With so many tire options available, it’s natural to feel unsure about which ones are the best match for you, especially when it comes to off-road journeys where specialized tires are a must.
Rest assured, you’re in good hands with this guide. It will introduce you to the best ATV tires known for their durability and performance, all tailored to your specific ATV type.
For ultimate convenience, you can purchase some of these tires online, or, alternatively, from a general auto parts store.
Top All-Terrain ATV Tires
Since all-terrain ATV tires are designed to handle diverse surfaces, they are ideal for ATV owners traversing various terrains. However, with a plethora of options available, which ones truly excel?
Two of the best all-terrain ATV tires worth noting are the ITP Blackwater Evolution and the Maxxis Carnivore. Both of these tires are known for their superior performance in various terrains.
ITP Blackwater Evolution
Price: $191-$263/tire
Topping the list is ITP Blackwater Evolution, an innovative, non-directional, and durable radial tire. This tire boasts a ‘Tough Tread’ rubber compound and an 8-ply radial design, contributing to its remarkable durability and extended wear life.
It features:
- Non-directional tread design for effective traction across muddy, rocky, soft, and snowy terrains.
- Smooth ride and precise handling
- A rubber tread design that offers exceptional wear and abrasion resistance
Maxxis Carnivore
Price:$224 – $325/tire
Another strong contender in the all-terrain ATV tire market is the Maxxis Carnivore. You can get this ply tire in various sizes, such as 28×10.00R14, 30×10.00R14, and 32×10.00R14.
Its 18 PSI makes it suitable for both front and rear positions on an ATV.
This tire offers:
- 8-ply radial construction that ensures durability
- Tread depth of 23/32 inches for excellent traction
- Performance on a variety of surfaces, including hard-packed terrain and loose conditions
The Best Mud Tires
Mud tires provide superior traction in soft soil, preventing rock drilling and mud build-up. The best under this category are the CST Stag and the Traxion Gripper Max.
Both these tires are equipped with unique features that enhance their performance and durability in muddy terrains.
CST Stag
Price per tire: $137.00 – $244.00
The CST Stag is your best bet for mud tires. Its non-directional tread pattern with alternating hook-like center lugs facilitates the effective removal of mud and debris. Along with a tread depth of up to 25/32 inches, they ensure a deep grip for challenging off-road environments.
The features of the CST Stag include:
- 6-ply rated radial carcass for enhanced comfort and durability
- Alternating hook-like center lugs that dig into any terrain
- Aggressive, non-directional pattern designed to clear debris
Traxion Gripper Max
Price per tire: $181.59 – $226.99
Another great pick for muddy conditions is the Traxion Gripper Max tires. They are notable for their performance across all terrains, including challenging muddy conditions.
Their other features include;
- Extreme duty 8-ply rated radial carcass
- Reinforced sidewalls for maximum protection and stability.
- Non-directional tread for smooth and precise control.
Another distinguishing feature of Traxion Gripper Max tires is their effective design, specifically engineered to prevent the formation of excessive ruts in the mud.
Snow-Ready ATV Tires
Tires with rubber compounds work well in snowy conditions because the rubber remains flexible despite the temperature. The Maxxis Big Horn 2 and the Carlisle AT489 are two top picks for these winter adventures. These tires are specially designed to tackle snowy trails with ease.
Maxxis Big Horn 2
Price per tire: $185.00 – $281.50
Image courtesy of Maxxis.com
Designed specifically for winter escapades, the Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 is a tire that performs. Its features include:
- A tread pattern that offers improved flotation/grip compared to some competitors
- Boasts non-directional tread pattern for optimum climbing
- Extra Wrap around tread on the shoulder that protects the sidewall and rim
The tire includes sidewall and rim protectors for added durability against rough. The Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 can fit a variety of ATVs as it is available in 12 and 14-inch sizes.
Carlisle AT489
Price per tire: $137.33 – $195.80
Also, you can count on the Maxxis Big Horn 2 and the Carlisle AT489 to easily tackle snowy trails. These tires excel on snowy and soft terrains due to their flexible rubber compound and thoughtfully designed tread patterns.
