Polaris UTV Product Reviews

30-inch Tire Review

30x10R14 UTV Tire Shootout

Best 30 Inch Tire Reviews

By Jon Crowley

Amongst all the cool UTV builds and new products at the2012 Sand Sports Super Show I found four different tire manufacturers with five new 30x10R14 tires. Being a fan of larger tires for rock crawling, I was thrilled to see manufacturers push in this direction.  Until now if you wanted to run a large tire, the best option was to us a light truck tire on a 15-inch wheel. But which is the best rated UTV tire?

For pure rock crawling, I found the light truck tires worked just fine.  I have run a set of 30×9.50R15 BFG KM2s and also a set of 31×11.50R15 Pit Bull Growler LTs on several different vehicles.  On the plus side, the tires are tough. The BFG KM2  has a max load rating of nearly 2,000 lbs each and the extra ground clearance made rock crawling so much easier.

In the desert it is a different story. Although several Best in the Desert UTV race teams have been running light truck tires in the last few years, I tried them and was not happy with the outcome.  The combined tire and wheel weight was right about 60 lbs (42 lbs. for the tire alone). The additional rotating mass really affected power, and the stiff sidewall and extra weight really took a toll on suspension performance.  I could possibly let this go in order to get more ground clearance, the one thing I did not like was the lack of traction when cornering. With most UTV tires it is pretty easy to slide in the corners. Predictability is key for me and I found that the BFGs would break free unexpectedly. This was a tire killer for me.

The new tires I found at the Sand Sports Super Show are specifically made for UTVs.  They all use a common 14-inch wheel, weigh less and have a max load rating much more inline with a UTV than a truck.

30x10R14 UTV Tire Shootout
Bottom to top:
STI Roctane XD, GBC Kanati Mongrel, Maxxis Bighorn, ITP UltraCross, ITP BajaCross

After contacting the tire manufacturers about doing a UTV tire review, all were interested in participating. It took a few months to gather all the sets, but in early December we were ready.  To be most fair, we should have used the same wheel for each tire, but that would have proved cost-prohibitive for me.  Take that into account.

My goal was to determine the best UTV tire for three different terrains, then pick an overall best tire for all terrain.

The first thing we did was weigh and measure each tire.

Tire Specifications:

Tire Ply Weight Mounted Height Mounted Width
Maxxis Bighorn 6 Ply 30 lbs. 29 1/8″ 10″
GBC Kanati Mongrel 8 Ply 33.3 lbs. 30 1/8″ 9 3/8″
ITP Ultra Cross 8 Ply 34 lbs. 29 1/4″ 9 1/4″
ITP Baja Cross 8 Ply 34.4 lbs. 29 1/4″ 9 1/2″
STI Roctane XD 8 Ply 39 lbs. 31″ 10″

We tested all five of the new 30x10R14 tires in a variety of terrain to see how they reacted in different environments. Our2013 Polaris RZR XP was used for all testing.

Desert – High speed desert, sand washes, whoops

30x10R14 GBC Kanati Mongrel
GBC Kanati Mongrel won in the desert

For the desert part of the test, I traveled to Barstow, CA and met up with Rick “Wally” Wallace fromSide x Side Outfitterz and Mike Lasher from SxSPerformance.com. Both these guys are extremely experienced with desert terrain whether it be in a race or just for fun. After running all the tires through a course that included high speed dirt, g-outs, whoops and sand washes, we all agreed on our favorites.

Tire pressure was set to 12 psi for all tires. Our choice for best desert tire:

  1. GBC Kanati Mongrel
  2. ITP Baja Cross
  3. ITP Ultra Cross
  4. Maxxis Bighorn
  5. STI Roctane XD

30x10R14 STI Roctane XD30x10R14 ITP BajaCross30x10R14 ITP UltraCross30x10R14 Maxxis Bighorn

Hard Pack Short Course – High speed, jumps, cornering, g-outs

30x10R14 Maxxis Bighorn
Maxxis Bighorn was the favorite on the hard pack short course

For the short course and rock crawling tests, I hooked up with Paul Hart and used Prairie City SVRA as our testing grounds.  This location is used by Valley Off-Road Racing Association for several short-course races each year, and also used by Nor-Cal Rock Racing for three events each summer.  It is a great location for testing in these terrains.

