“My Duratracs crushed Michigan blizzards but split open on Arizona’s rocks. Switched to ST Maxx—no more flats, but I slid backward in Alaska’s slush.” – u/IceAndStone on r/OffRoad
As a former Bridgestone field test engineer with over a decade spent engineering and testing tires in extreme climates—from Siberian frost to Utah’s sandstone—I’ve had my hands on thousands of compounds, sidewall constructions, and tread patterns. I know how a tire deforms at -40°F. I know what 1.8% tread loss on jagged shale feels like. This isn’t just lab data; this is from crawling through Hell’s Gate with 18 PSI and towing in slush at 3AM in Denali. Let’s pull apart the TireRack winter trials, Reddit war stories, and the physics of rubber to figure out which of these beasts deserves a home under your rig.
🚦 Quick Decision Guide: Which Tire Fits Your Needs?
Based on 2025 test data and 180+ Reddit reviews
| Cooper ST Maxx | Goodyear Duratrac | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Dry regions, 3/4 ton or above pickups, Severe applications | Daily driving, Snowy regions, Off-road adventures |
| Pros | Responsive, Last long on severe conditions, Year-round performance (expect snow) | Satisfying wet and winter traction for an all-terrain tire, acceptable tread life, Smooth ride for its aggressiveness |
| Cons | Not a great tire for winter | Nothing much to talk about |
✅ For Quiet Durability & Daily Driving
Cooper ST Maxx
Best For: Highway commuters, light trails, rocky terrain
Key Stats:
55k+ mile tread life *(with 5k-mile rotations)*
6/10 noise rating (quieter than most all-terrains)
3-ply sidewalls survived Moab’s “Hell’s Revenge”
Ideal Vehicles: Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Ford F-150
Trusted Retailer Links:
Amazon: $289/tire with 2-day Prime shipping
✅ For Snow Dominance & Moderate Trails
Goodyear Duratrac
Best For: Snowy roads, light mud, overlanding
Key Stats:
3PMSF-certified for ice traction
18/32” tread depth clears slush 60% faster
2-ply Kevlar sidewalls (avoid sharp rocks!)
Ideal Vehicles: Jeep Gladiator, RAM 1500, Subaru Outback
Trusted Retailer Links:
The ultimate question: Does the Duratrac’s snow dominance justify its weaker sidewalls, or does the ST Maxx’s durability trump all? In 2025, TireRack, Off-Road Magazine, and 180+ Reddit reviews provide a rich pool of real-world data. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all battle; it’s a compromise vs specialization face-off.
Design Breakdown: Compromise vs Specialization
Cooper ST Maxx
Built For: Rocky durability + highway comfort
Tread: 4-5 rib hybrid silica compound; staggered 15° grooves help reduce road noise and resist cuts.
Sidewall: 3-ply Armor-Tek3® with 8° angled cords—engineered to deflect sharp impacts. In testing at Hell’s Gate, it deflected shale that sliced open 2-ply tires like butter.
Weakness: Clogs quickly in mud over 6” deep; groove spacing isn’t optimized for suction mud ejection.
Goodyear Duratrac
Built For: Snow/ice dominance + light trail use
Tread: 18/32” jagged, interlocking lugs with aggressive siping. 3PMSF-certified for deep winter performance.
Sidewall: 2-ply Durawall™ tech + Kevlar-reinforced. Offers some abrasion resistance, but less effective against puncture or gash-type damage.
Weakness: Sidewalls are more vulnerable on sharp rock terrain like Moab’s Slickrock.
Performance Face-Off: Lab Data vs Real-World Survival
Winter Warfare
Metric | ST Maxx | Duratrac |
Snow Acceleration | 8.2 sec (0-30 mph) | 6.8 sec (3PMSF advantage) |
Ice Braking | 42 ft (20 mph) | 34 ft (TireRack-certified) |
Slush Hydroplaning | 47 mph threshold | Add New53 mph (deeper grooves) |
Reddit Verdict:
“Duratracs are Alaskan gods. ST Maxx? Spun out on a 5° ice hill.” – u/FrozenTread
Root Cause: The ST Maxx lacks a dedicated winter rubber compound and siping density. It resists chipping and heat well, but that same rigidity hardens below 20°F. Duratracs, by contrast, use a softer winter blend with optimized siping—the 3PMSF rating isn’t just a stamp, it’s earned in lab and road tests.
Rock Crawling & Durability
Metric | ST Maxx | Duratrac |
Sidewall Punctures | 1/10 trucks (Moab test) | 4/10 trucks (TCT Magazine) |
Tread Chunking | 0.2% loss after 1k sharp rocks | 1.8% loss |
Mud Ejection | 40% slower vs Duratrac | 60% faster (self-cleans) |
Test Data:
ST Maxx: Completed 15k miles across the Rubicon Trail with 5/32” tread remaining.
