abbreviations and technical terms
Your lexicon for Maxxis tires

Maxxis – a name that in the MTB scene is almost synonymous with high-quality ground contact. As the largest tire manufacturer in the premium segment, Maxxis offers more than just dominant traction; they provide the foundation for any driving situation. However, the many technical terms and abbreviations can be confusing not just for newcomers. We shed light on the Maxxis terminology.

When you’re hunting seconds or seeking out the next trail challenge, choosing the right tire is crucial. Maxxis isn’t just a player in the MTB market – they are a titan, with tires trusted by both amateur and pro riders. Their headquarters in Taiwan is the hub of Maxxis operations, but their tires are sold in over 170 countries. Maxxis is the market leader in high-quality MTB tires.

But it’s not just MTB tires that Maxxis excels in – they also supply rubber for the motorized brethren, providing tires for everything from cars to motorcycles to heavy machinery. However, the vast array of MTB tire options can be overwhelming. Whether it’s Tubeless Ready, Plus-Size formats, or innovative rubber compounds like the legendary 3C Triple Compound Technology – with Maxxis, the rider gets to dictate what tire leads the way. And there’s plenty to choose from.

Deciphering the quality levels of Maxxis tires is somewhat reminiscent of detective work, as unlike other manufacturers like Schwalbe, where the quality tiers are clearly named, Maxxis plays its hand a bit more cryptically. Here, one must identify the premium tires among the bunch based on a combination of features and specific abbreviations. A key factor is the distinctions, which, like codes, run through the range: The more specific features a tire exhibits, the higher it ranks in the hierarchy of quality.

A surefire sign of a top-tier tire is the 3C rubber compound, which is divided into a trio of rubber hardnesses—this is what the “3C” stands for. Maxxis employs this technology to assure the rider an optimal balance between grip, traction control, and durability.

As you sift through the selection, keep a keen eye out for additional letter combinations that reveal the presence of tech forges such as EXO Protection or DoubleDown (DD), signalling a reinforced sidewall and enhanced puncture protection. These are indicators of tires designed for more aggressive riding.

In summary, Maxxis’ quality compass is aligned with the number and type of features mixed into a tire – the more alphabet soup on the sidewall, the higher its quality. Of course, Maxxis also offers wire bead tires for the budget-conscious. Often referred to as Wire-Bead, they are non-foldable and markedly heavier than a tire with a “foldable” Kevlar Tirebead.

In challenging terrain, tire durability often determines the success of a ride or race. For those who are serious about cross-country (CC), the go-to is Silk Shield (SS) technology. This is a prime example of lightweight protection. The SS variant offers defense while keeping tire weight low – a must for CC riders who count every gram. Yet, even pros in the Worldcup tend to choose superior EXO puncture protection.

For racers and dedicated tour riders looking for a golden mean between weight and stability, EXO proves to be a thoughtful compromise. This casing keeps tire weight around the 800-gram mark, offering an acceptable balance for quick sections without the shadow of increased puncture risk looming over the ride.

For those who desire even tougher tires, Exo+ enters the fray. Maxxis targets the tour riders who want to push the limits downhill without over-dramatizing the ride with tire blowouts. Weighing usually under a kilo depending on size and tread, riders get an enhanced protective layer that, despite the additional material, maintains weight performance optimally.

Double Down is the go-to for all Enduro riders looking for a fortress against flats while still aiming to shave off weight. As the name implies, dual casings provide a double safety net – the weight hovers around a kilo, but when it comes to stability, these tires are ready for hardcore action on gnarly downhill sections.

Finally, when it needs to be practically bombproof, Downhill (DH) racers mount the DH tire. Tipping the scales beyond 1.2 kilograms, with up to six layers of casing and additional puncture protection, no prisoners are taken – these tires are designed for the most extreme abuse and prevent flats even during the wildest maneuvers.

The rubber compound of a tire can literally decide whether you, as a rider, maintain the upper hand on the trails or lose traction at the crucial moment. In addition to the economical single compound mix, Maxxis also offers a Dualcompound version. Here, soft side knobs are combined with a harder tread. For Maxxis’ premium tires, the 3C Triple Compound technology reigns supreme. Again, soft side knobs are matched with a harder tread, but there’s an additional soft layer beneath the top rubber layer that enhances the tire’s damping properties.

