| 4x4 All Terrain Tire SHOOTOUT |
Steep Climb, loose dirt & sharp rock
Stoddard Valley climb 2 Page 1
Stoddard Valley climb 2 Page 1
Climb 2 of our test at Stoddard Valley is somewhat more difficult than the first
climb. The first climb had sections with an incline of over 32 degrees where the
second climb had several spots where the angle of climb exceeded 36
degrees. The slope was even steeper crawling over some of the boulders on the
trail. At times the side slope combined with the climb angle was a bit daunting.
The technique used for a steep climb like this, which changes climb angle
almost continuously, is to maintain speed, about 5-7 MPH, so that when you
reach the steeper sections, you have some momentum to keep going. This is a
very long, narrow slope, not one you would want to back down and definitely not
one where you would want to attempt a u-turn. While none of the tests were
timed, during debrief, Malcolm said he was attempting to go as fast as possible,
in low range first gear, in order to maintain momentum for the entire climb. In
analyzing the video clips, the Toyo tires made it up the climb in about 1 minute,
34 seconds, the BFG Tires in 1 minute, 37 seconds and the Hankook tires in 1
minute 32 seconds. This is not a big deal, but while watching the video clips,
take a look at the amount of dust and wheelspin on the different tires. The climb
time is inversely proportional to the dust and wheel spin. More dust = more
time. This clip compares all three tires from a trailside cam at the bottom of the
climb. Watch the differences in the amounts of dust for clues about traction
capability.
climb. The first climb had sections with an incline of over 32 degrees where the
second climb had several spots where the angle of climb exceeded 36
degrees. The slope was even steeper crawling over some of the boulders on the
trail. At times the side slope combined with the climb angle was a bit daunting.
The technique used for a steep climb like this, which changes climb angle
almost continuously, is to maintain speed, about 5-7 MPH, so that when you
reach the steeper sections, you have some momentum to keep going. This is a
very long, narrow slope, not one you would want to back down and definitely not
one where you would want to attempt a u-turn. While none of the tests were
timed, during debrief, Malcolm said he was attempting to go as fast as possible,
in low range first gear, in order to maintain momentum for the entire climb. In
analyzing the video clips, the Toyo tires made it up the climb in about 1 minute,
34 seconds, the BFG Tires in 1 minute, 37 seconds and the Hankook tires in 1
minute 32 seconds. This is not a big deal, but while watching the video clips,
take a look at the amount of dust and wheelspin on the different tires. The climb
time is inversely proportional to the dust and wheel spin. More dust = more
time. This clip compares all three tires from a trailside cam at the bottom of the
climb. Watch the differences in the amounts of dust for clues about traction
capability.
TEST DRIVER EVALUATIONS
Hill Descent - steep, loose dirt, sharp rock HANKOOK BFG TOYO
Stoddard Valley Mar 11
Traction Overall 7 5.5 5
Wheelspin / Wheel Lockup 6.5 5 5
Directional Stability 6.5 5 5
Steering Feel 6.5 5 5
Tire Compliance with Surface 7 5 4.5
Steering Input Responsiveness 6.5 5 5
Test importance 10 of 10 Average 6.67 5.25 4.92
TEST DRIVER COMMENTS:
Hankook: Very good traction, Some lockup. Smooth ride
BFG: Fairly good traction, some lockup. Smooth ride.
Toyo: Fairly poor traction, Excessive lockup. Very bouncy ride.
Hill Descent - steep, loose dirt, sharp rock HANKOOK BFG TOYO
Stoddard Valley Mar 11
Traction Overall 7 5.5 5
Wheelspin / Wheel Lockup 6.5 5 5
Directional Stability 6.5 5 5
Steering Feel 6.5 5 5
Tire Compliance with Surface 7 5 4.5
Steering Input Responsiveness 6.5 5 5
Test importance 10 of 10 Average 6.67 5.25 4.92
TEST DRIVER COMMENTS:
Hankook: Very good traction, Some lockup. Smooth ride
BFG: Fairly good traction, some lockup. Smooth ride.
Toyo: Fairly poor traction, Excessive lockup. Very bouncy ride.
To view the tests on the Stoddard Climb 2 of an individual
tire, click on the image of that tire below.
tire, click on the image of that tire below.
googlead7cf473cda55b24.html
googlead7cf473cda55b24.html
What's New!
Copyright 2009 Don Alexander
| Corporate & Public Service 4x4 and Off Road Training Programs Get BackCountry Jobs Accomplished with Ease and Safety Corporate Leadership & Team Building Programs Also Available CLICK HERE!! |
ad
ad
t