— BUYER’S GUIDE TO THE BEST CHOICES —
The right mud tire makes all the difference in the swamps and pits. Many of these options are equally as good on the slippery trails, and size selections are getting larger and more diverse to power high-performance UTVs through deep mud and water. Not only are outside diameters getting larger, today’s mud tires are accepting ever-larger rims for looks, lighter weight and less sidewall to puncture.
AMS MUD EVIL
Construction: Bias
Reason for being: The Mud Evil uses a relatively smooth-riding all-terrain tread pattern that searches for or creates traction in muddy ruts!
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 28×10-14, 30×10-14, 32×10-14
Prices: $226.95–$278.95
Worth knowing: A confidence-inspiring six-ply nylon casing provides great durability and protection against punctures.
Contact: www.amstires.com
ARISUN SWAMP THING
Construction: Bias
Reason for being: Built for deep mud bogging but ready to take on the toughest trails in between.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 27×9-14, 27×11-14, 28×10-14, 30×10-14, 32×10-14
Prices: $153–$220
Worth knowing: Arisun uses their composite N4D material for unmatched puncture protection and all-around durability.
Contact: www.arisuntiresusa.com
CST SLUDGE HAMMER & WILD THANG
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: An extreme mud tire with 1.75-inch lugs and a tread life that outlasts the competition.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 28X10R14, 27X10R14, 30x10R12, 30x10R14, 32X10R14, 35X10R14, 35X10R17, 38X10R18
Prices: $239–$340
Worth knowing: One of the few true mud tires that are still rated for the heavier loads that your UTV is capable of carrying. CST’s Wild Thang has smaller lugs and comes in smaller sizes (25×8-12-28×12-12) for Aces and UTVs with 12-inch rims.
Contact: www.csttires.com
CHAPARRAL/OCELOT P375
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Thick mud and soft-terrain performance at a budget-
tire price point
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 25X8-12, 25×10-12, 26×9-12, 26×12-12, 27×9-12, 27×12-12
Prices: $65–$98
Worth knowing: The Ocelot’s large, spaced-out tread design is also
self-cleaning.
Contact: www.chaparral-racing.com
Construction: Bias-Ply
Reason for being: The MotoBoss is the best of both worlds with an all-purpose design to claw, climb, push and overcome any obstacle.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 28x10x14, 30x10x14, 32x10x15, 34x10x16
Prices: $150-$225
Worth knowing: The improved lug pattern of the MotoBoss tire was specifically designed for optimal ride quality so that you can enjoy your ride home after a day in the mud pits. EFX has always been known for the details and the MotoBoss is no exception, incorporating a diamond pattern into the shoulder and carcass that looks as good dirty as it does clean.
Contact: www.efxtires.com
GBC SPARTACUS
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: A great all-around tire that still shines in the mud, the Spartacus now comes in new 28x10R14, 30x10R14 and 32x10R14 sizes.
Ply number: 8-ply
Sizes: Fronts: 25×8-12, 25×10-12, 26×10-12, 26x12x12, 26×9-14, 27×9-14. Rears: 25×10-12, 26×10-12, 26×12-12, 26×9-14, 27×9-14, 27×11-14, 28×10-R14, 30×10-R14, 32×10-R14
Prices: $125–$197 each
Worth knowing: Heavy-duty construction gives the Spartacus the durability needed to ride it anywhere you could possibly want. New larger sizes will fit the biggest UTVs on the market.
Contact: www.gbcmotorsports.com
ITP CRYPTID MUD TIRES
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Specializes in conquering the gnarliest muck, the proven chevron-style tread provides mud-churning performance. Paddle-like shoulder lugs provides maximum side bite for climbing in and out of the mud without compromising trail comfort, while grooved center lugs channel away mud and debris.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 30×10-14, 32×10-15, 34×10-17, 36×10-17. New sizes: 27×10-14, 28×10-14, 30×9-14, 30×11-14
Prices: $215–$295
Worth knowing: Made with a super-durable rubber compound right here in the good old US of A.
Contact: www.itptires.com
KENDA EXECUTIONER
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: A great all-around mud tire with reinforced knobs to reduce knob rollover at lower pressures for increased comfort and tread life.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: Front: 25×8-12, 26×10-12, 27×10-12, 28×9-14. Rears: 25×10-12, 26×12-12, 27×12-12, 28×11-14
Prices: $107–$170
Worth knowing: The Executioner features an extra-tough casing and rim saver for protection against rock and rut damage.
Contact: www.kendatire.com
HIGH LIFTER OUTLAW 2 & R2
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: The Outlaw 2 is an all-in mud tire with massive scoops to pull, dig, and paddle through mud and water. The R2 features a flatter, more multi-purpose design.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: Front: 28×9.5-14, 29.5×9.5-14, 32×10.5-14, 34.5×10.5-16. Rear: 28×11-14, 29.5×9.5-14, 29.5×11-14, 32.5×10.5-14, 34.5×10.5-16; R2 33×9-18, 35×9-20
Prices: $184–$240; R2, $194.95-$199.95
Worth knowing: The Outlaw 2 features massive 2.5-inch-tall lugs that are 1.75 inches wide with full sidewall tread for increased traction in the ruts. The R2 features a slightly tamer 1.5-inch tread and is available to fit up to a previously unheard of 20-inch wheel.
