Pitbull Growler Tires

[Maniac]

I got some nice riding in yesterday with the new tires. This is my third decent length trip that I put on them. They have been excellent so far. I am still looking for that sweet spot for the tire pressure. I started at a high pressure and have been dropping weight 1/4 lb at a time. I am going to take it down to 5 psi next time.

I decided to attempt to cross a creek yesterday that I never was able to with my OEM tires. The creek has a very soft mud bottom and I only made it to the other side in AWD in the past, but was never able to climb the bank. Well that was before yesterday. I made it across the creek in 2wd. (These tires clean out very nice for being a trail tire.) Then in AWD after one failed attempt, I made it up that bank that I never was able to climb before. Impressive!!!

I drove over several wet logs without much of an issue. I wasn't overly impressed with crawling over the logs. Not better.. Not worse...

I climbed a few hills that I haven't tried in a while. On those steep hills I did notice that my engine was working harder than normal, but I think it was mostly due to these tires digging in more than the OEMs. And wow do they dig! I was able to glance back at one point and it looked like I was a speed boat in the water spraying up water. (or dirt in my case)

I do notice a little power loss when wide open. It takes a little longer to reach top speed, but I rarely am able to run wide open where I ride. The only other negative so far is that I can feel everything under the tires. I think that it is due to being a radial tire. (and not flexing as much as bias ply) I hit a rocky section and I got beat up a little. I am adjusting the tire pressure to see if that makes any difference.

Overall, these tires are excellent. The handling and steering of these tires are amazing! I have put them through some difficult conditions and they haven't left me down yet. Time will tell how they hold up.

[Discount Tire]

Thanks for your report of the PitBull Growlers in action. Sounds like you picked up the right tire for your type of riding.

Sounds like a fun ride.

[gtsum2]

nice and thorough review!

[JimmyC]

I love the look of the pit bulls and for the type of riding I do (aggressive trail riding) they look like the perfect tire.

I'm pretty sure as soon as I wear out zillas I'll be grabbing a set of the Growlers. Did you happen to look at the Uber Growlers? Looks like they'll be a little heavier because of the 8 vs 6 ply but I'd rather have a little more durability than win any speed contests.

Can you really tell a difference in adjusting tire pressures by a 1/4 of a pound of PSI? I would think maybe by 2 psi increments. Let us know what works for you. I've been running my tires around 6-7 and that seems to be perfect for all around riding.

Thanks for the write up.

[Maniac]

Originally Posted by JimmyC

I love the look of the pit bulls and for the type of riding I do (aggressive trail riding) they look like the perfect tire.

I'm pretty sure as soon as I wear out zillas I'll be grabbing a set of the Growlers. Did you happen to look at the Uber Growlers? Looks like they'll be a little heavier because of the 8 vs 6 ply but I'd rather have a little more durability than win any speed contests.

Can you really tell a difference in adjusting tire pressures by a 1/4 of a pound of PSI? I would think maybe by 2 psi increments. Let us know what works for you. I've been running my tires around 6-7 and that seems to be perfect for all around riding.

Thanks for the write up.

I went with the 6 ply because of the size of the tire. I wanted to bump up my size but not affect the center of gravity too much. (Being that I do ride 2 up sometimes.) Also, I wanted to minimize any potential problems with clutching and other mechanical stresses. I havent really been able to tell too much of a difference in 1/4 lb increments. The tread is very soft and flexible at all psi, but I am trying to fine tune the ride without damaging my wheels. I have no experience with radials, so I don't know what to expect.

[biz4two]

Nice review of the Growlers! So...did you ever find that right psi that gives the best for your type of riding?

How are you still liking the tires?


biz

[Maniac]

Originally Posted by biz4two

Nice review of the Growlers! So...did you ever find that right psi that gives the best for your type of riding?

How are you still liking the tires?


biz

Thanks. I haven't really noticed a big difference in the tire pressure changes. I settled on 5.5 lbs all around. The tire sidewalls are remarkably soft for being a 6 ply and I felt better about having a little extra wheel protection. The handling and traction is unchanged in the pressure range that I tested. (5 - 6.5 lbs.)

I really like these tires! We had a relatively snowy winter here & these tires went through deep snow (12"+) a lot better than my old Carlisle 489's. I haven't been out this spring much yet, but am planning on it in a few weeks.

Up to this point, I only have good things to say about these tires. Something that I have noticed when reading my "Dirt Wheels" magazine... Several of the UTV's that have run and won in the "King of Hammers" and other endurance races were wearing the Growler and Rocker tires. That says something about these Pitbull brand tires...

[dueydag]

Also keep me in touch it's a toss up between rockers and growlers for my 2009 550 xp eps not sure want 8 ply 14 inch rim but the growlers say 9inch and 11 inch ,I don't know if this is an issue I already narrowed my sway bar 1 inch just in case.

[Maniac]

Originally Posted by dueydag

Also keep me in touch it's a toss up between rockers and growlers for my 2009 550 xp eps not sure want 8 ply 14 inch rim but the growlers say 9inch and 11 inch ,I don't know if this is an issue I already narrowed my sway bar 1 inch just in case.

I can't speak of the tire width on your quad. My Touring has a different suspension and different sway bar. I went with the 25.5" tires. My quad (oem) calls for 8" wide up front and 11" wide in the rear. The Growlers that I got are 8" wide up front and 10" in the rear. It doesn't bother me though. The 11" tires protected the rim a little better, but these tires have a nice wheel protector built into them. I haven't had any issues & feel that it looks better like this.

I was a little hesitant when buying the narrower rear tires. But, I knew that radials were different animals and by increasing the numer of ply's that they handle loads better and safety isn't an issue. (Due to the increase in ply's, I am able to carry even more weight if necessary.)

One thing that I never mentioned about my switch was that my big Sportsman Touring feels MUCH more athletic with these tires. (less Jeep like) The steering / turning with these radials is instant. The tuck and dive of the bias tires is gone. It breeds a lot more confidence if you decide to ride faster. Not to mention that I am able to flick the rear more easily on demand. Before with (bias tires) all of that sway, it took more body english and was unnerving at times.

[Discount Tire]

Good follow up. Thanks for posting your opinion.