2017 UTV Tire Buyers Guide – Choosing the right machine for your riding style and budget can be a bit complicated with the many choices in the market today. When you factor in the horsepower of these machines and sheer weight or size the plan begins to get broad and confusing. Another incredibly tough choice is getting the correct tire that fits the type of riding you do as well as the machine you have now purchased. Building a specific rig that conquers the terrain at your local riding area is the goal and we all seem to spend mindless hours digging through the web trying to find that one great tread to make us proud when we roll machine off the trailer in front of friends. Believe it or not we too experience this problem here at UTV Planet Magazine even with the vast mix of machines we have at our disposal during the year so it was time to create a tire buyers guide. This guide might not include every tire on the market but maybe it can be directional enough to get you headed on the path to success when shopping for new kicks for your machine.
Starting with the most versatile section of all terrain or Trail tires we have listed eight manufactures tires in three different categories to help you sort the madness. A couple of these manufacturers do not have specific tires for each form of terrain but do have extremely versatile tires that can be considered for multiple trail conditions. Here is how we hope to get you looking in a general direction.
TRAIL – UTV Tire Buyers Guide
When we think of Trail or All Terrain we have to consider a broad spectrum of tire versatility. The trails will most likely have loose rocks, roots, light mud and even silky sand deposits that challenge our tires. Off camber dirt banks or rutted hill climbs all challenge the tread so these tires need to be fairly good at everything. With that said, you need a tire that can handle all of these requirements carefully and one that performs with consistent reliability. Below are eight tires in this category.
EFX Tires: www.wheelprospowersports.com
Trail – Moto-Claw
According to their website “Each and every tire design we manufacture has been abused in the mountains of Colorado, flats of California and the backwoods to Texas to ensure that no matter your terrain preference, we have a tread that fits your style.” The Moto-Claw radial all terrain trail tire is sure to be tough and give the trail a force to be reckoned with. The radial carcass is tough enough to give its owner long life and with the 8-ply build it should resist puncture and common trail bites that could flatten lesser tread.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 26×9-12, 26×11-12, 27×10-14R, 28×9-15R, 28×11-15R, 29×10-16, 30×10-14R, 32×10-16R, 33 x10-18R
Tread Ply: 8-ply Radial construction – Max Tread Depth: 1”
GBC Tires: www.gbcmotorsports.com
Trail – Dirt Commander
Mastering the trails with the rugged tread of the GBC Dirt commander is a cinch. This very tough tire has been ran through rough desert terrain and hard pack trails for many miles without giving in. The deep siped tread gives great all around performance in all terrain. If you drop off into any mud just hammer the throttle as the lugs will clean out easily and pull you through. One of the best parts of the Dirt Commander might just be that the sizes offered will fit anything from a stock factory wheel size to an incredible 32 inch tall tire.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 25X8.00-12, 25X10.00-12, 26X9.00-12, 26X11.00-12, 27X9.00-12, 27X11.00-12, 28X10.00-12, 26X9.00-14, 26X11.00-14, 27X9.00-14, 27X11.00-14, 29X9.00-14, 29×11.00-14, 30X10.00-14, 32X10.00-14, 30X10.00-15
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
ITP: www.itptires.com
Trail – Baja Cross
The weight of a UTV can dramatically affect the performance and it also makes the tires cry out. The ITP Baja Cross design has a race proven heritage and proven to handle the rough stuff. Using ITP’s extended life tire compound you can also expect to get many miles from these shoes. This tire is made with a durable 8-PLY construction for sidewall performance that is also impeccable with less pinch flats from a fast pace in sharp rocks. The deep rim guard or bead saver also makes this a beast of a tread.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 30×10-14; 28×10-14; 26×11-14; 2610-14; 26×11-12; 26×9-12; 25×10-12; 25×8-12
Tread Ply:8-PLY Radial – Max Tread Depth: 1”
Maxxis: www.maxxis.com
Trail – Bighorn 2.0
