Michelin XZL. Real world feedback?

[J!m]

I’m running bfgs now (255-85/16) and had (the old style) Cooper STT in the same size I believe prior on my truck.

I like the 33” height of these but not the width, even in my narrow rims.

I believe the 8.25/16 to be 33” tall and less than 9” wide. So I should have less rubbing. I don’t know of a BFG in a narrow/tall option.

 

[Tembo]

I have run XZL 7.50x16s on my two Defenders for last seven years. The first set came with the vehicle, put on when it was still a military vehicle. I have done lots of highway miles and four trips to the Sahara on rock and sand. Love the tire and would continue to use them in the future but yes, as noted Michelin stopped making them a few years ago and any you find are what's left in stock. Since the rubber degrades over time, when I need to replace my current sets I will have to find something else that offers similar performance an durability.

 

[101]

XZL 255/100 is the "new" 9.00 and they're available and they're expensive and they're good. I've run the XL in the old 9.00 X 16 and I thought they were good unless it was icy or hardpack snow. Think the reason some people like the Michelins is because they've got tyres that haven't suffered from old age or improper storage. I changed out my XLs purely to obtain newer rubber. My understanding is that the UK MOD kept Michelins as a preferred choice for mission critical Land Rovers - alternatives were a cost cut....

 

[luckyjoe]

I have XZL's on my 109 and they are a good for everything tire. I don't feel I can out-drive them at all, but you might on a more modern vehicle

 

[J!m]

Thanks for all the input guys.

Nothing happening as of yet but I appreciate the opinion, for and against them.

 

[charlieaarons]

Thanks for all the input guys.

Nothing happening as of yet but I appreciate the opinion, for and against them.

8.25s will usually fit on a vehicle that had 7.50s with a bit of room, only 1” more radius and same rims. I have a set, were on BJ60 Landcruiser. I have had good experiences with 395/85R20 XZL on Unimog U500 camper.
Of course 7.50/8.25 XZL are almost unique as far as being light truck tires with all steel casing.

 

[Westy617G]

I run this tyre in an 825 and I love them bit of road noise but not found them scary in the wet. Great off road but stiff sidewalls mean I have to air right down. Quite heavy as well but real tough.
The biggest downside is where will I get another set once I’ve worn these down

 

[Rovertrader]

I've run the XZLs for very long time, and really like them. Perfect tire-no, but there isn't one! Indestructible, awesome for desert, great in mud, easy to air down, decent on road, not the best on wet pavement...
I have a set of new 8.25's that I am likely not going to use as I have gone a little overboard with my Tithonus and running 37's. Shoot me a message if interested.