TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4 Review: The All-Terrain Workhorse We’ve Been Waiting For

There’s a moment every serious ATV owner knows well. You’re staring at your machine, then at the sky, then at the ground, and a familiar debate starts in your head. The trails are dry and hard-packed today, perfect for a fast-riding tire. But the forecast calls for rain tomorrow, which will turn that same trail into a slick, muddy mess. And let’s not forget the rocky sections that chew up lesser tires, or the occasional paved road you need to cross. Do you stick with your current rubber and hope for the best? Or do you go through the back-breaking, time-consuming process of swapping to a more specialized set? For years, we’ve wrestled with this compromise, searching for that elusive “one tire to rule them all.” A tire that doesn’t just survive in varied conditions but actually thrives. The consequences of choosing wrong are more than just an inconvenience; they’re a matter of performance, safety, and frankly, enjoyment. This is the exact problem the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4 promises to solve, and we were determined to find out if it lives up to that lofty goal.

What to Consider Before Investing in a New Set of ATV Tires

A new ATV & UTV Wheel & Tire Assembly is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of your machine. Your tires are the only point of contact between your powerful engine and the unpredictable ground beneath. The right set can dramatically improve traction in mud, enhance stability at speed, increase puncture resistance on rocky terrain, and even provide a smoother, more comfortable ride. They are a fundamental upgrade that impacts every aspect of your off-road experience, from safety and control to pure, unadulterated fun. A quality set of tires gives you the confidence to push further, explore more challenging trails, and get the most out of your investment.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who uses their ATV for a wide variety of tasks and recreation—from trail riding and hunting to farm work and property maintenance. They need a reliable, durable tire that won’t let them down, regardless of whether the ground is wet, dry, soft, or hard. It’s for the rider who values versatility and performance without wanting to pay a premium for a big brand name. However, this type of all-around tire might not be suitable for those who are hyper-specialized. A professional mud bog racer, for instance, would likely need a dedicated, deep-lug mud tire. Similarly, a pure desert racer might opt for a lighter, sand-specific paddle tire. For those users, specialized tires remain the best, albeit less versatile, option.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fitment: Getting the size right is non-negotiable. Check your ATV’s manual for the stock tire sizes (e.g., 25×8-12). The first number (25) is the tire’s height in inches, the second (8) is the width in inches, and the third (12) is the rim diameter in inches. While you can sometimes go slightly larger for more ground clearance, ensure you have enough clearance in your wheel wells to avoid rubbing during suspension travel and turns.
• Performance & Ply Rating: The ply rating is a crucial indicator of a tire’s toughness and puncture resistance. A 6-ply rating, like that found on the TUSK Mud Force, offers a significant durability upgrade over the 2-ply or 4-ply tires that often come standard on ATVs. This means a stiffer sidewall and a greater ability to withstand impacts from rocks, roots, and other trail hazards, reducing the risk of a flat far from home.
• Materials & Tread Design: The rubber compound and tread pattern dictate performance. Look for a compound that balances grip with longevity. The tread design on the TUSK Mud Force is directional, which is excellent for channeling away mud and water. Its interconnected lugs are designed to provide constant ground contact, which is key for a smoother ride on hard surfaces—a feature often lacking in aggressive mud tires.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider how easy the tires are to mount. Some tires with extremely stiff sidewalls can be a real battle to get onto the rim. As we found in our testing and confirmed by user feedback, a well-made tire seats on the bead without excessive struggle. For maintenance, regularly check air pressure to ensure proper handling and even tread wear, extending the life of your investment.

While the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4 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: Unboxing the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4

Our set of four TUSK Mud Force tires arrived strapped together, ready for action. The first thing we noticed was the sheer substance of these tires. You can immediately feel the quality of the 6-ply construction; they are hefty and the sidewalls feel reassuringly stout. The tread compound has a firm but pliable feel, suggesting a good balance between grip and wear resistance. Visually, the tread pattern is impressive. It’s aggressive enough to look the part, with deep 0.75-inch lugs that promise serious bite in the slop. Yet, the interconnected center-block design is what truly caught our expert eye. This is a clever feature aimed at reducing the vibration and road noise common with aggressive tires, a major plus for anyone who rides on mixed surfaces. Compared to the flimsy OEM tires on our test machine, a Honda Foreman, the difference was night and day. The TUSK tires look and feel like a professional-grade upgrade, immediately adding a more capable and aggressive stance to the ATV. You can see the impressive tread design and specs for yourself, and it’s clear these were built with purpose.

