Maxxis Sidewalls Explained | EXO vs EXO+ vs DD vs DH

[@movetoreddeer]

Man I wish this video was out before my Whistler trip a few years ago. I was the “Exo” guy who got 5 flats in a day, then went to one of the shops and the guy set me up on a DH casing. Problem immediately solved!

[@I-Love-Taylor-Swift]

Mike's "enthusiasm" is exactly what his KZbin viewers come here for!!

[@calypso2niner]

Mike has his rebound set to full open this morning! New coffee?

[@TheLostCo]

Believe it or not, no caffiene was consumed before or during the making of this video.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Late last season I started munching EXOs, torn knob on an Assegai and torn knob + split sidewall on a Dissector. New bike came with EXO+, and have been running EXO+ Assegai/DHR2 this season, only flat was last week, sniper rock off a 3ft drop at the bike park, dented the rim which tore a hole in the sidewall of the DHR, but small enough that I was able to throw in a tube. Pretty impressed with the EXO+ so far, and I've done a fair bit of park riding on them this year.

[@HsiawenHull]

Multiple camera angles, lav mics and good lighting! Steppin up production for sure.

[@Slycarlo]

Damn russ trying to maintain his composture and trying not to laugh is just hilarious. This vids helps me a lot to decide what tire to choose

[@domanater480]

2.4 dhr2 rear and 2.5 dhf front both exo+ couldnt ask for anything better, climbs amazing and so much grip and ooo the rolling speed i love

[@DavePreissl]

Try the Disecctor in the back next time. Its rad!

[@mrsmartypants_1]

@@DavePreissl I’m going to give the Dissector a go for the 1st time. Have been riding DHR2 in the rear for the last 3 years. The Dissectors sound perfect for my riding style.

[@mrsmartypants_1]

I’m curious what you rode prior that you think the rolling speed is good with the dhr2 and dhf. I’m riding the same combo due to downhill performance but they have A LOT of rolling resistance imho.

[@mxbigd17]

I just put a Dissector max terra on the back and a DHR II max terra in the front. Rode it today, rolls fast and I have great front tire traction.

[@domanater480]

@@mxbigd17 that is a great combo, ran that for a while but the dhr2 on the front was a dh casing max gripp. Corned like it was on rails. Also feels better than the assegai on most stuff except loose stuff

[@boggy8557]

Thank you for this video! I've been wondering about the differences and what's best.

[@TheLostCo]

Glad we could help!

[@ish474]

went from a stock set of Specialized tires to a set of DH wall dhr's changed the feel of the bike more than any other change i ever made

[@IIISentorIII]

try riding without a saddle, you will be amazed!

[@ish474]

@@IIISentorIII reminds me too much of my time in prison for snuggling alligators across state lines

[@thebeardedman-drenaline5546]

Makes sense....when I started mountain biking 2 years ago up until just recently, I hardly ever got flats(running exo's)...then something clicked and I started riding a lot more aggressive, earlier today I got a pinch flat on Bomb Dog @ Coldwater Trails in Anniston(shout out)...i think i need to upgrade too the doubly downers. Perfect timing on this video guy, thanks for the laughs also😂🤙

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Man, your channel has progressed so much... Great job guys!

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks for the kind words - given the amount of work we have put into growing, it means a lot!

[@jessehill3780]

So a heads up to all as I found out this week maxxis has changed their exo+ to a single tough 60tpi casing, exo sidewalls and butyl inserts at the bead. Supposedly it’s more durable, better puncture resistance and better pinch flat resistance than orig exo+. Maxxis just kind of stealthily changed this but it’s in their tech section now.

[@TheJofrica]

Heavier too I believe, that may be the trade off

[@tippy35075]

The flat I got with exo nearly killed me, running exo+ is definitely worth it for the small weight penalty

[@jsv438]

OK!! *Thank you* now I finally "get it" when it comes to Maxxis tires. There's enough to confuse me already when trying to choose the best rear front tires--AS IT IS--but the casing etc confused me even more. Well thanks to you guys I think I have this aspect of it figured out. Great vid and easy to understand. ~JSV

[@TheLostCo]

It is indeed pretty confusing, but we are glad we could help clear the waters!

