I would like some advice on tires for my 450 S. The type of riding that I will be doing will be 10% Mud, 50% firm trail, 20% loose dirt, and 20% snow. I am looking for a good all around tire that will provide good traction in the terrain mentioned and also provide excellent towing capabilities.
Some tires that have come to look at are The ITP MudLites, Kenda Bear Claws, Goodyear Rawhide Grip, ITP Spider Tracs, Maxxis Mud Bug, and the Maxxis Sur Trak.
Any advice on the best all around tire, or at least the best out of what is listed, that could still give a relatively smooth ride and good control would be greatly appreciated. Thanx

 

I ran 26" Dirt Devil XTs on my 450s. These 6 ply tires fit with no mods, were great in the conditions you listed, and looked awesome. These tires do especially well in snow, according to a recent article in an atv publication because their "dimples" pack with snow and give superior traction. Good in mud, great in all other conditions. I noticed no decrease in power with the 26s. Have fun.

 

I run 27x9 front and 27x12 rear ITP Blackwater XT's on my 450s and they are fantastic. Great ride and handling on hardpack surfaces, king in snow, mud, and hillclimbing and are 6 ply. Mine are 3 years old and are wearing very, very well. No clearance issues at all with stock rims and suspension, and no noticable loss in power. Taller is great, more ground clearance too.

 

I'm trying to decide upon 27" or 26" for my 450S. I"m in the same type climate that you are in and trying to figure out what tire to get to replace my stock Dunlops. I"ve heard good things so far on the mud lites. Is 10" to wide for the front, should I go 10" all around? 27 or 26? So many choices... I do about the same split driving as the guy who started this thread.

Cayman