We had a unique opportunity to test the DWT Moapa Bias ply tire and the Maxxis Bighorn Radial ply tire in the smoldering heat of the Arizona desert. Here's how it went.
The information gathered from this test is from one day of riding. These results could change if tested over a longer period of time. Your results may vary depending on
your vehicle, riding style and terrain. For more information on Radial and Bias constructed ATV/UTV tires check out the what's what article here:
Bias Ply Tires and Radial Ply Tires
My good friend Johnny and I met Haim Yanai, the US Director for TomCar, out in the Arizona desert north of Phoenix. Haim had two TM5 Tomcars waiting for us. One was fitted
with the DWT Moapa (Bias) and the other with the Maxxis Bighorn (Radial).
Here are the sizes along with the specs for each tire model. The Brown car is equipped with DWT Moapa Bias ply tires and the Green car with the Maxxis Bighorn Radial ply tires.
DWT Moapa: Bias Ply Construction
Shop for DWT MOAPA Tires
Maxxis Bighorn: Radial Ply Construction
Shop for Maxxis Bighorn Tires
We picked a harsh desert area north of Phoenix AZ which is favored for testing because of the vast area of terrain. This area is also known for chewing up tires with sharp loose rocks.
Our first stop was along a trail where there were several steep descents and inclines. We went up from the bottom of the hill in both vehicles, once in low and once with the rear
diff locked, to try to feel the difference. I thought this would be a good place for a warm up as I had much bigger obstacles in mind but I needed to make sure the 2 wheel drive
TomCars would be able to handle the really tough stuff.
Both cars went up the hill and climbed equally well.
From here we went to a spot with a very steep hill climb that had some horrible ruts and loose rock. This obstacle would surely test the tires to their max. A couple of
years ago I took some buddies down this same hill on quads. It's so steep that one of them rode with his feet on the front fenders (trying not to go over the handlebars!)
while complaining about how steep and loose it was! Plus you have to make a few turns in the middle of the hill.
Here's the sign you see as you get to the fun part of the hill climb.
We decided that Haim and I would take 4 runs up the hill switching each time to see if we could tell the difference in the hookup/performance of each tire model.
I let Haim go first as they are his cars. I watched in amazement as I could see one of his front tires in the air as he hit a deep rut on one of the steepest part of the hill.
From behind it looked unsettling but from inside the car, as I would soon find out, it was quite smooth.
The information gathered from this test is from one day of riding. These results could change if tested over a longer period of time. Your results may vary depending on
your vehicle, riding style and terrain. For more information on Radial and Bias constructed ATV/UTV tires check out the what's what article here:
Bias Ply Tires and Radial Ply Tires
My good friend Johnny and I met Haim Yanai, the US Director for TomCar, out in the Arizona desert north of Phoenix. Haim had two TM5 Tomcars waiting for us. One was fitted
with the DWT Moapa (Bias) and the other with the Maxxis Bighorn (Radial).
Testing Specs:
Here are the sizes along with the specs for each tire model. The Brown car is equipped with DWT Moapa Bias ply tires and the Green car with the Maxxis Bighorn Radial ply tires.
DWT Moapa: Bias Ply Construction
Shop for DWT MOAPA Tires
- 26x9-12 - 6 Ply
- Weight - 23lbs.
- Max load - 638lbs.
- 26x11-12 - 6 Ply
- Weight 29lbs.
- Max load 737lbs.
Maxxis Bighorn: Radial Ply Construction
Shop for Maxxis Bighorn Tires
- 26x9R-12 - 6 Ply
- Weight - 23lbs.
- Max load - 410lbs.
- 26x12R-12 - 6 Ply
- Weight - 30lbs.
- Max load - 520lbs.
We picked a harsh desert area north of Phoenix AZ which is favored for testing because of the vast area of terrain. This area is also known for chewing up tires with sharp loose rocks.
Test #1: Short Hill Climb
Our first stop was along a trail where there were several steep descents and inclines. We went up from the bottom of the hill in both vehicles, once in low and once with the rear
diff locked, to try to feel the difference. I thought this would be a good place for a warm up as I had much bigger obstacles in mind but I needed to make sure the 2 wheel drive
TomCars would be able to handle the really tough stuff.
Both cars went up the hill and climbed equally well.
Moapa Bias
Bighorn Radial
Test #2: Steep Hill Climb
From here we went to a spot with a very steep hill climb that had some horrible ruts and loose rock. This obstacle would surely test the tires to their max. A couple of
years ago I took some buddies down this same hill on quads. It's so steep that one of them rode with his feet on the front fenders (trying not to go over the handlebars!)
while complaining about how steep and loose it was! Plus you have to make a few turns in the middle of the hill.
Here's the sign you see as you get to the fun part of the hill climb.
We decided that Haim and I would take 4 runs up the hill switching each time to see if we could tell the difference in the hookup/performance of each tire model.
I let Haim go first as they are his cars. I watched in amazement as I could see one of his front tires in the air as he hit a deep rut on one of the steepest part of the hill.
From behind it looked unsettling but from inside the car, as I would soon find out, it was quite smooth.
Bighorn Radial