Table of Contents
Introduction and Launch of General Grabber ATX
General Grabber ATX Review: The General Grabber ATX, first launched in 2018, emerged onto the market as a highly anticipated all-terrain tire. This revolutionary product was designed for off-roaders, campers, and overlanders who required excellent off-road traction and durability without compromising on-road dynamics.
The advent of the General Grabber ATX was a significant moment in the tire industry. With its introduction, General aimed to redefine the boundaries of what all-terrain tires could accomplish. At the same time, the competition in the market was fierce. Other brands such as Cooper and Toyo had also recently launched models with new features and high-tech solutions, making the battle for the top spot in the all-terrain tire category a truly exciting contest.
Within the scope of this review, we will delve into the many aspects of the General Grabber ATX tire. We will examine its specifications, maintenance indicators, and overall performance. We will also put it to the test in various terrain conditions to see if it truly has what it takes to beat its competitors.
Despite the challenges it faced upon launch, the General Grabber ATX quickly gained popularity and recognition. The reason? A balanced blend of off-road prowess, on-road manners, and an impressive tread life that set it apart from many of its competitors. But does the Grabber ATX truly live up to the hype? That’s what we’re here to find out. Stay tuned as we journey deeper into the world of General Grabber ATX.
Specifications and Maintenance Indicators of General Grabber ATX
Launched in 2018, the General Grabber A/TX has proven itself to be versatile with an extensive range of P-metric and LT-metric sizes available, accommodating wheel diameters from 14-inch to 20-inch. This flexibility extends to serious off-road machines and owners of lifted trucks, with flotation sizes ranging from 27-inch to 37-inch also offered.
The General Grabber A/TX features industry-standard tread wear indicators designed to keep you informed about the current state of your tire. Once the tread depth reaches 2/32-inch, it’s generally considered that the tire has reached the minimum depth for safe driving on wet surfaces. Consequently, in most places, it’s illegal to continue using the tire beyond this point. For those who wish to take on serious off-road trails or harsh winter conditions, the tire replacement is recommended once the tread depth reaches 5/32-inch. To monitor this accurately, you can consult a tire technician or use a tread depth gauge tool.
One key aspect where the Grabber A/TX shines is its durability. The tire has earned a reputation for its impressive tread life. To back up its claims, General offers an unbeatable 60,000-mile treadwear warranty on P-metric sizes and a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty on LT-metric and flotation sizes. This comprehensive coverage demonstrates General’s confidence in the durability of their product and provides consumers with added peace of mind.
But specifications and maintenance indicators only tell part of the story. How the General Grabber A/TX performs in various conditions is what truly sets it apart. As we proceed further into this review, we’ll examine these performance features in greater depth to give you a complete picture of what this tire can offer.
The Face-Off – General Grabber A/TX Vs. Falken WildPeak A/T3W
As we delve further into the depths of tire performance, it’s essential to have a reference point—a competitor to contrast and compare. In the world of off-road, all-terrain tires, one of the most potent contenders to the General Grabber A/TX is the Falken WildPeak A/T3W. Both have been lauded for their comprehensive, versatile capabilities, but how do they fare when they go head-to-head? Let’s begin by analyzing the results in the order they were presented, from the last entry in the table moving up to the first.
Results
Results below were taken from Tire Rack’s Testing On-/Off-Road All-Terrain Tires Designed for Everyday Life test. A total of 3 tires were tested on Tire Rack’s proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Grabber A/TX Vs. Falken WildPeak A/T3W based on the relevant performance category. The WildPeak A/T3W was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Wet Performance – A Closer Look
As we delve deeper into the General Grabber A/TX review, it’s crucial to examine its performance in wet conditions. Wet performance not only plays a significant role in safety but also influences driving comfort and control, especially in regions with frequent rainfall or off-road expeditions.
Let’s compare the results between the General Grabber A/TX and Falken WildPeak A/T3W in this context.
Grabber A/TX:
- -10.5% in wet braking
- +0.3% in wet handling (subj)
- -4.7% in wet handling (lap time)
Starting with wet braking, this is one area where the Grabber A/TX fell behind the WildPeak A/T3W. The WildPeak A/T3W stopped at 135 feet, while the Grabber A/TX took a longer 151 feet to come to a halt. This could be an essential factor for drivers who frequently traverse rainy or slick roads, as efficient braking can prevent potential accidents.
