Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 Review: The Ultimate Balance of Grip and Gentleness?

There’s a moment every property owner and trail rider knows well. You’re on a slope, the grass is still slick with morning dew, and as you feather the throttle, you feel it: the dreaded slip. The tires spin uselessly, chewing up the turf you work so hard to maintain, and your machine goes nowhere. This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a loss of control, a waste of time, and a potential safety hazard. For years, we’ve wrestled with this exact problem on our utility ATV, which doubles as a workhorse for hauling yard debris and a recreational vehicle for exploring wooded trails. The stock “turf saver” tires were great on pristine, dry lawns, but introduced them to a hill, a patch of mud, or wet grass, and they became liabilities. The alternative—aggressive, mud-plugging tires—would give us incredible grip but turn the lawn into a motocross track with a single sharp turn. We needed a solution that lived in the middle ground: a tire with enough bite to conquer challenges but gentle enough for daily chores. This search for a true “all-trail” tire is what led us to put the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 to the test.

What to Consider Before Buying ATV & UTV Utility Tires

An ATV & UTV Wheel & Tire Assembly is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking your vehicle’s true potential. The right set of tires transforms your machine’s capability, safety, and even ride comfort. It’s the critical link between your engine’s power and the ground, determining whether you conquer that muddy incline or slide backward, whether you navigate a rocky path with confidence or feel every single jolt, and whether you can work on your property without causing destructive ruts. The primary benefit is gaining specialized performance tailored to your specific needs, be it superior traction, enhanced durability for harsh conditions, or a smoother ride on hard-packed surfaces.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing terrain challenges that their stock tires can’t handle. This includes landowners with hilly or varied property, recreational trail riders who encounter a mix of dirt, gravel, and mud, or utility vehicle operators who need reliability and load-bearing strength. However, a specialized tire like this might not be suitable for those who operate exclusively on pavement or perfectly manicured, flat turf, as a simpler turf tire would suffice and be more economical. Similarly, extreme mud boggers or rock crawlers might need a more aggressive, specialized tire. For them, a dedicated mud or rock tire would be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Sizing: This is paramount. You must ensure the tire’s diameter, width, and rim size (e.g., 24×9.50-10) match your vehicle’s specifications and clearance. Pay close attention to real-world measurements, as some brands’ stated sizes can differ from their actual mounted size. Improper sizing can lead to rubbing against fenders or suspension components, affecting performance and safety.
• Ply Rating & Load Capacity: The ply rating (e.g., 4-Ply) indicates the tire’s toughness and puncture resistance. A higher ply rating generally means a stiffer, more durable tire capable of handling heavier loads. Check the tire’s load index and maximum load capacity (like the 870 lbs of this model) to ensure it can safely support your vehicle, plus any cargo or passengers.
• Tread Pattern & Type: The tread design dictates performance. Non-directional patterns, like the one on the All Trail II, are versatile and can be mounted on any corner of the vehicle, simplifying rotation and sparing a single tread pattern. Aggressive, deep lugs are for mud, while tighter, interlocking blocks are for hardpack. Choose a pattern that matches the 80% of your riding conditions.
• Construction & Durability: Tires come in two main construction types: bias-ply and radial. Bias-ply tires (like this Carlisle) are known for their tough sidewalls and are often more affordable, making them great for utility work and slower speeds. Radial tires offer a smoother ride and better heat dissipation at higher speeds. Consider the materials and expected lifespan, as a durable tire represents better long-term value.

Making an informed decision on these factors will ensure you get a tire that not only fits but also dramatically improves your vehicle’s performance where you need it most. After weighing these considerations, we found the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 had the specifications that aligned perfectly with our needs for a versatile, multi-purpose solution.

While the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Workhorse Tire Built for Versatility

Upon unboxing the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10, the first thing we noticed was the quality of the rubber compound and the purposeful, yet not overly aggressive, tread design. The tire feels substantial and well-made, a testament to its Italian manufacturing origins. The tread blocks are chunky and well-spaced, clearly designed to provide more void area for cleanout than a standard turf tire, but they aren’t the cavernous, yard-destroying lugs of a dedicated mud tire. This is the visual representation of that “middle ground” we were seeking. The 4-ply construction gives the sidewall a reassuring stiffness, promising durability without being completely rigid. Compared to the flimsy OEM turf tires we were replacing, the All Trail II felt like a significant upgrade in every respect. The non-directional pattern is a practical feature we appreciate, meaning we don’t have to worry about lefts, rights, fronts, or rears during installation or if we need to rotate them down the line. It’s a small detail, but it speaks to the user-friendly, utility-focused design ethos of the tire. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its construction.

