Riding the (sticky) bandwagon! Maxxis tire review

I’ve been riding Maxxis tires on a few of my mountain bikes for three months now, and in a pretty good variety of trail conditions, which lead me to posting this review. I used to work at Wilderness Trail Bikes, also referred to as WTB, and still enjoy many of their tires. However, Maxxis has the largest share of the bicycle market, and their tires are much more common in the field. Since I’m not officially affiliated with WTB, this has been a great chance to spend some time sampling some of the best tires from Maxxis.
In front, I’ve been using the grippy Assegai 29x2.5WT Double Down with MaxxTerra rubber: bit.ly/MaxxisA... (affiliate link)
In rear, I’ve enjoyed the fast rolling Aggressor 29x2.5WT Double Down in most conditions:
bit.ly/MaxxisA... (affiliate link)
A more aggressive rear tire option that I’ve liked a lot in the wet is the Minion DHR II 29x2.4WT Double Down MaxxTerra: bit.ly/MaxxisD... (affiliate link)
As for bikes I’m riding here, there are a few sneak peaks of the Ripmo V2 that I’ve been really enjoying this fall. Learn more about the Ripmo V2 here: bit.ly/RipmoAF... (affiliate link)
The Yeti SB130LR absolutely blew away my expectations away this year, and I’ve made a couple rad changes to it that I’m excited to share in an upcoming video. To learn more about the SB130 hit the link! bit.ly/YetiSB1... (affiliate link)
The fancy Endura clothes I'm wearing:
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bit.ly/EnduraB...
bit.ly/EnduraS...
bit.ly/EnduraH...
bit.ly/EnduraM...
The Orbea Occam is an amazing bike, and I’m currently dialing this bike in for a longer term review in the winter: bit.ly/OrbeaOc...
Big shout to my sponsors! Thanks to Jenson USA, PNW Components, Industry Nine, and Shimano- and any purchases from the below links to Jenson USA will help support my channel:
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Did you know I post a new riding tutorial every month? These are ONLY posted to my Patreon page, so join now to see these rad videos! Here’s the full list of my riding tutorials posted through August 2021:
How to levitate out of corners: / 55607066
Three simple cornering tips: / 54371316
How (and when) to rock roll or drop: / 53126562
How to jump with fluidity- and not DEAD SAILER! / 51914476
How to Lanual: / 50695443
How to climb ledges without a bunny hop: / 49476021
Which brake to use when: / which-brake-to-48108425
Different bikes, different riding techniques: / 46925782
How to ride FLAT PEDALS through the ROCKS: / how-to-ride-flat-45662347
How to ride wet roots and steep chutes: / 44507851
How to ride with style: / how-to-ride-with-43349450
How to jump for height vs distance: / 42202183
Common manual questions answered: / 41006264
How to land jumps: / 39928153
My 3 favorite skills drills: / if-i-could-only-38809964
How to manual: / how-to-manual-37684861
Cutty: / 36579859
Manual a berm: / 35496772
How to ride in Sedona: / 34436065
Switchbacks: / 3-ways-to-33345804
Nosewheelie: / 32742504
Bump jump: / 31881231
Trials basics for trail riders: / 31145344
Tight berms: / 30389457
Aggressive braking: / 29579507
Confidence for mountain biking: / 28817411
Cornering: / 27981205
Flowing/pumping down the trail: / 27288868
Stoppie through turns: / 26296762
Technical climbing: / 25234847
Boost jumps: / 24161821
Bunnyhop: / 23396959
Utilizing the wheelie on the trail: / 23017910
How to wheelie: / 21879606
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[@flyman_0]

Would definitely recommend giving the Dissector a try when the dirt dries up again. It doesn't hook up quite as well as the DHR2 in the wet, but it rolls basically on par with the aggressor with a bit more weight. Assegai+Dissector has done really well for me in nor-cal dirt.

[@SamMose]

Run this set up on my DH rig, best set up I’ve found.

[@SpencerBaum]

Dissector is a fantastic rear tire! The only issue I've found with it is how fast it disintegrates, especially the Maxx grip version. My dissector lasted me About 4 months

[@marcelknop1]

I tried the Dissector once - runs well but the side knobs were tearing after 3 rides. Never bought one again. I think I got 150km out of the tyre

[@tyk9204]

Love the dissector but it wears out in 30-60 days in AZ, this included the 'long wearing' DC version. I moved on to something else that lasts longer and is cheaper than $95 a pop.

[@dirteatinggrin]

I second this. Dissector is my go-to rear instead of DHR nowadays. I ride in the Okanagan and all over BC. I only run Double Down though, definitely don't have the wear issues others are complaining about below you.

[@Lockoman2100]

Totally with you in this. Assegai Front - DHRII Rear is one of the best combos if you want to lean your bike!

