5. Yokohama Geolander M/T
The Yokohama Geolander M/T was the smallest (looking) and lightest tire of the bunch. The Geolander was the only directional tire in our test, and its forward V-shaped tread pattern proved to be both a blessing and a curse. While high revs were required to keep the mini muds moving forward, to our surprise they cleaned and clawed more easily in reverse. Since we were testing the tires as Yoko intended them to be mounted, we opted not to switch them around for an against-the-grain run.
Overall we found the Geolander to be a competent lightweight mud cleat, but the lack of sidewall lugs and the compact pattern left us spinning in our tracks more than we prefer. Mounting them opposite their intended direction may have helped, but it still would have been tough for these muds to move up in such a talented field of competitors.
Specs
Size: 33x12.50x15
Load Range: C
Tread Depth (in): 19/32
Source
Yokohama Tire Corp.
www.yokohamatire.com
4. Nitto Mud Grappler
If this contest were ranked strictly on aggressive looks, the Mud Grapplers would have had it in the bag. With their dinosaur claws hanging off the sidewall and massive tread blocks throughout, they looked ready to chew up the terra and anything else that got in their way.
While we didn't have a scale to weigh them, it was clear that the 13.5-inch-wide meats were the heaviest of the bunch. Swapping over from one of the competitors to these heavy lugs felt like an instant 10hp drain. On both our test vehicles the Mud Grapplers left an excellent footprint in the dirt, and as long as the revs were high the dirt found ways to escape.
With its aggressive sidewall and nice lug stagger, we had high hopes for the Mud Grappler, but the lack of low-speed cleaning and lateral traction when clawing out of the pit sent this heavyweight tire back a spot or two.
Specs
Size: 33x13.50x15
Load Range: C
Tread Depth (in): 21/32
Source
Nitto Tire USA Inc.
www.nittotire.com
3. Toyo Open Country M/T
From the wide tread blocks to the chiseled sidewalls, the Toyo Open Country is a very bold and well-defined tire. While most tread patterns sweep and round off into the sidewall, the Toyo's pattern squares off the tread stagger to create a wide footprint and a unique look.
Though the Toyo isn't exactly lightweight, it seemed easy to spin on both of our test vehicles. Low-speed cleaning was good, and the faster they spun the easier they cleaned. A few saws of the wheel proved the sidewalls to be effective traction aids, and overall the tire felt at home in the mud.
Another nice trait was the quick cleaning as soon as we exited the pit. A few rotations on dry dirt and there were hardly any muddy clumps left in the tread.
In the end the tire performed above average again and again. Its consistent showing landed this free-range mud-terrain in the middle of the pack.
Specs
Size: 33x12.50x15
Load Range: C
Tread Depth: 21/32
Source
Toyo Tire USA Corp.
www.toyotires.com
2. Dick Cepek Mud Country
Dick Cepek was building mud tires before most of us even knew what a mud pit looked like. With the company's rich history in off-road motorsports and a deep understanding of what works in the dirt, the DC Mud Countrys did not disappoint. No matter if it was a dead stop, a low-speed pass, or a high-rev plunge, the tires worked well and slung dirt consistently throughout the test. While the tread stagger didn't appear to be the most aggressive of the bunch, the well-placed lugs and tire sipes allowed the mini mud-terrain to self-clean, ejecting the clumps between its claws. In appearance, weight, and performance the Mud Countrys were extremely similar to the tires that won, but just lacked that little bit of mud prowess to edge out our number one.
Specs
Size: 33x12.50x15
Load Range: C
Tread Depth (in): 20.5/32
Source
Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels
www.dickcepek.com