Deep Dive: Putting the Carlisle All Trail II to the Test

A tire’s true character is revealed not on the spec sheet, but out in the dirt, mud, and grass. Over several months, we subjected the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 to every task and terrain we could throw at it on our property. From hauling firewood up steep, grassy inclines to navigating slick, post-rain trails, we evaluated it on the three pillars of a great utility tire: traction, durability, and real-world fitment.

Tread Design and Tenacious Traction

The core promise of the All Trail II is balanced traction, and here it delivers spectacularly. The moment we swapped our old turf savers for these, the difference was night and day. On our most challenging hillside, a 20-degree slope that became a slip-and-slide with the slightest moisture, the Carlisle tires bit in and held firm. We found ourselves echoing the sentiment of one user who said it “sticks to the hills like glue.” The chevron-like tread blocks are spaced just right to paddle through soft dirt and eject mud, yet they present a broad enough surface area to provide stable contact on harder ground. We tested this by stopping and starting mid-way up the wet hill—a task that was impossible before—and the ATV climbed with confidence and minimal wheel spin.

This grip doesn’t come at the cost of destroying our lawn. While it’s certainly more aggressive than a turf tire, we confirmed that with careful, wide turns, the turf remains largely unscathed. As another user noted, you have to be mindful with zero-point turns on a mower, but for a standard rider or ATV, the impact is minimal. This makes it an ideal choice for property maintenance. The tire provides the confidence to work in less-than-ideal conditions without the consequence of major lawn repair afterward. This blend of tenacious grip on challenging terrain and relative kindness to manicured surfaces is the tire’s standout feature and a primary reason it’s such a popular upgrade. The unique tread pattern is a feature that really sets it apart from competitors.

Built to Last: 4-Ply Construction and Proven Longevity

A utility tire is an investment, and its value is measured in years, not months. The Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 is built with a robust 4-ply rating, which we found provides a confident shield against the typical hazards of trail and yard work. We deliberately ran over sharp sticks, navigated gravel paths, and bumped into roots that would have made us nervous with the old tires. The All Trail II’s casings and sidewalls shrugged it all off without a single puncture or sign of damage. The 870-pound load capacity per tire is more than adequate for our utility ATV, even when loaded down with a full trailer of logs. The ride is firm but not harsh, absorbing impacts well without feeling spongy.

Our confidence in its long-term durability is strongly reinforced by widespread user feedback. We were particularly struck by one owner who reported their last set lasted an incredible 12 years on a garage-kept golf cart. While individual results will vary based on use, sun exposure, and maintenance, this speaks volumes about the quality of the rubber compound Carlisle uses. This isn’t a tire that will dry rot or wear out prematurely. While we did note a single isolated report of cracking, the overwhelming consensus points to exceptional longevity, making the tire’s reasonable price point an even better value. It’s a workhorse designed for years of reliable service, not just a single season.

The Elephant in the Room: Sizing, Fitment, and Installation

No review of the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 would be complete without addressing its most discussed quirk: its real-world dimensions. Let’s be direct—these tires run narrow. Across numerous user reports and confirmed by our own measurements, a tire advertised as 9.5 inches wide often measures closer to 8 or 8.5 inches once mounted and inflated. We mounted our 24×9.50-10 set on the specified 7.5-inch wide rims, and the tread contact patch was indeed narrower than the outgoing tires, which had a similar stated width.

Initially, this was a concern. Does a narrower contact patch mean less traction? In our testing, the superior tread design more than compensated for the reduced width. The grip was still a massive improvement. However, buyers must be aware of this. If you are replacing a true-to-size 9.5″ or 10″ wide tire and want to maintain that exact width for aesthetic reasons or flotation on very soft ground, you may need to order a wider size from Carlisle’s lineup. For many applications, like the John Deere and Gravely mowers mentioned by users, this narrower profile can actually be a benefit, providing necessary clearance with the mower deck or frame that a true-to-width tire might not allow. For us, it wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it is critical information for setting expectations. On the plus side, the non-directional tread makes mounting foolproof, and we had no issue seating the bead with a standard air compressor, though some users with wider rims noted they needed a shop’s help to get that initial seal.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from other owners, a clear and consistent picture of the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 emerges. The praise is almost universal when it comes to traction. One user, who cuts properties for a bank, specifically bought them for a John Deere stander mower, stating it now “sticks to the hills like glue.” Another owner of a Gravely ZTXL 52 with slopes said the tires “made a big improvement,” eliminating the unnerving feeling of sliding downhill. This confirms our own findings about its incredible grip.

