Dirt Wheels - January 2014

; ATV tires come in all shapes, styles and sizes. Straying away from a stock tire can dramatically change the way your quad or UTV handles. And in no other arena is the departure greater than when changing to sand tires. A sport quad can get away with not using sand tires, but the ride with them is incredible.

On the other hand, it’s a fact that sand robs power in a big way, so using a paddle can definitely help a heavier or underpowered UTV stay afloat and move forward in the dunes. Tire companies are making a big push in the sand tire market these days, as machines are getting faster and more riders than ever are exploring the great sand dune areas of the world. The following are the latest offerings of sand tires that the major tire companies have on the market this season.

AMS

www.partsunlimited.com

AMS is the in-house brand of Parts
Unlimited. It’s the same parent com-
pany as Thor clothing and Moose
Utility Division. Parts Unlimited prod-
ucts are found stocked at any legiti-
mate accessory shop across the
country. As for paddle tires, they
have one offering called the
Sidewinder, and it’s available in two
sizes: 22x11-10 ($73) or 20x11-9 ($83).
The offset V-shaped paddle is 1 1⁄ 8
inches high and sits on a two-ply car-
cass. These rear sport quad tires are
directional, so you have to buy a left-
and right-hand side.

DWT DOONZ
(800) 722-3746, www.dwtracing.com

DWT’s sand tire is appropriately named Doonz. Originally, this tire was developed and marketed toward the sport quad rider. For rears, three versions are available. Two are V-shaped paddles. One is an $80 21x11-10 and is directional, so left-and right-handed tires have to be ordered, but should give a great feel of control when carving the bowls.