Off-road enthusiasts need high-performing tires that can handle challenging terrain while providing excellent traction and durability. The SunF A033 and Maxxis Bighorn are two popular tire models that offer such capabilities.
But SunF A033 vs Maxxis Bighorn: which one is better?
The SunF A033 is an affordable, regular use tire and Maxxis Bighorn tires are mostly designed for off-road racing and cross-country challenges. The SunF A033 has more size variations than the Bighorns, more weight, and more ply rating. Also, the SunF tires are non-directional and the opposite is true for the Bighorns.
In this article, we will differentiate between these two tires to figure out the best one for you.
SunF A033 vs Maxxis Bighorn: Brief Comparison
There are three different versions of the Maxxis Bighorn tires: Bighorn Radial, Bighorn 2.0, and 3.0. We will be taking on all three of these tires to make a detailed comparison guide against the SunF A033.
But you should know, other than good tires, ATVs specialized for mud are also needed for optimal performance in muddy terrains.
| Factors | SunF A033 | Maxxis Bighorn Radial | Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 | Maxxis Bighorn 3.0 |
| Variations | 32 different sizes | 16 different sizes | 16 different sizes | 8 different sizes |
| Weight | 21.2-35.2 lbs | 21.4-32.8 lbs | 15-33 lbs | 24-31 lbs |
| Directional or Non-directional | Non-directional | Directional | Directional | Directional |
| Ply Rating | 6 and 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Tread Patterns | Aggressive, with large lugs | Aggressive, with large lugs | Aggressive, with slimmer but spaced lugs | Aggressive, with large and closely spaced thicker lugs |
| Traction | Enhanced skit and traction | Excellent | Engineered for racing | Engineered for racing |
| Max PSI | 14 | 7-29 | 7-32 | 18 |
| Recommended Usage | All-terrain | All-terrain | XC and Off-road | XC and Off-road |
| Price Range | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
SunF A033 vs Maxxis Bighorn: Detailed Comparison
Now you have some overview of the whole picture. In the next segment, we’ll try to deep dive into the dissection of these tiers’ strengths and weaknesses.
Sizes:
The SunF A033 has more tire variations than Maxxis Bighorns.
The SunF A033 has the largest size range, ranging from 22×7-12 to 29×11-14, making it a great tire for versatility and fitting. Because of these 32 different variations, you can incorporate this tire into most of the available ATVs.
On the other part of the spectrum, the Maxxis Bighorn is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 26×9-14 to 30×10-14, in 16 different variations, which is compatible with many different ATVs.
The Bighorn 2.0 has the same variations but a bit more range than the Bighorn Radial. Its size ranges from 24×8-12 to 30×10-15, which makes it a good option for those looking for a tire that balances performance and size options.
Finally, the Bighorn 3.0 has the smallest size range of the four models, ranging from 26×9-12 to 29×11-14, in 8 different variations. Since it’s considered a premium racing tire option, the limited variations are justified.
Winner: SunF A033
Weight:
The Bighorn 2.0 has a weight range of 15-33 pounds, making it the most balanced option between speed and handling among all the tires.
Heavier tires can be more durable and provide better traction, especially in muddy or rocky terrain. However, they can also be slower to accelerate and can increase the strain on the vehicle’s suspension system. Those who prefer speed and acceleration should choose lighter tires.
The SunF A033 also has a good range of 21.2-35.2. If you prefer more maneuverability you can pick the heaviest SunF A033 tires.
Winner: Bighorn 2.0
Directional or Non-directional:
The SunF A033 is a non-directional tire and can be used both, front and rear, unlike Bighorn tires. All the Bighorn tires are directional.
There are certain pros and cons of directional and non-directional tires. For example, directional tires are designed to provide better handling, especially in wet conditions, and have better traction.
On the other hand, non-directional tires can be rotated in a variety of patterns, allowing for even wear and longer tire life. Also, they can provide a quieter ride due to their design.
Winner: Tie
Ply:
All four tires, SunF A033, Maxxis Bighorn, Bighorn 2.0, and Bighorn 3.0, have a 6-ply rating, which indicates the strength and durability of the tire. But some SunF A033 can be 8 ply as well.
A 6-ply rating means that the tire has six layers of material, including the rubber tread, steel belts, and other materials that make up the tire’s structure. This provides added strength and stability, making the tire more resistant to punctures and other types of damage.
The SunF 6 ply and 8 ply has some basic difference but they don’t effect the wearing of the tire too much. The 8 ply will give you a bit more load capacity nonetheless.