Tire pressure was set to 9 psi for all tires. Our choice for best short course tire:

  1. Maxxis Bighorn
  2. GBC Kanati Mongrel
  3. ITP Baja Cross
  4. ITP Ultra Cross
  5. STI Roctane XD

30x10R14 ITP UltraCross30x10R14 STI Roctane30x10R14 STI Rocktane30x10R14 Maxxis Bighorn

Rock Crawling

30x10R14 STI Roctane XD
STI Roctane XD was the best in the rocks

Tire pressure was set to 9 psi for all tires. Our choice for best rock crawling tire:

  1. STI Roctane XD
  2. GBC Kanati Mongrel
  3. Maxxis Bighorn
  4. ITP Ultra Cross
  5. ITP Baja Cross

30x10R14 Maxxis Bighorn30x10R14 GBC Kenati Mongrel30x10R14 ITP BajaCross30x10R14 ITP BajaCross

Part of our rock crawling test track

Overall for all Terrain

30x10R14 GBC Kanati Mongrel
GBC Kanati Mongrel took top honors overall

After combining all the data from the different terrains, I worked with Wally, Mike and Paul to come up with our thoughts for overall performance covering all of the terrain we tested. Here are our choices for best overall UTV tire in 30x10R14 size:

  1. GBC Kanati Mongrel
  2. ITP Baja Cross
  3. Maxxis Bighorn
  4. STI Roctane XD
  5. ITP Ultra Cross

More details on each tire:

MaxxisBighorn:

Manufacturer information: The tread pattern and wide footprint give this radial exceptional traction, and the Bighorn’s shoulder lugs protect the sidewalls. Solid raised white lettering gives this tire an attractive look. With radial construction, recreational riders as well as ATV racers will immediately appreciate the ride quality and comfort. Mike Penland won his 10th GNCC Utility Stock Championship on the Bighorn radial.

  • Radial construction offers a significantly smoother ride over rough trails
  • Extra lugs on the shoulder protect the sidewall and rim
  • Raised white lettering on one side
  • Tire is suitable for desert, dirt, and rock application
  • 6-Ply

30X10R14 Maxxis Bighorn30X10R14 Maxxis Bighorn30X10R14 Maxxis Bighorn30X10R14 Maxxis Bighorn

Everyone agreed that the Bighorn is a great tire that we are all comfortable with.  “Feels like home” was one comment that pretty much sums it up. The Bighorn is the only 6 ply tire that was tested so there was some anxiety about durability in race conditions.  But the Bighorn had the most sidewall flex so this made for a plushest ride and provided for great traction. It is the lightest and also shortest of the tires so that helped with performance in the desert and short course. It was tied with the Roctane for widest tire at 10 inches. Would like to see a more narrow tire on the front axle.

GBC MotorsportsKanati Mongrel:Manufacturer information:
The Kanati Mongrel by GBC Motorsports is the first true all-purpose DOT tire built specifically for Side-by-Side UTVs. You might recognize the name Kanati from our affiliated light truck tire, the Kanati Mud Hog. That’s because the Mongrel utilizes the very same tread pattern as the Kanati Mud Hog, marked by aggressive diamond-shaped lugs.

Much like the light truck version, the Kanati Mongrel’s tread is optimized for peak performance on multiple surfaces. The Mongrel can handle a variety of off-road terrain while remaining equally safe and suitable for paved surfaces. The 8-ply, DOT approved radial also boasts an impressive 600 lb. load rating and an equally impressive 63 MPH “N” speed rating.

