Ridge Grappler vs. KO2 Tires

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Are you looking for optimal tires? Then you should definitely check out the Ridge Grapplers and the KO2 Series.

The first one belongs to Nitto, while the latter to BFGoodrich. Both are incredible brands that improve the driving experience for every type of driver.

In this informative piece, we’ll be discussing the top products from each company.

We’ll review the benefits and disadvantages of each product, which will give you a better idea of which one is the better choice between the Ridge Grappler vs. KO2.

For the reviews, we’ll talk about three tires from each brand. Then, we’ll point out the main differences between the two. Let’s start then!

Ridge Grappler Tire

Recommended Ridge Grappler Tires to Buy

Let’s start by talking about the Ridge Grappler. Some of its best benefits are the following.

Shoulder & Z-Grooves

Due to their effective design, the shoulder grooves have a perfect balance in width and length.

Such a build guarantees mud doesn’t get stuck in the tire, ensuring proper traction. Also, the Z-Grooves have a zig-zag pattern with biting edges for a better grip.

Dual Sidewall

By featuring two bold sidewall designs, the Ridge Grappler offers a traditional driving pattern that works well with the aggressive block design. Other benefits are the staggered shoulder lugs, which provide traction for off-road surfaces.

Block Foundation

Since they feature reinforced block foundation, the tires have increased tread block rigidity to efficiently reduce flex.

Recommended Ridge Grappler Tires to Buy

Next, we’ll take a closer look at the Ridge Grappler tires worth your money.

Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Terrain Radial Tire – 35×12.50R17 121E

Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Terrain Radial Tire - 35x12.50R17 121E

If you’re having a hard time finding a quiet and effective tire, then you may want to consider this one.

This Ridge Grappler is an All-Terrain tire. It isn’t only great for how smoothly it performs, but also because it manages to deliver a comfortable performance from beginning to end.

For instance, the noise is almost non-existent while driving on the road. That’s one of the reasons why people like it.

Of course, you can expect many more benefits if you decide to go with this product.

Whether you use it on or off the road, this tire has a resistant sidewall build that prevents damage.

It gives you the confidence needed to tackle most terrains without having to worry constantly about obstacles along the roads.

The traction delivered over mud isn’t the best, as it doesn’t compare to other tires reviewed here.

Nonetheless, this one is a consistent tire that doesn’t let you down. On the road, drivers get a solid grip with a comfortable balance for easy maneuvering.

PROS

  • Quiet performance that improves comfort while driving
  • Resistant build for tough terrains
  • Smooth performance on-road
  • Self-cleaning
  • Decent traction

CONS

  • Not the best for mud terrains

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Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Season Radial Tire-33×12.50R18 122F

Nitto Ridge Grappler All-Season Radial Tire-33x12.50R18 122F

The following tire is quite versatile, allowing drivers to tackle different terrains under tough conditions.

It’s as good for off-road as it is for on-road driving, delivering pleasant results for each type of driver.

After more than 70k miles covered, the tire continues to meet the expectations.

Regular rotation is a must if you own this tire, as it contributes to uniform wear and longer lifespan.

Due to its design, the Ridge Grappler tire is self-cleaning, including stone ejectors that keep your vehicle protected from stone drilling.

Since it’s highly resistant, the tire makes it possible to do some off-road driving without concerns.

The staggered shoulder lugs are yet another of the tire’s most prominent features, as they deliver an extra grip that comes in handy off-road.

Other than doing good off-road, the tire puts up a good performance on the road. Over highways, the ride feels smooth, with balance and stability for more safety.

Also, the noise produced is pretty low, which is always nice.

PROS

  • A long-lasting tire that goes beyond the 70k miles
  • Quiet performance on the road
  • Good for mud, ice & off-road terrains
  • Eye-catching design
  • Comfortable grip & stability

CONS

  • May require some extra maintenance

Ridge Grappler All-Season Radial Tire-33×12.50R17 120E

Ridge Grappler All-Season Radial Tire-33x12.50R17 120E

What we have here is an ideal tire for Jeep Wrangler owners. For the price, this product is one of the most appealing choices out there, and even more affordable than many of the competition.

What’s better is that the tire doesn’t sacrifice anything performance-wise for a lower price.

First, installing the tire is a hassle-free process that may not require a lift, although conditions vary depending on the vehicle.

Thanks to the wide design, the tire is aggressive, which is a benefit quite useful for off-road adventures. On those terrains, the traction and grip are pleasant.

This tire manages to do well over snowy and icy environments. Additionally, the results delivered during rain and similar weather met the expectations set initially. Moisture won’t be an issue at all.

Over highways, you may experience some noises, but nothing that would make your ride too uncomfortable.

In fact, if you don’t pay much attention to those details while driving, you won’t even notice it. Overall, this Ridge Grappler tire offers a smooth and comfortable ride.

PROS

  • Valuable tire for the price
  • Good-looking build with all-season design
  • Wide & aggressive to tackle off-road driving comfortably
  • Provides remarkable traction on most terrains

CONS

  • The tire makes low noises on the highway

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BFG KO2 Tire

BFG KO2 Tire

When you require high-quality tires, the KO2 Series from BFG is among the best. Although not that aggressive looking, the tires put up a reliable performance off-road.