All of these adds to the tires load capacity, which has a direct influence on the towing capacity of your UTV/ATV.
Winner: Tie
Tread Patterns:
The tread patterns of SunF A033, Maxxis Bighorn, Bighorn 2.0, and Bighorn 3.0 all have aggressive designs that provide excellent traction in various off-road conditions.
While the first two tires have similar lug sizes and patterns, the Bighorn 2.0 has a slimmer lug design compared to the other three. This design allows for better handling and a smoother ride on hard-packed terrain while still providing excellent off-road performance.
The Bighorn 3.0, on the other hand, has a more aggressive design, with larger and thicker lugs that provide even better traction and durability in challenging off-road conditions. This design also helps to enhance the tire’s ability to self-clean, meaning that mud and debris can easily be shed from the tire, preventing it from becoming clogged and losing traction.
Winner: Bighorn 2.0 or 3.0
Traction:
All the tires are designed to provide excellent traction on a variety of off-road surfaces. The aggressive tread patterns and large, widely spaced lugs on these tires allow them to bite into loose terrains such as dirt, sand, and gravel, providing excellent grip and preventing slippage.
These tires are also designed to work well in mud and snow, where the large lugs can dig in and provide the necessary traction to move through difficult terrain. Additionally, the stepped shoulder lugs on the Bighorn 2.0 and Bighorn 3.0 help to provide additional grip and stability when cornering or maneuvering on uneven terrain.
In terms of rock crawling, these tires also perform well, as the lugs can provide the necessary traction to crawl over rocks and other obstacles. The 6-ply and the 8-ply construction on all of these tires also provides durability and puncture resistance, which is important when navigating rocky or sharp terrain.
If you do not like these tires, there are other tires that are best for mud and trails.
Winner:Tie
Max PSI:
The Bighorn 2.0 has the highest max PSI, which contributes to more strength.
The bigger sizes of the Bighorn 2.0 has a max PSI of 32 which is the highest among these tires. The smaller sizes have an average max PSI of 7, which is not a lot.
The SunF A033 has a max PSI of 14, which is pretty decent. The same goes for the Bighorn 3.0 which has a max PSI of 18.
Bighorn Radial on the other hand is similar to Bighorn 2.0, with smaller sizes having a max PSI of 7 and larger sizes having a max PSI of up to 29.
Winner: Bighorn 2.0
Recommended Usage:
The SunF A033 and Maxxis Bighorn are both designed as all-terrain tires, meaning they are suitable for use on a variety of surfaces, from mud and rocks to gravel and pavement.
The Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 and Bighorn 3.0 are designed more specifically for cross-country (XC) and off-road use. These tires have a more specialized tread pattern, which helps to provide better grip and stability on loose terrain.
Winner: Bighorn 2.0 and 3.0
Value for Money:
The SunF A033 has great value for money as it’s the cheapest among all the tires and provides almost the same service compared to the Bighorn tires.
The Maxxis Bighorn and Bighorn 3.0 are generally more expensive. The Bighorn 2.0 falls in the middle of the price range. You can check actual the prices in the table above.
The SunF A033 tire is typically the most affordable option.
Winner: SunF
Sunf A033 vs Maxxis Bighorn: Which One Should You Get?
Considering everything, the best value provider among these tires is the SunF A033. The performance it delivers at such a cheap price practically makes it a steal. This tire is excellent for regular use and has 32 different-size options that fit different vehicles.
On the other hand, for professional use, the Bighorn 2.0 could be a great choice. The unique design engineered for balance between speed and strength really makes it a desirable tire for off-road racers.
In the end, the choice depends on your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are SunF tires good in the mud?
Yes, SunF tires work really well in mud. SunF tires are known for their excellent performance in muddy conditions. Their aggressive tread pattern and deep grooves provide exceptional traction in mud, making them suitable for off-road and all-terrain vehicles.
Are Bighorns DOT approved?
Only the Bighorn 2.0 and 3.0 are DOT approved. The first Bighorn radial is not DOT-approved.
Are Maxxis Bighorn tires directional?
No, the Maxxis Bighorn tires are not directional. They have a non-directional tread pattern, which allows them to provide consistent traction and handling regardless of which way they are mounted.
Conclusion
The choice between Sunf A033 vs Maxxis Bighorn tires will actually depend on your preference and how you plan to use it. For regular usage, you should get the SunF A033. For racing purposes, the Bighorn tires can give you great service as it’s designed for that.
Read also: How many miles will a Polaris Ranger last?
