Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx

[RubiconGeoff]

One of the biggest reasons why I'm more inclined to go with the S/T-MAXX over the KO2s is the simple fact that the Coopers have a lot more tread depth. Not only does that mean traction in soft surfaces, but also in tread life (all other factors being equalized). In the size I'd be buying, the BFGs are 15/32" while the Coopers are 18.5/32". That 3.5/32" may not sound like much, but for someone like I who replaces his tires at roughly 50% of their life, that 3.5/32" is 25% of the tread life when comparing the KO2 and MAXX to equivalent tread depth. The old KO's had 17/32" tread depth which was part of what put them at the top of the heap of all-terrain tires when it came to offroad traction. I'm not expecting an all-terrain tire to be a Super Swamper, but tread depth is still one of the main features that separates an all-terrain tire from a street tire.

Not to derail the conversation, but since someone is bound to ask me, the reasons why I sell my tires at 50% of their tread life are many. Primarily, it's because used tire prices are pretty high (at least around here, where anyone who wants to save a buck or two will pay 2/3 the price of new to get 1/2 worn tires off of Craigslist). I would also rather use the "better half" of the life of a tire, not only in terms of tread depth but also the condition of the rubber. Since age, UV rays, ozone, and heat cycling all contribute to the hardening of the rubber and weather cracking, I get a lot more bang for my buck by sticking to the first half of a tire's life. And even with obsessive rotations, tires still tend to get noisier as they wear. I like having new shoes on my Jeep, so this strategy works out nicely for me.

 

[Redline]

One of the biggest reasons why I'm more inclined to go with the S/T-MAXX over the KO2s is the simple fact that the Coopers have a lot more tread depth. Not only does that mean traction in soft surfaces, but also in tread life (all other factors being equalized). In the size I'd be buying, the BFGs are 15/32" while the Coopers are 18.5/32". That 3.5/32" may not sound like much, but for someone like I who replaces his tires at roughly 50% of their life, that 3.5/32" is 25% of the tread life when comparing the KO2 and MAXX to equivalent tread depth. The old KO's had 17/32" tread depth which was part of what put them at the top of the heap of all-terrain tires when it came to offroad traction. I'm not expecting an all-terrain tire to be a Super Swamper, but tread depth is still one of the main features that separates an all-terrain tire from a street tire. snip...

I could not agree more. The low tread depth on some of the less-aggressive all terrain tires, 16/32" or less, has never appealed to me. Less tread = less potential traction and/or ability to handle debris, etc. My current Toyo A/T II tires came with 17/32", which is just okay, I much prefer 18/32" or more tread on new traction tires.

As noted, the added thirty-seconds of tread can mean many thousands of miles of additional wear. If a tire provides 3,000 miles per 1/32", an extra 3/32" is 9,000 miles, not a small number.

Also agree with removing/selling tires at approx. 50% tread depth, again more traction deeper tread and some added safety.

To remain on-topic, one of the many features I like on the Cooper Discover S/T MAXX is that every size comes with 18.5/32". Deep tread on most tires/sizes is also common on the Cooper subsidiary brands Mickey Thompson and ******** Cepek.

 

[Hilldweller]

One of the biggest reasons why I'm more inclined to go with the S/T-MAXX over the KO2s is the simple fact that the Coopers have a lot more tread depth. Not only does that mean traction in soft surfaces, but also in tread life (all other factors being equalized). In the size I'd be buying, the BFGs are 15/32" while the Coopers are 18.5/32". That 3.5/32" may not sound like much, but for someone like I who replaces his tires at roughly 50% of their life, that 3.5/32" is 25% of the tread life when comparing the KO2 and MAXX to equivalent tread depth. The old KO's had 17/32" tread depth which was part of what put them at the top of the heap of all-terrain tires when it came to offroad traction. I'm not expecting an all-terrain tire to be a Super Swamper, but tread depth is still one of the main features that separates an all-terrain tire from a street tire.

Not to derail the conversation, but since someone is bound to ask me, the reasons why I sell my tires at 50% of their tread life are many. Primarily, it's because used tire prices are pretty high (at least around here, where anyone who wants to save a buck or two will pay 2/3 the price of new to get 1/2 worn tires off of Craigslist). I would also rather use the "better half" of the life of a tire, not only in terms of tread depth but also the condition of the rubber. Since age, UV rays, ozone, and heat cycling all contribute to the hardening of the rubber and weather cracking, I get a lot more bang for my buck by sticking to the first half of a tire's life. And even with obsessive rotations, tires still tend to get noisier as they wear. I like having new shoes on my Jeep, so this strategy works out nicely for me.

Quoted for wisdom.

The BFG KOs that were on my Power Wagon were ditched at 14,000 miles with 5/32s left.

 

[BigSwede]

Tire compounds vary. They don't wear at the same rate necessarily. The old BFG KO was a relatively hard compound, and was long wearing for an AT. Not saying the MAXX won't wear a long time, maybe it will. I'm just saying tread depth isn't necessarily an indicator of tire life.

