Beadlock vs. Non-Beadlock UTV and ATV Wheels

What Are Beadlock Wheels?

Beadlock wheels are designed to keep your tires where they belong, even at incredibly low psi. These wheels feature an additional ring around the outside, also known as the beadlock, that uses bolts to hold the bead of the tire against the wheel rim. By locking the tire in place—rather than relying on pressure to keep the tire on the wheel or keep it from spinning—the tires can be used at extremely low pressure, enhancing their off-roading performance.

If you’re looking for beadlock wheels that can stand up to the toughest terrains and gnarliest rides, check out the high-quality options from SuperATV.

Pros and Cons of Beadlock Wheels

If you’re looking for superior off-road performance, beadlock wheels are the way to go—especially if you like to take on challenging rides. Some of the biggest pros of beadlocks are: 

• Enhanced traction and stability at low psi on uneven terrains like sand, rock, and mud
• Heavy-duty construction can stand up to impact
• Maintain consistent tire integrity at low pressures 
• Improved tire retention under heavy loads

Beadlock wheels aren’t the perfect choice for every rider. Some of the downsides include: 

• Generally heavier than other wheel options
• Higher cost than traditional wheels
• Often illegal for road use (depending on state laws)
• Require more maintenance, including replacing the beadlock ring and hardware

What Are Non-Beadlock Wheels?

Non-beadlock wheels, or standard wheels, are the stock wheels you’ll get on most ATVs and UTVs. These wheels hold the tire in place with air pressure, rather than physically locking them in place, meaning that low psi can unseat the tire. However, this doesn’t mean that standard wheels are worthless for off-roading. For less intense rides and terrains, high-quality standard wheels with tires running at a regular psi can still do the job.

Pros and Cons of Non-Beadlock Wheels

Even when compared to high-performance beadlock wheels, standard wheels have plenty of pros going for them: 

• Lightweight design eases the burden on your rig and keeps it maneuverable
• DOT compliant in states where street riding is legal
• More affordable price points
• Require less maintenance and replacement

Based on what we’ve covered about beadlock versus non-beadlock wheels, the drawbacks of standard wheels are somewhat obvious: 

• Limited performance capabilities in more extreme off-roading conditions
• Reduced stability and traction in uneven terrain 
• Tire bead can unseat if the psi is too low

Are Beadlock or Non-Beadlock Wheels Better For You?

When it’s decision time on beadlock versus non-beadlock, pick the right fit for how you ride. If you’re into rock crawling, dune riding, diving through mud pits, or any other extreme terrain, consider checking out beadlock wheels. If you spend more time on easier trails, recreational riding, or doing utility work around the farm or homestead, non-beadlock wheels are probably the right fit. 

No matter what wheels you’re looking for, you can find plenty of premium wheel options at SuperATV. If you have additional questions about the right wheels for your rig, get in touch with our experts or leave a comment below — we’d be happy to get you the answers you need!