However, when it came to subjective wet handling, the General Grabber A/TX scored a slight edge with a score of 6.31 compared to the WildPeak’s 6.25. This indicates that drivers may feel a bit more in control with the Grabber A/TX during wet conditions, despite the longer braking distance. The lap times for wet handling show a similar pattern as braking performance. The Falken WildPeak A/T3W clocked a quicker 37.8 seconds, while the General Grabber A/TX followed closely at 39.7 seconds. Though the difference is not substantial, it suggests the WildPeak A/T3W might offer slightly better control and speed in wet conditions.
In conclusion, when it comes to wet conditions, the General Grabber A/TX and Falken WildPeak A/T3W have their own strengths. The WildPeak A/T3W provides shorter braking distances and faster lap times, making it potentially more suited to drivers who prioritize speed and efficiency in wet conditions. On the other hand, the Grabber A/TX may offer a more subjective sense of control in wet conditions, potentially a better fit for drivers who value stability and control over speed.
However, it’s essential to remember that these are just a part of the broader picture. A comprehensive review of the General Grabber A/TX requires consideration of its performance across all conditions, including dry, snowy, and icy environments, along with noise, comfort, and ride quality.
Dry Performance – In-Depth Analysis
Continuing with the comprehensive General Grabber A/TX review, it is essential to scrutinize its dry performance. After all, the majority of driving conditions for most drivers tend to be on dry roads. So, how does the General Grabber A/TX stack up against the Falken WildPeak A/T3W in this context?
Starting with dry braking, the data reveals a close race between the two tires. The Falken WildPeak A/T3W stops at 99.7 feet, a slight lead over the General Grabber A/TX’s 103.7 feet. While both tires perform respectably, drivers who frequently drive in city conditions with sudden stops might favor the shorter stopping distance of the Falken WildPeak A/T3W.
Grabber A/TX:
- -3.9% in dry braking
- -0.4% in dry handling (subj)
In terms of subjective dry handling, both tires score relatively closely, with the Falken WildPeak A/T3W holding a slight edge with a score of 6.67, compared to the General Grabber A/TX’s 6.58. This suggests that drivers may feel slightly more at ease with the handling of the WildPeak A/T3W under dry conditions. Despite these marginal differences, it’s important to note that both the General Grabber A/TX and Falken WildPeak A/T3W demonstrate respectable performance in dry conditions. While the WildPeak A/T3W holds slight advantages in both dry braking and handling, the General Grabber A/TX is not far behind, suggesting that the difference in real-world performance may not be readily perceptible for most drivers.
Consequently, the choice between the two might come down to other factors like price, tire longevity, noise, and performance in other conditions such as wet, snowy, and icy roads. It’s crucial to consider these elements alongside the dry performance to make the most informed decision.
Noise, Comfort, and Ride Quality – An Unmissable Factor
While performance metrics like braking and handling are critical, the noise, comfort, and ride quality of a tire can significantly impact the overall driving experience. This aspect is particularly crucial for everyday drivers who seek a smooth and comfortable ride. So, how does the General Grabber A/TX compare with the Falken WildPeak A/T3W in this category?
Grabber A/TX:
- -0.4% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Taking into consideration the results, the Falken WildPeak A/T3W marginally outperforms the General Grabber A/TX with a score of 6.67/10 as opposed to 6.58/10. This slight edge indicates a marginally quieter and more comfortable ride in the Falken WildPeak A/T3W. It’s important to clarify that these numbers represent subjective evaluations, which can vary among different drivers. Still, they offer an indication of what you might expect in terms of noise and ride comfort. Although the WildPeak A/T3W edges out the General Grabber A/TX in this category, the difference is marginal. Both tires seem to deliver a relatively comfortable and quiet ride, which should be adequate for most daily driving situations.
While it’s clear the Falken WildPeak A/T3W holds a slight advantage in this category, the General Grabber A/TX still offers commendable performance. For drivers prioritizing noise reduction and comfort, the Falken tire may be more appealing. However, considering the overall performance, the General Grabber A/TX continues to prove itself as a worthy competitor. The slight discrepancies in this category should be weighed against other performance metrics and personal preferences before choosing the right tire for your vehicle.
Snow Performance and the Coveted Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol
The 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol is a performance rating bestowed upon tires that have been tested and found to exceed the industry’s severe snow service requirements. Tires that hold this rating are considered safe for severe snow conditions. They’ve been tested for performance in various winter conditions, including snow braking, snow acceleration, and snow handling. The General Grabber A/TX and Falken WildPeak A/T3W both carry this coveted rating, reflecting their superior snow performance capabilities. But what does the data say? Let’s break it down.
