Tyre Selection

[Ando_13]

Help guys I have mixed emotions about which tyre to choose for my impending tyre upgrade to 33's.

These tyres will be used for daily driving for 6mnths and then will become my permanent wheeling wheels, therefore are targetted for offroad performance with bareable onroad handling.

Don't be shy in suggesting other tyres than the ones listed.

Am currently in Darwin but will be moving to Sydney in 4 mnths time.

*PUBLIC POLL*

[andy_n]

I have had three of these and my vote went to the Pro Comps. But I would have to say that it really depends on what sort of driving you are going to do.

PS, I have had the Procomps, MT Claws, and the JT2's.

[Wolfe]

maxxiss creepy crawlers

[Ando_13]

Problem with Creepy Crawlers is the available sizes, no 33's :-( Other than that I would love a set.

35x12.50-15LT C/6PR
37x12.50-15LT D/8PR
37x14.50-15LT D/8PR
38x13.00-15LT D/8PR
35x12.50-16LT C/6PR
37x12.50-16LT D/8PR
37x14.50-16LT D/8PR
38.5x14.50-16LT D/8PR
40x13.50-17LT D/8PR

[Wolfe]

who said anything about 33"
Go the 35" you know you want too!

[Ando_13]

Your a bad man Mr Wolfe, putting evil thoughts in my head! :-)

[Ando_13]

But I would have to say that it really depends on what sort of driving you are going to do.

What sort of driving is there around Sydney, I believe it is more dry rocky stuff than mud, so prob someething to suit slippery rocks and slippery hard pack.

[ARB87U]

at the rate we are going the avail driving will be limited to car park crawling

[ARB87U]

My vote is for the MTR's or STT's, i find the STT's to be a much better road tyre than the MTR. I wouldn't mind giving the procomp xterains a go though......

[Big Mac]

I have had MTRs, Procomp X-Terrains, Cooper STTs and Goodyear ATs.

I liked the MTRs on road and the X-Terrains and Cooper STTs off road.

If you are driving more than 95% on road then the MTRs are really good. As new they are quiet but get a little bit noiser when worn. But they behave well and look great :)

[andy_n]

How did HG vote in so many?

I wouldn't recommend the JT2's in rock. My avatar is what happened with them reacting to rock.

[Ando_13]

I enabled multiple selections for the poll, thought some peeps might have had experience and liked a few of the choices.

The main thing I like about JT2s is the fact they come in norrower sizes with more height ie: 33x11.5R15 measure 34H and 12W.

[BLU-125]

You have put an R in the size of both the Simex tyres which shouldn't be there. The R means "radial ply" which neither of the Simex tyres you have listed, are.

It is also arguable whether it is legal, without RTA & an engineer's approval, to use cross ply tyres on a vehicle placarded for radial ply tyres.

If you want a radial ply tyre to ensure on road driveability, I would rank them STT/MTZ equal best & MT/R a distant runner up.

[Ando_13]

To true Blu, should have just put a dash, its just there equiv size anyway.

I'm aiming toward offroad performance with not to scarey on road handling. Am leaning toward Claws & XTerrains with JT2s back a bit due to availability in the NT.

Does anyone have the true sizes of the XTerrains? Can find most others just not Procomp info. The Claws are true 33, just wodering if a 35 XTerrain is in the low 34s rather than 35 or high 34 area. If you know what I'm getting at.

[andy_n]

From my experiences, Claws are not true. The 35 claws I had were more like 33.5. But the procomps I had were close to a true size.

[Butt Craic]

From my experiences, Claws are not true. The 35 claws I had were more like 33.5. But the procomps I had were close to a true size.

Agree . . . my bias 35" claws only just made 33.5" whereas my 37" Xterrains measure around 36.9".

[AussieCJ7]

You have put an R in the size of both the Simex tyres which shouldn't be there. The R means "radial ply" which neither of the Simex tyres you have listed, are.

It is also arguable whether it is legal, without RTA & an engineer's approval, to use cross ply tyres on a vehicle placarded for radial ply tyres.

If you want a radial ply tyre to ensure on road driveability, I would rank them STT/MTZ equal best & MT/R a distant runner up.

