MICKEY THOMPSON BAJA BOSS M/T

10,000-mile torture test with a Baja-inspired mud-terrain

- Jered Korfhage

Mickey Thompson's Baja-inspired radial mud-terrain rolled with us across the United States for a 10,000-mile whirlwind adventure spanning both coasts. Baja Boss is the name emblazoned on the sidewall and the tire is as much a continuation of the company's offroad legacy as it is a round-and-black testament to the latest in mud-terrain technology.

While "mud-terrain" is in its name, Mickey Thompson made sure to optimize the tire for the improved surfaces found between the trailheads. Face up to the Baja Boss and you'll see an asymmetric tread pattern. Larger-sized tread elements along the outboard portion of the tread contribute to on-road stability while their wide spacing and subsequent voids help grip loose substrate. Looking inward, the tread elements are smaller and spaced closer together. This is said to promote all-weather traction and minimize road noise. Silica reinforcement (Mickey calls it "T4") is on board to enhance tread life and operations in wet weather.

Fans of Mickey's Baja Claw TTC might see the resemblance of the current Sidebiters to those on the now-discontinued mudder. The evolved sidewall lugs have four pitches (look close and you'll see lugs with four different lengths and depths) that were designed with bold looks and protection in mind. Beneath the sidewall armor, there's more armor-and it's called PowerPly XD. Mickey says the beefed-up cord on the bias-angled third ply improves the tire's response to steering inputs and contributes to on-road stability.