Contact: www.highlifter.com
GORILLA SILVERBACK MT2
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: The Silverback is built to dominate the mud pit, and the MT2 has been refined for a smoother ride on the way there.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 30×9-14, 33×10-15 and a massive 36×10-18
Prices: $199.95–$274.95 each
Worth knowing: A three-stage lug design and flattened profile are used to increase ride quality on harder-pack terrain while still providing excellent traction and flotation.
Contact: www.gorilla-axle.com
MAXXIS MUDZILLA
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Maxxis Tire’s extreme-condition mud tire with massive tread bars for maximum traction.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: Fronts: 25×8-12, 26×9-12, 27×9-12, 28×10-12, 28×8-12, 30×9-14. Rears: 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’s specifically designed tread pattern is constructed to flex in mud-accumulating areas for increased clean-out.
Contact: www.maxxis.com
PRO ARMOR ANARCHY
Construction: Armor belt
Reason for being: Built with 2-inch lugs for the deepest mud pits and swamps.
Ply number: 8-ply
Sizes: 29.5×9-14
Prices: $249
Worth knowing: The Anarchy’s lugs continue all the way to the wheel for unbeatable side bite and sidewall protection.
Contact: www.proarmor.com
MAXXIS MAXXZILLA PLUS
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Their most aggressive tread design with deeper lugs to power through the thickest mud.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 32x10R14
Prices: $287 but found online at $207
Worth knowing: The 32-inch Maxxzilla uses a complex, stepped 3D pattern for incredible mud traction.
Contact: www.maxxis.com
PRO ARMOR DAGGER
Construction: Armor belt
Reason for being: The Dagger uses a fuller lug pattern and rounded profile for a predictable and compliant trail experience.
Ply number: 8-ply
Sizes: 27×9-14, 27×11-14
Prices: $209.95–$219.95
Worth knowing: The Dagger comes in separate front and rear sizes and tread configurations
Contact: www.proarmor.com
PIT BULL GROWLER XOR
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: An extremely durable off-road radial that can perform and prevail in any condition from mud to snow, as well as the rocky trails.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: Fronts: 25.5×8-12, 25.5×8-14. Rears: 25.5×10-12, 25.5×10-14, 26.5x11R12, 26.511R14, 27.5x11R12, 27.5x11R14
Prices: $161–$220
Worth knowing: These Pit Bull XOR tires are made in the USA. Extra-deep rim guards will protect your wheels, and the half sizes are perfect for the guy looking for that extra little edge when it comes to ground clearance.
Contact: www.pitbulltires.com
SEDONA MUDDA INLAW
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: Built specifically for the mud pits, but still comfortable enough for those longer hardpack transfer sections in between.
Ply number: 8-ply
Sizes: 28×10-14, 30×10-14, 32×12-14
Prices: $226 to $265
Worth knowing: The 2-inch-deep center lug increases to 2.25 inches at the outside edge for a paddle-like effect in soupier conditions. These are built to perform in deep mud.
Contact: www.sedonatires.com
STI OUT & BACK XT & XLT
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Designed to be that mud tire that you end up leaving mounted all year long.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 26×9-12, 26×10-12, 26×11-12, 26×12-12, 27×9-12, 27×10-12, 27×11-12, 27×12-12, 27×9-14, 27×11-1428×9-12, 28×11-12; XLT: 30×9-14, 30×11-14, 30×9-17, 30×11-17
Prices: $88-$325
Worth knowing: While they work good in the soup, they are even more impressive on those loose, muddy trails. The XLT features a taller profile and the 14-inch and 17-inch wheel sizes.
Contact: www.stitireandwheel.com
QUADBOSS QBT 673
Construction: Radial
Reason for being: An aggressive mud tire that is built for today’s biggest UTVs and available through just about any local dealership.
Ply number: 8-ply
Sizes: 30x10R14, 32x10R14, 32x10R15, 34x10R14
Prices: $199.95–$269.95
Worth knowing: These extreme mud tires feature an impressive 1.75-inch-deep tread and radial construction for a smoother ride.
Contact: www.tuckerrocky.com
SUPERATV ASSASSINATOR
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Extremely deep 3-inch lugs for unmatched grip in the thickest and slickest mud with a self-cleaning design.
Ply number: 6-ply
Sizes: 29.4X8-14, 32×8-14, 36×7.5-20, 40×7.5-20
Prices: $209 to $349
Worth knowing: SuperATV recommends using the 5-inch-wide SuperATV Healy wheel with their 7.5-inch-wide tires.
Contact: www.superatv.com
STI OUT & BACK MAX
Construction: Bias-ply
Reason for being: Built to be comfortable while still gripping in all conditions.
Ply number: 8-ply-rated carcass for low-pressure operation
Sizes: 27×10-14, 28×10-14, 30×10-14, 32×10-14, 31×10-15, 32×10-17, 34×10-17, 36×10-18
Prices: $87–$325
Worth knowing: The 12-inch sizes are 6-ply while the larger ones are 8-ply for heavier loads.
Contact: www.stitireandwheel.com