BFG KO2 vs Cooper ST Maxx

[Aldrin E Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Aldrin E]

Hi guys, just a newie here, would like to ask your thoughts about the BFG KO2 vs Cooper ST Maxx, needed to replace my original Dunlop (265/65R17) tyre soon. Im also looking to get bigger tyre 275/70R17, i have done the 2in lift to it.
Thanks guys would appreciate your input...

[Bobba Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bobba]

I have the BFG KO2 in the exact same size on my FJ as I've had 3 previous sets of the old BFG A/T's, 2 sets on my 90 Series and 1 on the old Triton. These newies are only 10,000km old and haven't done any trips yet (if you were asking this end of July I'd have an answer!) so can't comment on them from that angle but for day to day driving (for me that's 10km dirt roads, 20km sealed) they're fine. A good friend runs the Coopers on his Troopy and is equally as impressed with them as I have been with the BFG's. The previous owners of my FJ also had those Coopers and rated them. They removed them prior to sale though and put on the old factory rubber so I didn't get to experience them.
Anyway, while I'm sticking with the BFG's as I have no reason to switch, I would have been more than happy to sway to the Coopers if there were stock issues, significant price difference etc.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either.

[Doug32 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Doug32]

I have the KO2 and despite being criticized elsewhere as having balancing issues (which in my experience is unsupported) I think they are the best tyre I have fitted to my Prado. I have done 50K with my current set and the tread looks like another 50K can be expected. The key is to rotate them regularly, which according to the owners manual is every 5K (a pain in the arse I know) . I like the tyre's quietness on the bitumen and handing on rough tracks. We just done the 700km Connie Sue Track in WA with no punctures or side walls ripped out despite driving many kms over hard stoney ground.

[Aldrin E Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Aldrin E]

Bobba

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Bobba, thanks for the comments, really appreciate it. And good luck to you upcoming trip..
@Dough32, thanks mate, i will try to rotate my tyre more frequently

[Black 120 GX Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Black 120 GX]

Hi Aldrin, having used both, I have just purchased a set of Coopers ST Max. I have found the Coopers last a bit longer, but cost more to buy. I have also found the BFG's chip a bit more on outback roads. Both brands are good I have found but you are paying more for the brand.

Steve

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

How do you find the noise of the ST Maxx on bitumen, Steve? Same question for others re KO2.

[Bobba Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bobba]

With the BFG's I didn't noticed a great difference in noise over the factory rubber - I have a roof rack though and hear that most of the time, plus the FJ well insulated. In comparison, the old Triton is now the wood collecting ute and not a daily driver so I put on some Federal Couragia Mud Terrains and bloody hell they are loud!

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

I went from BFG to Cooper AT3 simply because of supply issues at the time. I had used BFG for 25 + years and thought that they were good BUT they always chipped something horrible on outback roads, became very hard and harsher as they aged and tended to split a bit between the treads. I would have got them again and still may. The AT3 LT now have 54000 km on them , have 6mm of tread left, hold balance well and no sign of the chipping that the BFG suffered. They are still much better in the wet than the BFG were at any time and are a very quiet all terrain tyre.