Vampire tire questions

[sw1tched]

Im sure this has been discussed before, but I cant find any current posts on it.
I have a 1999 MAX IV with a 20HP Kohler motor.
everything is pretty stock.
still has the rear cover and a windshield.
running stock 21 rawhide tires.
Looking to go to a bigger tire just for the couple inches of added clearance.
I'm leaning towards the 25x13.00-9 Vampire tires with 9 in Argo rims powder coated black.
Added water speed would be very nice as well.
I will keep my stock rims and tires since I have a set of tracks that I want to play with in winter.
I have access to the Platte river from my land, so I can drive through the woods to a very flat river with lots of sand and a slow moving current.
going up river isn't possible currently and I dont know that it ever would be, but the ability to not get high centered on sand and some added water speed would make getting around easier with a couple kids.
I think the vampire tires would have a deep lug to help with water crossing and sand traction... but it would still be able to cross some gravel roads and wooded trails without tearing up the tires.
I avoided the Aqua Torque tires just strictly due to the added weight
My questions:
Are there any other tires I should consider?
Is my 20hp motor enough to turn the 25in tires without too much hesitation?
The 9 in rim seems to have more tire options, but so do the 12in rims, any one know a rim that can be bought for this?
Is there a cheap option for a trolling motor that easily bolts up that I could go up river in?

Thanks all.

[Noel Woods]

I had a set of Vampire ASXs in 25x12x12 mounted on a Max4 with a 20hp Kohler. That machine seemed underpowered with those big, heavy, aggressive tires. I noted that the slow to mid speed traction was very good, but once speed maxed out the machine would only do about 14mph according to GPS. With the stock Terra tires, it would hit 20mph.
Additionally, the machine was much harder to steer. I believe that you could switch to lower gearing to address these issues, I know when MIGHTYMAX4 had his Max4, and lower gears, his Max4 was a real beast. Its like the old saying though, you fix one problem and you create two more in the process. My theory of tires on an aatv at least, is that you need to have tires that allow some slip when skid steering. Maybe you should take a look at those new tires that MuddOx sells, the Vendetta series.

[Canadian_Zuk]

Look at the Vandettas, great tires for these machines

[sw1tched]

the vampire ASX's are a little heavier but also have the sidewall tread as compared to the vampires... I was hoping the vampires deeper lugs would propel it through the water better, but wouldn't be as heavy and drag it down.

My only issue with the vendetta's is the price. $260 a piece seems a bit steep.
9 and 12 inch rims seem to be around the same price ($100 a piece) so Im not sure to go with 9 or 12 inch rims either
9's I would assume would have a better ride since there is more sidewall, but 12's might have more tire options currently and in the future if I change them later.

[mightymaxIV]

I agree with Noel, Vampire ASX tires take a lot of power to turn, if you running a 750cc engine with 27 or more horse power the tires are awesome in the mud but I would stay away from them with a 20 horse engine.
I would suggest the 14 inch wide Vendattas. They are light, they ride really well, and are one of the best swimming tires made. Keep them spinning in the mud and they will walk through almost anything in a MaxIV.
I ran the 16" Vendettas on my MaxIV and I can tell you they deliver almost track like traction, but the 14" tires are better swimmers and probably a better all around tire.

[mightymaxIV]

This video will give you an idea on just what a Vendetta tire will do on a MaxIV