Written on 12/28/09 by Greg Jacobs; Owner and Senior Editor of Jacobs Atv Adventures & Jacobs Atv Magazine Back to Main

First Impression

First impression, I was like wow, these look aggressive, and could be considered a mud tire if someone did not know better. When I first posted these pics on my Magazine, a few people said "These look like a mud tire", and I told them far from it, they actually are a pure rock tire. Another thing I thought of these tires have a great look about them. Generally looks do not amount much to me whether it is a Quad or Tire, I am usually more interested in performance and functionality. Looks come last. However, as you will find out in this review these tires not only look good, but they perform just as well. I also noticed that these tires are not light, and have some weight to them.

You will notice the great quality of these tires when you handle and look at them. There is a lot of detail to this tire that you will notice visibly, and built in technology you will notice on the trail. I will try and provide as much detail as I can, short of cutting the tire in half and looking at the guts. So, lets get started.

The lugs are deep and aggressive. The top of the lugs have this gradual sloping divot. This design increases the tire's bite, decreases weight, and prevents foreign material from building up. You will also notice the over the shoulder lugs Fang Technology, which adds both strength and traction.

Notice the 1 1/8th" deep and aggressive lugs. My biggest concern about an 8ply rock tire is whether or not the lugs are pliable or flexible. I was hoping the 8ply GBC Dirt Commanders would be the new Maxxis Bighorn. However, the Dirt Commanders  fell far short for several reasons, The main reason was because the lugs did not flex, and were super stiff and were extremely hard on the trail. This is not the case with the Rockers.

Notice the Patented Tread Design. This multi-varied patented tread blocks create an alternating biting pattern for maximum traction, cleanout and stability. As we were riding down the gravel roads you could see the rocks being picked up and shot around.  After 500 miles of riding we did not remove one rock out of these lugs.

One of the first things I will do is measure and weigh the tires/wheels. We have had tires in the past where they claimed to be 26", and they were really 24" or 25" ie; GBC Gators. I am happy to report that these tires measure true to size, and actually measure 1/2" larger. At 7psi, our 25.5" Rockers measured 26" front and rear. They passed my true measurement test.

Next test lets see how they weighed against comparable tires. Weight is important since it can rob power, make for rough and rocky ride, and put added stress on your machine. Our Rockers 25.5x10x12 rear tires/wheels weighed 45.5lbs each, and the 25.5x8x12 front tires/wheels weighed 42lbs each while being mounted on Motorsport Nuke Aluminum Wheels.

So, how do they stack up against other tires in its class, here are some numbers, and just a few examples. I have many more tires and weights on my Magazine. 8ply Pit Bull Rockers Pit Bull Rockers 25.5" mounted on Motorsport Nuke aluminum 42lbs front/45.5lbs rear. 6ply Maxxis Big Horns Maxxis Bighorn 25" on steel wheel 39.5lbs front/42lbs rear. Maxxis Bighorn 26" on ITP Type 5 Aluminum wheel 41lbs front/44lbs rear. Maxxis Bighorn 27" on ITP Type 4 Aluminum wheel 43.5lbs front/ 46lbs rear. Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 25" on Stock Polaris Aluminum wheel 30.5lbs front and 33.5lbs rear. 8ply GBC Dirt Commander Dirt Commander 25" on Vision Bruiser Wheels aluminum 33.5lbs front/ 42lbs rear. 8ply Interco Super Swamper TSLs Interco Super Swamper 27" on ITP SS 108s aluminum weight 57.5lbs front and rear. 6ply ITP Terra Cross ITP Terra Cross 26" on Rhythm Black Wheel aluminum weigh 35.5lbs front/39.5lbs rear.

So, what does all this wheel weight mean? Not much unless you plan to drag race or want to keep your power and performance for racing purposes. Yes, the Rockers are a heavier tire, but keep in mind this is a 8ply tire, and it is very close in weight to others in its class. For trail/rock/off camber/technical riding I'll take the additional weight for several reasons, but I am going to save those reasons for further explainination later in my review.

Here is some attention to detail, and what makes this tire have a little personality. The Pit Bull Dog logo is embossed throughout the tire.

This is the ExD Rim Guard (Extra Deep) which offers the ultimate wheel-lip protection.

Look at the Integrated Sidewall Protectors. Basically, the sidewalls have extra layers of rubber to take the brunt of many impacts, which helps protect the sidewall and rims.

The Tear It Up Technology is featured on their sidewall, along with the chain links adding extra style.

The American Flag is prominently displayed on the side of the tire, with the flag flying backwards. Which indicates the support of the troops, because when you see the flag flying backwards this indicates the flag is moving forward, and never retreats.

As I mentioned earlier, yes these tires are made in the U.S.A. So many Atv tires are being made overseas in cheap Southeast Asia manufactuering plants. However, this is not the case with thePit Bull Tires.  You can see the quality, and workmanship in these tires since they are produced right here in the U.S.

These are my first impressions of this tire, but the real test will come in the Real World in extreme conditions. This will be the true test.

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