Cooper ST Maxx and Cooper STT Pro tires offer distinct characteristics. The Cooper STT Pro is specifically designed as a mud-terrain tire, prioritizing optimal performance in muddy and challenging off-road conditions. On the other hand, the Cooper ST Maxx falls into the category of commercial all-terrain or hybrid tires, emphasizing durability and traction across various terrains. In this article, we will delve into the differences between these two tires and provide you with insights to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
At a Glance
| Cooper ST Maxx | Cooper STT Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Working trucks, highway driving, smooth & quiet ride, hauling & towing | Adventurers, severe off-road, aggressive appearance |
| Pros | All-round tire, lasts longer, better responsiveness | Satisfying wet and winter traction for a mud-terrain tire, acceptable tread life |
| Cons | Nothing much to talk about | A bit noisy, slightly harsh ride if you’re not used to all-terrain tires |
| Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
In my view as a former Bridgestone engineer, I find that the Cooper ST Maxx offers superior on-road characteristics, such as reduced road noise and a smoother ride. It also boasts greater responsiveness. While the Cooper ST Maxx performs well in wet and winter conditions, the Cooper STT Pro truly shines as a tire built for rugged off-road adventures. Surprisingly, it also delivers decent wet and winter performance for a mud tire. However, it’s worth noting that both tires fall somewhat short in terms of tread life. The Cooper ST Maxx is an excellent choice for short commutes and work trucks, while the Cooper STT Pro is the tire of choice for the adventurous souls seeking off-road thrills.
All-Terrain Tires Buyer's Guide
Finding the most suitable one for you among thousands of tires is very difficult.
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘All-Terrain Tire Buyer’s Guide‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - Are all-terrain tires good for daily driving?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-for-daily-driving/ - Are all-terrain tires good in snow?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-snow/ - Are all-terrain tires good in rain?
https://tireterrain.com/are-all-terrain-tires-good-in-rain/ - Most aggressive all-terrain tires
https://tireterrain.com/most-aggressive-all-terrain-tires/ - All-Terrain vs Highway vs Mud-Terrain Tires
https://tireterrain.com/highway-tires-vs-all-terrain-vs-mud-terrain/
Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.
If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best All-Round & Longevity
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Round & Squishy Regions
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best All-Round & Off-Road Adventure
- Falken Wildpeak AT Trail – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Severe Off-Road
- Nitto Recon Grappler – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- General Grabber ATX – Best All-Round for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best On/Off Road tire for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Cooper Discoverer 4S XLT – Best Commercial All-Terrain Tire & Hauling and Towing
If you’re looking for something at a bargain price;
- Vredestein Pinza AT – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- Kenda Klever A/T2 – Best All-Round for Medium & Light Duty Usage
- Kenda Klever R/T – Best All-Round for Heavy-Duty Usage
Depending on your needs, also the below articles might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-mud-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Dry Performance
When it comes to dry performance, we’re comparing mud-terrain tires with commercial all-terrain tires, which entails evaluating dry traction, cornering stability, and steering response.
Both the Cooper STT Pro and ST Maxx excel in dry traction, thanks to their aggressive tread patterns. However, the real differentiator in this comparison is cornering stability.
Both these tires boast strong sidewalls, making them suitable for towing. But in my view, the Cooper ST Maxx takes the lead due to its impressive responsiveness. Its design features a more compact center section with less void area, resulting in quicker steering response. Conversely, the Cooper STT Pro, being a mud-terrain tire, doesn’t have as much compound in contact with the ground.
Overall, if you prioritize dry performance and responsive handling, the Cooper ST Maxx is the better choice.
Wet Performance
When it comes to wet performance, we need to consider two important aspects: wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.
Let’s start with hydroplaning resistance. This phenomenon occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to water buildup, creating that unnerving floating feeling. To combat this, it’s crucial to channel water away from the tire’s path. While both the Cooper STT Pro and Cooper ST Maxx are wide and aggressive tires, they have different approaches to handling hydroplaning.
