The performance of the Polaris Sportsman 500 is only as good as the tires you put on it. You can take a fully loaded ATV with all of the bells, whistles, and accessories and expect it to ride like a dream, but that won’t happen if it has bad tires.
Not only do you need good ATV tires to have a smooth ride, but you also need them to provide excellent traction on rough terrain, including rocks, ice, and mud.
We’ve tested the best tires for the Polaris Sportsman 500 and have included only the best on our list. Here are our top picks.
Model | SUNF A033 Power.I ATV Tires | WANDA ATV Tires | MOTOOS ATV/UTV Tires |
|---|---|---|---|
Category | Best Overall | Best Runner-Up | Best Value Option |
Tire size | Front: 25x8-12 Rear: 25x10-12 | Front: 25x8-12 Rear: 25x10-12 | Front: 25x8-12 Rear: 25x10-12 |
Section width | 8 in. | 8 in. | 8 in. |
Tread depth | 21mm | 20mm | 20mm |
Load index rating | 70.00 | 43.00 | 370.00 |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Table of Contents
- How We Tested and Compared These Products
- Our Pick: SUNF A033 Power.I ATV Tires – Best Overall
- Best Alternatives
- WANDA ATV Tires – Best Runner-Up
- MOTOOS ATV/UTV Tires – Best Value Option
- Free Country Store ATV/UTV Tires – Best Non-Directional Tires
- How to Choose the Best Tires for Polaris Sportsman 500 – Buying Guide
- FAQ
- Conclusion
How We Tested and Compared These Products
We wanted to test a reliable ATV tire manufacturer against some lesser-known companies, and we were surprised with the results. SUNF is arguably one of the most well-known ATV tire manufacturers, which is why it is our top overall pick on our list, but you may not be familiar with WANDA, MOTOOS, or Free Country Store.
We wanted to compare the SUNF ATV tires with these other three options to he how they stacked up against one another.
We looked at various specifications like traction, load index, speed rating, and ply rating. Each of the options on our list brings something to the table, so it was important for us to compare these ATV tires with one another.
We also didn’t choose any ATV tires that were bigger than 26×9-12 for the front tires and 26×11-12 for the front tires. The Polaris Sportsman 500 can handle the size and weight of 26×9-12 tires, but it’s not recommended to get tires bigger than this size. If you have a Polaris RZR XP 1000 or another larger Polaris ATV, you can stand to go bigger.
Our Pick: SUNF A033 Power.I ATV Tires – Best Overall
Features:
- Tire size: Front – 25×8-12; Rear – 25×10-12
- Section width: 8 inches
- Tread depth: 21mm
- Rim size: 12 inches
- Load index rating: 00
Our top pick for the best tires for Polaris Sportsman 500 is this option by SUNF. They are 25×8-12 for the two front tires and 25×10-12 for the two rear tires. We chose this set of ATV tires because SUNF is one of the world’s leading ATV tire manufacturers that makes reputable ATV and UTV tires.
We especially like these tires because they have a directional knobby tread pattern, giving it excellent traction control that makes it easy to grip all types of rough terrain. The 6 ply-rated construction is tough against punctures that can come from climbing jagged rocks and exposed roots.
It has a load index of 70.00. That means the tires can hold a load up to 739 pounds. This is great for two people or if you’ll be carrying gear on your trip. We didn’t want to choose tires that had a low load index, and these passed the test.
If speed rating is important for you, it has a speed rating of J which means it can go 62 mph with a full load.
- Knobby tread design provides excellent traction control
- 6-ply construction will stand up to punctures from rocks and roots
- The load index of 70.00 can hold up to 739 pounds
- Excellent skid control
- Shoulder knobs provide both traction and protection on the tires
- Rims not included in the purchase
- Front Size: 25x8-12 - Rear Size: 25x10-12 | Wheel (Rim) Diameter:...
- Directional angled knobby tread design great in most terrain with high...
- Heavy 6 ply rated construction resists punctures and abrasions.
Best Alternatives
WANDA ATV Tires – Best Runner-Up
Features:
- Tire size: Front – 25×8-12; Rear – 25×10-12
- Section width: 8 inches
- Tread depth: 20mm
- Rim size: 12 inches
- Load index rating: 00
The second-runner up on our list is this set of four ATV tires by the WANDA store. They are our runner-up pick as the next best overall ATV tires.
The WANDA tires measure 25×8-12 for the front tires and 25×10-12 for the rear tires. One of our favorite features of these ATV tires is the tread depth. This is what bumped the WANDA tires up the list to second-best. The tread depth gives these tires longer life. Combine the tread depth with the knobby pattern, and you’ve got a set of tires that has maximum traction control in all types of terrain.
While the load index rating is lower than the SUNF ATV tires, you can still carry a maximum load of 342 pounds. They are equally yoked in the speed rating department as the SUNF ATV tires with a speed rating of J.
- Exceptional tread depth of 20mm provides excellent longevity
- 6-ply construction will stand up to punctures from rocks and roots
- The load index of 43.00 can hold up to 342 pounds
- The knobby design provides excellent traction and skid control
- Performs great in all terrain and weather conditions including rain, snow, mud, dirt, and sand
- Wheel rims not included in the purchase
- 2 x Front 25x8.00-12 & 2 x Rear 25x10.00-12 for a variety of ATV...
- Tread depth: 20 mm, 25x8.00-12 (Rim Width: 6.5", 370lbs@7psi),...
- Top notch handling in dirt, mud or rock; Superior traction in woods;...
MOTOOS ATV/UTV Tires – Best Value Option
Features:
- Tire size: Front – 25×8-12; Rear – 25×10-12
- Section width: 8 inches
- Tread depth: 20mm
- Rim size: 12 inches
- Load index rating: 00
When you think of the best value option, you may think of something cheap that lacks quality. This best value option of ATV tires is both affordable and top-rated. It’s a more affordable option that doesn’t lack any features.
