Nitto unveils all-weather Grappler tire

CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2014) — Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. has launched the Exo Grappler AWT tire designed to provide consistent traction on dirt trails, gravel and farmland, with a comfortable ride.

The tire features a new chip-resistant all-weather compound, three-ply sidewall construction, large, thick sidewall lugs, puncture resistance and a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake winter tire rating, the company said.

“The Exo Grappler AWT brings together the designs and technologies that we've developed throughout the extensive testing of all of our Grappler tires and combines them into the new tire,” said Alan Ngo, senior staff engineer of Nitto Tire. “We've designed a tire that is not only competent on dirt, gravel and pavement, but also has excellent capabilities in snow and ice.”

The Exo Grappler AWT features staggered shoulder blocks to provide increased traction in loose dirt while the integrated stone ejectors reduce stone retention and drilling. The tire's three-ply sidewalls with large sidewall lugs add strength and guard against unwanted punctures, the company said.

On pavement, the Exo's gear-shaped block edges work to reinforce the tread blocks and provide a more stable contact patch for better control and the computer-designed variable-pitch tread blocks reduce tire noise at highways speeds, Nitto said.

The tire also is capable of maintaining traction on snow and ice with its rubber compound that is a mix of natural rubber, high-strength polymers and wear-resistant materials that is durable and allows for traction in freezing temperatures, Nitto said. Specially designed sipes also help create better biting edges and water evacuation on icy surfaces while the tire's large lateral groves help evacuate snow and slush.

The tire also features molded stud holes that are compatible with TSMI #15-sized studs.

Exo Grappler AWT tires are available in 11 of popular 17-, 18- and 20-inch rim diameter sizes with more sizes to be added next year.

For more information on the Exo Grappler AWT, visit Nitto's website.