DUNLOP QUADMAX REVIEW

THE PRODUCT: Quadmax Sport utility tires from Dunlop are general purpose, all terrain tires for sport utility ATVs and side-by-sides.

CONSTRUCTION: Two nylon ply construction. The Quadmax's tire case design gives It a low, flat profile to keep the sidewall from flexing during cornering. The broad cross section also enlarges the contact area compared to conventional designs.

MANUFACTURERS CLAIMS:

Dunlop tells us Quadmax tires offer a step up in handling, traction and durability In difficult terrain compared to stock ATV rubber.

HONORABLE MENTION: Dunlop makes most of the original equipment tires on today's ATVs, so it knows precisely what it takes to outperform these tires.

PERFORMANCE: We used a Suzuki KingQuad for our tire test, a machine that comes with Dunlop tires as original equipment The stock Dunlops work reasonably well, but we wanted to see if the Quadmax tires would release some more of the KingQuad's performance. and smooth out one of its few much edges, a tendency to turn In too much in some cornering situations:

Our test area has an extensive variety of terrain: rocks, tight woods, hard packed fire roads, and, of course, mud. Suzuki's KingQuad Is one of the best4x4 ATVs out there, but we don't care for the way It turns too quickly toward full lock in downhill turns when the throttle is off. In mud, on Its original equipment rubber, the Suzuki wastes quite a bit of power as Its scram-
bles for traction.

With the Quadmax tires the Suzuki's handling felt more stable and calm at high speeds and more predictable at low speeds. The tread pattern has a serious look, but the tires didn't vibrate or make annoying noise. There was a bonus we didn't expect: better acceleration on hardpack. The King Quad's odd turn-in habits on downhill corners weren't cured, but we noticed some Improvement. When we hit the mud, the Quadmax tires noticeably outpulled the stockers. On the stock tires, we felt we were getting through the mud on the Suzuki's horsepower. On the Dunlop Quadmax tires, we could run longer sections of our mud-bottomed river before having to head for the bank.  Despite a great deal of rock riding and riding in dirt with hidden hazards, we had no flats with the stock or Quadmax tires.

THE VERTICT: Dunlop's Quadmax tires improved our Suzuki KingQuad in several types of riding. That's impressive considering that its stock tires are above above average performers.  These tires are a very good choice for riders who want better performance from their machines in general.

RATING:
PRICE:	25x8-12 front. $71.14.
	25x10-12 rear, $75.20.
Pluses:	All around traction and handling improvement, rather than better performance focused in a single area.
Minuses:	Six-ply rating would assure additional flat resistance.

Manufacturer's Description of this ATV Tire

Dunlop Quadmax

Dunlop enters a whole new realm of replacement tires with the introduction of the high-performance Quadmax. With the creation of this tire, Dunlop now offers ATV enthusiasts an elevated level of traction and handling to tackle ultra-tough conditions.

• Aggressive tread pattern engineered for superior performance in harsh conditions.
• Flatter profile provides a 5 percent larger footprint for added traction.
• Wraparound shoulder and sidewall elements look aggressive and deliver improved side traction.
• Elevated handling and traction on all surfaces for maximum performance.
• Tapered shoulder-block design provides smooth and predictable side grip.
• Big center block generates outstanding forward grip and mud traction.
• 45-degree center-block design furnishes optimum forward and side grip.
• Carcass incorporates two nylon plies positioned at a rigid case angle to promote large-block stability through the contact patch.

Dunlop Quadmax

The Dunlop Quadmax ATV tire is designed to take recreational trail-riding enthusiasts anywhere, any time. Compared to standard original equipment tires, the Quadmax elevates the level of performance across the board, allowing riders to tackle ultratough riding conditions with confidence. When developing the Quadmax, Dunlop set out with two goals in mind. First, design a tire that delivers superior handling in the harshest conditions imaginable. Second, create a design that provides excellent mud traction. For other manufacturers, these two goals would be considered mutually exclusive.

For Dunlop, this was an exciting challenge. First, competitive designs were thoroughly evaluated to determine their strengths and weaknesses. Which tires performed best in dry conditions? Wet conditions? Mud? Which tires had the best cornering capability? The best tread life? Then Dunlop’s engineers tapped into the company’s extensive knowledge base of tire handling dynamics, carcass and tread design, tread compounds and manufacturing to develop an ATV tire that would outperform all of them. Quadmax construction begins with two tough nylon plies laid at a rigid case angle. The rigid case angle allows the tire to maintain a low, flat profile while cornering. It also contributes to a five percent larger footprint for both cornering and straight-line operation, resulting in increased available traction in all conditions.

An additional goal of the engineering team was to reduce tire weight. This was achieved through the design and manufacturing processes. The mold of the low-profile Quadmax contributes significantly to the weight reduction. Also, manufacturing process control ensures that the tire’s design weight is realized in production. The reductions are notable; the front Quadmax is nearly two pounds lighter than a comparably sized tire and the rear sheds nearly five pounds in similar comparisons. The substantial weight savings reduce unsprung weight and this advantage, in turn, reduces the energy needed to accelerate, brake and turn. More responsive steering and suspension action are added benefits, producing exceptional overall handling.

Next, optimum tread-block shape and pattern ensure maximum straight-line and cornering capability. Big, asymmetrical, chevron-shaped center blocks are three quarters of an inch tall and provide plenty of mud-gripping forward traction. A 45-degree transition from the tip of each chevron to the tapered shoulder blocks provides smooth and predictable side grip when cornering. Finally, Dunlop applied its considerable expertise in tread compounds to produce an advanced rubber that provides substantial grip in both wet and dry conditions while also delivering excellent tread life.

The result? Side-by-side testing with Quadmax competitors validated the project objectives: The Quadmax was not only the best mud tire in the group, it outperformed every other brand on the trail as well. It must be mentioned that the Quadmax looks the part; from its aggressive tread-block design to the wraparound shoulder and sidewall elements, this is one ATV tire that looks every bit as good as it performs. The Quadmax is an ideal replacement tire for all brands of recreational ATVs and side-byside utility vehicles. Available in the summer of 2006 at Dunlop retailers, the Quadmax comes in these popular sizes:

Front:
AR25x8-12
AR24x9-11
AR24x8-12
Rear:
AR25x10-12
AR25x11-10
AR25x11-12

For more information, visit www.dunlopatv.com or call
(800) 845-8378.