[@Subodai_1]

Assegai front and back for me. 👍

[@Coolcmsc]

Great vid! Agree with DHR at the rear and MaxTerra front and back. I find the Assegai at front fantastic, but it’s more sticky than the DHF (30%??? when I did a simple roll to stop comparison). Yes, the DHF doesn’t have quite the outright performance of the Assegai up front, but I’m 65 and still riding hard and the arthritis is making me less limber and I simply not as strong or fit as I was, however hard I try. My point, well, some of us can’t exploit the Assegai fully and if our athleticism is waning a bit too, then the DHF is a fantastic companion to the DHR out back. And DD casing every time. MaxTerra vs MaxGrip? I’d make the same case as the Assegai vs the DHF: if you’re really fit and your front is slipping because you’re skilled and simply ripping the trail fast, then go MaxGrip. But if you need some coaching, to stop the front slipping and maybe not that fit, then go for the Terra and a subscription to Kendall’s Patreon! 😊

[@mnguyen1224]

That cornering sequence at 5:07 was pure perfection 👌

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you! We have another angle of that section that's a lot more dynamic, too, will share that in an upcoming video! I sweat, a good trail really just needs lots of natural turns.

[@jamieshebubakar5110]

If you wanted fast rolling and loose upright and with tipped over on rails grip you should have tried the Dissector on the rear. Assegai + Dissector ftw. Also EXO+ up front and DD casing in the rear. FYI the Dissector also works up front I use this on my trail bike with the Aggressor on the rear. For a fast rolling combo.

[@dzastafahrai]

My current setup is Assegai DD/DHR2 DD and for winter I swap front tire to WTB Verdict Tough. This works very well even on snow. On the casing topic, wouldn’t want to run anything below DD, it really helps suspension and prevent flats. Rolling resistance, don’t care as I prioritize grip and comfort more. You can be fast when you are confident. Heavy tires gives me that

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on man, thanks for the feedback!

[@ilionatroya7129]

I agree about the DHF giving up traction in an unpredictable way. My favorite combo right now is 2.4 dhr2 front and 2.4 dissector rear. Assegai was just too damn slow rolling and it also was less nimble feeling. Dhr2 front and rear may be the best do it all combo.

[@TKn0eZ]

I’m running the same set up with the Assegai up front and the DHR II in the rear. Love it! I was running a DHF up front and I kept washing out on corners. So I completely agree with you. Great video!

[@marcelknop1]

I tried Assegai on the front once. I used the 2.6 DD Max Grip. I put this on the front without any change to the rear and found the rolling resistance terrible, so much so that I got rid of it after the third ride. The grip benefits gained were outweighed by the extra pedalling required, even on down hills. I found that where I was previously able to accelerate and overtake my friends on the downhill without having to pedal, I would need to pedal to simply keep up with them. I do like the Aggressor for its rolling resistance and grip, and the side knobs do not deteriorate as quickly as on some other tyres I have used. I am still using this tyre on my Trail bike on the rear, together with DHF on the front. My new enduro bike came OEM with Schwalbe Magic Mary front and Big Betty rear and I must say, after 600km of riding on them, I love those tyres. Good grip and so far they have held up well. Even the casings have held up and are not weeping any sealant, so much better than my MAXXIS which are now weeping after 300km of riding. I did not experience the weeping this quick before with the Maxxis and am starting to wonder if their materials have changed as the quality seems to have deteriorated.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

And thats why I'm glad we have comments! What works great for me in the steep PNW might not be the best somewhere else. Where are you located? Here we can't really pedal on our descents since they are so steep and rutted/rooty.

[@marcelknop1]

@@JeffKendallWeed I am in Tasmania, Australia. You should put it on your list to visit. We are developing quite a few trails here which you may have heard of before.

[@jamesc6876]

maxxgrip is too grippy for u, shud try Maxterra instead and maybe a lighter casing up front if rolling speed is more important than puncturing. assegai are still great in traction in maxterra over dhf maxxgrip. in wet dunno as much but in dry loose over hard it’s faster rolling and better overall traction than dhf mg

[@patrickkatzmair]

Exactly my tire setup. Assagai always in the front, DHR for Winter and Aggressor for Summer. And Dual Compound 60tpi on the rear, especially for Winter (front and rear)! 👌

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Patrick! My Assegais are all MaxxGrip, and the Aggressors I have are the dual compound.

[@ryanbuchan3158]

Hey Jeff, I ride the shore all the time in all seasons and use DHF maxxgrip exo 2.5 front and DHR2 maxxterra exo+ 2.4 (with cushcore f+r) and love that combo. I also love to ride really aggressively on trail and push hard into turns while learning the bike over but don't feel like the DHF slides out ever. I really think you need to try the maxxgrip compound on the front it's totally different.

[@nunyabiznes32]

Thanks for another great video Jeff! I was running a set of Specialized Eskar tires several summers ago and had the front wash out at Galbraith on the bottom section of Evolution. Slid headfirst into a tree. Thankfully was wearing a full face, but still injured my lower spine. Thought I might have paralyzed myself, but was able to ride out. Threw those tires in the trash and went back to Maxxis High Rollers (at the time).

