I've done a lot of research on these boards and some personal research with different machines. I still have the stock dunlops on my prairie 700 but yesterday on the jobsite one was punctured and its time to buy new, I was looking for an excuse anyway.

I will be in many types of terrain from trails to swampy marsh to large waterholes to sand pits and more. A large amount of time is spent on the ranch and in the marshy pastures. The atv is also used to get to and from excavating equipment in wet and very very sloppy conditions. I know that I will be going to a bigger tire but I'm not sure how big. I dont plan on any serious modifications to my machine, but I do plan on a black secondary when I get my bigger tires. The only modification possibly in my future would be a dyna or dg so I will have to make do on stock power.

I had a set of 26" mudlites on c series on my honda rancher and really liked them. I am looking for increased clearance and ride height along with the ability to run through the muck. Another set of those are on my list of possibilities along with a set of maxxis bighorns. I know that while they are less aggresive they do provide good traction off road and better wear. I will probably end up with a new set of itp c series rims, but I havent decided on the 4 spoke or the type 4 with the windows. I had the type 4 before and liked them.

So, I need some help. Would I be better off with a set of 27" bighorns or mudlites? Does the jump from 26 to 27 make a significant impact on abilities and handling? Is there another tire better suited for my needs that I may have not considered? My father likes the idea of a lift kit and huge tires. Is it useful and smart to install a lift and 28 or larger tires? How big of a tire can you install without installing a lift? Should I go with the fatter tires in the rear, all around, or the skinny tires all around?

HELP, and thanks.

 

Have you read the October issue of ATVAction and there evalution on the Black widow?

 

I have not. I will probably pick up a mag or two this weekend for something to do. I'll have to look at that, thanks.

 

Maddog,
The two best general purpose tires I have ever used were a set of 26" mud lites, and a set of 27" Vampires. The Vampires would not work as good in the sand, and they may tend to tear up your pastures a bit, because they are really aggressive tires. They are light tires that still ride very very good out on the trail though, despite having such an aggressive tread pattern. If you want to keep your good performance I would stay away from heavy tires (that means don't buy a set of 589s [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img])

OL

 

Good points OuterLimit, but I wouldn't shy away from the 589's too fast. This is a darned good tire that can take anything and will get you through the nastiest sfuff out there. Sure, the ride is a little tougher than an all-purpose radial or something but that extra toughness and big lugs come in real handy when you need them.

Unless someone is riding strictly hard-pack or basic trails, the 589 is a great choice, IMO.

Yes, I have them on my Brute ( 26" with aluuminum itp wheels ) and the combo has been terrific for me.

Just my 2cents...

Mike

 

I have mudlights on my 650 and find them to be very good. I went a size bigger all around 26x10x12 on the frt and 26x12x12 on the rear.good in the swanps and on the trail with very little power loss. can still wheely.imo a good choice

 

If you had mudlites and liked them before, you should like them again. I have the 26" on ITP type 5's, 10" front and 12" rear, and I didnt notice much power loss at all, and I have a P400. They will probably wear down quicker, but if thats the only trade off for a "light" tire with awesome grip with comfortable ride, its worth it.

 

if i was u i would put some gators or dirtdevils the both good sets of tires if u are goin to be in wet and muddy condictions go with the gators they got good tread

 

Try the MudMachine Tri-Claws on rear. Excellent traction, trails and mud.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I am so far pretty happy with the big horns, I have pic of several different tire and wheel combo's in my pic's page if you want to see what they look like on the prarie's