I'm still playing around with prices, and which quad to buy. Well, the AC dealer was willing to work a better deal on the quad, plus the $69 warn winch, which was nice. Here's the problem: He had an AC 500 with 26"x9"x12" Mud Sharks on the front, and "26"x10"x12" on the rear. The stock tires on the AC 500 are 25"x10"x12" Titan 489's, all the way around. He was trying to sell me the Mud Sharks as an aftermarket tire, but after some work, I was able to get him to swap the Mud Sharks for the Titans either of my choice, for the same price-(I think he really wants to sell this bike).

Anyway, which tires are going to have a more "comfortable" ride? Mostly trail riding, and crawling over rocks/logs/stumps etc., occasional mud during hunting season, and plowing snow, with the best traction in mind? Also, because the Cat comes stock with all four tires the same size, would it be better to stick with the same size Mud Sharks all the way around? (26"x9"x12")? Realizing the narrower front tires will turn easier, while the wider rears give better floatation. Also, with the Mud Sharks being an inch taller, ground clearance will also increase by half an inch roughly, but will the added tire heigth put more strain, or a noticeable difference in the power of the machine, as far as how much it takes to turn them? How about braking? Tire life?

Basically, which would you choose: Stock 25"x10"x12" Titan 489's, or 26"x9"x12" Mud Sharks for an AC 500 4x4 Auto?

Thanks for the info,
Mike

 

Go with the Sharks they will ride better give you better clearance and more traction. My 99 model Arctic Cat came with 26x10.5x12 495s and I pull them like nothing. I have talked to several other Arctic Cat owners with 27" Vamps and they say they don't notice any power lose(not even on a 400). So the lighter and shorter Mud Sharks will not even faze the Cat.