Martlor13

I mean sure, if we are xonparing to a decade ago...the worst technology nowadays is better then the worst back then..thats great. I dont think thats good to say thatvall tires are good. There are plenty of flops on the market right now.....but all tires arent very good..there are still differrent factors and materials that go into making a tire. Like I said earlier, i think maxxis should stick to atv tires. Their auto tires usually fall flat when going head to head with competitors.

lesser known brands like thunderer, atturo, etc have to skimp on materials to compete price wise. .I usually steer my customers away from these ttpes of "independent" companies.their products are extremely hit or miss..hell, the atturo mud terrains have a reputation for literally unthreading. If you are looking for a budget tire, go with something that a big brand is associated with. At least they attach their reputation somewhat.

ReadyToMount

I was a bit vague with the statement and I just picked a time gap. In terms of the OP's question. I was simply stating he would be fine with either of his narrowed down choices. Given the little intended use, he is wanting an aggressive budget tire.

There is technology built in to each tire. I explain to customers that each tire has a purpose, they have to decide what they need it to do. For good traction off road you would not run a Nitto NT05R. Super grippy, but not the application it was designed for. I see people pay for premium tires and not be satisfied, performance summer tires on a daily driver or MT's on the truck that only spends time on the highway. Shorter life and more noise etc. from misapplication. I think even the cheapest tire built today with the right use and expectation is pretty good. I am rambling.

Main point was for his $550 to $650 range of tire he will be fine with 1 of the 3. Don't let the lack of name recognition scare you off. Proper maintenance etc. they will get the job done. On the other hand at twice the price you will get a better build, higher cost materials and more technology. For a weekend warrior that gets 3-5K mileage a year. May not be worth it to him/her.

Martlor13

but see thats still not a good point imo...even these middle tier priced tires, some are alot better then others. Why pay the same price for a tire, but get a lower quality tire? Sure they will do fine, but yoi are still getting a crappier tire for the same price of another....out of the op 3 tires he listed, the mastercraft is in a class of its own compared to the other 2, and all are about the same price...why get the thunderer, that is a lower quality tire then the mastercraft when both are the same price?

ReadyToMount

I enjoy the conversation. None of my friends care about all the tire knowledge in my head. Again the tires he listed are actually not your cheapest run of the mill options. Everyone will have a different view on brand. I'm amazed how many people say I will never run a Michelin again or a Toyo Open Country. Some of the best brand names out there.

I agree if you had a Mastercraft and BFG for the same price then go for the BFG. With the original scenario I did see that type of gap. Since it seems I am promoting the Thunderer somewhat I will stick with that tire. Maxxis you said should stick with atv tires. However they build some quality options and build for many other brand names. Pro Comp is the first one that comes to mind. I feel the OP would pay more for the Mastercraft than the Thunderer for the given size, and really still paying for the Cooper name that is not on the sidewall of the tire. The Mastercraft doesn't build the 30x9.50 that is seems he wants to stay with. In cheapening the tires, the Thunderer builds the tire with a 3 ply sidewall, Mastercraft only 2. Probably an overkill either way, but why not get the beefier tire for less money. I also get better feedback on noise after the tires get some wear on them with the Trac Grip 2 vs MXT. Please don't take this as an agruement, really just expressing ideas on the forum.
I suggest customers plan to buy tires in this order. Set a budget, identify how the vehicle will truly be used, search for the best tire you can get within those parameters. Most check reviews, but want the premium tire for the budget tire price and then purchase based on aesthetics over function. To each his own.

Martlor13

its because michelin and toyo are overrated and overpriced. What i like to call "commercial" tires. That is brands that advertise heavily so people think they are worth rhe price of admission when really theu are middling.

pro comp isnt exactly a good feather in your cap either. Again overpriced tires for what you really get..mastercraft is extremely fair with their prices. You most definitely dont pay for the cooper name
otherwise majority of the tires on the market youbwould be doing the same considering cooper makes so many brands. As far as noise. All mid tires are going to have them. Theyvsre all around the same audible level l, gove or take a few decibals. None are what the nitto mud grapplers are thank god....and again the tire is cheap because of the materials used. Sure you get a bit of a beefier tire but its more prone to other issues because of the cheap material.

online reviews of tires are absolute garbage imo...most people have no clue what they are really reviewing. " just got these tires. Love them!" Great, whatva terrific review....i prefer real world reviews that my customer provides where i can actually ask more detailed questions and get a feel for how they actually use the tires..i am able to better recommend this way and have learned so much about so many tires.

TwistedWrench

Martlor13

tires are fun arent they? people are surprised about the depth these conversations can get to hahah.....i miss bugout..the guy knew his stuff as well.

jshultz78

I had forgot to list the prices. haha The thunderers in 30s was $85, buckshots was 103 and mastercraft and hercules 31s was around 120, Gonna throw federals in the mix too 30s in those are 105.

EZEARL

What's happening with bugout?

Martlor13

i believe hes having some personal family issues. Something was going on with his dad that he has to take care of...plus he just said being generally busy around all that..at least what he posted on the Arizona thread.