[@ssmtb]

Great video, one of the most informative and actually useful buying guides for maxxis tires, great job 👏

[@joshuadoss1955]

This was a most excellent video. Outstanding explanations. Thank you.

[@SourCrouter]

exo with cushcore has been a nice combo!

[@cesarayala8665]

It is until you tear the side wall ):

[@markjensen8456]

Great information, but it would also be nice to include information about tire inserts - for example exo with cushcore vs ex+ without insert.

[@johnnnewmex]

Don't doubt lighter casings like exo...which pretty much everyone rode 5 years ago. I've torn most casings and come to realize it is sometimes the rock and not the tire!

[@lakaldrak]

If U Ride flowtrails or jumplines only Off course ITS enough. I dont feel the weight penalty so i Go DD Minimum.

[@5tmvgy4k]

Thanks for explaining guys - really broke it down for me. Made making a decision super easy.

[@TheLostCo]

Now that is what we like to hear!

[@Ruffest]

Don't care about the content you guys just make me want to watch it 😂

[@kaiul2967]

To add I have DH casing Maxxis tires that have a wire bead vs. A foldable bead which makes it burlier and heavier. I thought all DH grade tires were wire bead but looks like the one you showcased is definitely foldable! Great info here!

[@madeiradriftin4429]

i also tought that but I think all the newer ones are foldable.. Maybe the the prototype ones that have the insert built in wont be.

[@ridemx323]

Assegai EXO+ front and DHR II DD w/CC in the rear only. MaxxTerra F/R.

[@benjaminroberts6364]

This video read my mind - thanks! Side camera angles of y’all looking at the center camera are awkward though lol

[@TheLostCo]

Great to hear the video could help and thanks for the feed back!

[@mkim64]

@@TheLostCo disagree, it'd look more awkward if you constantly switched 😂

[@ignatiusrobinson]

6:55 "it doesn't have as much centrifugal force to it" has me cracking up as a high school physics student😂

[@z33tanner]

Thinking of going with the double down casing for my hardtail since I want a smoother ride over the rough stuff and I always land sideways like an idiot!

[@sheakyshaky]

One thing to note is puncture resistance in the tread (i.e. the top section with knobs) vs the sidewall, this comes into play If you live somewhere with sharp rocks (i.e. slate). EXO has almost 0 tread puncture resistance, and EXO+ has noticeably more, both DD and DH unsurprisingly strong here too. If you are upgrading because you are getting flats, but notice they are all slashes in the tread, and not in the sidewall, AND you care about weight then EXO+ might be a good option for you!

[@coreymtb]

Good insight.

[@davecomplin4089]

Really useful video - thanks guys!

[@papabear9498]

Video helped BIGTIME- ordered from your website. Thanks for the help

[@Sendish8049]

Thanks for this! Totally makes sense of the options…

[@brandonkasper4416]

I got the aggressor in the rear and a dissector in the front,both double down.

[@RonnRider]

Thanks guys...great vid as per usual! I guess tire inserts kinda changes everything. I ride EXO tires with Tannus Armour inserts over some real rocky terrain and so far so good. Think I'll try DD's with inserts next though.

[@averyvandell]

thank you for the video. just wish it would’ve been posted earlier because i just bought new tires 3 days ago not knowing the difference and realizing that i bought exos😢. now i know for next time.

[@jakeb383]

Lol

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Pump them up harder.

[@tomyagriwardana3052]

How about wobble tire problem, I’ve been 4x on those situations. Recently I bought assegai, install for 1st time, and the wobble problem occurred 😭😭

[@5hane_]

Make sure it's mounted correctly first. My local were able to save a pair I both at the same time thinking they were both duff. Turns out a better clean around the sidewall of the rim & the silicone spray trick got them both on perfectly true.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

@@5hane_ silicone spray works awesome.

[@TheJofrica]

Great video, entertaining and informative. Thanks for sharing and explaining! 👍

[@philman0160]

You guys are awesome, thanks for all the great video’s!