Also, they’re not bad for on-road driving either. Certainly, drivers get the best of both worlds.

Powerful Performance

If you want to drive off-road, the KO2 tires are for you. With incredible traction, you won’t have a hard time maneuvering and handling tricky terrains. Additionally, driving your way around obstacles like rocks is easy.

Resistant

Due to modern technology and durable materials, the tires are capable of offering optimum performance.

The CoreGard tech, for instance, is one of the best features. You can also expect good tread rubber, upper sidewall, and more.

Good-Looking

Last but not least, the tires look pretty good! Who doesn’t like to look great while driving around? We all do!

Recommended BFG KO2 Tires to Buy

Let’s take a look at the top KO2 tires!

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire – 245/75R16 120S

Ridge Grappler vs. KO2 Tires

The first tire on our list is a must-have for many drivers. It’s a product that combines technology and hardware efficiently, which creates an item capable of doing well on-road.

Naturally, there are many features responsible for the success of this KO2 tire.

First and foremost, CoreGard technology is one of its biggest benefits. It manages to create a long-lasting tire that will get you through almost everything.

Not only will the rides be comfortable in terms of vibration, but the sound also gets reduced to a minimum.

And the design of the tire is yet another plus. It has an aggressive build, but it doesn’t get excessive.

Due to the tire’s high compatibility with many vehicles, many types of drivers will be able to enjoy it.

Even after a long time using it, including thousands of mileage covered, the tread life continues to be good.

As mentioned before, it meets our expectations on-road, but it’s not the best if you want to do off-road driving.

PROS

  • CoreGard technology
  • Formulated tread rubber
  • Upper sidewall traction bars
  • Staggered shoulder blocks

CONS

  • Not the best for off-road driving

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 All-Terrain Radial Tire -265/75R16 123R

Ridge Grappler vs. KO2 Tires

With the next tire, BFGoodrich continues to show how to make good tires by using effective technology.

Similar to other KO2 tires, this one features CoreGard technology, which helps to improve the sidewall rubber toughness and its performance overall.

In fact, the resistance of this tire is one of the reasons why customers like it. It allows you to tackle most terrains easily, with no concerns for unexpected damage.

Due to its quick adaptation to the environment, the tire is ideal for off-road driving.

The advanced footprint shape is also a convenient feature, as it offers stress distribution to handle complicated surfaces easier. Since it has uniform wear, the KO2 tire will last longer.

Other features you’ll appreciate are the interlocking tread design and the stone ejectors.

Even if the ground has prominent irregularities, drivers will have proper stability for better driving.

This tire puts up a good performance off-road. However, if you drive on the highways, you may have to deal with some noises.

PROS

  • Outstanding traction on/off-road
  • High resistance to cutting, chipping and tearing
  • Upper shoulder sidewall protection
  • Includes tough sidewall rubber compound
  • Stable performance for a better experience

CONS

  • Loud on the highways

BFGoodrich Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire-LT285/70R17/C 116/113Q 116Q

BFGoodrich Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire-LT285/70R17/C 116/113Q 116Q

Finally, as it couldn’t be any other way, we’re closing the reviews with a beautiful and equally efficient tire.

It’s compatible with Jeeps, pickups, trucks, SUVs, and more. Since it’s one of the most durable tires available, this KO2 model serves you well for many years.

Its durability makes the tire reliable. The KO2 gives you complete control of the road, which improves your driving skills over different surfaces.

Whether you want to drive off or on the road, this product is capable of providing pleasant results on either one.

As with the other tires in the KO2 line, this one also features CoreGard technology.

It’s a useful feature that makes the tire capable of handling most terrains. Other features to keep in mind are the tread life and the interlocking tread design, as they make the tire much better.

Some issues customers mentioned are the lack of grip off-road and the noises the tire makes sometimes.

PROS

  • Aggressive traction over most terrains
  • Durable tread life for on & off the road driving
  • Tough sidewalls
  • Offers stability & balance

CONS

  • May produce some noises

Ridge Grappler or KO2 Tire?

While the two tires are good, one may be more suitable than the other depending on the terrain.

In this section, we’ll briefly cover the reasons why you’d buy one or the other.

Ridge Grappler – For Aggressive Off-Road Drivers

Out of the two, the Ridge Grappler is the more aggressive tire. It’s the perfect choice for off-road drivers that enjoy driving over tough terrains.

Also, due to the hybrid nature of this tire, the Ridge Grappler is more than capable of doing well on mud and highways.

KO2 – Ultimate On-Road Comfort

There’s no denying that KO2 tires are great for off-road. However, they’re vastly more effective for on-road driving.

On the highway, the tight tread blocks provide comfort and control. When compared to others, these tires are also quieter.

Another benefit of the KO2 tires is the siping, which makes them ideal for ice or hard snow surfaces.

When that time of the year hits, drivers will have all the tools needed to drive safely over cold roads.

Conclusion

While deciding which one to buy between the Ridge Grappler vs. KO2 tires, you inevitably have to ask yourself what type of driver you are.

If you enjoy off-road driving above anything else, then the Ridge Grappler is the one you need. It’s aggressive, effective, and powerful.

On the other hand, the KO2 tire is far better for on-road driving. As you can see, it all depends on the type of terrain.

Once you figure that out, you’ll be able to choose one option out of the two.

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