BUYER’S GUIDE: Mud Tires

The deeper, the dirtier, the slipperier, the sloppier, the better. And, swamps to comps. The South is all about muddin’. Love or leave it, what used to be a weatherrelated inconvenience has created a whole new culture among ATV and UTV enthusiasts. Whether recreational riding in the swamps, hitting a muddy trail in search of game, or mud racing with ten thousand other mud-covered lunatics at the Mud Nationals, you need two things: traction and ground clearance is the name of the game, and just about every tire manufacturer in our industry is releasing bigger and badder tires every year. Check out these options—everything from the smallest ATV to new 34-inch Outlaw 2s for your 1000cc, lifted UTVs.

AMS SWAMP FOX PLUS
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: The Swamp Fox Plus is an ultra aggressive mud and snow tire.
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 25×8-12, 26×9-12, 27×9-12, 28×9-12, 26×9-14. Rear: 27×12-12, 28×12-12, 25×10-12, 26×1212, 27×12-12, 28×12-12, 26×11-14
Prices: $86–$156 each
Worth knowing: The Swamp Fox Plus features a super-deep, 1.2-inch tread depth with a self-cleaning design to conquer the deepest mud and snow.
www.amstires.com

CST BEHEMOTH
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: The Behemoth is designed with low-rolling resistance to excel in hardpack conditions, and the aggressive tread pattern enhances traction in the mud and provides sidewall protection in rockier terrain. Ply number: 8-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 25×8-12, 26×9-12, 26×9-14, 27×9-14. Rear: 25×10-12, 26×11-12, 26×11-14, 27×11-14 Prices: $179–$224
Worth knowing: The Behemoth is CST’s doit-all sport utility tire, truly designed to provide confidence-inspiring grip at speed and still impress in the mud and rocks. The Behemoth will be perfect for larger 4×4 quads, as well as the performance UTV market.
www.csttires.com

DWT MOAPA
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: The Moapa is engineered for a stable ride with plenty of traction in any terrain.
Ply number: 6-ply rated, or also available in 12-plyrated run-flat
Sizes: Fronts: 25X8-12, 26×9-12, 26×9-14, 28×1014. Rear: 25×10-12, 26×1112, 26×11-14, 28×12-14 Prices: $86–$150 each. Run-flats: $154–$199
Worth knowing: The Moapa’s aggressive, wrapped tread design reinforces and protects the sidewall, also providing a wider contact patch for excellent traction in the toughest terrains and conditions. Designed for both full-size ATVs and UTVs.
www.dwtracing.com

GBC GATOR
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Built for the deepest mud and muck. Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 22×8-10, 23×8-10, 22×7-11, 23×8-11, 24×8-11, 24×9-11, 25×8-12, 26×10-12, 27×10-12, 28×1012. Rear: 22×11-8, 22×10-9, 22×11-9, 25×12-9, 22×11-10, 23×10-10, 24x11x10, 25×1210, 24×10-11, 25×10-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-10, 27×1212, 28×12-12 Prices: $89–$172 each
Worth knowing: The GBC Gator’s massive lugs overlap the centerline to create a smoother ride, and they are one of the few aggressive mud tires to feature sizing for smaller ATVs.
www.gbcmotorsports.com

GBC MUD HOG
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: The Mud Hog is a purpose-built mud tire.
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 26×10-12, 27×10-12, 28×10-12. Rear: 26×12-12, 27×12-12, 28×12-12 Prices: $137–$188 each
Worth knowing: The Mud Hog’s deep, dimpled lugs save weight and provide additional biting edges to scoop away the mud.
www.gbcmotorsports.com

INTERCO TSL VAMPIRES
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Rugged mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 24×9-10, 25×9.510, 26×9.5-10, 24×9-11, 25×9.5-11, 26×9.5-11, 27×10-11, 25×9.5-12, 26×9.5-12, 27×10-12, 28×10-12, 28×10,14. Rear: 22×12.5-10, 24×9-10, 25×13-10, 26×12-10, 27×10-10, 25×1211, 26×12-11, 27×12-11, 25×12-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-12, 28×10-12, 28×1014, 22×12.5-9, 25×13-9 Prices: $82–$134
Worth knowing: If you’ve always thought it would be cool to get a set of TSLs for your quad, nows your chance. That’s right, the same namesake that has made a huge name in the truck world has tires for your ATV. Unsurpassed forward, reverse and lateral traction with massive lugs.
www.intercotire.com

INTERCO MAMBA LITE
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Lightweight, extreme mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 25×8-12, 26×1012, 27×9-12, 30×8.5-12, 30×8.5-14. Rear: 25×10-12, 26×12-12, 27×11-12, 30×8.5-12, 30×8.5-14 Prices: $120.88–$171.88
Worth knowing: These massive, luggy tires weigh in at just 45 pounds for a 30-inch tire.
www.intercotire.com