Developed on the heals of quite possibly the toughest off road UTV tire in the industry the original Bighorn, Bighorn 2.0 is a slim-lined lighter version with gently wider spaced lugs and radial construction. According to Maxxis, “Bighorn 2.0 provides better shock absorption, allowing for a smoother ride. The non-directional pattern provides predictable cornering and claws over roots and rocks for optimum climbing confidence. The Bighorn 2.0 boasts a 6-ply rating, offering the durability that you’ve grown to expect from Bighorn tires.” This is the go to tire for many competitors or trail riders alike.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 28×11-14; 28×9-14; 28×10-12; 26×11-14; 26×9-14; 26×11-12; 26×9-12; 25×10-12; 25×8-12; 24×8-12; 24×10-11; 23×10-12; 23×8-12
Tread Ply: 6-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
Pro-Armor – www.proarmor.com
Trail – Hammer 30’
Pro Armor is known in the industry for incredible accessories and the tires they have are gaining popularity as well. This Hammer 30’ is only offered in one size but it is universal over many platforms and if you have a need it can be mounted front or rear. According to Pro Armor “Built using 8-ply Armor Belt construction, the 15” Pro Armor Hammer is ready for race or recreation. With an aggressive tread pattern and deep side bite, you will experience industry leading traction and performance in hard or soft-pack trails, mud, rocks, and sand. Measuring 30” tall, the Pro Armor Hammer is designed to maximize horsepower and propel your UTV to the front.”
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 30×9.5xR15
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: .78”
Sedona Tire: www.sedonatires.com
Trail – Mud Rebel RT
“The Mud Rebel R/T takes it to the next level with six-ply, heavy-duty radial construction to offer stability and control. Its high-grade rubber compound brings the ultimate in traction and excellent tread life wear.” States Sedona Tire. Do not let the name Mud rebel turn your head away though as this all terrain light weight tire is plenty capable of mastering many different types of trail systems. The lugs on the Mud Rebel top over 1 and an eight inch tall which when combined with the aggressive lug pattern provided good digging forward motion.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 25X8R-12, 25X10R-12, 26X9R-12, 26X10R-12, 26X11R-12, 26X9R-14, 26X11R-14, 30 X10R-15
Tread Ply: 6-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1-1/8th”
STI Tire: www.stitireandwheel.com
Trail – Black Diamond XTR
If you are looking for an undiscovered diamond you need to see what STI’s Black Diamond XTR tires can do for you. The Black Diamond XTR design use’s over-center tread elements to provide a smooth, controlled ride on hardpack, while offering excellent traction and clean-out in softer terrain. The Black Diamond’s 6-ply radial carcass provides the stability needed for heavy side-by-side UTV applications. Add in the long tread wear rubber compound and the Black diamond will still retain good bite from the square edges on the multiple lugs for many seasons of rough riding.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 25x8xR12, 25x10xR12, 26x9xR12, 26x10xR12, 26x11xR12, 26x12xR12, 27x9xR12, 27x11xR12, 26x9xR14, 26x11xR14, 27x9xR14, 27x11xR14, 26x9xR15, 26x11xR15
Tread Ply: 6-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1-1/8th”
Super ATV: www.superatv.com
Trail – Intimidator
If an all around, yet mud flavored tire that can do almost anything is in your wheelhouse then the Intimidator is worth a look. The smooth ride of a trail tire combined with tall two-inch deep lugs for the mud and rocks give this tire some serious versatility. Benefiting from a deep rim guard to keep the bead seated and protected the Intimidator also handles the rocks in the trails. The 6-ply construction means the sidewall will flex for improved contact patch traction and that makes this chunk of rubber great for traction in the loose stuff as well.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 26.5×10-14, 28×10-14, 30×10-14, 32×10-14, 34×10.5-15, 36×10.5-18, 40×10.5-20
Tread Ply: 6-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 2.0”
ROCK CRAWLING – UTV Tire Buyers Guide
Rock crawling tires are a tread of variety and need compounds that allow the tire to somewhat adhere to the slickest rocks for maximum traction. Stepping up onto or down across a steep ledge with plentiful sharp edged rocks at a snails pace is the general use but this tire also needs to be tough with many looking for a good bead saver or deep bead set on the sidewall to protect the air that is inflating the tread. Some will argue that even light truck tires built for off road make a good choice but in staying true to our industry here are a few suggestions.