Duratrac: Suffered a sidewall rupture at 8k miles on Colorado’s Carnage Canyon.
Root Cause: ST Maxx’s Armor-Tek3 spreads sidewall impact energy across three plies with angled reinforcement—an innovation from mining tire architecture. Duratrac’s Kevlar, while strong in tensile force, lacks layered support in puncture-prone regions.
Tread Life: Longevity vs. Performance
ST Maxx: Averages over 55,000 miles. Maintains 7/32” tread at 40,000 miles with 5,000-mile rotations.
Duratrac: Averages around 45,000 miles. Tread depth reduces by half at 25,000 miles due to its softer, snow-optimized rubber.
User Experiences:
“Duratracs blew two sidewalls in one Utah trip.” – u/RockCrusher99
“ST Maxx left me stranded on an icy forest service road.” – u/SnowNomad
Vehicle-Specific Recommendations
Alaskan Silverado – The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is the ideal match for this setup thanks to its outstanding snow traction and self-cleaning tread design. Its deep, aggressive lugs paired with extensive siping provide confident grip on icy roads and deep snow, while its studdable option makes it even more reliable in extreme winter conditions. For a truck that faces remote, snow-heavy routes, Duratrac delivers both traction and toughness.
Moab-Bound Jeep – The Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx is the top choice here, primarily for its ability to withstand the harsh demands of sharp rocks and slickrock trails. Its Armor Tek3 sidewalls offer superior puncture resistance, and the hybrid tread design grips well on loose gravel and sandstone. For drivers regularly crawling through technical terrain, the ST Maxx ensures durability without sacrificing all on-road manners.
Overlanding Tacoma – For long hauls that transition from pavement to rugged trails, the ST Maxx again proves its value. It balances off-road strength with on-road civility, making it perfect for overlanding rigs carrying extra gear. Its tread compound resists chipping, and the road noise stays manageable even at highway speeds, making it an all-around performer for multi-terrain adventures.
Pro Secrets & Costly Mistakes
Air Down Strategy:
ST Maxx: 18-20 PSI for rocky terrains; 22 PSI for snowy conditions.
Duratrac: 15 PSI for snow; 20 PSI for muddy terrains.
Rotation Ritual:
Duratrac: Prone to cupping if rotations exceed 6,000 miles.
ST Maxx: Tolerates up to 7,000 miles between rotations.
Avoid:
Using Duratracs on sharp granite terrains due to sidewall vulnerability.
Employing ST Maxx in deep mud, as the tread tends to clog.
Specs
| Cooper ST Maxx | Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Commercial All-Terrain Tire | Commercial All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV | Light Truck, SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 20” | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 19’’, 20” |
| Weight | 42 – 78 lbs | 35 – 68 lbs |
| Made In | United States | United States |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 45 Days Test Drive | 50,000 Miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 45 Days Test Drive | 50,000 Miles |
| Prices | Check price section to see best possible prices | Check price section to see best possible prices |
| Severe Snow Rated (3PMSF) | No (Only M+S) | Yes (3PMSF) |
FAQs: Answering Buyers’ Top Concerns
Q: Can I trust Duratracs for heavy towing?
A: Yes, but anticipate a reduction of approximately 4 MPG compared to ST Maxx.
Q: Does ST Maxx have a snowflake rating?
A: No; it prioritizes dry and rocky traction over icy conditions.
Q: Which warranty is better?
A: ST Maxx offers a 50,000-mile warranty. Duratrac provides the same mileage warranty plus a 2-year roadside assistance program.
Final Checklist: Which Tire Fits Your World?
| Cooper ST Maxx | Goodyear Duratrac | |
|---|---|---|
| Better for | Dry regions, 3/4 ton or above pickups, Severe applications | Daily driving, Snowy regions, Off-road adventures |
| Pros | Responsive, Last long on severe conditions, Year-round performance (expect snow) | Satisfying wet and winter traction for an all-terrain tire, acceptable tread life, Smooth ride for its aggressiveness |
| Cons | Not a great tire for winter | Nothing much to talk about |
✅ Choose ST Maxx If:
Your driving involves predominantly rocks, gravel, and highway miles.
You require exceptionally durable sidewalls.
Budget: $250–$300 per tire.
✅ Choose Duratrac If:
You frequently encounter snow, ice, and light mud.
You’re willing to trade some durability for 3PMSF certification.
Budget: $280–$330 per tire.
Hope you guys enjoy this article. If you have any further questions, please write them below. I will answer them ASAP!
