MAXXIS added a new gravity tire to their line-up, which sits right between the ASSEGAI and the Shorty in the Taiwanese manufacturer’s portfolio. The new MAXXIS HighRoller 3 has an open lug pattern with robust shoulder knobs, and was developed specifically for downhill and enduro bikes. Here are all the details, and an in-depth review.
The new MAXXIS HighRoller 3 relies on an open lug design with big, robust shoulder knobs. Given the size and thickness of the knobs, MAXXIS’ new gravity tire promises plenty of grip and excellent self-cleaning properties, especially in wet conditions. At the same time, the sturdy shoulder knobs shouldn’t buckle or squirm in fast berms, ensuring good all-round properties. The new MAXXIS HighRoller 3 is positioned right between MAXXIS’ all-rounder, the ASSEGAI, and their mud-specific tire, the Shorty. It’s designed as an intermediate tire for downhill and enduro use.
For the time being, the new HighRoller 3 will only be available in the soft MaxxGrip rubber compound, which makes it mostly suitable for the front wheel, especially on enduro bikes. There are three casings to choose from: EXO+, Doubledown and DH, and only the latter version is available for purchase at the moment. Of course, the tire comes in both 27.5″ and 29″ versions. The new MAXXIS HighRoller 3 retails between € 79.90 and € 84.90 and tips the scales at 1,277 grams in the Doubledown (DD) variant we tested, while the sturdier DH model weighs 1,376 grams.
Back in March, we had the exclusive opportunity to visit the MAXXIS production facility in Taiwan, which gave us an interesting insight into the development and production of the new MAXXIS HighRoller 3.
All MAXXIS HighRoller 3 versions at a glance
| Sizes | Casing | Weight in grams (Manufacturer’s specifications) |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 x 2.4 | DH | 1,400 | € 79.90 |
| 27.5 x 2.4 | DH | 1,335 | € 79.90 |
| 29 x 2.4 | DD | 1,305 | € 84.90 |
| 27,5 x 2.4 | DD | 1,225 | € 84.90 |
| 29 x 2.4 | EXO+ | 1,145 | € 79.90 |
| 27.5 x 2.4 | EXO+ | 1,110 | € 79.90 |
The new MAXXIS HighRoller 3 on test
We had the chance to test the new MAXXIS HighRoller 3 tire for several months on a wide selection of bikes. We put MAXXIS’ new gravity tire through everything we could possibly think of, from groomed bike park trails on a downhill bike to gruelling enduro runs on the Ligurian coast and fast laps on our home trails. The Central European weather also made for very damp testing conditions, which played in the HighRoller 3’s favour. While on our downhill bikes, we used the HighRoller 3 both at the front and rear, on our enduro and trail bikes we used it just at the front. We mostly used the Doubledown casing at the front.
On your way to the trailhead, the first thing you’ll notice is that it isn’t particularly different to the ASSEGAI, with the same casing and rubber compound. In other words, the difference in rolling resistance is negligible with the new HighRoller 3, as long as you’re not clocking your time uphill. On the trail, the new MAXXIS HighRoller 3 has become our editorial team’s new favourite, as it generates consistent grip and excellent braking traction, even in wet, unpredictable conditions. Thanks to the improved mud-shedding properties over the ASSEGAI, it can dig itself into the ground extremely well even in deep mud. We were also impressed with the grip on dry hardpack and bike park gravel berms. Here too, you can carve through corners with plenty of confidence, without feeling the side knobs buckling, unlike the thinner spikes of the Shorty. Plus, the HighRoller 3 has a very predictable breakaway point, letting you know when it’s reaching its limit and helping you stay rubber-side-down
The new MAXXIS HighRoller 3 is a strong all-rounder and loyal companion, especially in the off-season and in winter. Let’s be honest: nobody wants to change their front tire every time trail conditions change. With the HighRoller 3, you’ll have a great tire that feels comfortable on your front wheel for most of the year, unless you live in the Australian Outback.
The conclusions about the MAXXIS HighRoller 3
The new HighRoller 3 skilfully complements MAXXIS’ existing gravity line-up, offering an intermediate tire with good all-round qualities. It shows its strengths on loose and damp terrain, but also generates sufficient grip on hardpack flow trails. This means that you can leave the HighRoller 3 on your bike for a long time without any worries and have a strong alternative to other classics like the ASSEGAI.
Tops
- Excellent all round qualities
- Plenty of grip in loose, wet terrain
- A sensible addition to the line-up
Flops
- none
For more info, visit MAXXIS’ website.
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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker, Manfred Schmitt