EFX Tires: www.wheelprospowersports.com
Rock – Moto MTC
Using 6-ply construction and up to 1.25-inches of overall tread depth the EFX Moto MTC is considered by the Colorado based company to be a great all around rocky terrain tire. Climbing over rocks and grabbing at root filled trails is this tires intended purpose but look for the versatility to grow into even more terrain if you need it too. These rock crawling tires are terrain developed to be a go to for anyone who loves to change things up from time to time. Lower the air pressures a little and you have a mountain climber.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 26×9-12, 26×11-12, 26×9-14, 26×11-14, 28×10-14, 28×10-15, 30×10-14, 30×10-16, 32 x10-18
Tread Ply: 6-PLY Bias – Max Tread Depth: 1.25”
GBC Tires: www.gbcmotorsports.com
Rock – Kanati Mongrel
Recently added to the mix of Kanati Mongrel tires is the light-weight 10-PLY construction that is sure to be impermeable under most circumstances. GBC has improved the sidewall as well for puncture resistance while re-engineering the carcass of these tires to improve durability and handling. Add this Kanati Mongrel to any of the newest higher horse power UTV’s on the market and chew up the trails running the rocks and when you get into the flat out hard pack you can run with the big dogs! The Kanati Mongrel also has an impressive 87 mph speed rating, 1000 lb. load rating and is DOT approved.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 32×10-15, 30×10-15; 32×10-14, 30×10-14; 28×10-15; 28×10-14; 27×11-14; 27×9-14; 27×11-12, 27×9-12; 26×10-12
Tread Ply: 8 or 10 PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
ITP: www.itptires.com
Rock – Black Water Evolution
Starting with the eight-ply construction you have a radial tire that should by all means take everything from a sharp rock to a grenade to the tread and keep moving. The tread pattern on the Blackwater Evolution seems somewhat jumbled at first glance, but upon closer inspection we see that the tread gives way to a center tread line that makes hard trail riding easy. Whether it was boulder climbing or soft sandy cornering the Blackwater Evolution is built to handle it well. The sidewall armor on this tire should keep unsuspected punctures away, ensuring a good day in the rocks.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 30×10-15; 30×10-14; 30×10-12; 28×11-14; 28×10-14; 28×9-14; 28×10-12; 27×11-14; 27×9-14; 27×11-12; 27×9-12; 26×11-12; 26×9-12; 25×11-12; 25×9-12
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
Maxxis: www.maxxis.com
Rock – Cornado
According to Maxxis tires “The Maxxis Coronado is the ultimate desert tire for your side-by-side. Brutal desert terrains are no match for the Coronado’s long-wearing compound, formulated for high speeds and high temperatures. The tire’s strong 8-ply rated radial carcass soaks up the shock from rocks and sand whoops for ultimate control, and ensures maximum puncture resistance in the face of thorns and sharp rocks. The Maxxis Coronado’s aggressive tread pattern extends well over the shoulder area for increased sidewall protection and features stepped lugs to provide multiple biting edges. Steering performance is maximized by a rounded front tire profile that hooks up on flat turns and stays in ruts when necessary.”
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 30×10-14; 28×10-14; 27×11-14; 27×9-14; 26×11-14; 26×9-14; 26×11-12; 26×9-12; 25×10-12; 25×8-12
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
Pro-Armor: www.proarmor.com
Rock – Crawler XG
According to Pro Armor the Crawler XG 30-inch tire is designed for driving in rocks. The eight-ply construction and aggressive tread pattern offers great puncture resistance and traction. Not only does this tire look like an aggressive rock hound but it brings massive size to get the already high ground clearance of your UTV even higher. With an 8-PLY rating the Crawler XG puts the serious Pro Armor on the ground for your day on the slick rock!