For the downhill and enduro crowd, Maxxis offers the Maxx Grip compound. As the name suggests, grip on a variety of surfaces plays a prominent role here. The rubber compound is so soft, it literally clings to the terrain, providing practically an intrinsic damping that builds confidence and allows you to push the limits with control in the gnarliest sections. However, this massive grip comes with a trade-off in the form of increased rolling resistance and faster wear – a swap true gravity aficionados are willing to accept.

For riders who demand their tires perform from enduro trails to aggressive trail riding, the Maxx Terra compound steps up. Its balance between durability and performance is unparalleled. This rubber compound not only rolls surprisingly efficient but also offers remarkable longevity, so you won’t need to slap on new tires after every demanding session. It’s considerably harder than the Maxx Grip variant and thus achieves a perfect balance for riders who value versatility.

And then there’s the Maxx Speed compound, aimed at the purist cross-country (XC) racers who prioritize minimal rolling resistance above all. Maxxis has really dialed everything in for speed here, crafting a tire compound that absolutely flies on dry terrain and hardpack trails. However, when things get wet, the flip side of the coin becomes evident: the grip can leave something to be desired in moist conditions, a fact that racers must inevitably account for when selecting their tire setup.

When discussing tires for rough terrain, Maxxis’ innovative spirit cannot go unmentioned, especially when it comes to Wide Trail (WT) tires. These tires, specifically engineered for wide rims, are a response to the trend toward rims that are 30 mm wide or more. The Wide Trail Enduro is the flagship for all riders banking on rim widths of over 30 mm to achieve a more stable and precise line choice in technically demanding enduro segments. The sophisticated tire contour ensures that the tread pattern is optimally positioned on the rim, significantly enhancing grip and performance in turns. Tires without Wide Trail designation tend to have a boxier shape when mounted on such wide rims.

In parallel, Maxxis has recognized the need to also provide racers with a preference for less voluminous rims with the perfect tool. The Wide Trail Cross Country is tailored for rim widths over 25 mm up to 30 mm and offers riders who prioritize low rolling resistance and speed on the trails a custom option. With these WT models, Maxxis unlocks the full potential of wider rims.

When delving into the depths of the Maxxis MTB tire collection, you can’t miss the legendary treads engineered to conquer every type of trail and weather condition. Let’s start with the Assegai, designed by MTB icon Greg Minnaar. This tire is a grip champion and a trusted ally when it comes to aggressive lines and rocky terrain.

The Minion DHF/DHR line, on the other hand, is seen as the jack-of-all-trades in Maxxis’s repertoire. With its clever balance between rolling resistance and traction, the DHF/DHR combo is overwhelmingly dominant in downhill and enduro scenarios.

The High Roller scores with its versatility and excellent braking characteristics on the rear wheel. A true classic that should not be missing from any collection. It does not shy away from steep terrain and delivers reliable performance even on muddy ground.

Looking at the Aggressor, we encounter a tire that showcases its strengths particularly on fast, dry trails. Its tread and side knob configuration provide good traction. However, the closely-spaced knobs can become clogged with mud rather quickly.

The Dissector, also designed for ripping down dry trails, proves to be a master in corners and maximizes speed through the trees, while the Rekon is known for its versatility and is especially popular among cross-country racers.

For tour riders, the Forekaster enters the fray, a tire designed for versatile use on any ride.

The Ardent impresses with its do-it-all mentality, an excellent choice for versatile riders tackling different terrains, while the Ardent Race bridges the gap between nimble XC tires and rugged trail rubber.

For the speed addicts among cross-country pilots, the Recon Race is an indispensable tool. It offers low rolling resistance while providing a solid grip on hardpack.

Rounding things off is the Ikon for racers banking on speed, and the smooth-rolling Aspen, known for its focus on the essentials: speed and minimal rolling resistance.

These profiles demonstrate that Maxxis is a serious specialist in the MTB tire industry, offering the right tire for every rider and every condition. Each tread pattern has been meticulously designed to meet the specific demands of demanding trails and racers. Those in search of quality tires will surely find what they need at Maxxis.