[@KBrown92604]

Got a flat on the rear (dhr2 exo+)… going to get double down.

[@mariuschiarel]

Can you guys do for Schwalbe the part for puncture protection?

[@TheLostCo]

Heck yea we can! In fact, we already have! Here's a link to it 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3_Tp36Ve6lrbdE&ab_channel=TheLostCo. -Tor

[@APOCLAG]

"Analysis paralysis"! You have been watching Jeff from Worldwide Cyclery too much! Great Review!

[@isracing1]

Great video, congrats guys, keep up the great work!

[@rewind9536]

My front tyre is 29x3.0 DHR EXO and it has thinner sidewalls but make up for it in sheer size, but nice weight save with just EXO. Rear is 27.5x2.80 and is EXO+ and is subjected to more weight from my quite considerable posterior, so that is fine with a little heavier and durable side walls.

[@gingerb36]

Great videos, more please

[@sanabibimtb]

Awesome video as always dude! Very informative and entertaining thank you from me and my Channel here in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤️

[@Paoloskyxrd]

Good info, thanks guys. Learned something new.

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

Thx for this information. This give me knowledge what to look for in tires.

[@TheLostCo]

You're welcome! Glad we could help 😀

[@MrChadLedford]

Exo with mynesweepers have worked out very well balancing weight/support.

[@HUSKY7-1]

Imagine these two guys sharing a house and contemplating what footwear to put on before leaving the house for a walk during autumn.

[@TheLostCo]

Gotta stay rubber side down on those leaves

[@HUSKY7-1]

@@TheLostCo LoL, really enjoyed the discussion on Maxxis tyres, very helpful to navigate the choices. Keep the MTB videos coming, they are excellent

[@butterairways]

Well this was a great thing to watch just after buying my Minion EXO tyres...

[@TheLostCo]

The good news is that they'll wear out and then you can try something else out! Also it's not like EXO tires aren't rideable, they still have the same tread on them but you do have to be a little bit more careful in corners and gnarly sections of trail. -Tor

[@butterairways]

@@TheLostCo Good advice 👍

[@oshige3]

decided what tire I need right off the bat from this video. Thanks

[@sk8erben176]

i got some 20" Minion DHF and DHR tires for my BMX, and there is no sidewall info on my tires. any idea why?

[@bumblebvr6]

Great video guys!!

[@TheLostCo]

Thank you!!

[@jonasewert5278]

I wonder if you guys could do an update about the new EXO+ Sidewall that Maxxis introduced in an running change. I wonder how the compare to the DD, or to the old EXO+.

[@mitchellmtb7202]

Which one doesn’t leak sealant through 100’s of micro pores on the sidewalls?o

[@petersilie2432]

That sounds a lot like you're using stans sealant. Use something stickier, which does not tend to split its solid from its liquid phase. My best experience is with inexpensive Italian made "barbieri" sealant. That stuff turns into a real rubber-like layer, and even permanently seals the thinnest XC-peals like Contis RaceSport casings.

[@davet003.5]

I have had to use 2x the recommended Orange sealant to stop my Maxxis Ramblers leaking from the walls (soapy water showed the pinholes everywhere - bead was perfect). It’s not a sealant issue, its very porous sidewalls. Not that TR without serious conditioning. BTW, my less than stellar review on their website disappeared - LOL at their marketing to get a 4.8 review average.

[@enriqueflores9630]

I was running Assegai DD and Aggressor DD on my Bronson with Rimpact protections and my bike was way too heavy for me and the trails I typically ride. Just switched to DHF and DHR2 tan walls with EXO protection and I feel the difference in weight. Why are the DD and DH tires so hard to install? I have broken a bunch of tire levers with those tires!

[@TheLostCo]

There is definitely some difference in weight, which is also why they are challenging to install. The sidewalls are much stronger and therefore harder to stretch over the rim.

[@enriqueflores9630]

@@TheLostCo maybe a video about how to make it easier to install those DD and DH tires?? 🧐🧐🧐

[@1911Zoey]

@@enriqueflores9630 I second this

[@meliodashadeyoshi9156]

now is that just more protection on the side wall or all around??