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 30 x 10R14
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
Sedona Tire: www.sedonatires.com
Rock – Rock-a-billy
In the world of UTV you will now find many rock crawling specific tires but Sedona has developed the Rock-A-Billy tire to be at the top of its game. Utilizing its “rock ejectors” between tread the massive 8-PLY puncture resistant radial tire is built to conquer hard pack and rock along with being a well mannered trail tire. The one item that some might overlook when buying a rock crawling tire is the deep integrated rim guard to keep rocky edges from separating the tire from the rim. Sedona claims this tire will match the high horse power and high speed requirements of todays UTV.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 28x10xR14, 30x10xR14
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
STI Tire: www.stitireandwheel.com
Rock – Chicane
STI tire has developed many great tires in the past few years and are led by an industry original that has spent many years learning what most UTV owners want and need. According to STI, “The Chicane RX tire combination results from STI’s years of hands-on experience and proven testing that has produced a broad line of high-performance tires and wheels. Featuring a unique split-knob non-directional tread design, the Chicane RX line is DOT marked and ready to hit the road for powerful performance and high-mileage value. The design’s 8-ply carcass offers the perfect mix of durability, light weight, and smooth ride flexibility.”
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 26x10xR12, 27x10xR14, 28/10-14, 30/10-14, 30/10-15, 32/10-15
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: .75”
Super ATV: www.superatv.com
Rock – Intimidator
If an all around, yet mud flavored tire that can do almost anything is in your wheelhouse then the Intimidator is worth a look. The smooth ride of a trail tire combined with tall two-inch deep lugs for the mud and rocks give this tire some serious versatility. Benefiting from a deep rim guard to keep the bead seated and protected the Intimidator also handles the rocks in the trails. The 6-ply construction means the sidewall will flex for improved contact patch traction and that makes this chunk of rubber great for traction in the loose stuff as well.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 26.5×10-14, 28×10-14, 30×10-14, 32×10-14, 34×10.5-15, 36×10.5-18, 40×10.5-20
Tread Ply: 6-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 2.0”
MUD – UTV Tire Buyers Guide
When we think of mud we think of the kind of slop that devours the average machine and also adds the performance requirements to our rig that is possibly the most demanding. From a tight lugged tire to the very well spaced chevron patterns of many tires in this space it can be a really challenge to just get one that cleans out well for the next bite of wet earth. These mud-chomping tires also have to have a decent tread cross over lug in the center of the tire so that when you drive back out of the wilderness to the truck your machine will not beat you to death jumping from lug to lug. Here are a few great performers in this space.
EFX Tires: www.wheelprospowersports.com
Mud – Moto-Boss
The deep mud lovers were searching for a new mud tire to challenge their machines in the nasty bogs and EFX delivered their answer to the call. Built with an excess of deep mud traction at an almost two inch tall overall lug this tire is sure to get the wet stuff out of the hole. As the center-tread spreads down the center of the tire the trails should also be smooth as they harden up. Using a softer rubber this tire is pliable and might even be a good cross to rock crawling should you want that brute look in the stones.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 28×10-14, 30×10-14, 32×10-15, 34×10-16
Tread Ply: 6-Ply Bias – Max Tread Depth: 2”+
GBC Tires: www.gbcmotorsports.com
Mud – Grim Reaper
