BF Goodrich KM3 and KM2 both are Mud-Terrain tires that differ slightly in their tread designs. Both possess a higher void ratio but the grooves of KM3 are comparatively broader which allows it to give a better off-road performance.
KM2 possesses slightly narrower grooves which enhance its traction on icy paths. Lets take a look at their tread pattern to learn more about this.
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Side By Side Comparison
BF Goodrich KM3
BF Goodrich KM2
The terrain attack (T/A) tread pattern of KM3 includes gigantic tread blocks. It offers comparatively broader grooves and the shoulders are widely opened, containing mud-phobic bars.
There is a single large sipe that runs along with the tread blocks of this tire. The sidewall is highly secured with CoreGuard Max Technology.
A Krawl-TEK compound is installed and its stone ejectors are much bolder. Moreover, in the case of resistance against chips and cuts this tire is remarkable.
KM2 also follows a terrain attack (T/A) tread design but it has a comparatively lower void ratio. The sipes are comparatively less effective and the shoulder blocks follow an aggressive tread design. The sidewall is resistant to chips, cuts, and bruises, its cords are strong enough to cope with harsh conditions. The tread compound of this tire makes it resistant to the damage that may be offered by the sharp rocks/stones.
On-Road Traction Comparison
KM3 has a higher void ratio so, it offers a lower contact patch with the road. This reduced contact patch reduces the tire grip; therefore, it is not a good option on paved roads. Whereas, in flooded conditions, the broader grooves of this tire along with deep sipes grant it excellent traction. Its broad grooves give it an edge to navigate smoothly through flooded roads and the sipes are functional in wiping away water for increased traction.
The void ratio of KM2 is lower, so, it offers a greater contact patch and grip with the road. The increased grip of this tire promotes its performance on paved paths but still it is not good on road as it is a MT tire, whereas, in flooded conditions, it performs well due to its high void ratio. Its sipes are much effective in wiping away water, therefore, this tire is a valid option in wet conditions and provides good hydroplaning resistance.
Off-Road Traction Comparison
Mud Terrain
The broader grooves of KM3 allow it to roll efficiently in muddy conditions. It features open shoulders having mud-phobic bars between them which are specialized to release compacted mud for increased traction. The navigation of this tire through mud-terrain is achieved by the action of broad grooves, as they grab mud and throw it backwards handily. The open shoulders also assist the mud to pass smoothly through them, so, the tire can roll easily.
KM2 having comparatively narrower grooves is not as efficient as its competitor in muddy conditions. Its grooves are, however, functional in assisting its movement in mud but it cannot dominate over its counterpart in such conditions. The shoulder grooves are also less wide and cannot pass mud through them as smoothly as its opponent does.
Snow Terrain
In snowy conditions, KM3 featuring wider grooves provides outstanding performance. Its grooves effectively grasp the soft snow and throw it backwards, so, the tire can move smoothly. However, on icy roads, the reduced contact patch of this tire reduces its efficiency. The widely spaced tread layers make it suffer in such conditions as they result in the loss of grip.
KM2 has narrower grooves so, it can’t be a preferable option in snowy conditions. The grooves of this tire may get filled with snow quite easily, therefore, its traction is reduced in such conditions. Whereas, in icy conditions, the greater contact patch adds to its efficiency. The lower void ratio of this tire grants it a stronger grip on icy paths.
Rock Terrain
KM3 is much more reliable on rocky paths as it possesses wider grooves which grants it a stronger grip over rocks. Moreover, the stone ejectors of this tire are highly efficient in inhibiting the small stones, pebbles, and rocks from getting stuck into the grooves. The installation of Krawl-TEK compound in this tire promotes its performance on rocky terrain. In the case of protection against sharp-edged rocks, its sidewall is secured with Max CoreGuard Technology which increases its toughness. Moreover, this tire is highly resistant to chips and cuts, which may be offered by the blunt-edged rocks.
KM2 lacks in its performance on rocks as its grooves are not as broader as its counterpart. The stone ejectors of this tire are also less prominent, so, the grooves may catch stones into them more easily. In this way, the grip of this tire over the rocks is reduced, so, it can’t be a reliable option in such conditions. However, its sidewall is cut and chip resistant and has undergone a 3-ply construction for the best protection. Moreover, its tread compound is strong enough to withstand the damage offered by the sharp-edged rocks, but it lacks most of the innovations that are present in its opponent for the best possible protection.
Treadwear and Durability Comparison
KM3 comes with a higher void ratio and lower contact patch, so, it offers a lower rolling resistance and is less exposed to treadwear. The affiliation of this tire with Max CoreGuard Technology gives it the best protection and adds to its durability Also, the pinch-shock resistant and cut and chip resistant compounds installed in this tire make it a much better option in the case of durability.
KM2 features a lower void ratio, so, it is more exposed to treadwear due to its greater contact patch with the surface. It offers a higher rolling resistance so it is less durable as compared to its competitor. However, the sidewall of this tire undergoes a 3-ply construction, and its tread compound is cut and chip resistant but it lacks many advanced features that are present in its opponent for the protection against unusual damages.
Which Tire is More Comfortable?
In the case of on-road comfort, KM3 possesses wider grooves which are more likely to trap a great number of air particles into them. These air particles strike violently with the walls of the grooves, creating noise and causing discomfort. However, the same broader grooves damp the effect of jerks while off-roading, thus, giving a comfortable ride.
KM2 features narrower grooves that trap fewer air particles. Therefore, these air particles rush out without causing a considerable noise, which adds to the on-road comfort of the tire. However, when it’s about off-roading the narrower grooves lack in damping the effect of jerks, so, it is not as profitable as its counterpart in this case.
Quick Summary
- Both are Mud-Terrain tires.
- KM2 is a better option on paved paths due to its lower void ratio.
- In mud terrains, KM3 is preferable due to its wider grooves.
- On soft snow, KM3 again is a decent choice due to its wider grooves.
- On icy roads, KM2 performs better due to its narrower grooves.
- On rocky trails, KM3 dominates because of its bolder stone ejectors.
- KM3 is more durable due to its lower treadwear and stronger build.
- KM3 costs more as it has many additional features.
