My ATV is a 2010 Can-Am Renegade 500 with low miles and the stock ITP Holeshot ATR tires and 25x10x12 wheels. I’m an athletic but geriatric novice but I do occasionally climb hills that are steep enough to get me standing up and leaning forward.
I usually don’t go faster than about 30 mph because I ride to enjoy the scenery more than to scare myself. Also, the trails here are rocky enough that 20 mph is jarring enough. I’ve reduced the spring tension one click from the center. That and 5 PSI tire pressure seems to work well for me and so far I have had no conspicuous traction problems.
My Holeshots work fine but tires with bigger lugs look like they would be much better in more challenging terrain and more confidence inspiring in typical terrain.
Here is a list of considerations:
Don’t need high speed.
I think weight is not an issue because so far my Rene 500 has been more than powerful enough.
Don’t need real good mud performance.
Usually ride by myself so I want tough tires. Haven’t had a flat yet with the Holeshots but carry puncture plugs and a compressor.
Smooth riding is important so tires that work well at low pressure is good.
I’m cheap so durability is preferred to light or sticky.
Working in up to 6" of snow would be nice.
I’m too chicken to power slide but I would rather slide than tip over.
Here is a list of tires that would fit and I think would work:
Pitbull Growler (Expensive but I like the big lugs and sipes. They look gnarly grippy and tough.)
Carlisle 489 (Cheap but probably good enough)
Maxxis Big Horn (Almost universally popular general purpose tires)
ITP Baja Cross (Tough 8 ply, big lugs and a lot of rubber for the money but mixed reviews.)
At this point I believe I know just enough to be dangerous so any feedback and correction of false logic would be appreciated!
