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General Grabber X3 Tire Review & RatingAfter more than 3 years in development, the General Grabber X3 is set for release in September 2016. This extreme MT tire will replace the older and popular Grabber and is available in many more sizes that will appeal to a wider range of truck, jeep, SUV and other 4×4 vehicles.General named this model the “X3” due to its extreme performance in dirt, mud and on rocks. With over 3 years spent in developing this new model and more than 2 million miles of testing, General has utilized the latest in tire technology in creating this extreme terrain tire.The X3 uses a tougher cut and chip resistant tread compound to go with a 3-ply construction, ultra-high strength steel belts and an aggressive open tread pattern that is designed to tackle the most difficult of terrain without issue. The durability and puncture resistance this tire provides is among the best in class.For off-road performance, the General Grabber X3 uses an open tread pattern that is built to deliver exceptional traction on dirt, sand, gravel and mud. It efficiently and effectively cleans itself out very well due to its unique evacuation channels.Stone bumpers in the tread grooves prevent rocks from building up and help to minimize stone drilling and damage to the tire.
In addition, General Tire has arranged the tread pattern at different angles and added multiple shoulder scoops to increase traction and grip on all types of surfaces.To aid in further protecting the sidewalls from punctures and other damage, General has added deflection ribs to avoid rocks from penetrating the sidewall. These ribs do their job well and we’ve heard this from other drivers in reviews as well.On the street, the Grabber X3 features full-depth sipes around the tread for increased traction on wet or snow covered pavement. It’s nice to see these sipes being full-depth to get the most performance out of the tread life.One of the issues with such an aggressive high-void tread design is the added road noise it produces. General has done what they can in reducing much of the noise with their tread pitch design, but you can expect to hear a bit more noise than your standard AT tire.The General Grabber X3 is currently available in a number of 15-20 inch sizes with many more coming in 2017. All LT models feature an E load range rating. Select sizes also include General’ iconic red lettering, while all other sizes sport a black sidewall.Pros.
Excellent off-road performance that does not disappoint. 3-ply construction provides added toughness. Well-mannered on the street. Treadlife. Value for the money and performanceCons. Not the smoothest or quietest at highway speedsOverall ThoughtsGeneral pulled out all the stops in creating the new Grabber X3 and it shows.
This extreme performance tire is ideally suited for serious enthusiasts who are seeking the best tire for handling rugged off-road conditions.The 3-ply construction, stone bumpers and deflection ribs do their job as well as you’ll find with any MT tire. Aired down to around 12-14 psi, the X3 makes rock climbing an easy task.
It’s something you really need to experience to get a better appreciation of this tire’s abilities.The one area where you might find issue with is the added noise. To be fair, this is not something that is unexpected from such an aggressive tread design. If noise is a major factor in getting a tire like this, you might want to look for a less aggressive all-terrain tire instead.Overall, the X3 competes right up there with other top models like the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2, Pro Comp Extreme MT2 or Firestone Destination MT among others.
I've been running the General X3's in 35x12.5/18 for a little over a year and a half now and have no complaints whatsoever. They have taken me everywhere I have asked them to through many weather conditions in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and Nevada. Most recently I took the back way to Crown King trail in Arizona solo going through some quite questionable areas with a fullsize truck.
The tires held up very well with only small pieces in a handful of areas coming off of the tread blocks. I have blasted my truck down trails, been airborne, gone through mud, snow, rain, sand, etc. I'd recommend the X3's to anyone considering them, but I will say I have been hearing good things about the BFG KM3's.
Jan 08, 2019 Just called our local Tire Shop for X3/KM3 availability, and they have both in stock, but mentioned the few Tacomas they installed the KM3s on, 265/70-R17, they said there was rubbing issues (stock trucks as far as suspension).