Achilles Desert Hawk X-MT Tire Review & Rating
Sporting an aggressive tread pattern and cut/chip resistant tread compound, the Desert Hawk XMT is sturdy enough to deal with all types of rugged terrain such as rocks, deep ruts, etc., as well as tackling soft sand, dirt and gravel with relative ease. Other drivers in reviews have spoken of how well this tire performs off-road and how it is a big plus.
Achilles unique X-Protection sidewall protects this tire from cuts, tears and other damage caused by rocks and any sharp objects your tire comes into contact with. With a 3-step block pattern, you also get better handling, stability and the bite you need when you’re traveling over different off-road terrains including mud, snow, rocks and gravel and when you’re cornering on flat surfaces.
The Achilles Desert Hawk X-MT tire is available in 15 to 20 inch sizes and a Q speed rating.
Pros
- Treadwear
- Off-road traction, grip and handling
- Dry traction, grip and handling
- Puncture resistant
- Low price
Cons
- Not the best on wet road surfaces
Overall Thoughts
The Achilles Desert Hawk X-MT biggest drawing points are its aggressive good looks, solid performance off-road on all types of terrain, as well as its lower price compared to other bigger name brand models. It works well for this tire as it performs respectably in all situations.
It’s also mild-mannered enough for everyday driving on the street. Sure, there’s some added noise at highway speeds, but it’s expected with a mud terrain tire. Dry traction and handling is very good, and treadlife is better than you might expect.
Our biggest area of concern with this tire would be with its wet traction and braking. We’ve heard a few truck and 4×4 drivers speak of poor grip on wet pavement. In fairness, many have spoken of excellent traction in wet conditions.
Overall, the Achilles Desert Hawk X-MT is a durable, budget-friendly tire that gives you good traction, grip and handling on most off-road terrains and on dry roads. Although you could argue that it’s not up to the performance levels of the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain TA KM2, Cooper Discoverer STT Pro and a few others, this Achilles model is a good choice for anyone looking for an affordable, everyday driving MT tire for their rig.
What Vehicles Will The Achilles Desert Hawk X-MT Fit?
(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)
- Chevrolet Silverado, Colorado, K1500, Avalanche, S10, Blazer, Tahoe
- Dodge Ram, Dakota, Durango
- Ford F-150, Ranger, Bronco, Expedition
- GMC Sierra, Canyon, Jimmy, Suburban
- Hummer H3
- Isuzu Trooper, Hombre5, Rodeo, Amigo S
- Mazda B3 Series
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Nissan Crew Cab, Titan, Pathfinder
- Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, CJ5, CJ7
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Toyota FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra
Tire Sizes
15″
235/75-15 109Q BW
27/8.50-15 C 95Q BW
30/9.5-15 104Q BW
31/10.5-15 C 109Q BW
32/11.5-15 C 113Q BW
33/12.5-15 C 112Q BW
16″
LT235/85-16 120/116Q BW
245/70-16 XL 111H BW
LT245/75-16 C 108Q
LT265/70-16 D 117Q
LT265/75-16 D 123Q BW
17″
LT265/65-17 D 120Q
LT265/70-17 D 118Q
LT285/70-17 D 121Q
LT305/70-17 D 119Q BW
18″
265/60-18 112Q BW
20″
33/12.5-20 E 114Q BW
35/12.5-20 E BW
Price Range
Achilles Desert Hawk X-MT prices range from approximately $103 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.
Warranty
Achilles provides a limited tread warranty on the Desert Hawk MT tire.
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Ran two 265/75/16 10 ply Mt’s now for 4 years on the front of a heavy diesel chevy one ton dually that we use for everything .Tread wear rate for the money is incredible for such a off road mud – on road tire . Best tire for the money your going to find with a great look , not some wimpy looking 4 wd tire . Braking in wet conditions isn’t the greatest in a heavy truck I agree , but you have that compromise with a aggressive mud lug . Just got to use some common sense and drive accordingly in wet conditions to allow for stopping time . Other than that , highly recommend .
what is the lowest air pressure I can safely drive the desert hawk xmt 33×12.50 lt 112q.
Im on my second set of these in my Subaru Brat. 27’s at first and now a 235-75-15. They balance out well and wear like iron. Great off road traction and durability. I live in the SoCal desert and off road a lot. Road noise is what you’d expect from a mud terrain. Wet traction is not the best because there are no sipes in the lug blocks, but it doesn’t rain a lot here. If you just want a cheap tire that straight up digs off road look not further. They also do very well on rocks.
I’ve got the 33″ 15s on an 87 GMC Sierra Classic. I’ve noticed the comments on bad wet traction, but I think it has to do with tire pressure and vehicle weight. With a small Ranger you’re looking at a small profile vehicle that would do better with more contact surface area on a tire. Where as with my big and heavy Sierra or a Ram the weight works with the tread pattern to force more water away from the contact area.
By no means am I an expert in automotives but I still know some physics.
I have the 33×12.50×20 set….. Positives… they go good in the mud. Negatives, shakiest mud tire I’ve ever had on the highway. The Cooper STT Pros where by far 10x better of tire buttt theres big price difference. No More Deserts Hawks For Me.
Overall it’s a good tire. Good grip on dry asphalt, good at rough terrain and dirt. Tho it does considerably amount of noise at like over 50mph on the highway.
However, it’s horrid at wet asphalt during a rain, you get literally no traction if you step on your truck.
Once I was at the highway at about 60mph during a rainy day and the road was wet. I stepped on to overtake a slow car at left lane and the truck lost all the grip on back wheels, it danced all over the road and if it wasn’t traction control and my 30 years of driving experience we would’ve crashed and me and my son would’ve got injured (Note: We were on a straight part of the road). It does aquaplaning a lot so don’t trust on it if you’re on a wet road and don’t go anything over 60 mph. On the rest it’s a great tire and honestly I wasn’t expecting good grip at all at wet since it’s not an all-terrain but it’s even worse than I thought.
My experience is with the LT285/70-17 D 121Q (17″) on a 2015 Ford Ranger
Overall it’s a good tire. Good grip on dry asphalt, good at rough terrain and dirt. Tho it does considerably amount of noise at like over 50mph on the highway.
However, it’s horrid at wet asphalt during a rain, you get literally no traction if you step on your truck.
Once I was at the highway at about 60mph during a rainy day and the road was wet. I stepped on to overtake a slow car at left lane and the truck lost all the grip on back wheels, it danced all over the road and if it wasn’t traction control and my 30 years of driving experience we would’ve crashed and me and my son would’ve got injured (Note: We were on a straight part of the road). It does aquaplaning a lot so don’t trust on it if you’re on a wet road and don’t go anything over 60 mph. On the rest it’s a great tire and honestly I wasn’t expecting good grip at all at wet since it’s not an all-terrain but it’s even worse than I thought.
My experience is with the LT285/70-17 D 121Q (17″)
Got two tires from Desert Hawk 175_45_19 bad experience I ever had with tires each tire bubble on side got tire
s vo 6_12_22019
Desert Hawk will return my call called 1:2:3 of July 2019
Best tires I’ve ever had on my 2005 Dodge Ram ! Bad ass grip wet or dry and puts out a great noise level . Better than Nitto , best bang for the $