial

Cons:
One of the most expensive tire on the market
Heavy

Maxxis Bighorn

Pros:
6 ply tough
Tread patern works in almost all terrain
Rubber compound is rock hard
Race proven design
Radial

Cons:
Really Heavy tire
Expensive ( but you might never have to buy a new set of tires )


Maxxis Bighorn 2.0

Pros:
6 ply
Similar tread patern as the Bighorn
Light weight
Radial

Cons:
Not as tough as the original
Cost more then the original


Maxxis Mud Bug

Pros:
Great all round tire
Flat contact surface
Great in muddy conditions ( up to floor board )

Cons:
Tread pattern requires more body english
High speed wobble


Maxxis Zilla

Pros:
Fantastic tread pattern
Lightweight do it all tire
Price
6 ply

Cons:
Soft rubber
Does not last long in hard packed situations ( avoid paved roads )

Kenda Bearclaw

Pros:
Flat contact surface
6 ply tough
Tread pattern that works in almost all conditions
Price

Cons:
Rough ride in hard packed
Need to work the handlebars in slow conditions


Mud/Bog tires

Highlifter Outlaw
Gorilla Silverbacks
Maxxis Mudzilla
Kenda Executioners

More info can be found in the Highlifter Forums

 

[w_pinkerton]

you've tested all these tires, or know people who have them?

 

[Mikeyboy_esq]

Good list, but I don't agree with all of the opinions above.

For example, the Prairie 650/700 OEM replacements (dunlops) are lousy tires for fast trail riding (thin sidewalls make the tires roll on the edges when making fast turns) and they tend to puncture easily compared to most aftermarket tires. I do like the OEM replacements for asphault or dirt drag races due to their very low weight.

In another example, I think the Bighorns are lousy tires on slippery mud...especially when going up a muddy embankment as they tend to ball up the mud and not clean out well. For all other uses, I liked the Bighorns. I agree that they are Very heavy and also expensive.

Happy trails...

 

[w_pinkerton]

I have executioners on mine and i like them a lot. i know they are very heavy, but for trail riding and anything else, i dont really notice it. these machines have the power to move them. but you definately wouldn't want the extra weight while drag racing

 

[DaveFroti]

Good list, but I don't agree with all of the opinions above.

For example, the Prairie 650/700 OEM replacements (dunlops) are lousy tires for fast trail riding (thin sidewalls make the tires roll on the edges when making fast turns) and they tend to puncture easily compared to most aftermarket tires. I do like the OEM replacements for asphault or dirt drag races due to their very low weight.

In another example, I think the Bighorns are lousy tires on slippery mud...especially when going up a muddy embankment as they tend to ball up the mud and not clean out well. For all other uses, I liked the Bighorns. I agree that they are Very heavy and also expensive.

Happy trails...

Mikeyboy, I agree with you on what you say, but notice I haven't given any specifics for the OEM replacement. They are a good OEM Trail tire. They do offer better traction, the sidewall is to be expected to be weak, they are after all only 2 ply.
As for the Bighorns, also notice I said they work in almost all-terrain. Your example is one of those they do not do very well.

Dave F.

 

[DaveFroti]

you've tested all these tires, or know people who have them?

Pinkerton,

I have tested many of them and have people that ride them. Always with the same group of 6 people. Gives you a chance to try out a lot of different rubber

Reason for trying out so many tires. Always trying to find something better

Dave F.

 

[w_pinkerton]

you've tested all these tires, or know people who have them?

Reason for trying out so many tires. Always trying to find something better

i hear ya there :lol:

 

[smooth]

How about Swamp-Lites

 

[rwright]

ITP 589

Pros-
Awesome Tire anywhere
Theres almost no wear but wear is perfect
Road, snow, mud, loose pack, hard pack, & Rocks.
6 Ply
Strong Sidewall

Cons-
Pricey
Heavy

 

[JMcClure]

Those Dirt Commanders work very well on my Dad's Brute! They will be my next tire! :tup:

 

[Craig B.]

ITP 589

Pros-
Awesome Tire anywhere
Theres almost no wear but wear is perfect
Road, snow, mud, loose pack, hard pack, & Rocks.
6 Ply
Strong Sidewall

Cons-
Pricey
Heavy

How do you figure? The 589 would suck on pavement. Sorry, had to say this after you bashed the bear claws. You know some people use these things for utility use NOT mud boggin.

 

[DaveFroti]

How about Swamp-Lites

Smooth, I can't comment on Swamp Lite tires. I have yet to test them.
How ever, I have read many times that they are quite a good tire and that the down side to them is short tread life.

Dave F.

 

[asnowmobiler]

I wish they still made the Altracs.

 

[w_pinkerton]

I wish they still made the Altracs.

me too... i would have liked to try those out, i think they'd suit me better for trail riding than the executioners.... but for what i paid for them, i really can't complain, they seem to wear very well too.

 

[B52]

Any reviews on the BajaCross tires by anyone yet?