Hey Blu there has been a lot of "talk" about the STT's geting staked pretty easy, it seems to be talk as I have heard very few first hand accounts only 2nd hand or worse accounts, I believe your in the tyre game do you know anything about this ?

why did you say mt/r as a very distant 2nd ? whats the main advanatges of the stt or the mtz you listed as first ?

going to be buying a set in 285/75R16 undecided on which of these 3 but will probably be made on price Goodyear dont seem to state their actual size in there specs the cooper claim to be about 33.1" and the micky T about 32.8"

[Wooders]

Also interested in this....
I'm look for new rubber for the Volvo & the ute very soon and I WAS thinking MT/R's.....

[ARB87U]

i havn't had any staking or sidewall damage on my stt's.... they are only about 15 4x4 trips & 15,000km old though :)

[Antz]

From my experiences, Claws are not true. The 35 claws I had were more like 33.5. But the procomps I had were close to a true size.

I can confirm this is true for the bias ply claws, however I thought the radials are closer to actual size.

[sir_camel]

I can confirm this is true for the bias ply claws, however I thought the radials are closer to actual size.
This was my impression as well.

[ARB87U]

to the eye when they are parked next to each other mine and troys look like they are wearing the same size and he runs the radial claws in 33's and mine with the stt's in 33's.

[andy_n]

When I went from 33JT2's to 35 Claws, there was only about half to an inch increase in size.

Mind you this arguement can go around and around in circles. I had 33 ssr TSLs and 33 Radial TSLs (both tyres actually radials) and there was half an inch difference in these, and both tyres were super swampers???????

[Breyten]

In a few weeks I will be able to give an opinion on the Hancook 'Dynapro' MT (RT03).
I'm getting them in 31x10.5
They are a new tyre just released. They look decent though.
http://hankooktyre.com.au/upload/product_image/RT03_F1.jpg

[BLU-125]

Staking of tyres is largely dependant on two factors. The shape of the sidewall & the construction of the tyres case. All of the radial ply tyres mentioned above are US made and have fairly "straight" sidewalls which is desirable. The more the sidewall "bags", the more exposed it is to staking.

The STTs & MTZs both have 2x1500 denier case plies with a 1000 denier ply angled at 7/8 degrees (to stop tearing of the sidewall). The MT/R has 3x1500 denier plies, so it is slightly tougher than the STT/MTZs, but less flexible, and less tear resistant.

The old STTs had 2x1500 denier plies, which is typical of virtually all other radial ply tyres. (BFG have 3x1000 denier plies, so great ad. copy but no more strength.)

The ProComps are a private tyre brand, often manufactured by the Cooper Avon Tire Company, but in the sizes being discussed are still only 2x1500 denier (to my knowledge).

BTW, Mickey Thompson is wholely owned by Cooper, hence the quick update to the new construction technology.

I have used both MT/Rs & STTs on my TJ and am happy to continue using the STTs.

[Ando_13]

With ref to the Radial Claws was just going by the size in the specs, should have know it was a little sus when it was a neat 33".

[Ando_13]

Getting quite close between MT/R, XT and Claws

[millhouse]

if you do any driving on the road I'd go the x-terrains over the other choices, also keep in mind they won this years outback challenge again, that has to be a good test for a tyre in almost all conditions

[xflow]

Cooper STT's love em

[ShadoZJ]

You have put an R in the size of both the Simex tyres which shouldn't be there. The R means "radial ply" which neither of the Simex tyres you have listed, are.

It is also arguable whether it is legal, without RTA & an engineer's approval, to use cross ply tyres on a vehicle placarded for radial ply tyres.

If you want a radial ply tyre to ensure on road driveability, I would rank them STT/MTZ equal best & MT/R a distant runner up.

Do the Simex come in both Bias and Radial like the Claws??

[BLU-125]

They only have bias ply in the patterns & sizes being discussed.

We all should understand that a lot of comp tyres are manufactured for competition only, even though they may look like the tyre sold at your local tyre store.

[Ando_13]

Well boys I believe I will give the Xterrains a go. I gave the claws a very serious look bu there slight size deficiency and have heard about so so lateral grip.

Thought about MT/Rs but really wanted something with a bit more bite.