[@joedeckard476]

Cushcore with Exo a good combo...

[@nickthaskater]

Running wire bead DH case Minions with DH tubes on Halo SAS rims. Weighs as much as a battleship but are bombproof.

[@jimm244]

Thanks for the explanation. As I replace tires, I’ll be moving to EXO+ for a little extra protection.

[@efrenmendoza8532]

Thank you awesome video

[@NickEnglishPhotography1]

Which would make a better rear tyre Minion DHR-II 2.8" MaxxTerra EXO+ or Minion DHR-II 2.4" MaxxGrip DoubleDown My thinking is that the 2.4 would offer less rolling resistance than the 2.8, but the MaxxTerra would also roll faster than the MaxxGrip, so I am unsure which would ultimately be the better rear tyre?

[@TheLostCo]

Hey Nick! Those are pretty different tires and we definitely wouldn't recommend any DHR-II if you're looking for a fast rolling tire. The extra volume and lighter casing of the 2.8" EXO+ tire is going to give far less support in corners but more comfort on straightaways, while the 2.4" DoubleDown is going to be a far tougher tire and offer more "damping" through rough sections of trail. As far as which one is better for you, it's hard to say as it depends on what kind of riding you're doing, but I would definitely prefer the DHR-II 2.4" MaxxGrip DoubleDown! -Tor

[@GianniPhat]

Are puncture resistance differences also in the tread, or only in the sidewall?

[@CalgaryDynastar]

Was curious of this too

[@michaelstewart9308]

The difference is all around

[@TheJofrica]

For the Exo the puncture resistance is on the sidewall. For the Exo + it has resistance on the tread too. Not sure about the DD and DH

[@jjrr5805]

I just got a rekon and their isnt anything on the sides what does that mean

[@ridedirtymtb9938]

I had a pair of rekons with exo+ and they could not hang with the rock gardens (Florida trails). After two months of riding the side walls started leaking. How much tougher is their did casing. Before that I ran schwalbe magic Mary and hansdamf for 8 months and ran them hard with out issue.

[@Reggie-Dynamite]

Thanks good info and energy

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks so much for the kind comment! Glad you liked the video 🙂 -Mike

[@philthyphil3324]

Would a dh casing be good at damping for an aggressive hardtail on rocky rooty trails? Would it noticibly smooth the ride?

[@TheLostCo]

Regardless of what kind of bike it's on, a DH casing tire will definitely dampen the ride and eliminate trail chatter because you're able to run them at lower pressures than a thinner casing without getting a flat. I would definitely recommend running the DH casing tires on a hardtail because you're going to be taking rougher impacts and the flat protection is just a plus. -Tor

[@casvar]

What would you guys recommend for a Trek Fuel EX 9.7 Usually riding on rocks. 10% of the road, sharp stones. thanks!

[@corbyntaylor9383]

What do you guys think about the exo cushcore combo?

[@callumwinkworth9564]

Are thoughs weights including the cable tie and hanger ??

[@pinchpeak5203]

Why would that matter?

[@RNicknackpaddywhack]

170lb rider (without gear) and I ride exo on my front tire but I also run higher tire pressures. Never had a puncture with it. 28-30psi for park Riding on a boxxer.

[@philfortner1805]

Same here, between psi, line choice, and flowing bike through terrain there should be no problem. People ripping and busting tires are low PSI and ripping through like a freight train.

[@IBRAKEFORBEDROCK]

The sidewalls on my rear tire are leaking sealant

[@TheBauwsMan]

Is there really No 27,5 TR DH casing option available ? Cant seem to find any that are tubeless ready and DH casing only double down in 27,5 🤷‍♂️

[@TheLostCo]

Check out the Dissector, DHR II, or Assegai on our website! They both come in 27.5" with a DH Casing.

[@TheBauwsMan]

@@TheLostCo also tubeless ready foldable?

[@alexavilaph]

Nice video! Please do it also to Michelin Tires.

[@max-eb9vi]

Awesome vid! Heavier tyres give you more stability in the air so sometimes its a good thing. Especially if you're into uplifts and jump lines

[@TheLostCo]

Mo' powa mo' betta! Especially on those big E-MTB's!!