In terms of snow braking, the General Grabber A/TX outperforms the Falken WildPeak A/T3W. The Grabber A/TX stops at 62.9 feet, whereas the WildPeak A/T3W stops at 68.2 feet, indicating a more reliable braking performance in snow for the General Grabber. When it comes to snow acceleration, the General Grabber A/TX again proves its mettle by achieving the feat in 30.9 feet, compared to the Falken WildPeak A/T3W’s 32.2 feet. This suggests the General Grabber A/TX might offer a slightly better launch on snowy surfaces.
Snow handling is assessed through both lap time and a subjective score. The General Grabber A/TX comes out ahead once more. Its lap time in snow is quicker at 71.50 compared to the Falken’s 72.40. Also, the subjective score for snow handling favors the General Grabber A/TX with a score of 5.29/10 versus the Falken’s 4.83/10. In summary, the General Grabber A/TX stands out in every snow-related performance category against the Falken WildPeak A/T3W, despite both tires having the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. It underlines the point that even though a tire may carry the 3PMSF symbol, actual performance can vary, reinforcing the importance of a comprehensive review such as this.
Overall, the General Grabber A/TX appears to offer a more reliable and superior performance in snowy conditions. It’s another testament to the tire’s versatility and prowess in different driving environments. If you would like to see how well the General Tire family products performed against each other, feel free to check out our article General Grabber Arctic vs HTS60 vs APT vs A/Tx vs X3 in Snow.
Grabber A/TX:
- +8.3% in snow braking
- +4% in snow acceleration
- +2.3% in snow handling (subj)
- +1.3% in snow handling (lap time)
Ice Performance Comparison
In winter conditions, braking on ice is one of the most critical aspects for safe driving. It’s a situation where every foot matters, and a tire’s performance can make a significant difference. In terms of ice braking performance, both the Falken WildPeak A/T3W and the General Grabber A/TX show closely competitive results. The Falken WildPeak A/T3W halts at 49.3 feet, while the General Grabber A/TX slightly trails behind with a stop at 50.0 feet.
Though the difference between them is less than a foot, in icy conditions, every inch counts. It’s worth noting that the Falken WildPeak A/T3W marginally outperforms the General Grabber A/TX in this specific category. While the General Grabber A/TX has demonstrated superior performance in most categories of our review, the ice braking test highlights that different tires may excel in different conditions. And despite the close results, the Falken WildPeak A/T3W slightly edges out the General Grabber A/TX when it comes to ice braking.
However, one must remember that this is just one aspect of overall performance. And in other critical areas, such as snow performance, the General Grabber A/TX has consistently shown superior results. Therefore, the choice of tire should be based on a comprehensive understanding of your driving needs and the specific conditions you expect to encounter most often.
Grabber A/TX:
- -1.4% in ice braking
Conclusion and Recommendation
As we draw this review to a close, it’s clear that both the General Grabber A/TX and the Falken WildPeak A/T3W offer impressive capabilities and deserve consideration for anyone seeking a high-quality, all-terrain tire.
The General Grabber A/TX has demonstrated excellent overall performance. This tire consistently outperforms in several critical areas, including snow handling and acceleration, dry handling, and noise, comfort, and ride quality. In terms of braking, it may not be the champion on ice and dry surfaces when compared to the Falken WildPeak A/T3W, but the difference is minor and unlikely to significantly impact the overall driving experience. The Falken WildPeak A/T3W, on the other hand, shines in the ice braking and wet braking performance, showing its strength in more challenging and slippery conditions. If you often find yourself driving in wet and icy conditions, this tire could be a strong contender.
Both tires have earned the coveted Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, signifying their ability to handle severe snow conditions. This certification requires passing standardized traction tests for acceleration on medium-packed snow. By achieving this symbol, both tires prove they can perform reliably in severe snowy conditions, a crucial factor for drivers in colder climates.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific driving needs and the conditions you encounter most often. If snow performance and ride quality are your top priorities, the General Grabber A/TX would be an excellent choice. However, if you face icy and wet conditions more frequently, you might want to consider the Falken WildPeak A/T3W. Remember, it’s essential to consider all aspects of performance, from dry and wet conditions to noise and comfort, before making your decision. The right tire can enhance not just the performance of your vehicle but also the safety and comfort of your journey. Choose wisely!