[@ThatPNWlyfe]

I’m looking at the Assegai front & DHRii for my Rocky Mtn Growler (hard tail). Glad to hear you endorse them for PNW winters.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Totally. Though I will say I prefer the 2.8 front/2.6 rear on my 27.5 Stylus, as the extra traction and cush of the 2.6 rear has been nice. About to do some width tests soon, should be interesting! Jealous of your Growler, those are hard to get!!!!

[@jonnysnakes5417]

Im normally a schwalbe guy but my latest bike came with assegais front and back, they felt great in pretty much every situation until weather turned and i was riding in a lot more proper mud so now ive got a pair of magic marys on the way for winter but will maybe put the assegais back on when it drys up a bit. Also really loved the wtb tyres i had on my nukeproof mega

[@derekcote2686]

I just got a new YT Jeffsy (Love it!) that came with Maxxis Minion DHR 2.4 WT on front and back. I have noticed considerable front drift compared to my old ride with DHR/DHF set up. The DHF was way better on the front but I have been considering the Assegai for my new ride. Thanks, Jeff, for confirming my doubts about the DHR on the front.

[@offroadrepairman]

DHF is surprisingly good as a rear tire, and the only position I run it after assegai was released. It’s fast rolling, better traction than aggressor but lasts much longer than dissector. If I was in Sedona, moab, or galby doing unemployment line laps I would run aggressor most of the time. I was extremely pleased with wtb judge tough fast rolling as a rear tire. Then couldn’t find any more for sale and returned to a dhr2 max tera DD as primary rear tire for Colorado front range.

[@Christophe_L]

Can confirm. Double Down has saved me many times. I run a DHF 2.5 3C and Agressor 2.3 dual compound in back, both DD. Great combo, gets drifty very predictably.

[@gary6361]

Regardless of brand, go for a sticky/tacky compound for the front tyre. Makes a big difference in the way the bike handles. Gives you more confidence in the wet or when it’s loose.

[@257sombra]

i run maxxis dhr 2 29inch 2.6 front and rear all year around and it works great. but yes once again it all come down to the rider style of riding and tire pressure and terrain. great video man. hopefully in the future more videos comparing other brands. nice work.

[@shanetrammell]

I know this is old, and i havent even finished the vid, but i gotta say i love the squeak-overs you did for the brakes, and there is no way you think that tire name is pronounced ass-guy lollllll. Ok i will finish the vid now😂

[@fernandooliveira5852]

You should try the maxxis high roller, it’s a great rear tire, it has a lot of traction and corners really well when you lean the bike. It also let’s you slide the rear around corners (not skidding), which is one of my favorite things to do.

[@charlesrobinson6444]

Agree - I've got the HighRollerII (stock) up front and Aggressor out back on my Orbea Occam - rolls so well and not had grip issues. That said, heading into my first winter with this bike and combo, so let's see...

[@TheBlutark34]

Agreed, 3 of my group ended up on the old high roller II rear simply due to what was available in double down. As long as you're leaning the bike it goes well!

[@spuddo123]

Assegai F and Dissector R (both Exo casing and rear with cushcore). Banger trail combo

[@sethbeiden1305]

Jeff is a fricking rain man on tires, holy cow. Thanks homie!

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

5:33 Oh yeah, I had the displeasure of experiencing this in the summer. Took a corner, front went sliding, rear kept tracking... down I went. These crashes sure hurt a lot more than they did 10 years ago. Another great video, Jeff!

[@eg-xf5ic]

Yep, experienced that earlier this week lmao. Not sure if it's a tire issue or if I should just get some lessons

[@tofarrell42107]

I was running a Trailboss in back and a Vigilante up front. I really liked that combination but they weren’t tubeless ready when I bought the bike. Switched to Maxxis just to try something new. I run an Ardent in the back and DHF in front. The Ardent rolls well but the Trailboss has more grip. I would say the DHF has a little more grip than the Vigilante.

[@ichewtoast111]

2.6 trail bosses are low key amazing. I run mine 20PSI in the front and 22PSI in the rear.

[@monkeyfighterides3153]

Same experience in the midwest with same tires. I think your spot on!

[@spuddo123]

I'm certainly no expert, but I believe that your TPI explanation is incorrect. The reason that 120TPI is weaker than 60TPI is because the individual threads in 120TPI are smaller (and therefore weaker, but lighter and more flexible) to be able to fit more of them in the same space. The nylon threads are the strong part of the casing and the rubber just holds them together and gives them durability.

[@edouble0325]

Actually no. The 120 TPI tire is weaker and the threaded are weaker than 60TPI. The reason why 120 is weaker is it acts like a barrier between the rubber layers without much rubber pass through (also why it’s lighter (more rubber can get squeezed out. The 60TPI let’s the rubber flow through it creating a stronger matrix. The rubber is actually a lot tougher than is realized. It’s a ticker layer of both materials. Nylon on its own pretty weak

[@spuddo123]

@@edouble0325 That makes a lot of sense!