Deep Dive: Putting the TUSK Mud Force® Tires to the Test

A tire’s true character is revealed not on a spec sheet, but out on the trail. We mounted the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4 on our trusty Arctic Cat 650 V-Twin, a machine known for its torque and versatility, and spent several weeks putting them through a gauntlet of real-world conditions. We covered everything from hard-packed dirt roads and rocky climbs to slick clay mud pits and even short stretches of asphalt. Our goal was to push these tires to their limits and see if they could truly deliver on the promise of all-around performance.

Feature 1: The “Connected Tread” Advantage on Hardpack and Trails

The most immediately noticeable and, in our opinion, most impressive feature of the TUSK Mud Force is its ride quality on firm ground. Many aggressive ATV tires produce a bone-jarring, noisy ride on hardpack or pavement due to the wide voids between lugs. This is where TUSK’s “connected tread design” is a genuine game-changer. The center lugs are designed to maintain nearly constant contact with the ground, and the result is stunning. We were able to cruise down gravel roads at 40 mph with a smoothness and stability that felt more like a premium all-terrain tire than a mud-focused one. This was one of the first things echoed in user feedback, with one rider noting they “ride amazing on the road. A lot smoother than the oem tires.” We can wholeheartedly confirm this sentiment. The vibration through the handlebars was dramatically reduced, leading to less rider fatigue on long trail days.

This stability also translates directly to cornering confidence. On fast, sweeping turns on dirt trails, the tires held their line with precision. There was none of the vague, “squishy” feeling you can get from tires with excessive sidewall flex. The front 25×8-12 tires bite into corners and provide excellent feedback, allowing you to steer with your throttle and hips, while the wider 25×10-12 rear tires provide a solid, planted footprint for powering out of the turn. This connected design is a feature that really sets it apart in a crowded market, offering a level of refinement rarely seen at this price point.

Feature 2: Real-World Mud and Soft Terrain Performance

With a name like “Mud Force,” these tires have a lot to live up to when the going gets sloppy. We sought out the wettest, deepest mud pits we could find after a day of heavy rain. The 0.75-inch deep, directional lugs performed admirably. As we entered the muck, the tires immediately began to paddle, grabbing hold and propelling the heavy ATV forward with authority. The directional V-pattern tread did an excellent job of channeling thick mud and water away from the contact patch, allowing the lugs to continuously find fresh grip. This self-cleaning ability is crucial; tires that get packed with mud quickly turn into useless slicks. The TUSK Mud Force tires, however, cleared out effectively with just a bit of wheel spin.

While they may not have the gargantuan, 2-inch lugs of a dedicated mud-bogging tire like an Assassinator or a Terminator, they are more than capable for 95% of the mudding that trail riders and hunters will ever encounter. We were able to pull through deep ruts and climb slick, muddy hills without issue. The balance TUSK has struck is perfect for a general-use ATV. You get fantastic mud traction without the extreme weight, vibration, and rapid wear on hard surfaces that come with those more specialized, extreme mud tires. It’s the ideal compromise for riders who face mud regularly but don’t live in it exclusively.

Feature 3: The Unsung Hero – 6-Ply Durability and Easy Installation

Off-road, durability is paramount. A flat tire can turn a fun day into a long, arduous recovery mission. This is where the 6-ply rating of the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4 truly shines. We intentionally aimed for the worst lines, driving over sharp rocks, fallen branches, and thorny brush that would have shredded lesser tires. The robust construction absorbed the impacts without flinching. The reinforced sidewalls resisted punctures and provided stability when running lower pressures for rock crawling, preventing the bead from unseating. This built-in toughness gives you the confidence to explore more rugged terrain without constantly worrying about your rubber.

Furthermore, we need to talk about the installation process. As anyone who has changed ATV tires knows, it can be a frustrating ordeal. Incredibly stiff tires can be nearly impossible to mount without professional equipment. We were pleasantly surprised here. One user review mentioned they “mounted easy,” and our experience was the same. The beads were well-formed and consistent, allowing them to pop into place on the rim with a standard tire lever and a bit of lubricant. They seated evenly and held air from the first inflation. This ease of installation is a testament to quality manufacturing and is a significant benefit for the DIY owner who prefers to do their own maintenance. It shows that TUSK paid attention to the entire ownership experience, not just trail performance. You can check the latest price and availability for your machine, knowing it’s an upgrade you can likely handle in your own garage.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from fellow riders is overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our own findings. The most common praise centers on the exceptional value and surprising ride quality. One user perfectly captured the out-of-the-box experience, stating, “So far they are great. They mounted easy and ride amazing on the road. A lot smoother than the oem tires.” This directly validates our deep-dive analysis of the connected tread design and its tangible benefits in reducing vibration.

