Hello everyone...first post here.

I'm need a new set of tires for my 05 Arctic Cat 500 manual. I was running 26x9x12 - 26x12x12 Swamp Foxs on my machine last year. The foxs were ok, but not very good on rocks. I finally tore a big hole in them and had to put the factory tires back on to finish hunting season. The factory tires are Carlise Badlands XTRs in 25x8x12 - 25x11x12. I'm not fond of the Badlands, so I'm looking to get a new set of tires.

I have narrowed my choices down to either Bighorns or Duro Powergrips, as I ride about an equal amount of big rocky inclines, hardpack, light to medium mud, fairly deep ruts, and gravel. All of my riding is done in the mountains...primarily hunting.

Money is really not an issue, but I want to be sure to get the best value. The Powergrips seem like a good bargain, but they only come in 25x8x12 - 25x10x12. Bighorns go up to 27x12x12.

Question #1: Will I notice a major difference in traction and stability if I were to downsize to the 25x10x12 Duros? Man, I wish Duro made 12 inchers...

Question #2: I know the Bighorns have a great reputation, and I like the idea of 27x12x12s on the rear, but am wondering will that larger tire be that much better than the duros? Also, how much more of a strain could I expect that the 27s would put on my bike?

I've never been this indecisive before...I've been trying to make my mind up for 2 weeks now. Someone please give me some input and opinions.

 

ITP Terracross are quite nice.

 

I've rode alot of different mud tires and the Mudlite is about one of the best tires I've rode, we do alot of trail riding with mud,rocks,and hard pack. They are very light and have a good tread for the mud and rocks and do not beat your atv apart. Tey also come in about any size you want. I run 27s on my 420 rancher and 26s on my rincon. Also going to put a set on my sons recon.

 

The tires I heard the most good about are ITP Mudlite XTRs.

 

I have done some of the same research and think the Duro's are a great option. If you need the extra ground clearance go with the taller tires, otherwise the Duro's are a great replacement. They seem to be equivalent to the more expensive/popular brand. When I buy my next set, I'm going with the power grips.

 

if ya go bigger tires just put a clutch kit in and it will more than even that prob out...and bighorns are a great tire by the looks and i really like the look of the terra cross as for plug lite there not for your type of riding!!i love em but i'm a mud guy!!

 

I'm looking seriously at GBC tires for my next set - either the Dirt Commander or the Spartacus. Both are 8-ply tires.

 

I have the Power-Grips. Awesome trail/rock tire.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: weedy

ITP Terracross are quite nice.</end quote></div>



Would anyone know the lug height for the TerraCross R/T XD 25x8R-12

 

I'M TRYING A KENDA EXECUTIONER 27in. BUT THE ITP 589's ARE HARD TO BEAT.THEIR LIGHT,GOOD IN MUD AND THEY RIDE GREAT.