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

I think the issue is people are using "strong" when they may mean "tough", and "tough" when they may mean "strong". Buffalo muscle is though and strong when overcooked.

[@OliCM3]

Assegai 2.6 front, DHR2 2.5 rear, all year round.

[@scottflowers8601]

DHR2 in front, aggressor in back for dry. DHR2 moved to the back with Assegai on front during winter. Good video, would like ur comparison of Maxxis and the Michelin enduros

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Scott, the Michelins have quite A few recommendations!

[@Beckeryable]

I was worried I was the only one, bought an Occam last June and I still don’t feel confident in the DHF on the front! Going to try something else now, thanks for the videos! You also helped in making my Occam purchase decision, it’s been a fun bike!

[@jokermtb]

I absolutely LOVE the Assegai 2.5 (on Hunt Enduro Wide 33mm rim) up front....the DHR2 is a great match with it on the rear (2.4 on Hunt Enduro Wide 31mm rim) as it does break loose consistently before the Assegai gives up (if ever!)......best tire combo I've tried thus far in my 35+ years of mtb'ing

[@drujenssen5444]

My front tire washed out on the dusty and loose in June and separated my shoulder. Couldn’t ride for 3 months. At least it was 100 to 115 degrees this summer in central Washington, too hot to ride. Front tire was a dhf because that’s what came on the bike. I bought a double down Assegai sticky and some new pads and helmets from Jenson before I started riding again this fall. I didn’t use you link, but I used Remy’s. But I just bought a fox chest protector from Jenson and used your link and I gotta get another set of elbow pads in medium cause the large ones keep sliding down, and I’m sure I’ll find some other things I just can’t live without that will be through you link. No more crashing for me without the proper gear on and no more sketchy front tires. I’m really digging your down to earth reviews and your van/moto bicycle adventures. It’s very good inspiration/motivation.

[@charpayn1915]

I have spent time on tires from Specialized, Kenda, Michilen and Continental. I had braking issues with Specialized butchers and with the Kenda Pinners. Michilen was awesome for braking and rocks but I didn't like the wild enduro as a rear tire. Connintental was awesome and they worked well but lacked in dusty conditions. I switched to Maxxis a few months ago and they are amazing. In socal the dirt is dusty and the Assagai and aggressor are perfect. They handle great in braking and cornering. I have had trouble with climbing traction in the rear with an aggressor.

[@jamesc6876]

u ever try Kenda Regolith SCT 2.4 on the rear? i really like them as a faster lighter rolling dhr2 MT exo/exo+ for so cal with a lot of performance similarities

[@charpayn1915]

@@jamesc6876 I’ll look into te

[@alejandronovelo1265]

Both are great tires. I enjoy both. Maybe it comes down to style and specific terrain when choosing brands and the best combos. I'll buy WTB over Maxxis. Things I also consider: They're a local company, are less expensive than Maxxis, and are more readily available. The best ability is availability.

[@underbikedoverconfident1142]

Yes, its terrifying when your front wheel drifts before your rear! The other advantage of this type of a set up is that your rear wheel locks up before your front so it's like braking modulation in a weird way. Great review Jeff

[@Rizenek]

My broken ribs aprove this message

[@JeffKendallWeed]

oof heal quick @RIzen!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey that's a great point about the braking modulation, I hadn't thought about that! Super grippy rear tires are great on tech climbs and steep descents, but the flowy corners that I love are where they kinda suffer.

[@seanroberts381]

Same. Most common problem in my crashes has been the front washing out while the back has plenty of grip.

[@AHappyZeebra]

Life is short, treat yourself to a fresh set of tires. Kinda funny seeing this video given I just did that this morning. Good review 👌🏼

[@drewziraldo5407]

Nice, Assagai Front Dissector Rear is what I run in Sedona after trying the same ones as you.

[@PURADieTischler]

Absolutely agree, EXO casing (especially in the back) is a fun destroyer

[@xav_1029]

Bontrager SE4 rear, Maxxis Assegai front for me. Great for pedally trails.

[@AZMTB]

Here in Phoenix, I tried many tires over the past few years. I found that the Assegai up front and Aggressor on the back wheel is the best combo for our loose over hard-packed trails. The Aggressor is very grippy and awesome at climbing, with the only downside being that it does wear out noticeably quicker than other tires and it’ll start skidding out on some of the climbs. I usually get 6 months out of them before I need a new one, and an Assegai once a year.

[@benferguson1762]

If your front tyre is washing out way ahead of your rear there are two things that are often over looked. 1 is your rebound speed too slow. The faster your rebound the more front end grip you will get....to a point. 2. Body position. Often having your weight too far back can let your front tire loose traction dew to a weight unbalance over the tyres. Try weighting your front in flat loose turns and se what happens. It can take quite a lot of confidence to try this but sometimes it helps

[@estimateparagon]

Tire reviews are so helpful regardless of the manufacturer. I’m running 2.5 DHF and 2.4 Dissectors in the freak and practicing your cornering technique. They work well for me if I have total commitment. To see more tests and reviews would be great.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Stu!

