Desser's 850 Bald Tire

[jaredyates]

Has anyone thought of trying these on a 4-place BH or Patrol? I wonder if they'd be up to the job with a rating of 1600 pounds per wheel. I can't think of any reasons to have treads on Bearhawk tires, other than to make landing gear width measurements.

http://www.desser.com/store/products...H-TUNDRA-.html

[Battson]

About the only downside I can think of is less traction for braking with a smooth tire.

Personally I will consider trying their 27" or 31" offerings, due to be released next month, provided they're proven to have softer rubber than the 26 (24) Goodyear.
Otherwise I see absolutely no point in having such a big tire if they're rock-solid, and I don't think they won't sell many if they get that wrong.

The Bearhawk just looks better on larger tires (8.50 and up).

[jaredyates]

I'm mostly interested in larger tires for landing on less-smooth and occasionally rain-soaked runways, and not areas not usually intended for landing. Where I live, lots of airports are in creek bottoms and they get soggy at times. As for the smaller tires, it occurred to me this evening that I need to get serious about getting my wheel pants and fairings done before heading to Oshkosh. Ideally I'd like to see if I can keep two sets of wheels so that I can more easily swap tires.

[marcusofcotton]

My thoughts are should be adequate for the Patrol and at least the lighter four place Bearhawks. I have a set of virtually new AirTrac 8.50-6 tires that I've considered selling to go to the Dessers. Otherwise I've considered making a jig to vee out the AirTrac grooves to the point that they won't be picking up rocks.

[Battson]

With larger smooth tires on soggy grass airstrips, as you describe Jared, the caution is the complete lack of grip.
Applying the brakes on a surface of short wet grass simply locks the tires, instantly, and you sledge ahead as if you had no brakes whatsoever. My friends who have been running smooth tundra tires for a long time have each had several "frights" because of this characteristic of the tires. Some now refuse to land at certain places on a wet day. It's not really a problem for steering, just if you regularly operate out of short airstrips and need to pull up with a heavy load on.

[Helidesigner]

I have been looking at the Dresser smooth tire too. I think even a treded tire will slide almost as easily since there are no cross treds.

[Battson]

I have been looking at the Dresser smooth tire too. I think even a treded tire will slide almost as easily since there are no cross treds.

I thought so too..... BUT....... There is a pretty big difference, I think it's made worse because you're usually going to a larger tire at the same time.

This is a serious safety issue which needs to be approached with appropriate caution.

I don't say "no brakes" figuratively, I mean literally, it's like rolling out without any brakes at all. The grass doesn't even need to be soaked, just a light dew will do it. The words "scary" and "frightening" come to mind for the first time it catches you out.... I could tell you a story about landing at gross weight on a 600ft backcountry "airstrip" [more of a flat area] with wet grass.

But of course, you soon get used to it, and then it's no big deal at all, just something to be aware of.