The Cooper STT Pro, being a mud-terrain tire, may not have as much rubber in contact with the road to create a clear path for water evacuation. However, it has a clever design with an extra small lug on its tread that helps in channeling water effectively. On the other hand, the Cooper ST Maxx features two circumferential grooves that direct water towards the tire’s shoulders, offering a significant advantage in hydroplaning resistance.
In summary, when it comes to hydroplaning resistance, the Cooper ST Maxx has the upper hand. Nevertheless, the Cooper STT Pro still holds its ground and is a noteworthy option among mud-terrain tires.
Now, let’s delve into wet traction, which is equally important. Both tires have a relatively soft compound, especially when compared to off-road all-terrain tires. While soft compounds might seem advantageous, the Cooper STT Pro and ST Maxx tires don’t have an extensive amount of compound on the ground, which affects their wet traction performance. However, it’s worth noting that I appreciate the vertical siping concept used in the Cooper ST Maxx.
Overall, if you frequently drive in rainy conditions, the Cooper ST Maxx is the better choice. However, it’s important to keep in mind that neither of these tires is marked with the 3PMSF symbol, indicating that their wet performance may be less than ideal on cold days.
Winter Performance
When evaluating winter performance, it’s crucial to consider three distinct conditions.
Firstly, in light snow, having more biting edges and increased compound contact with the ground is advantageous. Both tires feature a soft compound, but the Cooper ST Maxx has a slight edge in this scenario. However, it’s important to exercise caution when using them in snowy conditions since they lack the 3PMSF rating.
Secondly, deep snow is where these tires truly excel due to their highly voided patterns. Here, a more aggressive tread pattern is beneficial, making the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro a preferred choice. However, the difference compared to the light snow scenario isn’t substantial.
Lastly, when it comes to ice, it’s not recommended to rely on these tires. Traction on ice demands a greater amount of rubber in contact with the road.
Overall, given that neither tire is marked with the 3PMSF rating, it’s advisable to opt for the Cooper ST Maxx for winter conditions. Nevertheless, the Cooper STT Pro remains a suitable choice for off-road adventures.
Road Noise
Noise is a common issue with off-road tires, particularly the aggressive ones like the Cooper STT Pro and Cooper ST Maxx.
This noise primarily originates from the aggressive shoulder blocks and the air trapped inside the tire’s tread. The key to minimizing noise is to have a less voided center section in the tire’s tread pattern.
In this regard, the Cooper ST Maxx is a quieter option. However, it’s important to note that its noise level may increase over time due to its tread design.
Riding Comfort
Riding comfort isn’t a primary focus for either of these tires.
These tires are engineered with a strong emphasis on delivering maximum traction and durability, characteristics that are inherently at odds with providing a comfortable ride.
While both tires feature extremely tough sidewalls, it’s worth noting that the Cooper STT Pro has slightly more flexible sidewalls, which contribute to a relatively smoother ride compared to the Cooper ST Maxx. However, it’s important to keep in mind that both tires offer below-average riding comfort.
Treadwear
When it comes to mud-terrain or commercial all-terrain tires, longevity isn’t typically their strong suit. These tires are primarily designed to deliver traction on soft terrains, which necessitates the use of a relatively soft compound that tends to wear out more quickly.
In comparing the Cooper STT Pro and ST Maxx, both feature soft compounds prone to wear. However, due to its more aggressive tread design, the Cooper STT Pro tends to wear out even more quickly, especially during highway usage. On the other hand, if you spend most of your time on the highway, the Cooper ST Maxx is the better option for better tread life.
Off-Road Performance
When it comes to off-road performance, both the Cooper ST Maxx and Cooper STT Pro can be considered as versatile mud-terrain tires capable of tackling various terrains.
In terms of specific terrain performance:
- Cooper STT Pro excels on rocky surfaces.