[@HummusPower]

Why is it preferential to use a folding tyre when going tubeless?

[@Ghostina1]

MaxTerra, Max Speed, Dual ... in the next Video?

[@hillmakeitbetter]

GREAT! Comparison

[@ayadal]

😂 at minute 2:41 I thought to myself… this guy is too intense.

[@1969Escobar]

Great video, thanks

[@P4raGr4ph]

Hey Guys, thanks for this explanation. Can you advise, please? I want to go for Assegai 2.5 DD 3CG in front and think about Dissector 2.4 DD 3CT in the back. Do you think that could make sense?

[@TheLostCo]

Howdy! Shoot us an email at [e-mail] to let us know what bike you have and the type of terrain you ride so we can make some recommendations 🙂 -Mike

[@jacobwiesnegger]

what about tire pressure ? does a burlier casing means you need less air pressure?? i went from DD casing to Exo and a felt like i couldnt ride a bike anymore... not sure why

[@michaelstewart9308]

You generally need higher pressure in lighter tyres to give more sidewall support and puncture resistance, this results in an even more springy tyre (bouncier casing and higher pressure) which results in a lot less grip particularly over high frequency bumpy terrain compared to a heavier tyre assuming both are running correct tyre pressure. Hope this helps

[@paulgiles7456]

Great video, sadly you cannot get the exo + in the U.K.. happily it came on my new bike. 🙂

[@jeffjacksonmtb]

Juat get an EXO with Rimpact Pro inserts and you're golden.

[@overweightbadger]

I bought a DHR exo+ the other day from wiggle in the uk👍

[@paulgiles7456]

@@overweightbadger thanks, will have a look.

[@homermagdalan5914]

What about the maxxis shorty it says on the sidewall that it is only DH casing nothing more, thats weird not even tubeless ready and it is wired

[@425flex]

Can I mix my tire like a double down in the rear with exo+ up front?

[@TheLostCo]

You betcha! In fact, we encourage it.

[@powertapping]

I ride a lot of enduro types of runs would my handling change or be compromised if I mix a DD maxterra rear with a front EXO + max grip

[@lukasbormann4830]

It would change in feel but not be compromised

[@Sebastian-je2ju]

Run a DD up front too so you got to worry about it

[@MrTgrasshopper]

Good video! I"d be curius to include cuchcorr end heavy weight bike. Like e-enduro. Into the equation of side wall discution. Do you guys run cushcorr? What type of sidewall you run witch cushcore?

[@linuswallman3941]

what would you recommend for a aggressive 80 kg enduro racer?

[@andrewgreenwood8727]

Hi guys great vid by the way, always impressed ; now I have a cunundrum ; Santa Cruz e- bike the "Bullit " as you know comes with a Double D as standard ; i know it has DD for the aggressive nature the bike is intended for ; BUT in your opinion would you be alright to put say EXO + on front & rear for quicker rotational weight saving nearly 500 grams or keep say DD on the rear & Exo + on the front so having the best protection for were the weight is on the back ! Your thoughts !!! 👌😎🚵🌲🌲🚵🚵🌲🌲

[@redtobertshateshandles]

If you're riding around town the bike will feel more powerful and better handling, but off road I'd go the heavier tyres. My Merida e160 has the standard light front Assegai but I changed to a heavy casing Eddy Current after the first pinch flat. Punctures suck.

[@82lowe36id]

I am not concerned with weight, so I went with the DH. I do not ride down hill trails, but wanted the toughest tire as to not worry about flats. Getting ready to mount these new tires tomorrow and will ride them Sat morning. I am coming off of Continental Vetical tires that I love. Feeling the Maxxis tires will be great.

[@TheJofrica]

How did it go?

[@insertgenericnamehere7774]

@@TheJofrica Local MTB-lore has it said that 82lowe36id passed away trying out new tyres.