The set of 4 ATV tires includes two front tires that are 25×8-12 and two rear tires that are 25×10-12. They have a tread depth of 20mm that makes them comparable to our first two picks. They are equipped with 6 ply-rated nylon construction that is resistant to punctures and abrasions, so you don’t have to worry that these tires won’t stand up to the terrain.
There are also additional shoulder lugs on the side of the tires that help give the tires more protection and traction. For a value option, there’s nothing cheap about these tires.
Finally, it has a superior load index rating with a slightly lower speed rating of F. If you have your Polaris Sportsman 500 packed with gear, you should only expect to travel a maximum speed of 50 mph.
- Exceptional tread depth of 20mm provides excellent longevity
- 6-ply construction will stand up to punctures from rocks and roots
- Superior load index rating of 370.00
- Shoulder knobs help protect the tires and provide more traction for trail riding in all-terrain types
- Recommended for all terrain types (mud, rocks, snow, desert, and dirt)
- A low speed rating only allows you to go 50 mph with a full load
- Full set (2 front + 2 rear) Tubeless tires packed in 2 packages for...
- Tread depth: 0.79", front 25x8.00-12 (Rim Width: 6.5", 370lbs@14psi),...
- Heavy 6 ply rated nylon construction resists punctures and abrasions;...
Free Country Store ATV/UTV Tires – Best Non-Directional Tires
Features:
- Tire size: Front – 25×8-12; Rear – 25×10-12
- Section width: 8 inches
- Tread depth: 18mm
- Rim size: 12 inches
- Load index rating: 00
If you’re looking for a great set of non-directional ATV tires, then this set by the Free Country Store is the best option.
Non-directional tires are ideal for ATVs because they allow the tires to rotate in either direction no matter what type of terrain they’re on. To put it simply, non-directional tires will create a smoother and more natural performance in all terrain types. They won’t attempt to keep the ATV pointed in one direction; rather, they will roll in the direction that is created while rolling over the terrain.
They have a tread depth of 18mm, which is great for non-directional tires. The tread depth will ensure the tires have a long life and won’t wear out too quickly. Another great feature of these ATV tires is the load index rating. They have a load index rating of 67.00 which will hold a maximum weight capacity of 677 pounds. Their speed rating is J, which allows your Polaris Sportsman 500 to run 62 mph with a full weight load.
- Patented unique non-directional interlock tread pattern design creates exceptional performance
- Additional lugs warp around the sidewalls of the tires to offer maximum protection
- Load index rating of 67.00
- 8 ply construction rating protects the tires against punctures and abrasions in all types of terrain
- Exceptional cornering performance
- Rims not included with the radial set
- Set of 4 new Premium ATV/UTV tires 25x8-12 (front), 25x10-12(rear),...
- Tread depth: 0.71", 25x8.00-12 (Rim Width: 6.5”, MaxLoad...
- Patented unique non directional interlock tread pattern design
How to Choose the Best Tires for Polaris Sportsman 500 – Buying Guide
It’s imperative that you choose to put good, quality tires on your Polaris Sportsman 500 if you want your ATV to perform at its top level. Because of this, you’ll need to know how to choose the best tires for your Polaris Sportsman 500, and we’ll help you through the process.
Size
The most important step to choosing the best tires for your Polaris Sportsman 500 is to familiarize yourself with the size you need; most importantly, the maximum size you can put on the ATV. You can’t put any size tires on your ATV, so make sure you know what size tires you can put on your Polaris Sportsman 500.
Polaris makes many different models and sizes of ATVs, so make sure you’re choosing tires that will fit the Sportsman 500.
We recommend tires that measure between 25×8-12 and 26×9-12, so we included tires that are these sizes on our list.
Tread Depth
Another feature you’ll want to consider is the tread depth of the tires. The tread depth is ultimately the lifespan of the tires. A deep tire tread will maximize the longevity of the tires. We recommend choosing a tread depth that is 17mm or more to give you the longest lifespan of your tires.
Shoulder Knobs
Similar to the tread depth is the shoulder knobs. Shoulder knobs are the lugs on the sidewall of the tires that protect the tires from becoming punctured by jagged rocks, roots, or other rough terrains. Shoulder knobs help protect the tires and contribute to the tires’ lifespan by preventing them from becoming punctured.
Load Index Rating
If you know you’ll be carrying an additional passenger or lots of gear, you’ll want to choose a set of ATV tires that have a high load rating. We recommend a load rating of 40.00 or more to support the weight of the ATV and any gear you pack.
FAQ
What is the difference between directional and non-directional tires?
Directional tires have a directional tread pattern that is designed for the tires to continue rolling in the same direction. Directional tires are best for street performance, especially in the rain or snow, and will need to be mounted in the right direction to perform correctly. Non-directional tires have a tread pattern that can perform no matter which direction the tires are rotated.
Do I have to mount smaller tires on the front of my Polaris Sportsman 500?
Every set of ATV tires are offered with two smaller tires for the front and two bigger tires for the back. This is because the smaller tires allow you to steer the ATV more easily, giving you a better overall performance for handling, steering, and traction.
Why is the speed rating of tires important?
The speed rating will tell you how fast the tires will safely allow you to go without sacrificing performance or safety. If you go faster than the speed rating, your ATV can lose traction, handling, and control during performance. It’s important to know the speed rating of the tires you choose so that you know how fast you can go before sacrificing performance.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you know more about what type of tires you can put on your Polaris Sportsman 500 than you did when you arrived. Our top pick for the best overall tires for the Polaris Sportsman 500 is the SUNF A033 Power.I ATV Tires, but you can’t go wrong with any of the picks on our list.