According to GBC, The Grim Reaper combines an aggressive, skeletal tread with deep, wrap-around shoulder lugs to give you the best rubber-to-ground contact at all angles.” This tire is also a good performer in mud terrain and wet conditions as well. The Reaper’s 8-ply rated, all-terrain radial construction provides superior puncture resistance in the roughest conditions while also maximizing rider comfort. This tire not only performs well but looks tough as nails too. The side lug extending just off the flat edge to the sidewall should give any UTV good grip in the faster trails.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 23X8.00-R12, 23X10.00-R12, 25X8.00-R12, 25X10.0-R12, 26X9.00-R12, 26X11.00R12, 26X9.00-R14, 26X11.00-R14, 27X9.00-R14, 27X11.00-R14, 30X10.00-R14, 32X10.00-R14
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
ITP: www.itptires.com
Mud – Mayhem
Making a mud tire is just part of the game for ITP. When you think of what this tire will create you simply press the gas as it then embellishes the name tagged on the sidewall and Mayhem ensues. Using a tread dept of one inch this tire is great for the trail rider who may love to bounce through the muck on occasion. It also works well for those in damp climates that experience muddy conditions more than not. Utilizing a lighter weight carcass also makes it a much smoother tire but don’t let this one fool you as it’s a performer.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 24X8-12, 24X10-12, 25X8-12, 25X10-12, 26X9-12, 26 X11-12
Tread Ply: 6-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
Maxxis: www.maxxis.com
Mud – Zilla
One of the originals the Zilla mud tire makes easy work of light to moderate bogs. These tires are not to be mistaken with the larger bretheren the Mudzilla. This lighter and slightly more tame tire boasts a lighter tread pattern for quicker acceleration. Its tread pattern is also closer together, making for a smoother trail ride. Another feature that adds to the smooth trail ride to and from the sloppy mess is the semi-continuous center lug pattern. This keeps the bumps of the true mud tire a little smoother. Add in the durable 6-PLY construction and the Zilla is ready for war.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 24X8-11, 23X8-12, 24X8-12, 25X8-12, 26X9-12, 27X9-12, 28X10-12, 26X9-14, 27X10-14, 28X9-14, 30X9-14 Rear Sizes: 22X10-9, 25X11-9, 22X11-10 25X11-10, 24X10-11, 23X10-12, 25X10-12, 26X11-12, 27X11-12, 28X12-12, 26X11-14, 27X12-14, 28X11-14, 30X11-14
Tread Ply: 6-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1”
Sedona Tire: www.sedonatires.com
Mud – Mudda Inlaw
When the mud gets thick call on Mudda-Inlaw! This is what Sedona Tire recommends to be the giant of their dirty mud loving tire selection. When you think about the over 2.25 inches of lug height on the side paddle with a smooth crossover lug right down the center of the tire for running those hard pack trails to the swamp you will be thinking of the Mudda-Inlaw. Offered in up tp a 32-inch tall tire on a 14-inch rim this gripster will take your UTV to another level.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 30X10R-14, 32X10R-14
Tread Ply: 8-PLY
Max Tread Depth: 2.25”
STI Tire: www.stitireandwheel.com
Mud – OutBack Max
STI’s most aggressive mud tire is the Outback MAX, boasting 1.5-inch tread depth in the center and 2.0-inch tread depth at the shoulder. If you just feel the need to impress your hombres with the deep dive then you might consider the Outback Max as it will deliver the churning motion needed to get you through the mire.
Offered in massive heights and also in rim sizes up to 17-inches this beast of a tire is not for the squeamish. The word on the street is that the engineers at STI haven’t finished this line just yet.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 30X10-14, 31X10-15, 32X10-17, 34 X10-17
Tread Ply: 8-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 1.5”
Super ATV: www.superatv.com
Mud – Terminator
When you hear the name SuperATV you might immediately think of a machine with many diverse capabilities. This is true to form for the company in Indiana as they have formulated many great products from thoughts to bolt on parts and with plenty of research their tire line is no different. The Terminator is a very knarly appearing tire with massive two inch tall lugs that drape over the sidewall for bite like a pitbull. These deep lugs also provide plenty of grip and cleanout well in the muddy trails when the forecast turns ugly.
Tire Specifications:
Tire size: 26.5×10-14, 28X10-12, 28X10-14, 28X12-14, 29.5X10-12, 29.5X10-14, 29.5X12-14, 32X10-14, 33X10-15, 34X10-15, 35X10.5-16, 36X10-18, 36 X12-18, 38×10.5-18
Tread Ply: 6-PLY – Max Tread Depth: 2.0”
