Michelin XZLs
Ive just got hold of a set of XZLs at a bargain price for my new Defender here in Cairo. Im unfamiliar with the type (Ive used XCLs but not here) - they look good for rock and broken ground but Im wary of using them in sand as they look narrow and aggressive. I havent much option though. I have a pair of good Bridgestone VSJs - my query is, should I put the VSJs on the front of the vehicle for control or on the back to spread the load on the sand?
(EDIT... bizarre article I found on the WWW... interesting, if true!
"The XS was considered for years to be the best sand tire available for desert crossings. Testing by Michelin in the Sahara and Saudi deserts showed that the XZL actually had better sand performance, in large part because of reduced rolling resistance (narrower section). This testing was conducted in the late 1980's. Thus the XS tires were discontinued."
Never heard that before!!! Sounds weird to me - less rolling resistance? Narrower section equals cuts through upper sand crust and sinks, surely???
[This message has been edited by LandRoverNomad (edited 20 January 2003).]
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