- Cooper STT Pro is highly capable in deep mud.
- Cooper ST Maxx performs notably well on sand.
- Cooper ST Maxx handles dirt and gravel terrain effectively.
If your adventures often take you into severe off-road conditions, the Cooper STT Pro is the tire of choice. On the other hand, for milder applications with a balanced performance across various terrains, the Cooper ST Maxx is a reliable option.
Mud Performance
When it comes to mud performance, it’s essential to consider two distinct scenarios: deep mud and light mud.
Deep mud primarily revolves around traction and effective evacuation. In this regard, the Cooper STT Pro excels with its outstanding traction and the ability of its large lugs to grip and clear mud effectively.
On the other hand, light mud performance is easy for both beasts.
Both the Cooper STT Pro and Cooper ST Maxx are highly dependable in mud applications, however, Cooper STT Pro is a better option for deep mud driving.
Sand Performance
When it comes to sand and deep mud performance, these two tires generally exhibit similar results, with grip being a crucial factor.
Cooper incorporated their Earth Digger Technology into the Cooper STT Pro, significantly enhancing its grip and cleaning capabilities. As a result, both tires boast exceptional grip, making them well-suited for sand terrain.
Here’s a quick tip for those using the Cooper STT Pro: Exercise caution with the throttle, as its substantial lugs can dig into the sand if you’re too heavy-footed. Avoid putting yourself in a tricky situation.
In terms of sand performance, the Cooper STT Pro holds a slight edge over the Cooper ST Maxx. However, it’s important to note that there’s no definitive winner in this category; both tires are dependable options.
Rock Performance
When it comes to rock performance, there’s a clear standout, and it’s none other than the Cooper STT Pro. This tire is the undisputed champion in our off-road adventures, especially in challenging rock terrain.
The Cooper STT Pro boasts exceptional grip and durability, making it a formidable contender in rock driving. Its Rock Climber Sidewall Technology is designed to conquer the toughest paths, ensuring you can navigate even the most rugged rock surfaces.
In addition to its impressive grip, the Cooper STT Pro features Stone Armor Technology, which shields it from sharp rocks and debris. This technology enhances its overall durability, allowing it to withstand the harshest rock conditions.
In summary, the Cooper STT Pro excels in rock performance and is a top choice among hybrid tires for those who love tackling challenging rock terrains.
Specs
| Cooper ST Maxx | Cooper STT Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | All-Terrain Tire | Mud-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV | Light Truck, SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20” | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’, 22’’ |
| Weight | 42-78 lbs | 42-94 lbs |
| Made In | U.S | U.S |
| Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | No (only M+S) | No (only M+S) |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 45 Days Test Drive | 45 Days Test Drive |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 45 Days Test Drive | 45 Days Test Drive |
| Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Cooper Discoverer STT Pro: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/cooper-discoverer-stt-pro
Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/cooper-discoverer-st-maxx
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
Cooper Discoverer STT Pro: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/cooper-discoverer-stt-pro
Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/cooper-discoverer-s-t-maxx
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Cooper Discoverer STT Pro: https://simpletire.com/brands/cooper-tires/discoverer-stt-pro
Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx: https://simpletire.com/brands/cooper-tires/discoverer-s-t-maxx
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
Depending on your usage, both tires are trustworthy options. Though Cooper ST Maxx is a better option for hauling and towing, Cooper STT Pro is an adventure tire that offers a comfy ride on highways.
| Cooper ST Maxx | Cooper STT Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Working trucks, highway driving, smooth & quiet ride, hauling & towing | Adventurers, severe off-road, aggressive appearance |
| Pros | All-round tire, lasts longer, better responsiveness | Satisfying wet and winter traction for a mud-terrain tire, acceptable tread life |
| Cons | Nothing much to talk about | A bit noisy, slightly harsh ride if you’re not used to all-terrain tires |
| Available on | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
I hope you guys enjoy this article. If you have any further questions, please write them below. We will answer it ASAP!
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