is the grim reaper good or bad

AKStew · #1 (**permalink**) 09-22-2011, 09:39 PM

I've been looking to replace the stock 22" tires on our Sportsman 300. There's not much at all in mud tires in that size for 12" rims. Definitely don't want to go to 25", and there's is nothing in 24" either, which would also be a bit too big for the engine/clutch on the 300.

GBC recently came out with a 23" Grim Reaper and I'm thinking the 300 could handle them. Anyone have an opinion on these tires?

Thanks,
Stew

cwlongshot · #2 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 03:04 AM

Mornin man,
The guys who have them LOVE GRIM REAPERS! While they are a passable mud tire its not there forte. Do you need a mud tire?

CW

Action · #3 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 04:52 AM

The guy I ride with most of the time has them and really likes them. I've ridden his machine and they are a smooth riding, 8 ply tire that works well in most terrain. Like CW said, they're not the best mud tire but work OK as long as its not too deep. They are a great choice for a general all condition tire.

Action

SNW629 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 04:56 AM

the grim reaper is a great tire and very popular on this forum. being a radial they are on the heavy side. we had our daughter on a 300 sporty for 3 years,i put the carlisle 489 24x12 on it when new and put 600 miles on them,real good trail tire,not heavy and do ok in the mud on this quad.

skiboat · #5 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 06:17 AM

i have the grim reapers on my xp & they are a great tire tough sidewalls.my daughter has the same bike as you & we run the ams swamp fox on it in size 23x8x12 23x10x12 & it works great the limited editions came with 23 in tires.if the reapers were out in that size a couple of years ago i would have bought them though.

AKStew · #6 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 09:28 AM

Thanks for the input, fellas.

We mostly ride hard-pack trails with ruts full of water and the associated slime, some fairly deep river crossings, and some rocky hills. When the whole family is along (me, the wife, and 4 daughters) we don't go looking for mud, but we do have to cross some sizeable muddy/swampy areas. Our 300, 500, & 700 all have winches and tow straps so we are always able to get through if we get stuck.

I'm also looking hard at the AMS Swamp Fox. Though I like that it's a true mud tire and 3 pounds lighter, it falls short of the Grim Reaper in other areas.

23" Swamp Fox: 5/8" tread depth, 6-ply bias
23" Grim Reaper: 7/8" tread depth, 8-ply radial

I especially like the extra tread depth. I like the 8 plies because the whole reason I have to replace the OEMs is the sidewalls of both left tires got gashed. More plies might have prevented that. The plugs are holding air but I can't risk losing them out in the sticks. We sometimes ride up to 20-30 miles from the nearest road with no cell phone coverage.

Looks like it's Grim Reapers for me.

Thanks again,
Stew

bgirard420 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKStew

I'm also looking hard at the AMS Swamp Fox.

I like the 8 plies because the whole reason I have to replace the OEMs is the sidewalls of both left tires got gashed.

Stick with the reapers, read a ton of reviews on the swamp foxes that said the knobs/treads rip off the tire from the rocks and hardpan. I too was interested in them until I read about that.

I have the spartacus and really like them, I would imagine the reapers are just as good just with a different tread pattern. I am not 100% sure on the truth of this, but I have read/heard that 8 ply only applies only to the tread area, not the sidewall. Either way, these sidewalls are much tougher than stock.

cwlongshot · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 10:32 AM

When I needed tires on my wife's Trail Boss. I looked at all the brands and found what your finding.. Not allot of the "big popular models" available in my size.

Back in the '80's I tore up a stock Dunlop tire on my QuadSport. We rode woods trails and as much mud as we could find. NOT allot of choices back then... ATVs where in there infancy. I found Wholly Boogers and these things where better then anything out at the time. I went thru things with that 2WD machine than dirt bikes could. I dove into anything with reckless abandon and usually made it thru! I remember one ride thru some especially thick mud as I exited I had literally 6" on my shoulders, helmet legs... all horizontal surfaces. I felt like I had gained 100 pounds. I wish I had pics!!! Long story short, here we are 23 years later I found wooly boogers available in my size for a good $$ and put them on her machine. Guess what...they are just as good today!! They ride smooth offer much increased traction over the stock worn out 489s and I got them from a sponsor here, mounted for less then the replacement 489s would have cost me for the tires alone.

Here is that machine back in the day..

Here is the wife's with her boogers...

The Reapers are a superior tire being 8PLY and a RADIAL. But as you mentioned other brands I figured I would muddy the waters..

CW

Discount Tire · #9 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 01:29 PM

I have ridden on the GBC Grim Reapers and enjoyed the traction and comfort of them. I also have a few friends that have them and love them. I do not believe you would be disappointed in them in the least.

GBC Motorsports Grim Reaper tires listed by size

Let us know if we can help.

Thor · #10 (**permalink**) 09-23-2011, 02:10 PM

Grim reaper is TheATVSuperStore.com tire of choice. Here is a picture showing a brand new GR and the other with over 2K miles on it. They look almost the same! Any questions on this or any other tire feel free to call the shop and ask for Thor. Remember we test what we sell and only sell the best!