Got these to replace my stock Chupacabras on my Trek Stache 5. I ride a lot of more technical trails that are either dry and sandy or muddy as heck. I noticed a difference immediately vs the stock tires in regards cornering and overall handling. I can really duck into corners now without feeling any slipping and I feel like the whole bike sticks to the ground a little better. In the mud, they keep me upright most of the time. If I hit a curve with some thick mud, they give me an extra second or two to catch myself before I eat it. With my Chupas, I would be on my face before I could get a foot out. They do get HEAVY in mud as they really cake and hold it. Overall, love the tire. Pump it up for mud and keep it squishy for dryer conditions and rocks. It also makes my bike look MEAN!
People are generally shocked when they see these massive DH tires on my hardtail. The trails I frequent are super loose and sandy, these make navigating the sketchy stuff sooo much easier than the factory Bontragers my rig came with. Even tho I'm riding a lot lower pressure than most (plus), the hold up on tight turns and repel the occasional sharp rock with no issues.
