BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain vs Maxxis Bighorn MT: Both of the tires are measured under the same size of 30*9.50 R15 inches. While the tread depth of Maxxis Bighorn MT is 21/32 and BFGoodrich KM3 is 18/32. Maxxis Bighorn has the better off-road performance to conquer any terrain because of its wider grooves. In the case of on-road traction, KM3 performs better than Maxxis because it is having more contact patch that delivers higher grip on road.
Moreover, Bighorn has tread design with larger gaps that keeps it pliable in cold weather and offers excellent traction on snowy and muddy terrains.
Examine the treads on these tires closely. They hold the key to knowing which to choose. In fact if you visit my "tread design" page, picking the right tire would never bother you.
There is something remarkable about the off-road traction and tread pattern of Bighorn MT that has been mentioned below.
Table of Contents
Comparing BFG KM3 with Maxxis Bighorn
BF Goodrich KM3
Maxxis BigHorn MT<.h3>
Vs
Large tread blocks and deeper grooves of the BFGoodrich KM3 help it to remove compacted mud from the tread by throwing it backwards and allow for increased fresh-muddy grip, which improves mud traction. Mud-Phobic bars at the tire’s shoulders are meant to dislodge compacted dust/mud for better traction in sandy or muddy conditions. On rocks, the BFG KM3 tire compound provides even more traction. The tire’s treads are spaced far apart, making it perfect for rock crawling and it also consists bold stone ejectors. There is the additional puncture resistance tread that extends from the tire’s surface to the shoulder provides an extra layer of protection against punctures as it is made from a tough compound.
On the other hand, The Maxxis Bighorn MT has too much wide grooves which show that it is a perfect mud terrain tire. These wide grooves help this tire perform well on mud, sand and snow. As when the tire moves on these terrains the particles of mud/sand are thrown back clearing the path of the tire. It also includes a bonus feature in the form of its adoration for studs. These are little openings along the tire circle where studs can be inserted (sold separately). The studs, in turn, will give traction on snowy terrain for the tire.
On Road Traction
In comparison to the Maxxis, the KM3 has more tightly spaced blocks and thinner grooves. Because the blocks are firmly packed, more of the surface area is in contact with the road surface, resulting in increased traction. And due to the deep grooves, that allow water to run through, it is also good at wet traction and while hydroplaning.
The Maxxis Bighorn also provide traction on the road but relatively lower than its competitor, because the contact area of the tire is relatively small due to wide grooves and scarcely placed blocks. So, as it has less contact patch it is not good on road. But its wider grooves enable it to perform good while hydroplaning.
Off Road Traction
BFGoodrich KM3 provides very good off-road traction in various terrains. Its grooves are not as wide as of Bighorn MT but they are deeper, so they enable the tire to perform well on mud and snow. The mud/snow particles are trapped in the grooves and as the tire accelerated, they are thrown backwards, improving its traction. KM3 produces superb traction on rocky surfaces as it has bold stone ejectors placed in the grooves that help the tire to emit stones from getting stuck into the grooves and the traction is maintained. Although this tire performs exceptionally well on snow but still it cannot handle deep snow as its groove aren’t wide enough.
On mud, in the desert, and snowy conditions, Maxxis Bighorn MT provides very amazing off-road traction. The sidewalls, which feature an additional wrap-around tread, also give extra traction in pebbles and ruts. It features a higher “void-to-lug” ratio, which means the grooves between the tread blocks are larger. Its grooves are insanely wide and because of these wide grooves this tire can cross any type of snowy, muddy or sandy condition. The particles on snow and mud get trapped in the grooves and are thrown backwards enabling the tire to move forward. The only area difficult for bighorn MT is rocky terrain, as it lacks stone ejectors and the spaces in between it grooves are plan so pebbles get stuck in them, and tire is unable to mov forward.
Tread wear and Durability
BFGoodrich KM3’s sidewall structural components are used to enhance durability. KM3 tire in history has the finest sidewall splitting and puncture resistance. Massive blocks are strategically placed across the redesigned tread pattern to maximize grip regardless of approach/steering angle. On the road, a new tread design and compound improves handling, comfort, and noise levels while enhancing overall off-road capability. In a nutshell, it outperforms the competition in every manner. Moreover, KM3 is protected by the brand’s standard limited warranty, which covers workmanship and materials defects for the life of the tread (down to 2/32nds of an inch) or until six years after purchase.
Maxxis Bighorn MT’s rubber composition wears slowly, and the sidewall tread resists punctures. When all of the above is combined, you get a tire that encourages even tread wear. You may praise Maxxis for its six-ply construction for the tire’s endurance. The protection provided by the six-ply design – both to the sidewall and tread – makes this tire ultra-durable. Even after 40000 miles or more, several customers report that the tread condition is still good enough to be used.
Comfort and Noise
KM3 boasts good overall on-road performance and low on-road noise levels for rides to and from the trail, because it grooves are not as wide as of Bighorn. It produces less noise on road because less air is trapped in between its grooves.
Maxxis Bighorn MT produces a lot of noise while moving on road. This is due to its wider grooves that have more surface area for the air to get trapped in between them. The more air trap means, more of the air particles will collide with the walls of the tires and this collision produces noise. If we talk about off road comfort of Maxxis Bighorn then I must say it feels relaxed while driving with them as wider spaces in their pattern give the feel of a lesser inflated tire and as a result less jerks are felt in the cabin.
Price Comparison
KM3 is a bit costly as compared to Bighorn MT. But both the tires have different features that make them perform good at various terrains. You should choose the one which matches your needs perfectly, according to the area you wish to drive on.
Quick Summary
- Maxxis Bighorn is good at mud and snow
- KM3 perform well on rocks
- KM3 performs better on road as compare to Bighorn MT
- KM3 has special compound that makes it puncture resistant
- Both of these tires are durable and long-lasting