 

[brianjwilson]

One of the biggest reasons why I'm more inclined to go with the S/T-MAXX over the KO2s is the simple fact that the Coopers have a lot more tread depth. Not only does that mean traction in soft surfaces, but also in tread life (all other factors being equalized). In the size I'd be buying, the BFGs are 15/32" while the Coopers are 18.5/32". That 3.5/32" may not sound like much, but for someone like I who replaces his tires at roughly 50% of their life, that 3.5/32" is 25% of the tread life when comparing the KO2 and MAXX to equivalent tread depth. The old KO's had 17/32" tread depth which was part of what put them at the top of the heap of all-terrain tires when it came to offroad traction. I'm not expecting an all-terrain tire to be a Super Swamper, but tread depth is still one of the main features that separates an all-terrain tire from a street tire.

Not to derail the conversation, but since someone is bound to ask me, the reasons why I sell my tires at 50% of their tread life are many. Primarily, it's because used tire prices are pretty high (at least around here, where anyone who wants to save a buck or two will pay 2/3 the price of new to get 1/2 worn tires off of Craigslist). I would also rather use the "better half" of the life of a tire, not only in terms of tread depth but also the condition of the rubber. Since age, UV rays, ozone, and heat cycling all contribute to the hardening of the rubber and weather cracking, I get a lot more bang for my buck by sticking to the first half of a tire's life. And even with obsessive rotations, tires still tend to get noisier as they wear. I like having new shoes on my Jeep, so this strategy works out nicely for me.

I generally sell my tires at 50% as well. Same reasons. Same on my cars, bikes etc. I've used the better half and fetch several hundred toward a new set. and I freakin love new tires! You can spend all the money you like on suspension, brakes, performance, lockers etc and none of it matters if you have crappy worn out tires.

The new bfg looks interesting but in the soupy clay mud in the Pacific Northwest they are absolutely horrible. I've seen the ST maxx in use in the clay mud and while not quite as good as a mud terrain, they are significantly better than BFG ATs.

 

[Redline]

I generally sell my tires at 50% as well. Same reasons. Same on my cars, bikes etc. I've used the better half and fetch several hundred toward a new set. and I freakin love new tires!

x100

You must be my long-lost brother....

You can spend all the money you like on suspension, brakes, performance, lockers etc and none of it matters if you have crappy worn out tires.

Amen.

 

[kojackJKU]

Tire compounds vary. They don't wear at the same rate necessarily. The old BFG KO was a relatively hard compound, and was long wearing for an AT. Not saying the MAXX won't wear a long time, maybe it will. I'm just saying tread depth isn't necessarily an indicator of tire life.

After owning the st maxx and now the AT KO's, I am thinking the AT's will go a little longer before being worn out.......with that being said, I got almost 90k out of my st maxx. They wear like iron. They ride like iron too but They are great bang for the buck for longevity.

 

[Redline]

After owning the st maxx and now the AT KO's, I am thinking the AT's will go a little longer before being worn out.......with that being said, I got almost 90k out of my st maxx. They wear like iron. They ride like iron too but They are great bang for the buck for longevity.

Wow, 90k! Presumably on your JK?

Maybe that means one could get 50k+ out of a set on a big toque heavy diesel.

 

[kojackJKU]

Yeah, that was on my JK. oh, sorry, that's 90k KMS. so about 50k miles. even still. that's awesome for an aggressive tire. I think you should get close to that with the diesel because the carcass is so stiff. just don't hammer the throttle hard a lot.

 

[Redline]

Yeah, that was on my JK. oh, sorry, that's 90k KMS. so about 50k miles. even still. that's awesome for an aggressive tire. I think you should get close to that with the diesel because the carcass is so stiff. just don't hammer the throttle hard a lot.

Okay, sounds reasonable 90k kilometers.

Agree that being easy on the go-pedal helps

 

[kojackJKU]

Oh yeah

I wore out a set of toyos on my supercharged Integra in less than 20k. And not burning it out either. Just driving hard. I miss that car. I was one of the first people with a supercharger on an ls/vtec Integra.

 

[SSF556]

Just got my ST Maxx mounted and installed and will provide updates...noticeably quieter than the DuraTracs..especially at 30-40mph. My wife immediately noticed a difference.

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[kojackJKU]

Just got my ST Maxx mounted and installed and will provide updates...noticeably quieter than the DuraTracs..especially at 30-40mph. My wife immediately noticed a difference.

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Lookin great!

 

[SSF556]

Lookin great!

Thanks....


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[kojackJKU]

What are the lug nuts you are running on your steelies? I hate chorme acorn style lugs, they do not last at all. Yours look much better. Plus, with the open style you can put a little mark on each lug and keep and eye on the nuts to see if they have moved. The red TR badge is a nice touch too!