[drumrunner]

Time for new rubber again... Has anyone had any experience with the Nitto Nomad Grappler? I see them everywhere on Subarus all over town now and have read they're pretty comparable to BFG KO 2's (which I can't fit on my DS with the larger front discs & calipers), but with less road noise and aimed at smaller SUV's and crossovers.

They popped up in a search on America's tire, but when I search the Nitto website by vehicle, they don't show up.. but when I search by tire size, they do. The only difference I see is they are H rated instead of Y. Y is the OEM for my DS, but I'm curious if it's just for the "luxury exotic" appeal LR wants to give off. Granted, I might be known to hit 90 on long stretches of highway through the desert... but none of us are hitting 186mph in our DS, with or without Y-rated.

I've been using the BFG G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus for a few years and I love them, but I'm hoping to find a little softer ride and a little more grip off-road. Debating trying these Nittos and just curious if anyone has any experience with them on their DS. Thanks all!

 

[Bill F]

The higher speed ratings also give more strength to the sidewall

 

[drumrunner]

I ended up pulling the trigger on those Nitto Nomad Grapplers. Kept reading some good reviews so figured why not. They’re geared towards “weekend warriors” and “soft-roaders” who like to off-road a bit, but do mostly road driving. Just got them this morning, so we’ll see, but so far:

1. Look great. Big difference finally being able to stick an A/T tire on these stock 20” wheels instead of an A/S tire. Looks pleasantly aggressive with some good “sidewall grabbies.”

2. Unfortunately the “sidewall grabbies” don’t go all the way around the tire, because of the lower profile and they HAD to still fit their branding on the tire. I still think it looks good, though. The tire has two sidewall options, you just tell them which side you want facing outward. I like the option I chose, because the other side looks like a bunch of Y’s to me, and I just keep thinking “Y would you want that?” That option DOES go all the way around the tire, though.

3. Steering feels just slightly lighter than the BFG G-Force Comp-2 A/S + that I had on before. Not quite as much road friction and stiffness in the wheel, but it’s only a slight difference. Surprising since that was an “Ultra-Performance” tire with a Y-rating and these are H-rated. Was expecting a bigger difference.

4. Ride on the road is juuuuuust a little softer, and that’s a GOOD thing. Those BFG’s were STIFF. Haven’t hit any big potholes or anything yet, but so far I’m happier with the ride comfort.

5. So far so good in the wet. Maybe slightly less grip on the road than the BFG’s, but minimal.

That’s all I have for now. We’ll see how they do off-road and up in the snowy Sierras when I get a chance to drive up there. Maybe tomorrow or next week.

Attaching some pics, including the website’s pic of the two sidewall options.

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