Aesthetics and fitment are also frequently mentioned highlights. A rider with an older machine was thrilled, commenting, “Tires fit perfect and look great on my o4 Artic cat 650 v Twin!” This speaks to the tire’s ability to be a direct, hassle-free upgrade that also enhances the look of the vehicle. The phrase “really good tire for the price” encapsulates the core appeal of the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4. While there is a lack of long-term negative feedback, the primary limitation noted is that it’s a directional tire, which simply means care must be taken during mounting to ensure they face the correct way for optimal performance—a minor point for any competent mechanic or DIYer.

How Does the TUSK Mud Force Compare to the Competition?

The ATV tire market is fierce, with options at every price point. To truly understand where the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4 stands, it’s essential to compare it directly against some popular alternatives. Each has its own strengths and is tailored for a slightly different user, but this comparison highlights the exceptional balance that TUSK offers.

1. WANDA 25×10-12 ATV UTV Tires

The WANDA tire, designed in the popular Bighorn style, is a formidable competitor known for its radial construction and excellent all-terrain capability. Its primary difference from the TUSK set is that it’s often sold in pairs rather than a complete set of four. This can be an advantage for someone only needing to replace their rear tires. However, the TUSK Mud Force’s bias-ply construction is often considered tougher and more puncture-resistant in the sidewalls for slow-speed, rocky crawling. If you prioritize a slightly smoother ride from radial construction and only need two tires, the WANDA is a solid choice. If you want a complete, matched set built for maximum durability, the TUSK is the better-integrated package.

2. SUNF Power.II ATV UTV Tires 4-Piece Set

The SUNF Power.II set targets a slightly different segment of the market, primarily with its sizing (23-inch and 22-inch tires for 10-inch rims). This makes it an ideal choice for smaller sport or utility ATVs, where the larger 25-inch TUSK tires might not fit or would negatively impact gearing. The SUNF’s tread pattern is a classic, non-directional X-knob design, which is great for predictable sliding and handling but may not clean out mud as effectively as the TUSK’s directional pattern. For owners of smaller ATVs looking for a reliable, all-terrain replacement set, the SUNF is an excellent option. For mid-size and larger utility ATVs, the TUSK offers superior size, ground clearance, and mud performance.

3. WANDA Set of 4 ATV/UTV Tires 25×8-12 Front 25×10-12 Rear

This WANDA set is perhaps the most direct competitor to the TUSK Mud Force, offering a complete set of four tires in the exact same sizes and also featuring a 6-ply rating. The primary distinction lies in the tread philosophy. The WANDA P373 features a more traditional, blocky tread pattern that is excellent for digging in loose soil but can lead to a rougher, noisier ride on hardpack. This is where the TUSK Mud Force’s connected center tread gives it a decisive edge in versatility and comfort. If your riding is 90% soft dirt and mud and you rarely see hard surfaces, this WANDA set is a strong contender. However, for the rider who does it all, the TUSK provides superior on-road manners without sacrificing significant off-road grip.

Our Final Verdict: Is the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4 Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can say with confidence that the TUSK Mud Force® ATV Tire Set Of 4 is one of the best all-around values in the ATV tire market today. It masterfully walks the fine line between aggressive off-road performance and comfortable, predictable handling on harder surfaces. The robust 6-ply construction provides the peace of mind needed for serious trail work, while the intelligent tread design delivers a ride quality that punches far above its price point. It’s not a specialized, competition-level mud tire, nor is it a simple trail tire. It is something much more useful for the average rider: a true, do-it-all workhorse.

We recommend this tire set to any utility or 4×4 ATV owner who is tired of the compromises of OEM rubber and wants a significant, single upgrade to enhance their machine’s capability across every type of terrain they encounter year-round. From the farm field to the mountain trail and back again, the TUSK Mud Force delivers. If you’re looking for a durable, versatile, and incredibly smooth-riding tire set that won’t drain your wallet, your search is over. You can grab a set of the TUSK Mud Force tires and transform your ATV’s performance today.