AT489 tires features:
- A lug pattern that offers balanced traction.
- Includes puncture-resistant tread compounds for diverse off-road conditions
- Best for soft to intermediate surfaces/mud, but works on all terrains
Durable ATV Tires
Two standout tires in this category are the AMS M1 Evil and the BFGoodrich KM3. What sets them apart from other options is their exceptional durability which stems from high ply ratings.
AMS M1 Evil
Price per tire: $162.95 – $304.95
Built with a natural rubber compound that increases puncture resistance, the AMS M1 Evil is a good choice for you. This 18 PSI tire can withstand hard to intermediate surfaces even at high speeds. The price starts at around $181, which is a fair price for ATV tires.
Some of the features include:
- Exceptional 1 deep lug that offers excellent gripping performance
- Features special long-lasting compound for ultra wear protection
- 6-ply and 8-ply radial design
BFGoodrich KM3
Price per tire: $197
Another tire worth mentioning for its durability is the BFGoodrich KM3. This tire utilizes Linear Flex Zone technology for improved grip on irregular surfaces and CoreGard Max sidewalls for enhanced durability and sidewall damage resistance.
They work best on muddy, rocky, and slick surfaces.
Other features include;
- Features an advanced Krawl-TEK compound which improves traction by 8%.
- The tire’s Terrain-Attack tread pattern includes massive tread blocks designed to deliver incredible grip from any angle of approach.
Budget-Friendly ATV Tires
We know budget matters when choosing ATV tires, but going for affordable options doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or durability. Two tires that deliver on both fronts are the CST Ancla and the Traxion Alpha.
CST Ancla
Price per tire: $125.00 – $212
Designed to deliver performance without breaking the bank, the CST Ancla tire is a cost-effective choice. Offered in both 4-ply and 6-ply ratings, this tire meets various durability needs at a budget-friendly price.
The CST Ancla offers:
- Superior traction across multiple terrains, thanks to its sweeping tread design
- Sizes ranging from 24 to 28 inches in diameter, accommodating various ATV models
- Support for loads up to 900 lbs
Traxion Alpha
Price per tire: $227.50 – $311.50
Another tire that delivers excellent performance while being budget-friendly is the Traxion Alpha. Built with an eight-ply construction, this tire provides high levels of durability and the ability to withstand rough terrain without easily succumbing to punctures.
Features:
- 1-inch deep paddle-like edges that will help the driver get out of sand or mud ruts
- The unique rubber compound that provides maximum grip
- Consists 8-ply high-performance radial with a flat contact patch for off-road racers
Tips for Choosing the Right ATV Tire
Choosing the perfect ATV tire is about understanding your needs and budget. Ultimately, you’ll need to find that balance between performance and budget.
Whether you’re a pro racer or a weekend explorer, the right tire can really make a difference in your ride.
The right storage space for your ATV is equally crucial. While these tires are built to endure mud, rain, and snow, prolonged moisture exposure can degrade tire rubber compounds and cause reduced traction. Thus, regular maintenance and proper storage are the keys to keeping your ATV tires clean and protected.
Storing tires in a safe, dry place shields them from moisture and prevents rubber deterioration. For convenient, nearby, and budget-friendly storage options, consider reaching out to Neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Good Brand of ATV Tire?
Consider the Maxxis Carnivore ATV tire, boasting a tread depth of 23/32 inches for superior traction on various surfaces.
What Is the Best Ply for ATV Tires?
The best ply for ATV tires depends on your intended use. Consider eight-ply tires for tough, rocky terrain; for a smoother ride and light recreational use, opt for lower-ply ratings like 4-ply.
How Long Should ATV Tires Last?
ATV tires can last anywhere from a year to 5 years or longer, depending on the type of terrain and frequency of use.
Should ATV Tires Be the Same Size All Around?
No, using same-size ATV tires might affect performance. Instead, consider larger tires in the rear and smaller tires in the front for better traction and maneuverability.