30x10R14 GBC Kanati Mongrel30x10R14 GBC Kanati Mongrel30x10R14 GBC Kanati Mongrel30x10R14 GBC Kanati Mongrel

The Kanati Mongrel was the top pick for desert, second in the rocks and short course and combined for the overall top position. The Mongrel is truly an all-purpose tire that stresses versatility and functionality. It is the lightest (just barely) of the 8-ply tires and also the tire that come closest to 30-inch tall. In general all testers felt the Mongrel’s height and width was the most proportional of all tires. The Mongrel is a great looking tire with a rounded profile, good siping and the best rim guard.  The Mongrel is the only DOT approved 30-inch tire that we tested. When sliding around corners on the hard pack, we did notice that the Mongrel did not have as predictable of a kick out as the Bighorn or Roctane, but it was still tolerable.

ITPBaja Cross:Manufacturer information:

  • Baja proven to handle the toughest and heaviest UTV applications.
  • 8-ply rating and 25% stronger construction has produced our most rugged, durable tire yet!
  • Extended-life rubber compound and innovative overlapping tread pattern provides a smooth, predictable ride as well as slow wear characteristics — this is the highest-mileage tire ITP has ever produced!
  • Stepped lugs provide consistent tread edges as the tire wears, for predictable performance throughout the long life of the tire.
  • Advanced carcass design delivers the most comfortable, trail-compliant tire available.
  • Wraparound lugs provide improved shoulder protection.
  • Super deep Rim Guard feature offers the best wheel lip protection in the business.

30x10R14 ITP BajaCross30x10R14 ITP BajaCross30x10R14 ITP BajaCross30x10R14 ITP BajaCross

The Baja Cross is our second favorite overall tire. It did well in all terrain and has a proven track record for durability. This is the only directional tire of the five and this can be a slight issue with a spare tire mounted in the wrong direction.  Although we did run them wrong in one instance and did not notice a difference. The tread pattern fared well in loose sand and is a predictable in the desert and short course.  The 29 1/4″ height was on the shorter side of the tested tires and hurt its performance in the rocks a little.

ITPUltraCross:Manufacturer information:

  • Tightly spaced, overlapping tread pattern lowers rolling resistance and enhances ride comfort.
  • Tread pattern has been computer-designed to reduce rolling noise levels.
  • 8-ply radial construction and a new, more durable rubber compound delivers longer wear and enhanced cut resistance.
  • Super deep Rim Guard feature offers the best wheel lip protection in the business.

30x10R14 ITP UltraCross30x10R14 ITP UltraCross30x10R14 ITP UltraCross30x10R14 ITP UltraCross

Although the Ultra Cross looks like an all-terrain LT tire, it is not DOT approved.  The Ultra Cross is very similar in shape and size to the Baja Cross and has good curb appeal.  The tightly spaced tread pattern should make it less prone to damage from sharp rocks or nails that can puncture a tire with a more open tread pattern. We all felt like the Ultra Cross had less traction that affected cornering in the desert and short course

STI Tire & Wheel – Roctane XDManufacturer information:
Roctane XD’s 8-ply-rated radial carcass is built to confidently handle ever larger, faster and heavier UTV applications.  A heavier denier nylon cord maximizes tire toughness while retaining flexibility for a comfortable ride. The Roctane’s unique, non-directional tread design and wide profile footprint deliver smooth, quiet operation and precise control.

STI’s exclusive new RocWall sidewall construction features reinforced lower sidewalls and extra-wide tread belts for added shoulder protection and stability. Add in super-deep RocGuard rim guards to protect even the thickest wheel lips from trail damage, and the result is the most reliable tire on the market. The Roctane XD’s specially formulated tread compound extends it life even further, yet it still grips the slickest rocks like a dedicated wall-crawler.

