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Just got another email back from Interco:
Jeff:
I have more information on the subject of these ATV tires that I want to share with you.
We have been able to get the factory to run the 26x9.50-12 DSX tires but they have not wanted to build the DSX in the 26x12.0-12. The reason for that is there are so few ATVs or amphibious ATVs that can use the wider tires because with the lugs on both sidewalls there is not enough inside clearance on many ATVs and amphibious ATVs. I talked to our people about this and they are suggesting you take a look at the 26x12.0-12 in the new Black Mamba. There is a picture of the Black Mambas on our website; Home | Interco Tire. This tire has traction features that are even more aggressive than the ASX and have a lot of sidewall lugs. . .on both sidewalls. If your Hustler 980 has enough clearance on the inside you may want to consider the Black Mamba. This size in the Black Mamba is new and I wish I had feedback from someone who may have used this tire on an amphib but we do not have feedback yet.
Please keep in touch because we want to help where we can.
And here's my reply:
Pattie,
Thanks again for the reply. We're really after the Vampire DSX because of the proven performance of the Vampire ASX. On all the larger amphibious ATVs such as the Recreatives Max IV, the Hustler 980, Swamp Fox, some Argos, and even some vintage machines, 26x12x12 tires fit without any issues or alterations to the machine. In fact, 26x12x12 is the stock size for these machines. My Hustler 980 came with 26x12x12 Goodyear Super Terra Grips, which are basically tractor tires and the ASX's bolted right up with plenty of clearance all around.
There are a few problems with the Black Mambas as far as using them on an amphibious ATV.
-They have a tread design that won't skid steer very well, because that's how our machines turn. They would catch too much and make it difficult to turn and put excess wear on the drivetrain.
-The lugs are way too deep. The good thing about the Vampire ASX is that it has a 1" lug....it's deep and works well, but it won't just dig the machine down into a hole so that it bottoms out and then can't get traction, thus getting stuck. The ASX tires actually perform better than the standard Vampires that you offer because of this same reason (they have a 1-1/8" or 1-1/4" deep lug I believe?). The amphibious ATV's need good traction, but they also need to float on the mud, not dig down like quad tires do.
-They have a closed tread design that is very deep and like other tires with similar designs, they won't propel the machine well in the water. The ASX works GREAT in the water. Please see the video link of my machine.
-The closed tread design and heavy construction looks as though they are a hard tire without much give or flex to them. This isn't good for amphibious ATVs because we rely on our tires as the only form of suspension on our machines. The ASX on the other hand is a nice riding tire that offers a smooth ride at a low PSI.
All of the qualities of the ASX have earned it the reputation for the BEST all around Amphibious ATV tire out there. And there's a lot of talking back and forth about tires in our hobby and for a tire to rise to the top of everyone's list as favorite AATV tire, that says a lot. With that being said, the folks at Recreatives Industries Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511 The company in my hometown of Buffalo, NY is looking at tire options for their larger Max IV and Buffalo Truck models. After I showed them my Hustler 980 ASX video, they were thrilled and wanted to try a run of these tires. I told them they weren't available, but a dual side lug version might be available soon and they were VERY interested. If you'd like to get in touch with them, you can call Galen Reich (General Manager of Recreatives) and speak to him. 1-800-255-2511. Tell him you spoke with Jeff and remind him about my Hustler with the Vampire ASX tires video. Perhaps you could work something out with them. I'm extremely confident that a good tire like that being offered as a factory option would increase sales for both Interco and Recreatives. This way, you're not building a tire, which requires a lot for start up costs, to sell only to a small niche group, you'll even have manufacturers on board.
Thanks again for all your help.
-Jeff
Jeff:
I have more information on the subject of these ATV tires that I want to share with you.
We have been able to get the factory to run the 26x9.50-12 DSX tires but they have not wanted to build the DSX in the 26x12.0-12. The reason for that is there are so few ATVs or amphibious ATVs that can use the wider tires because with the lugs on both sidewalls there is not enough inside clearance on many ATVs and amphibious ATVs. I talked to our people about this and they are suggesting you take a look at the 26x12.0-12 in the new Black Mamba. There is a picture of the Black Mambas on our website; Home | Interco Tire. This tire has traction features that are even more aggressive than the ASX and have a lot of sidewall lugs. . .on both sidewalls. If your Hustler 980 has enough clearance on the inside you may want to consider the Black Mamba. This size in the Black Mamba is new and I wish I had feedback from someone who may have used this tire on an amphib but we do not have feedback yet.
Please keep in touch because we want to help where we can.
And here's my reply:
Pattie,
Thanks again for the reply. We're really after the Vampire DSX because of the proven performance of the Vampire ASX. On all the larger amphibious ATVs such as the Recreatives Max IV, the Hustler 980, Swamp Fox, some Argos, and even some vintage machines, 26x12x12 tires fit without any issues or alterations to the machine. In fact, 26x12x12 is the stock size for these machines. My Hustler 980 came with 26x12x12 Goodyear Super Terra Grips, which are basically tractor tires and the ASX's bolted right up with plenty of clearance all around.
There are a few problems with the Black Mambas as far as using them on an amphibious ATV.
-They have a tread design that won't skid steer very well, because that's how our machines turn. They would catch too much and make it difficult to turn and put excess wear on the drivetrain.
-The lugs are way too deep. The good thing about the Vampire ASX is that it has a 1" lug....it's deep and works well, but it won't just dig the machine down into a hole so that it bottoms out and then can't get traction, thus getting stuck. The ASX tires actually perform better than the standard Vampires that you offer because of this same reason (they have a 1-1/8" or 1-1/4" deep lug I believe?). The amphibious ATV's need good traction, but they also need to float on the mud, not dig down like quad tires do.
-They have a closed tread design that is very deep and like other tires with similar designs, they won't propel the machine well in the water. The ASX works GREAT in the water. Please see the video link of my machine.
-The closed tread design and heavy construction looks as though they are a hard tire without much give or flex to them. This isn't good for amphibious ATVs because we rely on our tires as the only form of suspension on our machines. The ASX on the other hand is a nice riding tire that offers a smooth ride at a low PSI.
All of the qualities of the ASX have earned it the reputation for the BEST all around Amphibious ATV tire out there. And there's a lot of talking back and forth about tires in our hobby and for a tire to rise to the top of everyone's list as favorite AATV tire, that says a lot. With that being said, the folks at Recreatives Industries Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511 The company in my hometown of Buffalo, NY is looking at tire options for their larger Max IV and Buffalo Truck models. After I showed them my Hustler 980 ASX video, they were thrilled and wanted to try a run of these tires. I told them they weren't available, but a dual side lug version might be available soon and they were VERY interested. If you'd like to get in touch with them, you can call Galen Reich (General Manager of Recreatives) and speak to him. 1-800-255-2511. Tell him you spoke with Jeff and remind him about my Hustler with the Vampire ASX tires video. Perhaps you could work something out with them. I'm extremely confident that a good tire like that being offered as a factory option would increase sales for both Interco and Recreatives. This way, you're not building a tire, which requires a lot for start up costs, to sell only to a small niche group, you'll even have manufacturers on board.
Thanks again for all your help.
-Jeff
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