[@brendanford4850]

Thanks for the content just got some dhr 3.0 for my 29 plus bike. You have helped me to justify my decision. Cheers

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Lately I've been running an Maxxis Aggressor in rear, and (as Jeff suggests) the DHR II in the front - and I'm really liking the balance of grip and rolling speed. I'm not a fan of the DHF (it gets sketchy when leaning the bike), yet I find the DHR II hooks up in the wet and the dry. It's a little heavy/slow, but thus far my front end us been much more predictable in loose conditions and when leaning. The Aggressor feels much heavier than the Rekon I typically run, but it's more confidence inspiring in the wet and the braking performance is far superior. It's incredible how much difference tires make to the ride quality and handling of your bike.

[@derekbrotherton3462]

I’ve been running the assegai maxterra in the front and an assegai maxxgrip in the rear on my enduro. I usually ride in relatively dusty places and get low and lean the bike a lot with a bias to the rear brake. So far it been working really well.

[@jorisressing3626]

Why would you run a harder tire compound on the front

[@mtb_hucker]

Hey Jeff, thanks so much for these great reviews. You break down all of the technical aspects and put them in such an easy to under format. I'd love to see a review of the Michelin Wide Enduro tyres to hear your thoughts and comparisons. Thanks again for the awesome content!

[@evo5349]

EXO tyres are spec as they save battery on new e/bikes. DD tyres are harder on the battery life, but give great grip and 10 times better on no punctures I find.

[@wessimpson2544]

Well my last bike a Canyon Strive - i rode 29’er maxxis minnion DHR II’s front and back. I now have a Trek Rail ebike the stock Bontrager brand tires very knobby but not working for my north GA trails mostly packed dirt some rocks and tons of roots. I just ordered 2 - 29x2.5 Assegail, terra, exo+. I just had washout 2 weeks ago on wet roots where the front wash out throwing me on my right shoulder breaking my collar bone. I was going to ride these stock tires until the wore out. Now I’m not sure that was such a wise choice since I’m down 6-8 weeks. I mean i could have crashed on any tires but i knew these were no Maxxis. So, i just ordered them the Maxxis which i wanted theDHR II for the rear but not in stock. So, when i recover it will give me more confidence.

[@mgoo1713]

The DHRII is a fantastic front tire. It's more predictable on off camber loose over hard compared to the DHF...

[@jacobflores6479]

In the car community, losing grip on the front tires and keeping grip in the rear is called UNDERSTEER. Which is just as scary if not way scarier than on my MTB 😂. You can turn your steering wheel all you want but with under steer you’re going straight into that wall you’re trying to avoid

[@hitmeup_yomama]

great video Jeff, really enjoying your chaneel so far, I'm a fan of old school trail too, I raced bike trials back in Spain in the early 90s and I can relate with your story. I ride DHR II back and front in Ireland, mostly wet always... and the grip is fenemenal, I have a shorty in my shed I've been aiming to fit in a test out on the front. Keep the content coming man, fair play. might the wind be always on your back ! 😃

[@ChronoCard]

I've run DHF 2.3 /DHR 2.3, Vig 2.3/Vig 2.3, and am currently Vig 2.5/Trail Boss 2.4. Riding mostly in the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. I think the biggest problem with the Vig 2.3 is that there's a little...dead spot, I guess, where it feels that it's not going to hook up. I didn't get that with the DHF at all, but I did also notice that the DHF didn't like to be leaned over as much as the Vig. I do actually love the DHR as a rear tire. I feel like it's a very predictable and, dare I say, safe feeling tire. Did this entire season on the Vig 2.5/TB 2.4 and this combo really speaks to me. The TB looks really beat, but it somehow still finds grip. I also like to let the rear end dance a bit and feel like I have a better time with it over the DHR because of that. I think the Vig 2.5 up front is stupidly good. It doesn't have that same flat spot as the 2.3, but that could also be because I am now on 33mm ID rims. As I'm starting to lean the bike more and more, I think I may end up sticking the Vig up front. I'm curious about throwing a Judge in the rear would be out.

[@irnifilms]

Thanks for the debrief on those! What kind of casing are you running on the Vigilante? I too run a Vig(F)/TB(R) but both in 2.6 on a 27.5 wheel. Been looking at lighter, faster rolling alternatives from Maxxis but don't want to give up the traction and durability of WTB. They really take some abuse!

[@ChronoCard]

@@irnifilms I never got a notification about this! Front is a light/high grip and rear is light/high grip. I'm replacing the set this year. The knobs on the Vigilante still look good while the Trail Boss is lookin' pretty flat. The real reason though is that the sidewalls have gotten chewed up from the last few rides in Moab. Seriously, there's huge rubber patches missing, and I can see the woven nylon that forms the Slash Guard barrier, which probably means that I've come across many a sharp rock that would have ended a lesser tire. Overall very impressed with the traction and durability.

