Dirt Wheels - January 2014

94 www.dirtwheelsmag.com
Maxxis Razr Blade rear Maxxis Razr Blade front STI Vortex front/rear RP Advanced Delta FX rear

different left and right tires are needed. The front tire is smooth, except for two tall ribs that run around the circumference that allows the tire to knife in on turns. This tire was designed for sport quads, and there are a ton of sizes available, including front sizes: 19x6-10, 21x7-10, 22x8-10 and 22x8-12; and rear sizes: 18x9. 5-8, 20x11-8, 20x11-9, 20x11-10, 22x11-10, 22x11-12 and 26x11-12, which could be used on a UTV or 4WD ATV.

The Dune Star rear is a V-shaped paddle that can be used on the right or left side of a 4x4 quad or smaller UTV. It comes in 26x9-12 and 26x10-12 sizes. The front tires come in the same sizes and are also two-ply. This tire is relatively smooth, other than a rectangular knobby that runs the circumference of the tire and thick ITP logos that are found on both sides of the rib.

KENDA

www.kendausa.com

Kenda has two rear tire offerings for sport quads: the original Gecko and the Gecko Plus. Both have a V-shaped pattern that can be used as a left or right tire. The Plus gets two extra ( 10 total) 5⁄8-inch-tall paddles running around the two-ply tire. The Plus tire is only available in 21x11-10 sizing, whereas the standard Gecko is available in 18x9-8, 21x11-8, 21x11-

9, 21x11-10 and 22x11-10 sizings.

For front-tire options, Kenda’s smoothie is called a Dune Runner and features a single 1⁄2-inch-tall rib running around its circumference. Sizes include 21x7-10, 22x8-10, 22x11- 8, 22x11-9 and 22x11-10. Dealers have great deals on all Kenda tires.

Maxxis
(800) 4-MAXXIS, www.maxxis.com

While Maxxis covers the UTV world well, both in aftermarket and OEM products, they strictly sell their sand tires to sport quad riders. This tire is known as the Razr Blade. Front-tire sizes are available in 19x6-10, 21x7- 10, 22x8-10, 22x8-12 and 18x9. 5-8, and have two knobby ribs for precise cornering capability at any speed. For the rears, offset V-shaped patterns offer good hook-up, and the size selection is just as strong—20x11-8, 20x11-9, 20x11-10, 22x11-10 and 22x11- 12.

The Razr Blade tire has improved tremendously over the years and works great under any sport quad. If there was a quad that came stock with paddle tires, the Maxxis Razr Blades would probably be on it. Prices for front tires start at $89, and the rears max out at a reasonable $144.

STI
(318) 255-0049,
www.stitiresandwheel.com

STI has one offering for sand enthu-
siasts who drive in the dunes instead
of ride, and it’s a good one. We have
tried this 27x14-11-inch tire up front
and 14 inches in the rear on our
Polaris RZR XP 900, and it works awe-
some. Called the Vortex V-Roll, this
sand tire is relatively light at 19. 4
pounds up front and only 21. 6 pounds
in the back.

STI has kept the prices of this UTV tire reasonable. The front single-ribbed smoothie sells for $139.95, and the V-shaped paddle retails for $176.95 each. So unless you have 14- inch wheels on your UTV, you will have to buy a set, and STI has a great selection to choose from.

RP Advanced
(503) 434-9446, www.rpadvanced.com

RP Advanced is the company that brought us one of the first run-flat tires that they exclusively designed for the military. Their sand-dune offering, the Delta FX, is just as impressive. It’s a UTV tire measuring 27x10-14 for front applications or 27x13-14 for the rear in four- or six-ply. It has a staggered low profile, 5⁄8- inch-tall paddles, and a round profile that should float well. A center rib is also supplied on all tires to help you travel over hardpack terrain if needed. The front and rear four-ply tires sell for $188 and $195, respectively. ;