Cooper AT3 or ST Max

I need new tire for my September off-road week-end at Raush Creek. I’m split between the Cooper AT3 and ST Max in 275-70R17.

AT3: I like the load C and his acceptable weight of 51 lbs but the tread seem less attractive for muddy trail.
ST Max: I like the aggressive tread (similar to duratrac) but it’s a load E with 59 lbs tire. I read about longer acceleration and braking distance with the ST Max.


I’m doing muddy trail 3-4 time per year and remaining is mostly softer trail. I’m concern about performance of the AT3 in the mud. I read good review of the AT3 but no review were done for muddy trail.

For my DD usage: I should go with the AT3 and they are cheaper
For the trail usage and look: I should go with the ST Max.

Any recommendation ?


Or even BG KO2 ... it was my first choice before I found the cooper interesting.

 

3-4 times a year is pretty minimal usage. The money saved on the AT3 can be used for a set of chains and traction boards.

 

I'm running Cooper AT3's on both my trucks, I like them a lot... Good price at many places, including Wal-Mart. You should be ok the 3-4 times you go off road, and like stickyTaco says, use the money saved to buy some recovery gear!

 

I ran the Cooper AT3s on my second gen and was very surprised at how well they cleaned out in mud and sticky clay. They don't look as aggressive as some of the hybrid ATs but they perform surprisingly well and would be fine for 3-4 times a year. If you just want a more aggressive tire then look at the Dick Cepek Extreme Country. It is like a lighter mud tire or heavy AT and is made by Cooper. Even an E rated tire at 265/75/16 only weighs 48 pounds. This is likely my next tire if I don't go with Duratracs.

 

I'm also wondering the same thing. Do about 6 trips a year offroad