[@micaelpereira953]

@The Lost Co. Well, I'm buying an E-MTB (I known, I know! I'm not sure I want to go to the dark side but that's how's going...) and mist of friends with ebikes have flats, sidewall slash and damaged rims, with EXO+ casing. They now run inserts but... Do you think its preferable to run DD (or even DH casing) without tyre insert or EXO+ with tyre insert, on an E-MTB? Thanks Mike and Russ for the great content once more👍

[@ponchopunch2348]

in the same boat on a Levo and can't find a 29x2.6 Assegai or DHRII with the DD or DH casing anywhere! been through a few sets of Schwalbe Eddy Current's - the casings are way more bomber than even the Maxxis DH's but the out dated moto style tread patterns suck. mounted the EXO+ Assegai and DHRII with Cushcore today, but I'm not all that optimistic they're going to hold up. @The Lost Co. where are the 29x2.6 DD Assegai and DHRII's hiding??

[@micaelpereira953]

@@ponchopunch2348 maxxis don't have DD on 2.6, only 2.5 max! For the back, with maxxis, your solution is running something like Assegai 2.5, High Roller II 2.5 or Aggressor 2.5. Or go to 2.4 width tyres.

[@chrissaffell668]

You should talk about how the lighter weight tires ping off rocks compared to heavier tires

[@gr8094]

Im on an XL alloy capra and about to transition from exo to DH. Gonna have to re-learn to manny and wheelie with the weight diff lmao

[@GianniPhat]

Do Dual Compound tires have a tougher sidewall than 3C - ie is EXO in a Dual Compound tougher than EXO in a 3C, or are the compounds in the sidewalls the same across the line?

[@stianjarnass]

Ha ha santa-claus👏👏🔥. I have Michelin dh 22's for my ebike. I will attempt them if I get an analog bike. I feel safer on fh🤗

[@tomasmacalik2760]

And for DH sometimes using DH casing, wire sided and butyl inside ?! My best combo Is Assegai Exo+ MaxGrip/HR ll DD MaxTerra...both 2,5" WT

[@thomaskrog4817]

Thanks for a great explanation of the puncture resistance and robustness of the tires. Will the softer and more fragile EXO & EXO+ provide more grip in wet and slippery conditions compared to the DD & DH casing?

[@TheLostCo]

Since EXO, EXO+, etc are sidewalls (and therefore making less contact with the ground) it will make less of a difference grip. If you are curious about grip, focus on the compounds Maxxis provides; MaxxTerra and MaxxGrip. We are currently working on a video explaining compounds, so stay tuned!

[@Ultranationalist941]

The Dh made my bike feel like an elephant

[@TheLostCo]

While an elephant may not run as fast a a cheetah, they do provide lots of support. I have seen war elephants, I have not seen war lions 😂

[@GhislainLeduc]

Awesome video. I currently have Dissector in Front and Rekon in the back, both EXO.... My weight is 195 lbs I guess an EXO+ is good in the front but I should get a DD in the back ? I was thinking going Assegai in front and DHR2 in the back. (I wanted to get DHF in Front and Dissector in the back.. but I wanted to lower the pressure of my tire this year and maybe with an EXO, I'll get more flat if I do this... but 20-22 PSI in my Rekon, I felt I had no grip all summer long... I was rolling super fast with that combo but put some rain or mud... I was killing myself loosing too much energy on the climb... and didn't felt confortable going down.... I always felt I was this close to loose control of the bike all the time.

[@TheLostCo]

Most of us around the shop prefer a DD rear tire in most cases. Of course, it somewhat depends on riding style and conditions, but a DD rear tire is a fairly safe bet. If you would like to chat more, shoot us an email, give us a call, or reach out on our live chat! [phone] // [e-mail]

[@KuzmaHX_X10]

Rekon+ 12-17psi good on stans germet

[@rfusco9251]

Great vid! Are all of these tires available in tan wall?

[@TheLostCo]

Not all of them, but a good chunk are.

[@donk3ysmash]

This is a big help than you. I’m nearly 250lbs and run 27.5 x 2.8 tyres. Which casing would you recommend? Also can you get the assegai in a plus size? Thanks

[@coltc1588]

I wonder how an EXO+ with Cushcore XC will feel in oppose to a DD without CcXc