30x10R14 STI Roctane XD30x10R14 STI Roctane XD30x10R14 STI Roctane XD30x10R14 STI Roctane XD

The Roctane XD was clearly the biggest tire of five.  At 39 lbs., 31″ tall and 10″ wide it topped all categories. This is a stout tire with a stiff sidewall. The larger size and solid traction made it the favorite in the rocks, but caused it to not fair so well in the desert where its shear size and weight affected performance, steering and suspension. If you are looking for a rock-specific tire, the Roctane XD is hard to beat.

How to fit a 30 inch tire on a Polaris RZR XP:

Fender Flare on RZR XPPolaris RZR XP Fender Flare
Fender flare trimming

To fit a 30″ tire on a RZR XP, a little fender trimming is necessary up front. The stock front fender flare is still used, but the rear part needs to be moved back and the plastic underneath needs to be trimmed. Then you can use a self-tapping screw to fasten the fender flare to the tube behind it.  This pulls the flare backwards and give it just enough clearance for most situations. The only time we slightly hit was on the short course, over a jump with the STI Roctane XDs.

Clutch Work:

Polaris RZR XP Clutch Kit

A 30-inch tire will definitely affect how your UTV performs. A change in weight and spring(s) will help bring the RPMs back in line with the powerband of the engine.  We used a kit fromEPI Performance on our RZR XP and it made a big difference.


New 30-inch Tires

Since we did this test back in 2012, a few new tires have come to market that deserve mention.

GMZ Kahuna 30x10R14

GMZ Kahuna – The Kahuna Tire is an all-terrain DOT approved tire developed by GMZ Race Products. It features an 8 ply radial construction, standard heavy duty sidewall, and a specially engineered rubber compound. This specific combination makes The Kahuna strong with good handling characteristics. The Kahuna is available in two sizes, 30x10x14 and 30x10x15. The 14″ tire weighs approximately 32.75 pounds. More:GMZ Introduces new 30x10R14 DOT Kahuna Tire

Moto Crawler 30x10R14

Moto Crawler – From Moto Race Tire – Delivering KEVLAR TRIPLE “ARMOR BELT” NO FLATS DOT COMPLIANT Rugged 8 Ply, 1330lb Load Rating The CRAWLER “X ROX DD” Features special sticky compound in a 30x10R14 size.

STI Chicane

STI Chicane – The Chicane RX tire combination results from STI’s years of hands-on experience and proven testing that has produced a broad line of high-performance tires and wheels. Featuring a unique split-knob non-directional tread design, the Chicane RX line is DOT marked and ready to hit the road for powerful performance and high-mileage value. The design’s 8-ply carcass offers the perfect mix of durability, light weight, and smooth ride flexibility. More:STI Announces the All-New Chicane Tires

Sedona Tire Rock-a-Billy

Sedona Rock-a-Billy – Designed to match the high horsepower, high-speed requirements of today’s side by sides, the Rock-a-Billy is an 8 ply, puncture-resistant radial with a tread compound designed to outlast, out-grip, and out-perform the competition. An aggressive tread design with integrated side lugs grip in extreme riding conditions and also feature integrated rock ejectors and a built in rim guard for added protection. So no matter what the terrain: rocks, hard pack, or trail: the Rock-a-Billy is ready to take you there. More:Sedona Tire & Wheel Introduces the Rock-a-Billy Tire

Ivan "Ironman" Stewart Edition Tire

GMZ Ivan “Ironman” Stewart Edition Tire – GMZ engineers went to work creating a durable 8ply DOT radial construction that will hold up to Ivan’s punishment. With an addition of an innovative shoulder lug that extends down the sidewall that will help deliver extra traction in soft terrain and was also designed to deflect rocks and avoid sidewall punctures.  With our specially engineered compound and 100% natural rubber used we were able to create a tire that can deliver the power to the ground, keep you in control at all times and most important pass the Ivan “IRONMAN” Stewart test. More:GMZ Race Products Inc unveils Ivan “Ironman” Stewart Edition Tire

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