The K299 Kenda Bear Claw ATV tire has been a long time favorite as an
all terrain four wheeler tire. The lugs are a little short to put it in
the serious ATV mud tire class. But if you're looking for an all around
trail tire that can get you through most mud holes - this Bear Claw
tire is hard to beat.
Sidewall
lugs hook up in ruts to keep you going forward - 6-ply rating means
they can take a lot of abuse - and the tear resistant rubber compound
makes sure they stay around for a while.
If you have an ATV
under 400cc but would like to run a bigger tire - maybe some 27s? - the
Bear Claw ATV tires may be your best choice. The 1" lugs on the 27s
work pretty well in the mud but don't suck the power that a larger lug
tire would. A lot of riders report great results with this combination.
When
you add it all up - all terrain ability, 6-ply toughness, long wearing,
good mud traction, and value pricing - the Kenda Bear Claws may stay on
that favorites list for a long time! Sizes range form 22" - 27".
We
checked several owner surveys and even some popular forums to see what
folks said about the Kenda Bear Claw tires. Most said they were very
pleased with the performance and wear. A few that wanted a more
aggressive ATV mud tire were disappointed. (That's what the Kenda
Executioner is all about).
Everybody said they would recommend
the Bear Claw tires as one of the best all around choices. Most agreed
they were a great value for the price - especially as long as they last!
Kenda Bear
Claw EX ATV Tire
The
new EX is out now and is supposed to be an improvement on the K299.
Aimed specifically at 4x4 ATVs it claims several improved features:
New front/rear specific tread pattern designed
for aggressive riding in mixed terrain.
Ramp edge center knobs for reduced rolling
resistance.
Raised ribs in tread open areas for additional
casing protection.
High sidewall casing protector to resist
punctures.
Bead rim saver.
We couldn't find enough rider feedback on these do draw any conclusions
yet.
Kenda
Bear Claw ATV Tire - Conclusion
If you're looking for a great all around tire at a value price this
Kenda ATV tire is hard to beat. They're a good step up from most stock
tires and yet don't ruin any of your ATVs usability be being too
specialized.
The Bear Claws works well on most types of
terrain, have a smooth ride, predictable handling, and apparently wear
like steel! And if you have a small bore 4x4 ATV they're not a bad mud
tire. You could probably run the 27 inchers with the bigger lugs
without a problem.
Don't confuse the Bear Claw tires with the
more narrowly focused "mud tires". They are definitely not in the same
league with Outlaws, Vampire EDLs, or Gorilla Silverbacks. (The Kenda
Executioner might be worth a look as a budget alternative to the big
boys).
The thing that is most impressive to me is the high
percentage of owners willing to recommend this tire to their buddies.
Even the ones who wanted more mud performance admitted the Kenda Bear
Claws were a best buy.