Simex well would have bought a set of JTs two weeks ago but the supposed local dealer keeps telling me that they are no longer avail (which is complete BS) so cant get them.

MTZ well thought someone would tell me that they are awesome in some sort of offroad situation, but obviously not.

Thanks to everyones input, can't say that I had seriously considered the Xterrains.

[H.G.]

I got dick cepeks..FCII
they are awesome on and off road.
not so great in mud.. but good on rocks dirt and light mud.

[Ando_13]

Just got off the phone to Procomp and guess what no dealer in the N.T. so it becomes quite uneconomical to get up here, so that is a bugger.

So now don't know which tyre to get Claws or MT/Rs. MT/Rs just don't seem aggressive enough to end up as offroad only tyres?

[Daz7]

MTZ well thought someone would tell me that they are awesome in some sort of offroad situation, but obviously not.

Well so far so good, seem to be pretty good on Sydney sandstone, in the mud that I've been in their no worse than a set of Mud Terrains and I'm very chuffed with them on the road.

Their still a compromise tyre though..... and not as agressive as some out there.

[Richo]

I have radial claws and MTZ's to choose from (as well as ST's and stock bridgestone road tyres :P)

Radial claws would be my pick. Quite livable for 6 months as a daily driver, and better than the rest offroad. Hang on in the wet on bitumen too.

[MattW]

Looking at the results of these polls is hard as most people that vote havnt tried all the tyres in the poll. They simply vote for the tyres that they are using or have heard about. Not trying to put anyone down, its just what generally happens with any poll.

[BLU-125]

MattW is so right.......

Noone will ever admit, even to themselves, that their tyre choice wasn't the best selection that could have been made.

I have used most of the tyres mentioned above, and mostly on my own vehicles. As I am a tyre dealer, I have also researched the subject quite a bit.

On my own vehicle I have progressed to 285/70R17s for well researched reasons, (8pr with real 3 ply construction; short, straight walls; etc.) & will replace them with 33/12.50R18s (probably MTZs) as my customers like to see me using late, affordable technology.

What they won't see me using is any old style flotation tyre (33/12.50R15) or anything with 2x1500 denier or 3x1000 denier case plies. (I have repaired far too many sidewalls........) I will also try to avoid private tyre brands in the same way as I don't buy homebrand products expecting the same quality as brand names.....

[Daz7]

On my own vehicle I have progressed to 285/70R17s for well researched reasons, (8pr with real 3 ply construction; short, straight walls; etc.) & will replace them with 33/12.50R18s (probably MTZs) as my customers like to see me using late, affordable technology.

What they won't see me using is any old style flotation tyre (33/12.50R15) or anything with 2x1500 denier or 3x1000 denier case plies. (I have repaired far too many sidewalls........) I will also try to avoid private tyre brands in the same way as I don't buy homebrand products expecting the same quality as brand names.....

Tend to agree with you.

although I'm a bit iffy about the increase in total unsprung weight and the increase in load ratings when you go up in diameter. Seems to point to a harsher ride theoretically. Have you noticed any difference in real world use though?

[Breyten]

Hey Blu,

What are your thoughts on the Hankook RT03s? I've already bought, but would like to know your preffesionalistic opinion! :)

[andy_n]

As has been said before, it really depends on what surface you are running on. I have never had MTR's but have run Claws, procomps and JT2's on the type of conditions we have in SEQ and find that the MTR's will grip all over the JT2's and the Claws. Only in the mud do you notice the difference.

[BLU-125]

Daz7, I think you will find that the unsprung weight will vary very little, esp if you use quality alloys. Rige quality is little, if any, different. I run 28psi on the road which is quite suitable for the loads I carry. The improvement in steering when aired down is certainly worth the change.

Hankook quality is good. They are one of the better Asian, medium price tyres. They also have a very good distributor in NSW in Marathon Tyres.

[millhouse]

buy these
http://www.maxxis.com/products/automotive/product_detail.asp?id=282
http://www.maxxis.com/intellicms/_exec/ecommerce_thumbnail.aspx?maxmode=true&noresizeiffit=false&dozoom=false&width=300&height=300&url=/temp/intellicms.modules.ecommerce/product_images//MT-762_bighorn_radia_0.jpg