[@chumpmtb2554]

DHF was a great tire back when no one rode wider than 2.3. I think the lack of transition knobs make the "drift zone" to the corner knobs too large when running 2.5 or larger. Aggressor is great, but turns to a slick after 2 weeks. Dissector was good for 6 rides, then became an insta-skid every time I lightly tapped the brakes. I'm hooked on the Vittoria Martello, front and rear now. Not great in mud, but I live in AZ. Quickly became my favorite tire 👍

[@JeffKendallWeed]

And that's where the regional feedback totally changes things! For you in Flagstaff and Sedona, the Aggressor wears quick- here in the PNW, after 2 months of hard riding, the Aggressor still looks new! Vittoria looks interesting, I've wanted to ride their stuff ever since they hired Ken Avery.

[@Trailblazerz710]

I’m glad you said you were washing out in the front with the DHF. I also have been having that issue. Ive been thinking about putting Assegai on the front now I know I’m going to switch. Thanks Jeff! I switched to the Aggressor in the rear when they first came out. The reviews were too good.

[@georgesayers6832]

Haha! I have the same issue with the DHF! Love the highroller 2 and dhf2 on the rear combo. I get a nice, controlled drift when I lose traction at high speed on those.

[@christopheredwards6430]

Living in the UK at this time of year is just wet and miserable, so the tyres I use are maxxis wetscream on the front and maxxis shorty on the rear, very happy with this combination in the wet. Dont lose any traction in the sloppy muck, both great tyres

[@tonwhelan]

How do you fair out on fireroads and single track with that set up? Must be a lot of rolling resistance.

[@ericstenglein4661]

My front end DHF slid yesterday. I know the feeling. Aggressor rear. I was trying to ride like JKW on my ripmo with my weight over the rear in some S bends. No bueno. Low sided and laughed. Just glad to be out riding.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oooof glad you are OK! DHF was a great tire but bikes have evolved past it IMO.

[@RiderDon]

Assegai in the front and dhr2 at the back both in DD casing perfect combo for my enduro bike. I also run the same combo for my dh bike but in dh casing perfect for the north shore and Whistler bike park..cheers 🤘🏼

[@ww8wv1]

The front washing out (as I call it) is terrifying to me because it’s the one time that you have zero control.

[@vic62cu]

Wow you are a amazing individual! You ride crazy 😂 i dont ever think i can get to that level.. other than that i agree with everything you say on maxxis tires... 😮

[@ronelaliento09]

Totally agree with the same tire front back setup not so being great. I also experienced the front tire washing out before the rear, so I always setup my tires with super knobby up front and tame knobbs out back, Business up front Party at the back

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah Ronel, I've been enjoying that style of tire set up for years. Once in a while it's nice to have the mega grippy back tire, like on brutally steep climbs, but the cornering trade off isn't worth it to me in the end.

[@chrisgravel7157]

Assegai Front, DHR2 rear is the most promenent combo in BC Sea to sky and most of the province where it gets at all wet. Agree 100% re conering and predictabilty of the Assegai. Its rare if ever it does anything wierd and if it does slide or break loose it recovers better than any other Maxxis tire I've tried. I'm going to move my maxx terra Assegai out back and put a Super tacky front as soon as it warms up a bit. The other tires I like are the Bontrager SE4, 5, 6 all made in same factory as Maxxis. Over DHF/DHR they offer better and more preditable cornering and faster rolling with only a slight loss in all out traction.

[@nickzarnetske9994]

I don't like following the bandwagon and always like trying something new but it's so hard to sort tires from the millions of options there are currently! I bought a new bike last year and it had a DHF/DHR tires and they've been awesome. I ended up needing another new set this summer and with the supply issues, and Maxxis' great tan wall color I just pulled the trigger on another DHF/DHR combo. Hoping next year to try out a DHR/Dissector combo to be honest.

[@dman5703]

Dissector is my favorite now over the assagei simple assagei winter wall dissector summer

[@Jeffbomke]

DHR2 in front with a Dissector in the rear at 2.5 each is fantastic in the southwest

[@yudimahendra7655]

Split second of heart attack 😂 when front tyre slip off, specialy when its tight single trail with clif side

[@user-nf3oq2ge3g]

Ya slid out and broke my fall with my collar bone, that was like 15 years ago, I always run a bigger tire or more aggressive tire up front but it’s all tread base. If I can run 2.5 front and rear but the rear is max terra so it breaks free. But it’s all feel and conditions.

[@przemysaw969]

My goal is to ride hardtail like you Jeff! Amazing sklills! Greetings from Poland.

