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Dunlop ATV Tires -
Quadmax Review
Quadmax Front
Tire
The
Quadmax Dunlop ATV tires are the high performance replacement ATV tires
of the product line. Dunlop supplies many of the tires that come as
original equipment on several ATVs. It's possible they suffer a little
bit of a bad rap because of that.
OEM tires have to make a lot
of compromises, so they end up just being adequate in most conditions.
They are rarely great at anything. It's just the nature of the beast.
When it comes to the new Quadmax tire - you can forget everything you
thought about OEM Dunlop ATV tires!
Quadmax
- What does it mean?
Dunlop says it set out with two goals in mind. First, design a tire
that delivers superior handling in the harshest conditions. Second,
create a design that provides excellent mud traction.
Unlike
some other tire manufacturers, Dunlop has a broad range of tire
building experience to draw on. Making both automotive and motorcycle
tires for decades does tend to teach you a few things about tire
construction.
A huge test facility in Huntsville, Alabama with
access to every type of terrain imaginable came in handy too. Many
designs were considered and tested until the final version of the new
Quadmax was developed. Check out the video below for more info on these
Dunlop ATV tires.
The
Dunlop Quadmax ATV tires do have some unique features. The two ply
nylon carcass provides light weight combined with a stiffer sidewall
for more cornering stability. This construction style also offers a 5%
larger footprint for better straight line traction in both acceleration
and braking.
An additional goal was to reduce tire weight. This was
achieved through the design and manufacturing processes. The reductions
are notable - the front Quadmax is nearly two pounds lighter than a
comparably sized tire and the rear sheds nearly five pounds in similar
comparisons.
The substantial weight savings reduce unsprung weight which in turn,
reduces the energy needed to accelerate, brake and turn. More
responsive steering and suspension action are added benefits, producing
better overall handling. This is especially noticeable on lighter and
less powerful ATVs.
Next, optimum tread-block shape and pattern ensure maximum
straight-line and cornering capability. Big, asymmetrical,
chevron-shaped center blocks are three quarters of an inch tall and
provide plenty of mud-gripping forward traction in all but the most
serious bogs.
A 45-degree transition from the tip of each chevron to the tapered
shoulder blocks provides smooth and predictable side grip when
cornering. Finally, Dunlop applied its expertise in tread
compounds to produce an advanced rubber that provides good grip in both
wet and dry conditions while delivering excellent tread life.
How
Do Quadmax Dunlop ATV Tires Work?
Just
fine, thank you very much! More details? Alrighty then. Actually, the
"just fine" comment is pretty accurate. We feel that the these Dunlop
ATV tires do offer significantly better handling and traction than OEM
tires in most conditions.
The stiffer sidewalls and low profile
give a more secure feel when cornering and the 3/4" lugs give much
better forward bite in muddy situations. We also noticed a "livelier"
feel on mid-size or smaller ATVs with these lighter weight tires.
Survey
responses from many owners give the Dunlops good ratings for overall
ride and handling and good tread life. The most common complaints were
from owners that wanted better performance in thick mud. But to be
fair, the Quadmax is not intended to be a "mud tire".
Quadmax
Dunlop ATV Tires - Conclusion
We
think these ATV tires are a good choice for general trail riding on a
variety of surfaces and terrain. They have good build quality, light
weight, good tread life, and good ride and handling characteristics in
a wide variety of conditions.
If most of your riding is in deep
mud - a more dedicated mud tire may be a better choice. The 3/4" lug
depth is just a little short for serious mud. But if your riding
involves a lot of different types of terrain (like ours does) these
Dunlop ATV tires deserve a look.
Speaking of looks - here's a custom link to the best Dunlop tire deals
online.
Related
links:
ATV Tires
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