The most common critique, which we’ve detailed above, revolves around the sizing. Numerous users express surprise, with one stating their 20×10-10 tires had “at most 7″ of tread contact.” Another confirmed, “Doesn’t seem to be 10” wide.” This is not an isolated issue but a consistent characteristic of the tire line that potential buyers must factor in. It’s a point of frustration for those expecting a tire that measures exactly to its sidewall designation.

However, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive, especially regarding value and longevity. The user who got 12 years from their previous set is a powerful endorsement. For most, the performance benefits, especially the massive traction upgrade over turf tires, far outweigh the sizing discrepancy. As one happy customer succinctly put it, “Great traction while not beating up the yard too badly… What more could you ask for!?!”.

How Does the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 Compare to the Competition?

While the All Trail II is a formidable contender, the market offers other excellent options depending on your specific needs for durability, size, and vehicle type. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Carlisle All Trail ATV Tire 25X10.00-12 4-Ply

This is the All Trail II’s slightly larger sibling, from the same trusted brand. The core DNA is identical: a versatile, non-directional tread pattern and a durable 4-ply construction. The primary difference is the size, fitting a 12-inch rim. Someone might prefer this alternative simply because their ATV or UTV requires this specific size. If you love the performance profile of the All Trail II we reviewed but need a 25×10-12 fitment, this is the obvious choice. It offers the same great balance of grip and turf-friendliness for larger machines.

2. SUNF A033 Power.I 25×10-12 ATV UTV Tires

The SUNF A033 Power.I enters the ring as a tougher, more aggressive option. Its key advantage is the 6-ply rating, offering superior puncture resistance compared to the Carlisle’s 4-ply design. This makes it a better choice for riders who frequently encounter sharp rocks, thorns, or extremely rugged terrain. The tread pattern is also a bit more aggressive, geared slightly more towards hardpack and intermediate trails than manicured lawns. If your priority is maximum durability and you’re willing to accept a slightly stiffer ride and potentially more turf impact, the SUNF A033 is a very strong competitor.

3. TUSK Terrabite UTV/ATV Tire Set 8-Ply Radial

The TUSK Terrabite represents a significant step up in terms of construction and intended use. As an 8-ply rated radial tire, it’s built for heavier, faster UTVs and Side by Sides. Radial construction provides a smoother ride at higher speeds and better heat management, while the formidable 8-ply rating gives it extreme durability. The truck-style tread is ideal for desert, rock, and hard-packed trail riding. This isn’t the tire for your lawn tractor. A user would choose the Terrabite set if they have a high-performance UTV and need a DOT-rated tire (check specific model) that can handle high speeds and brutal terrain, prioritizing toughness and stability over turf preservation.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 Right for You?

After extensive hands-on testing, the Carlisle All Trail II ATV Tire 24X9.50-10 has earned its place as one of the best all-purpose utility tires on the market. Its genius lies in its balance. It provides a massive, confidence-inspiring leap in traction over any stock turf tire, allowing you to conquer hills, wet grass, and slick trails with ease. Yet, it accomplishes this without turning into a rototiller that destroys your property with every turn. The durable 4-ply construction and proven longevity offer outstanding long-term value that is hard to beat at its price point.

The only significant caveat is the sizing; you must go in knowing it will measure narrower than the number on the sidewall suggests. For some, this is a deal-breaker. For many others, it’s either irrelevant or a welcome benefit for clearance. If you are a homeowner, hobby farmer, or recreational rider looking to dramatically upgrade the capability of your ATV, UTV, golf cart, or lawn tractor without committing to extreme, turf-destroying mud tires, this is unequivocally the tire we would recommend. It solves the traction problem elegantly and affordably. If you’re ready to transform your machine’s performance and say goodbye to wheel spin, you can check the latest price and get a set of Carlisle All Trail II tires today.