[@jakegreer8237]

I’m running a dhf up front and a wtb convict in the back. I had serious front wheel drift the other day while smashing some downhill it was terrifying!! 😂 Luckily a little rear brake tap shifted my weight and helped me recover.

[@kingrat738]

Hearing you about dual ply being the way to go... Out back on my longer travel rig I'm running a Specialized Eliminator 2.6 Grid Gravity tire - which I suspect is basically their DH casing. Up front I'm running a 2.6 Magic Mary Super Trail, which is a misnomer as it's got all sorts of extra layers/protection in it... Somewhere between a DD & DH. For the bike and purpose, both tires do great 👍

[@myideas8548]

Assagai is an amazing front tire - with the extra transition knobs, it feels good at any lean angle and gives a lot of confidence in the front of the bike. I used it with an Aggressor on the rear but the Aggressor has pretty crappy braking performance on the varied Santa Cruz trails I ride. Switched to a DHR2 on the rear (both in Double Down/Max Grip) and I could not be happier. For as sticky as the Max Grip compound is, It lasts fairly well and wouldn't use anything different. I am pretty heavy and we have our share of rocks around here and the Double Down Casings have held up amazingly well. If I had any complaint, it would be that the DD casing isn't that far off the weight of the DH casing. Would be nice if they could strip a little bit of weight off the DD casing to differentiate it a little more from the DH casing. That is nit picking though. I love my setup.

[@dustybahlz6674]

Thank you for this awesome rundown....

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for watching DB!

[@mattturnerbikingmtb9359]

Not sure it’s been mentioned or not but your thumbnail looks to have the tagging for the Aggressor and Assegai flipped. At least that’s how I’m seeing it 🤷‍♂️. Liked the video!

[@hldedrick]

Hey Jeff... dhf/aggressor...this what I started with but like you said... front washed way too much rear fast but braking was a bit lacking... I rememer you suggesting the judge for braking and bite... then came dissector which in rear felt as fast as aggressor but rear corner knobs hook so good, but wears really fast imo the bite is awesome too. I also love it in front never washes out. Very fast. Look fwd to more content. Thanks for the awesome videos. Howard

[@danamesarchik3633]

Great review. I have been riding the DHF on my Levo but when it was time for a change I had to put on a Butcher T 9 felt it was a good tire when it was new but got a little sketchy as it wore out. Put a Assegai on the front and all I can say is WOW this front tire grips like glue. I haven't found any terafirma it doesn't like . I will buy it again as it instills a lot of confidence on the front end.

[@stephenharden7681]

Great perspective. I am getting a DHR II.

[@richarddrummond9867]

Great vid, interesting, brings out the nerd in us 😄. Definitely review the other maxxis tyres. I'm now running aggressor double down on the back with high roller 2 on the front. The bike came like that and I've only had it 2 days so hopefully they will work well..

[@kayakutah]

Regarding the DHF Vs the Assegai, I'm surprised at your analysis. I'm not the expert you are, for sure, but at least I'm also not a great rider, but with the DHF, you must lean the bike over more to press in the side knobs to corner. With the Assegai you can be more upright. I have to concentrate on the DHF to get body-bike separation to get enough lean on the tires. When I do, it's amazing. I can definitely be lazier and more upright on the Assegai.

[@NoOne56488]

I've washed out so many damn times on the DHF, Assegai not an issue at all.

[@RadRacingMTB]

Bike park: Assegai front - DHR II rear Trail : - DHR II front - Aggressor rear

[@dennisavilaugalde767]

Exelente !!, Asegai será mi eleccion.

[@HsiawenHull]

LOL first thing out of my mouth when the video started was 'Hey but Jeff rides WTB!' 🤣

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha good memory Hsiawen! I really like the WTB stuff, but it's great to have more hands on experience with the 2000 lb gorilla that is Maxxis.

[@CalgaryDynastar]

DHF is a rear tire for me, pair is up with the assguy up front and its a blast to slap in the corners

[@123109100]

I have Velociraptor on my mountain bike front and rear so much gripp its insane

[@johnnnewmex]

Agree about the dhf being too drifty. I ride dhr front and rear. Also like the dissector as a rear tire. The assegai is great for very aggressive/dh stuff.

[@VoltaDoMar]

Just switched to a DHR II 2.4 in the rear and Assegai 2.5 in the front

[@nmnate]

Just picked up some 2.5 assegai tires with the exo+ casing. Super excited to give them a try. I'm normally running DHF / DHR2. I think I'm gonna like trying out the assegai's with the mid-knobs, should be a bit different in feel than the others which get a bit wander-y when you're not leaned over enough. I need to try out some more rear tire options, but I keep coming back to the DHR2, it just feel like a boat anchor when you need to lay into the brakes hard.

