What does everyone think? Is it worth buying a new set of 26x10 front and 26x12 rear bugs to replace 4 25x10 claws? Will the bugs give me more traction then the claws or is it just a waste of money? I ride hunting trails, a little mud, some muskeg, and generally like to explore. Thanks for honest opinions.

 

I ran BC's for a number of years for the same use as you - mainly hunting. I found them to be pretty decent= but I will say in the thicker/tough stuff you needed to work them a bit more to gain traction of the side bar being the lug pattern isn't nearly as aggressive as some.

As to your question depends on where your BC's are at in tread wear or life, if pretty new then I would just stick with what you got for the time being (unless your finding they just aren't working for you). If your needing new the 26's and more aggressive tread will be better in mud and muskeg b/c of the increase in size = more floatation. You may also want to consider the GBC Gators...very similar to the bugs yet in my area significantly cheaper.

I just switched to the 26" lites, they are noticably better in the tough mud then my 25 BC's were (no need to work them for chewing to happen). Yet the ride on hard pack seems slightly smoother.

 

I have 26" Bugs and I have to say that I've been very impressed with what they will go through. They tackle mud extemely well and have great self-cleaning properties. The only thing they don't do so well are climb out of muddy ruts. The Bugs are superior to the Bearclaws, for serious mud riding, but since you're not primarily a mudder they may be a bit of an over-kill for you and you may be better off sticking with the Bearclaws.