New Tires - can't decide: ITP or Kenda?

[04TRX400EX]

I need to get some new tires for my 400EX and have narrowed it down to two. I ride desert trails and woods but also ride at the local MX track. I don't want to do a purpose trail tire like a Holeshot HD (also cause they're too heavy) but don't want a purpose MX tire like the Holeshot SX either ...

ITP Holeshot GNCC 22" front 20" rear
- or -
Kenda Klaw XC 21" front 20" rear

Both are going to be on Douglas .190 rims and both are described to be multi-environment friendly (Trail/XC & MX).

Also, do you think a 21" front is the way to go or should I stick with a 22" like stock?

[04TRX400EX]

I forgot to mention too that the Kenda's are $30 cheaper front and rear than the ITP's so consider the $120 in savings for 4 tires.

Also, is the quality and wear of both tires about equal?

Thanks :)

[firefighterjosh]

I heard alot of good things about the kendas. But I don't think there as good as XC tire as the ITP

[Sjorge450R]

I used to use a 22 XC front with a 20 XC rear and I HATED IT. I bought new rears before fronts and they where 20" XC Klaws. I love them. They have been wearing really good. Also, when I went to a GNCC race, I bouhgt a front pair of the GNCC tires. I like them alot too compared to my old setup. I have no experience with the GNCC rears so I cant help you out there. I am prob going to get a set of them for the begining of next years race season.

[400exrider707]

Out of your choices definitely go with the klaws.;)

[Scro]

If you're pushin for money, the kenda's should be a little cheaper. They will also last longer.

[rob-u/21]

I have a set of 22" front ITP XCR's and 20" rear XCRs and work awsome. I have put tons of baja pre-running on that set up. But the money issue is a problem. Once I have to buy a new set I will be switching to Kenda. ITP are great tires but way over priced. I would go with a set of 22" kenda front and 20" kenda rears.

[04TRX400EX]

Thanks for all the replies!!

Money really isn't too much of a deciding factor expect for I was trying to justify the higher price of the ITP's - whether you're getting a superior tire or just a superior name. If the Kenda's are just as good of an all-around tire for less money, I'm definitely not opposed to saving some cash :macho

[JW450R1]

holeshot xcr's r good all around tires.i have a set of 20 in rear,and21 in front

[ShiftFMX]

I have a set of 22" XCR's that I may be willing to sell, I need more of a MX styled tire. They're are in VERY good condition

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2030/330rgg4.jpg

[Pappy]

I tried the kenda fronts and did not like the way they steered.


The rear kendas left us sitting on thier maiden ride with a few holes.


I have also had hole issues with itp rears, but mainly on the rear.


Both are decent tires, but we opt to run ITP even though its a bit more per tire.

[04TRX400EX]

In talking with a few other people, I think that the Kenda's are not going to work after all since they seem to be more of a track-type tire. When I go trail riding, I need a tire that is a bit stronger, has a more aggressive sidewall, and one that can take the abuse of rocks and desert terrain. I've decided to get the ITP GNCC's but only on the rear. I need to get some other things for my quad and the fronts are still OK so I'm going to save some money and just replace the rears.

Thanks for everyone's opinions :)

[sunco]

Don't get those rims. If you ride hard , then you can count on recycling them very soon. Good luck. I just switched to Hipers & H-d in the rear (20") & razor II's (21") in the fronts. We do trails & the track. I ran 7 psi - that felt hard as a rock. Went back to 5psi front & back - much better.