GBC Grim Reaper Review

Well as some of you know I went with Grim Reapers on the Ranger rather than my normal Big Horns and I though I would share my thoughts on them after ~350 miles.

As far as ride, I can not tell a difference. They seem to ride well even with me using 14 lbs of air in each.

Mud, they seem to do as good maybe a slight edge over the Big Horns but it is really to close to call.

Rock climbing, same as above.

Off camber, it seems the Grim Reapers have a better grip and do not slide as much as my Big Horns did so I give that one to them.

I have been on many rocky trails and just like my Big Horns, I have had no problems with rocks poking holes in them as the side walls seem very strong.

I have had one major problem with them. I purchased the 25x8x12 fronts and 25x10x12 rears. The rear tires have been great. The front tires both have now been replaced because the bead split. As you can see in the pic, there is a toothpick sticking in the split and there are no issues with the rim. I replaced the first one at cost but now the other original front tire has done the same and they sent me another under warranty and asked for both tires to be returned to them for inspection. The first replacement has been holding up so time will tell. I will tell you this, even when flat, the tire's 8 ply sidewall holds the machine up with ~5 lbs of air.

good review, and thanks! i've been looking at these tires for some time now. trying to decide on going with 25 or 26 inch tires???

Thanks PWM! I am also considering these tires.

If I had it to do over, I would have went with the 26's because they are actually a little smaller than the stockers but the 25's do fine.

so they run a tad short, i also heard the duro powergrips run a little short. i was also looking at those as well.

Good review!

also for an 8 ply tire, they're not crazy heavy. I took a set of 25" off some beadlocks and was suprised at how light they where.

Clayboy wrote:

Good review!

Yes sir.....X's 2

Thanks. As several of you know I need some tires and this is the type of info that helps.There are too many choices out there. Now we need to hear about Pit Bulls. So far it seems that Big Horns are high on most folks list.

Goose wrote:

Thanks. As several of you know I need some tires and this is the type of info that helps.There are too many choices out there. Now we need to hear about Pit Bulls. So far it seems that Big Horns are high on most folks list.

I really liked my Big Horns as well. I rarely had to add air to them. If these new fronts do as well as the rears have, I will probably go back with the Grim Reapers for replacements although I have never kept a wheeler long enough to wear out a set of tires yet

PWM wrote:

Goose wrote:

Thanks. As several of you know I need some tires and this is the type of info that helps.There are too many choices out there. Now we need to hear about Pit Bulls. So far it seems that Big Horns are high on most folks list.

I really liked my Big Horns as well. I rarely had to add air to them. If these new fronts do as well as the rears have, I will probably go back with the Grim Reapers for replacements although I have never kept a wheeler long enough to wear out a set of tires yet

I think I am going to order some tonight. I like them and will give them a try......

I do wish the BigHorns had molded in rimguards, though. I've lost count of the pieces of wood that I've pulled out from between the tire and the rim. These bogs up here tend to do that, I think -- it's mud that's full of sticks, rocks and other debris. I think that makes it much more likely to occur than simply riding dry trails through the woods...

Still never needed to add air or put on the spare on a ride, though... and ZERO plugs so far!

KentT wrote:

I do wish the BigHorns had molded in rimguards, though. I've lost count of the pieces of wood that I've pulled out from between the tire and the rim. These bogs up here tend to do that, I think -- it's mud that's full of sticks, rocks and other debris. I think that makes it much more likely to occur than simply riding dry trails through the woods...

Still never needed to add air or put on the spare on a ride, though... and ZERO plugs so far!

You will get that in TN also. I always pull debris out of the rims after each ride.

Big-R wrote:

PWM wrote:

Goose wrote:

Thanks. As several of you know I need some tires and this is the type of info that helps.There are too many choices out there. Now we need to hear about Pit Bulls. So far it seems that Big Horns are high on most folks list.

I really liked my Big Horns as well. I rarely had to add air to them. If these new fronts do as well as the rears have, I will probably go back with the Grim Reapers for replacements although I have never kept a wheeler long enough to wear out a set of tires yet

I think I am going to order some tonight. I like them and will give them a try......

Check with Matt www.mudthrowers.com and tell him that PWM from Cumberland ATV Riders sent you.

Bias-Ply, the only way to go. IMO.
With 0-psi, you can't tell they are flat...........

Awesome writeup! I love my reapers.... almost 900 miles, still look awesome, and with zero issues..

i have the 26x10x12 front 26x12x12 rear almost 1,000 miles and no problems and i have rode everywhere ordered a spare set last week i run 8 1/2 psi in mine. more air and they don't bite as good less air and it drives crazy. no plugs either. love them

If anyone is interested in some 25" reapers, I have a nice set of used ones that need a new home.

I know I love my Reapers and will stay with them No Issues for me so far either I got the 26 x 12's and love them!

ridepate wrote:

Bias-Ply, the only way to go. IMO.
With 0-psi, you can't tell they are flat...........

those r too heavy pate..............

little smaller than the stockers but the 25's do fine

I personally like the sound of a smaller tire. That is a positive in my book since smaller tires are easier on steering/stability and gives more power. Big Tires are for show; smaller tires are for go... IMO...

BigEd -- I might be interested in the 25" reapers if they look good with no plugs. Let me know your price and send me some pics. Do you ever make it to the Wagon Wheel area of WV? I love Bighorns but could be swayed to try the Reapers.

I like my bighorns and I even just got a new set a couple couple months ago.. But I got to say I seen a set of these Reapers and they look mean. Very tall tread. I'm sure they are good in mud I didn't really figure they would be a good trail tire for rock and hard pack. Glad to hear they handle more then mud.

Well, I will add to the thumbs up on the Reapers. My first ride was in really wet condition at Brimstone.

I have always road XTR's and have loved that tire. However, I just wanted to try something different. They seem to grip as good as the XTR's in all conditions. The one advantage the reapers have over the XTR's is side bite.

Now, what I don't like about them. They have a 7/8" tread. IMO that is to small. It should be around 1-3/8". The 26" Grim Reapers are 26-1/4" tall. That is with 9lbs.

Over 1100 miles on my 27" Reapers (remember the Prowler comes with 26's) and they still look great. They've handled everything I've thrown at them.

Only one puncture do to a railroad spike from an old railroad bed trail we have up here but that trail has spiked every brand of tire known.

Give me a set to try and I know I will get a flat in the first 100 miles. There is no tire that can put up with me. Except a solid tire.... My new BH knock off are nice tires, but sure enough in less than 50 miles I got a flat in the sidewall. I need a 10 ply sidewall tire.