For 2024, the Maxxis High Roller got an incredible overhaul, breaking cover as a completely different tyre to models prior. However, its new guise and intentions hit the mark for most natural riding scenarios. It hooks up in softer conditions while showing impressive versatility. It rolls rather well, too, making for one of the best mountain bike tyres for almost year-round riding.
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Maxxis High Roller III MaxxGrip Double Down tyre - Technical details
Now in its third iteration, the High Roller is a completely different tyre to the others that have donned the moniker. Where previously, the High Roller was a mid-profile tyre with a heavily ramped centre tread, the latest build is a very different beast designed to middle the ground between the Minnaar signature tyre, the Assegai and the renowned Shorty. So that’s mixed conditions to put it short.
It looks an awful lot like the Shorty and is jokingly called the ‘Baby-Shorty’ between mates. It borrows a remarkably similar tread pattern but the large square knobs that run either side of the tyre’s centre line are slightly closer packed and feature more moderate ramping. They’re a little shorter, too. There are also small bumps between the centre knobs that should help the tyre rid mud when needed, as seen on the wet-weather rubber.
The shoulder knobs are fairly different from the rest of Maxxis’ range and mirror Schwalbe’s Magic Mary in that the leading edges are angled outwards. Maxxis says the whole lot is designed to cut through soft surfaces but remain stable over hardpack sections.
As for where it sits between the Assegai and the Shorty, the brand says it clears mud better than the former but copes with dryer conditions better than the latter. It’s also touted as a tyre best focussed towards enduro and downhill racing and can be installed on both ends of the bike.
The High Roller III is only available in Maxxis’ softer rubber, MaxxGrip as well as EXO+, Double Down (two-ply 120tpi) and Downhill (two-ply 60tpi) casings, all of which nod towards the tyre’s real use case. It uses the brand's Wide Trail construction that Maxxis says optimises the tread for wide rim widths, so 30 to 35mm widths. If I were to nitpick, the lack of options in rubber compound is a downside, as a firmer MaxxTerra rubber would find itself well at the rear. Another thing to note is that it’s only available in a 2.4in width, but given its purpose, I don’t mind that. Finally, there are options in 29in and 650b sizes.
Maxxis claims a weight of 1,299g in the 29 x 2.4in Double Down model. For a tyre with this level of protection, the weight isn’t bad but it’s certainly no featherweight. Trail riders may not be too chuffed to lug around the extra grams but the protection is there and will be appreciated by heavier-hitting riders.
Maxxis High Roller III MaxxGrip Double Down tyre - Performance
Upon its release, I was super sceptical about the High Roller III. I was never a fan of the previous model as it quickly got unpredictable as its braking faces wore in. Mainly, I was uncertain about the new tyre’s placing in the range as the Assegai’s performance stretches well into loose conditions, and the Shorty isn’t completely out of its depth when the trail surface hardens - although I wouldn’t want to run a Shorty permanently in the dry. I couldn’t understand why this tyre is what it is.
But once I got the tyres inflated into the Hope Fortus 30 Single Cavity wheelset I’ve had on test (which happened very easily in the Double Down casing tested), my preconceptions were shattered. I’ve fallen in love with the High Roller III because it suits my usual riding conditions.
Although it sits halfway in Maxxis’ self-proclaimed rolling resistance scale, I’ve found that it pedals very pleasantly. Because there are just two rows of knobs contacting the ground most of the time, there’s not an awful lot of rubber interacting with the trail. With that, the High Roller III is more than encouraging to squeeze in one last run. There are better rolling tyres around, even within the Maxxis range but as a tyre for soft conditions, I’ve no complaints. With all this in mind, it’s a solid option at the front and rear of the bike.
It’s the sheer versatility where the tyre impressed the most. It’s not 100 per cent designed for hard pack, and that is where the tyre gets squirrelly and uncertain due to the space between knobs, but during rides that have featured the odd hard pack trail, I rarely felt at a complete disadvantage. That’s all thanks to the tread’s ability to resist rolling and excess deformation under load, resulting in plenty of support, and enough to roll through such trails without too much uncertainty.
It’s at its very best when there’s something for its knobs to bite into, where grip is as abundant as the conviction it inspires. This translates well into the wet, too, where I’ve found little need for anything more aggressive. Because of that, it’s almost shoved the Shorty aside, reserving it only for the wettest and softest of tracks.
In such conditions, the slight vagueness caused by the space between the knobs is eradicated because they can sink into the surface layer of the trail. With that, the braking grip is excellent as the tyre effectively enhances stopping power applied to the rotors through to the trail.
The rate of wear is typical of a MaxxGrip-equipped tyre but, like tyres such as Pirelli’s Scorpion Enduro Race selection, it’s a race-focussed option. That said, as it works so well in a range of conditions, I would be interested to see the tyre available in a firmer rubber compound for longevity’s sake.
However, as versatile as the High Roller III is, it's the classic case of considering the conditions you usually ride in. If you’re typically riding groomed trail centre tracks, the Assegai would be a wiser choice as it’s much better suited to those conditions. If it’s natural trails that are more unpredictable, not as heavily ridden and generally softer, the High Roller III is an excellent bit of kit.
Maxxis High Roller III MaxxGrip Double Down tyre - Verdict
No matter how excellent the High Roller III is, it’s not without competition – the WTB Verdict. Its tread pattern is similar, with a few minor differences and it performs very similarly, being ideal for the typical surface of natural trails in the wet or dry. The Verdict is slightly wider at 2.5 inches but in the latest SG1, Tough, High Grip model, it is heavier. You’ll save a fiver by choosing WTB’s tyre.
For me, this is Maxxis’ rebuttal to the Schwalbe Magic Mary as it suits similar conditions. Although, it’s not quite as supportive over hard surfaces, and it’s not quite as fast-rolling when installed at the rear. The Magic Mary sells for £77.
Pirelli’s Scorpion Enduro Race T works well in the same conditions but is pricier. It’ll set you back the same money, but the High Roller III is a more consistent tyre owing to its less aggressive shoulder knobs. The Pirelli is still a favourite, however.
The Maxxis High Roller III has been a real surprise. It’s exceeded expectations and it comes as no surprise that it's already seen itself atop some podiums. If it’s natural and truly mixed conditions you find yourself riding in the most, there’s little to lose in riding Maxxis's latest tyre. It would be good to see a harder compound in the future, however.
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