No matter how different they may look, all UTV and ATV tires use one of two types of construction: bias ply or radial. Image by SuperATV.
How Tire Construction Shapes Your Riding Experience
Your tires are the only part of your machine that touch the ground, so their construction has a huge impact on how your UTV or ATV performs. Tires affect everything—comfort, traction, and handling across different terrains like mud, sand, rock, and trails.
When you’re shopping for new UTV or ATV tires, you’ll notice two main construction types: radial and bias ply. Each offers unique advantages that suit specific riding styles and conditions. Understanding the difference will help you make a smarter choice.
Bias ply tires use overlapping, crisscrossing cords that run from bead to bead at an angle. Radial tires use cords that connect directly from one side of the bead to the other. Image by SuperATV.
What Are Radial Tires?
Radial tires are built for comfort and control. In a radial tire, the cords inside the casing run perpendicular to the tread—from bead to bead—creating a more flexible sidewall and a flatter contact patch.
SuperATV’s Incursion tires use 8-ply construction and a radial steel belt. They’re a an incredibly capable all-terrain tire. Image by SuperATV.
Benefits of Radial Tires
Smoother rides—The flexible sidewalls absorb bumps and vibrations for a more comfortable ride, especially on long excursions.
Better traction and handling—A consistent tread footprint keeps more rubber on the ground for improved grip and cornering.
Longer tread life—Radials wear more evenly, making them ideal for riders who log serious miles.
If you ride long distances, value comfort, and need dependable performance across mixed terrain, radial tires are the way to go.
Tires that use radial construction are great for a variety of terrains, including rock, pavement, and trail. Image by SuperATV.
Shop top-rated radial tires from SuperATV:
XT Warrior Tires—Excellent traction and stability on trails and rock.
Incursion A/T Tires—Highly capable all-terrain tires that ride smooth on pavement, trails, mud, and more.
Hellion Tires—Adaptable tires that are ready to raise hell on all terrains.
What Are Bias Ply Tires?
Bias ply tires feature crisscrossing cords that run diagonally from one bead to the other. This layered construction creates a stiffer sidewall and a tougher overall build—ideal for rough, unpredictable terrain.
SuperATV’s Assassinator tires are born and bred for mud. Their bias ply design makes them perfect for wild conditions. Image by SuperATV.
Benefits of Bias Ply Tires
Extreme durability—The reinforced structure resists punctures and damage in rocky or muddy conditions.
Superior sidewall strength—Perfect for crawling over obstacles or powering through deep ruts.
Budget-friendly—Bias ply tires are generally more affordable than radial options.
These tires excel where toughness matters most. If your adventures involve sharp rocks, deep mud, or extreme off-road antics, bias ply construction is built for it.
Check out SuperATV’s top bias ply options:
Terminator Tires—Legendary mud tire with unmatched pulling power.
Intimidator Tires—Aggressive tread and rugged construction for extreme terrain.
To get the performance you need, you need the right tires. Image by SuperATV.
Both tire types perform well—but in different ways. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
Feature
Radial Tires
Bias Ply Tires
Construction
Cords run perpendicular to tread
Cords crisscross diagonally
Ride Comfort
Smooth, flexible sidewalls
Stiffer, rougher ride
Traction
Consistent contact patch for stable grip
Strong sidewalls for uneven terrain
Durability
Resists heat and wear on long rides
Resists punctures and sidewall damage
Best For
Trail riders, long-distance adventures
Mud, rock crawling, and rugged off-road use
How to Choose the Right Tire for Your Riding Style
Creek riding requires a more versatile tire type than mud riding due to the wide range of terrains you could encounter. Image by SuperATV.
Choosing between radial and bias ply tires depends on where and how you ride.
Trail & all-terrain riders: Choose radials for comfort and consistent traction.
Mud boggers & rock crawlers: Go bias ply for durability and aggressive grip.
Weekend riders on a budget: Bias ply offers reliable performance at a lower cost.
Frequent riders or racers: Radials deliver longevity and smoother handling.
Explore all tire options at SuperATV’s UTV & ATV Tires Category Page to find your perfect match.
Find the Perfect Tires for Your Next Adventure
Rock crawling tires need tougher sidewalls than standard tires—an attribute you’ll find in bias ply construction. Image by SuperATV.
Both radial and bias ply tires have their strengths. Radials deliver comfort and consistency, while bias ply tires bring brute strength and durability to extreme conditions. Which tire type is best? Whichever one you’ll get the most from.
No matter what terrain you tackle, SuperATV has you covered with the industry’s toughest, most trusted tire lineup.
