Gladiator X Comp M/T Tire Review and Rating

Gladiator made the design to feature bigger voids created to help the X Comp M/T with traction in mud or sand. With that, you should also see some good performance in the snow. The way the high void tread helps isn’t only with traction but also with providing consistent performance. It’s designed to prevent debris buildup, so the tire can dig in and produce performance.

To provide even more traction in deeper mud or in rock-crawling situations, the X Comp M/T also features reinforced shoulder blocks. They have the same high void design, meaning that they will remain clear and offer consistent performance.

The rubber compound is made specifically to resist cuts and chips and, combined with the 3-ply internal construction, should result in a very durable tire.

How does it behave on dry tarmac?

Like most mud-terrain tires, the X Comp M/T won’t be able to provide superior performance in dry conditions. It’s usable but far worse when compared with all-terrain or highway tires.

The traction levels with the X Comp M/T are acceptable and are safe. With that said, I would advise against pushing the tire too much. It will begin to slip if you accelerate too aggressively. You should expect similar results in the corners. As long as you drive within the speed limit, you shouldn’t have too many issues. Going over that means that you’ll be pushing the tire past its limits.

When it comes to safety, the X Comp M/T delivers pretty good braking distances, which are a bit above average for this class.

In the handling department, the performance isn’t nearly enough to put a smile on your face. The X Comp M/T is decently responsive for a mud-terrain tire. Even though it will take a fraction of a second for the car to change direction, don’t expect it to be razor-sharp.

How does it behave over wet and slippery roads?

The X Comp M/T is good enough to deliver a safe driving experience in wet conditions, as long as you won’t overdo it.

Even though the traction levels aren’t as good as on dry roads, thanks to the bigger blocks and rubber compound, the X Comp M/T is acceptable. Traction and grip levels should be enough for normal driving, and as long as you’re aware of the tire’s limitations, it won’t catch you by surprise. The braking distances are also acceptable and far from the worst in the mud-terrain class.

On the other hand, the aquaplaning resistance is excellent. Thanks to the wide and deep grooves X Comp M/T has, the tire can evacuate a lot of water and remain stable.

How is it over snow?

The X Comp M/T isn’t designed to be a winter tire, but it can deliver some very usable performance in those conditions.

In light conditions, especially over unpacked snow, the X Comp M/T is excellent. You get dependable traction from a tire that is very controllable in those situations. You can drive in a bit deeper snow and not worry about the performance.

Over packed snow, the performance is there, but it’s not as good as in unpacked conditions. Traction and grip levels are decent, just like the braking distances.

Ice isn’t this tire’s forte, which isn’t surprising. The X Comp M/T struggles to find traction in these cases, so if you’re looking for a tire capable of delivering performance in harsh conditions, you’ll need to look at proper winter tires.

Is it comfortable and refined?

Due to how mud-terrain tires are designed, refinement isn’t something you can expect from them. The same goes for the X Comp M/T, which is not particularly good at this.

Comfort levels are acceptable at best, mainly because the tire isn’t as harsh as some of its competitors. The internal construction is more rigid, so the tire cannot absorb bumps and vibrations and offer the most comfortable ride.

The worst side of the refinement is the noise levels. Due to the tread design, Mud-terrain tires suffer from higher noise levels on paved roads. Since the X Comp M/T features a high-void pattern, which results in high road noise.

Is it good for off-roading?

Gladiator specializes in off-road capable tires, and the X Comp M/T can deliver some serious off-road performance.

Dirt or gravel will pose no problem, and the X Comp M/T can offer very good traction in these conditions. Mud seems to be where the tire feels most at home. Even in deeper patches, the tire will dig in and find traction in cases where you may think that’s impossible.

Thanks to the 3-ply construction, you can deflate the X Comp M/T without worrying about damaging it. This makes it an excellent option for rock crawling. The extended shoulder blocks will improve the traction in situations with rocks along the sides.

Is the Gladiator X Comp M/T ideal for sporty driving?

It’s a mud-terrain tire, so you probably already know the answer to this.

The X Comp M/T is a tire that cannot pride itself as the world’s stickiest tire. Grip and traction levels are limited, and the tire shouldn’t be pushed hard.

Handling is another setback, so enthusiasts won’t find it too pleasing. It’s not particularly responsive for sporty driving, and the feedback will be about average.

Gladiator X Comp M/T Warranty

Mud-terrain tires don’t come with any treadwear warranty, and the same goes for the X Comp M/T. Even in the premium segment, tires like the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A have no warranty, so this isn’t a drawback for Gladiator’s tire.

Gladiator X Comp M/T Pricing: Is it worth the money?

Things aren’t as they seem at first glance when it comes to pricing. The X Comp M/T starts from around $230, which is in the range of the premium models like the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R. With that said, for some sizes, you are looking at a price very similar to the General Grabber X3.

Should I buy the Gladiator X Comp M/T?