GORILLA SILVERBACK
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: The Gorilla Axle Silverback is an all-in mud tire.
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 27×10-12, 28×10-12, 30×10-12, 30×9-14, 32×10-14. Rear: 27×12-12, 28×12-12, 30×10-12, 30×1114, 32×10-14 Prices: $167–$232 each
Worth knowing: Claims to be the most aggressive ATV tire on the market, tread depth starts at 1.5 inches on a 27-inch all the way to a massive 2.5 inches on the 32-inch monster tires. The Silverback’s massive lugs wrap all the way to the bead, providing maximum traction in the ruts.
www.gorilla-axle.com

STI SILVERBACK X-LITE
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: A mud tire designed with a tread based on the super-successful, original Gorilla Silverback. The X-Lite features the same wraparound lugs, only with a much shallower lug height. The lighter weight X-Lite tire is designed to be easier on the machine and the pocketbook.
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 25×8-12, 26×9-12, 27×9-12, 26×9-14, 27×10-14, 28×1014, 30×10-14. Rear: 25×10-12, 26×1112, 27×11-12, 26×11-14, 27×10-14, 28×10-14, 30×10-14 Prices: $87–$142 each
Worth knowing: The X-Lite is the best of both worlds with an unbeatable, proven tread pattern and a lower weight that will work with a stock machine.
www.stitireandwheel.com

STI OUTBACK MAX
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Built for the ultimate mud experience with today’s large-bore UTVs
Ply number: 8-ply-rated carcass for low-pressure operation
Sizes: 30×10-14, 31×10-15, 32×10-17 Prices: $235–$269
Worth knowing: The Outback Max features stepped-lug construction, true sizing, and 1.5-inch center tread depth and 2-inch tread depth at the shoulder.
www.stitireandwheel.com

HIGH LIFTER OUTLAW
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rating
Sizes: Front: 27×9.5-12, 28×9.5-12, 29.5×10-12, 31×9.5-14. Rear: 27×12-12, 28×12.5-12, 29.5×12-12, 31×11-14
Prices: $165–$246
Worth knowing: An inch and a quarter deep, cupped-paddle-like lugs to propel you versus digging down for traction. Open spacing for superior clean-out.
www.highlifter.com

HIGH LIFTER OUTLAW 2
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Extreme mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Front: 28×9.5-14, 29.5×9.5-14, 32.5×10-14. Rear: 28×11-14, 29.5×11-14, 32.5×10.5-14 and the brand new 34.5×10-16
Prices: $184–$240 each
Worth knowing: The Outlaw 2 features a redesigned tread that wraps all the way to the rim, increasing traction in the ruts. The Outlaw 2’s scooped treads maximize pulling, digging, and paddling through deep mud and water. It’s a 1 5/8-inch tread depth at the center and 2 3/8 inches at the shoulder.
www.highlifter.com

HIGH LIFTER OUTLAW MST
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Front: 25×9-12, 26×9.4-12, 27×9.5-12, 28×9.5-12. Rear: 25×11-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-12, 28,12-12
Prices: $106–$165
Worth knowing: The Outlaw MST features deep lugs and wraparound tread bars with siping similar to what is used in rock and ice climbing. Designed for maximum traction in any terrain.
www.highlifter.com

HIGH LIFTER RADIAL OUTLAW
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: Extreme-terrain mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Front: 27×9.5-14, 28×9.5-14, 30×10-14. Rear: 27×12-14, 28×12-14, 30×10-14
Prices: $206–$253
Worth knowing: High Lifter claims that extensive siping creates over 3000 biting edges for superior traction in most any environment. Every other lug wraps 3 inches down the sidewall for extended pulling from the sides of ruts or on rocks.
www.highlifter.com

KENDA EXECUTIONER
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Front: 25×8-12, 26×10-12, 27×10-12, 28×9-14. Rear: 25×10-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-12, 28×11-14
Prices: $107–$170
Worth knowing: Reinforced knobs reduce rollover at low pressure, improving ride comfort and increasing tread life.
www.kendatire.com

KENDA BEARCLAW EVO
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: All-terrain tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Front: 25×8-12, 26×9-12, 26×9-14, 27×9-12. Rear: 25×10-12, 26×11-12, 26×11-14, 27×11-12
Prices: $83–$136
Worth knowing: Kenda’s newest Bearclaw tire features uniquely shaped transition knobs for improved cornering traction and handling.
www.kendatire.com

ITP MUD LITE XXL
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Performance mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Front: 30×10-12, 30×10-14. Rear: 30×12-12, 30×12-14
Prices: $195–$278
Worth knowing: The Mud Lite XXL features 1.3-inch-deep lugs but is surprisingly light when compared to similar tires. Designed for highly modified, big bore, 4×4 ATVs.
www.itptires.com

