When it comes to performance, UTV owners often look under the hood first. After all, if you boost horsepower, everything else has to work better. Right?
Well, sometimes there are ways to improve performance without dabbling under the hood. Sometimes, the easiest performance gain can come from where the rubber meets the dirt—your tires.
The editors of Dirt Toys compared the QuadBoss QBT 446 tires (with QB Grinder wheels) to stock tires in recent head-to-head comparisons. Not only did we find the QB package provided an extremely positive hookup in practically all conditions, but also provided the necessary durability in the harshest of terrain.
Right out of the box we noticed two things: First, the QB tires were nearly twice as heavy as the stock tires (we mounted our wheels on the 2016 Polaris Ace 900). For a lightweight ATV, we were a little concerned how this would impact the performance of the Ace since it is overall weight is about 1,100 lbs. Other than it was just a little slower on initial acceleration, we didn’t see any real loss of performance through the midrange and top end.
Second, and perhaps why we noticed a little decline in acceleration off the start, the QB tires hooked up a lot better to the trail surface. There was no slippage, even when you punched the throttle. The positive traction could be felt right up your tight leg as you stomped on the throttle.
Where we really appreciated the QB tires was in rocky terrain. The QBT 446 tires feature an ultra-durable eight-ply radial carcass that thwarts unwanted penetration from sharp rocks or tree stumps. The Radial casing with over-center tread design delivers a smooth ride. Its three-quarter inch tread grabs any surface, making it an extremely versatile pattern design for western trail conditions.
It also delivers a non-directional tread design to allow it to adapt with rock, mud, sand and snow. Overall, it works well in all conditions. We found it extremely useful in fall riding conditions where the trail can turn from dust to mud quickly during an afternoon thunderstorm.
The QBT 446 tires retail for $159.95 (27x11x12) and $149.95 (27x9x12) respectively.
Another feature we enjoyed with the QB tires was in the overall looks when mounted to QB Grinder wheels. The Grinders are precision machined, aircraft-quality aluminum wheels designed for superior performance. They have the finish that looks like a “show” wheel, but the function that works in the grimiest conditions.
In other words, they are built to handle off-road abuse while looking awesome doing it. They are strong, yet lightweight, and come with a QB custom center cap. The Grinder wheels retail for $104.95.
While we were testing the QB tires and wheels, we also took the time to try out the QB ATV and Dirt Bike Tire Sealant.
Although the durability of the QBT 446 tires makes it doubtful that we would ever experience tire damage in the near future, the QB Tire Sealant can come in handy in case you ever pick up an old nail lying along the trail.
The QB Tire Sealant seals up to a one-half inch puncture in the tread and one-quarter inch puncture in the sidewall. It is designed to also stop bead leaks and pinhole leaks in ATV/UTV rims. It won’t solidify or freeze (rated to minus 33 degrees F) and will not rust steel, corrode aluminum wheels, or clog the valve core. It is environmentally benign, water washable and will last for the life of the tire.
The QB Tire Sealant retails for $59.99 per gallon (treats four tires).
For more information, contact www.quadboss.com.
