When we wanted to equip our new Z400 for a Sand Dune test we turned to Maxxis for their new Rooster Sand Tires. Maxxis has designed the new tires with micro-paddles in addition to the large paddles to provide additional traction and stability. The Rooster Tires are made with a new tread compound that helps resist abrasion that sand tires are subjected to.

Maxxis Rooster Pro Front

Maxxis Rooster Pro Wedge

The Roosters are directional and made to fit a specific corner of your quad. For the fronts we ordered a right Rooster Pro Front and a left Rooster Pro Front. In the rear we chose the Pro Wedge design rather than the the Pro Paddle design. If you are only shooting the hill you might prefer the Rooster Pro paddle which has a straight paddle design rather than a wedge design. Make sure you get a right side and a left side Pro Wedge.

With tires taken care of we turned to Rocky Mountain ATV for some wheels. We chose the Douglas black label rims as we wanted a strong enough wheel to handle in-flight landings yet not be too heavy. The black label rim also comes in a variety of offsets. We like some extra width out in the sand so we picked a 10x6 with a 2+4 offset in the front and a 10x9 with 3+6 offset in the rear.

Maxxis Rooster Pro Front

Maxxis Rooster Pro Wedge

How did they work? The Maxxis Rooster tires look great with the micro-paddles and they worked just as well. Maxxis did an excellent job in the weight area also. The rear paddles are just 13.4 lbs each and the front ones are only 10.3 lbs each. A lighter tire is is going to give you less unsprung weight for better handling and less rolling mass will give you more power. The competitors don't even come close. The sand was very soft and deep and the Rooster sand tires performed like a charm. We recommend you try a set of Roosters next time you need some new paddles.

www.rockymountainatv.com

www.maxxis.com

Suzuki Z400 Sand Dune Test