Mud-Terrain Tires in the Real World: Performance, Durability, and Practicality

The Accelera Badak X-treme and the Armstrong Desert Dog MT are categorized as mud-terrain tires, but what are they really like. Well, let me tell you...

We have tested both these tires in multiple conditions, ranging from heavy mud to gravel tracks. Although they are both mud-terrain tires they have very different tread patterns and compounds. 

A driver’s worst nightmare is to find themselves out of their depth in difficult terrain, the Badak X-treme and Desert Dog have been created to dominate gravel, mud, heavy mud, rain, rocks, and even snow and ice on most occasions. 

X-treme, Aggressive, Adaptable 

Although you may be reading this thinking you already know the Accelera Badak X-treme, do you really know how it performs in the real world?

You won’t be surprised to hear that the Accelera Badak X-treme was in its element in the mud whether it be in super sticky clay or deep bogs. The tires’ lateral center bar gave the vehicle stability when driving on cambered roads, unlike many other tires on the market.

Even if things get a little edgy the driver’s input of aggressive steering and the tires’ strong sidewall made sure there was nothing to worry about.

With a directional tread pattern, the truck was able to reverse out of trouble. This is a relief if things do go too far with no return. 

Although primarily designed for mud terrain, the Badak X-treme tire can excel in other conditions. Tested on dry, steep dirt hill climbs, the tire’s large lugs gripped and propelled the vehicle forward. Even when the track got wet, the tire continued to grip with very little effort.

What makes the Badak X-treme such a clever tire? It is its ability to function on a wide range of terrains, from tarmac to light snow and ice. Even though the tire looks aggressive, it has very good manners on the road, it does demonstrate a slight squirm and sway when in motion, but a lot less than competitor tires. Even though you would expect a tire of this nature to produce a good amount of noise, the Badak X-treme makes a lot less noise than rival tires, which makes for a comfortable drive. Traveling great distances on the road may burn the tires up and ruin the tread pattern, but after driving 600 miles on a set of Badak X-treme’s, the tread pattern had worn very well and continue to provide substantial grip. 

If you come across some light/heavy snow and ice, the Badak X-treme will be able to use its extensive tread blocks to remove the terrain and grip the surface underneath. Although the tire has not been tested on thick, heavy snow, the tread blocks can comfortably remove slushy ice and snow.

Desert, Dynamic, Dominant 

Created to dominate the mud, the Armstrong Desert Dog has to cope with many obstacles. However, in pretty much every other situation, the tire was able to clean the terrain and maintain forward momentum. The only time the tire struggled was on a dirt path, trying to pull a stuck tractor, prompting the tire to dig through the topsoil.

Driving in difficult muddy conditions requires a delicate touch on the throttle; this combined with the Desert Dog removing slippery obstacles makes for comfortable off-road driving. 

Although it is paramount for a mud-terrain tire to dominate the mud, a tire that can perform on the road/pavement or towing is also beneficial. Initially, with towing, the tire showed some instability, but a touch of fettling to the tire pressures improved the performance. However, the removal of the towing weight drastically improved the performance on the road. In a straight line, the tire ran smoothly and was planted. Heading into the turns, the tires were spirited but lacked a touch of responsiveness; however, when spots of rain started to fall, the tire came into its own. The tread block gave the drivers wet traction and handling characteristics more accustomed for a mud terrain tire.

The main takeaway from the Desert Dog is that without much surprise, it crushed the mud and any rain or loose surface in its way. But when it comes to stability when towing on the road, the tire requires a touch of care and experimentation for the performance you might need.  

Mud or not to Mud

Off-Roading requires a suitable off-road vehicle, a set of suitable off-road tires, and knowledge of the upcoming challenges of the terrain. Our two tires in question have varying factors that allow them to conquer the road, mud, and snow. If you’re looking to venture deep into the heavy mud and snow, you are better off fitting the Badak X-treme. If you’re a trepid explorer, the Badak X-treme is designed to get you out of those tricky spots. 

On the other hand, with a less aggressive tread pattern, it is apparent that the Desert Dog can dominate mud and wet conditions and handle most towing or daily driving.

Need more info on the above-reviewed MT tires? Check them out here and the rest of the MT tires we sell. Accelera Badak X-Treme or the Armstrong Tires Desert Dog MT.