ITP MAMMOTH MAYHEM
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Extreme mud bogging, loose and deep mud, and snow.
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: One size only—big! 32×10-14
Prices: $253 each
Worth knowing: The Mammoth Mayhem has massive 2-inch-deep lugs that overlap on the center for an incredibly smooth ride and amazing clean-out.
www.itptires.com

PITBULL GROWLER XOR
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: Mud, snow, sand and trail tire for ATV and UTV applications.
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 25.5×8-12, 25.5×8-14. Rear: 25.5×10-12, 25.5×10-14
Prices: $161–$185
Worth knowing: Designed to replace your ATV’s stock 25-inch tires with a little more height, a lot more bite and the most technically advanced tread pattern on the market.
www.pitbulltires.com

MAXXIS MUDBUG
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: Trail-capable mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 25×8-12, 26×10-12, 27×10-12, 27×8-12. Rear: 25×11-10, 25×10-11, 25×10-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-12
Prices: $122–$178
Worth knowing: This is a radial tire with big, massive lugs, offering great traction and a smooth ride down the trail. Designed to impress on hardpack as well as in the slop.
www.maxxis.com

MAXXIS MUDZILLA
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Extreme condition mud tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Fronts: 25×8-12, 26×9-12, 27×9-12, 28×10-12, 28×8-12, 30×9-14. Rear: 25×10-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-12, 28×10-12, 28×12-12, 30×11-14
Prices: $158–$255
Worth knowing: The Mudzilla is Maxxis’ ultimate mud tire with massive tread bars designed for maximum traction in the mud. Also, it’s designed to flex more in mud-accumulating areas.
www.maxxis.com

MAXXIS ZILLA
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Trail-friendly; mud-, snow- and soft-terrain tire
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Front: 24×8-11, 23×8-12, 24×8-12, 25×8-12, 26×9-12, 27×9-12, 28×10-12, 26×9-14, 27×10-14, 28×9-14, 30×9-14, Rear: 22×10-9, 25×11-9, 22×11-10, 25×11-10, 24×10-11, 23×10-12, 25×10-12, 26×11-12, 27×11-12, 28×12-12, 26×11-14, 27×12-14, 28×11-14, 30×11-14
Prices: $100–$200 each
Worth knowing: The Zilla is Maxxis’ all-around-use mud tire. Lightweight yet with a mud-slinging pattern that is also comfortable to ride on the more hardpack trails.
www.maxxis.com

COLORADO COMPONENTS EFX MOTO MAX
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: All-terrain mud tire that can perform on hardpack as well as in the slop.
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: Front: 27×10-14. Rear: 27×12-14
Prices: $134 and $147
Worth knowing: The MotoMax was designed with 1-inch-deep lugs and a huge contact patch for stable, controlled traction on any surface.
www.cocomponents.com

COLORADO COMPONENTS EFX MOTO MONSTER
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: A super-aggressive, mud-specific tire.
Ply number: 6-ply rated
Sizes: One massive 30×10-14 size available
Prices: $210
Worth knowing: The Moto Monster is EFX’s true swamp tire, featuring 2-inch lugs with side-paddle extensions on the shoulder lug to keep in traction at all times. The side paddles flow into a seamless wheel protector and are self cleaning.
www.cocomponents.com

EFX MOTOBOSS
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Deep-mud specific tire
Ply number: 8-ply rated
Sizes: 28×10-14, 30×10-14, 32×10-15, 34×10-16
Prices: $215.25-$288.25
Worth knowing: Super-deep 3-inch lugs with extra-deep shoulder paddling tread for forward drive in the soupiest mud pits you can find.
www.cocomponents.com

SEDONA MUD REBEL
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: An all-terrain mud and utility tire with aggressive angled lugs for traction.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: Front: 25×8-12, 24×8-12, 26×9-12, 27×10-14. Rear: 25×10-12, 25×11-10, 26×10-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-14, 24×9-11
Prices: $86–$150 each
Worth knowing: The Mud Rebel is designed for the aggressive mud or utility ATV rider or UTV driver. The aggressive tread pattern grips in muddy or dry conditions and features excellent clean-out.
www.sedonatires.com

SEDONA MUD REBEL RT
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: Ultimate traction with longer tread life.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: Fronts: 24×9-11, 24×8-12, 25×8-12, 26×9-12, 27×10-14. Rear: 25×11-10, 25×10-12, 26×10-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-14
Prices: $120–$160
Worth knowing: A heavy-duty, sixply radial tire designed for both stability and control. The RT features a special long-life rubber compound to outlast the competition.
www.sedonatires.com

SEDONA MUDDER IN LAW
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: The In Law is Sedona’s all-in, aggressive mud tire.
Ply number: 8-ply rated
Sizes: 30×10-14 or 32×12-14
Prices: $230 and $250
Worth knowing: Designed for an exceptionally smooth ride, long wear, and extreme deep-mud performance. The In Law’s lugs are 2 inches deep in the center and 2 1/4 inches at the outside edge, and built to paddle you through mud pits quickly.
www.sedonatires.com