[@nrmrvrk]

Great video. Thanks for your honest opinions. I'd love to see you try a couple of other not-quite-as-popular (i.e.: not OEM'd) makes/models of tires as well. specifically... Vittoria (Mazza, Mota, Martello) and Schwalbe (Big Betty, Magic Mary, Hans Dampf)

[@charlesjastrzebski7499]

I've put the aggressor 2,3" as my front tire and it's awesome. For a 27,5" Kona cinder cone hardtail this tire work very well, the rolling speed on dirt is amazing, but you can really feel it slowing you down on asphalt. Even if it's a back tire, it does perform very well on the front. I do ride a 2,25 ardent on the back, and this is the best tire setup I could get. I tried to swap the tires front and back, but the feeling was horrendous.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the feedback Charles!

[@GD-gj6mn]

I run Vigilantes front and rear. I have left and gone back to this combo many times but cant seem to find a better tire combo for my personal style. Oddly WTB tires in general don't seem to have the same popularity as Maxxis I wonder ow much of this is marketing and that obscene yellow hot patch.

[@chadson5244]

Maxxis is way overrated

[@rrolleman4879]

@@chadson5244 I've run Kenda and Specialized tires in various combos, and I'm definitely not a follow-the-crowd type guy. But in the PNW/North Shore/Squamish areas I simply have not found better than Maxxis. I run DHR2's front and rear. I have an Assegai that I'll try for this winter just to give me a bit more traction in the wet. The DHR2 in exo+ (I like it a bit lighter) with MaxTerra is just an awesome tire.

[@chadson5244]

@@rrolleman4879 totally respectful choice,at least you tried different brands. But maybe if you had tried some Schwalbe or Michelin you wouldn't think alike.

[@SpencerBaum]

@@chadson5244 Michelin for the win! The Wild enduros just grip no matter what

[@NoBrakes23]

I hate that gross hot patch. I wish they'd offer their aftermarket tires with the OEM white/gray patch.

[@petedog9581]

Run Minion DHR II 2x casing rear and a Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 2x casing up front. That Butcher real digs into turns. It is really tough to wash out in front, even in mud and slick conditions. It rolls slow, but the DHR in back rolls well enough to counter it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey Pete, what rim width with the Butcher?

[@petedog9581]

@@JeffKendallWeed I have an older 2013 Stumpjumper with 26 mm w x 32 mm h Roval aluminum rims. That's why I ride 29 x 2.3 tires. Wider tires wouldn't seat as well on the rim and I would fear tire burps and flex bc they are narrow by today's standards. They make a Butcher T9 29 x 2.6. The side wall is more compliant on the Butcher and that is perfect for me on a front tire. Lots of slippery roots and off camber terrain where I ride in OH. The DHR is rock solid and the firmer casing really stands up your pedal input. It is a nice combo. I rode Maxxis DHF's for years until I rode a demo with the Butcher. Btw PNW components are top notch. I have had a Cascade Dropper for 2 years and it works flawlessly... even in cold, wet weather. Great analysis of the tires, and great content as always.

[@markmoreno7295]

I too have used WTBs before. I think they roll better but the Maxxis tires go on and off so much easier. I run a Dissector rear and the DHR II up front. I am thinking of trying the Assegai on snow- probably front and rear. Won't ride fast so if rolling resistance is slower it won't matter. I am not an aggressive rider, (least wise not even close to you) so mostly I am looking for grip. On the flip side I want to try the Maxxis Ikon for asphalt. So far I have used Maxxis tyres with the Exo casing but the DD sounds interesting.

[@SpeedBoosted136]

Great review !! I also suffering sometimes with front getting washed, but it's probably because of the rider :) Because i have Assagai MaxxGrip in the front, the grippiest tire

[@sixate]

EXO has always worked great for me, but I certainly don't ride as good as you, or face a ton of sharp rocks in my area. Great comparisons between the tires.

[@winjones8552]

Loving my Assegai front Highroller II rear combo right now, I think I prefer the high roller over the dhr

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Man I haven't ridden a HighRoller in a while but remember it fondly!

[@elkat_bori_pr7791]

Not only like the review but the comparison too specially now that most brands are short on inventory. I ride an assegai combo 2.6 both

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Elkat! I was stressing this video a little, since I've been such a proponent of WTB I didn't want to be seen as talking smack or taking cheap shots at Maxxis, but glad to see I'm not the only one that doesn't love the DHF. And I legit enjoy the Assegai/Aggressor/DHR, which was a big relief!

[@tommycooperfish]

I find Maxxis give up real easy in the wet which is not a problem on the back but the front seems to wash in saturated conditions (shorty not included, but is too mud only specific). Cant find a decent front in the range that likes really slippy roots and rock gardens but have used other tyre brands (Schwalbe and Michelin) that feel like sandpaper to rubber levels of grip in the same conditions. I guess it helps getting regional specific tyres. I agree with the exo casing though I have to over-inflate by about 5-8 psi compared to a really well constructed DH casing to avoid sealant coming out on big hits.

[@Dempsey222]

Switched to exact same Maxxis setup Jeff has and will stick with Maxxis. Schwalbe is great tires. But Maxxis just offers more to the ride.