ProTaper Tires & Footpegs Review: Grip, Control & Durability Delivered

When you’re riding hard, there’s no room for second-guessing your setup. Traction, control, and durability aren’t optional—they’re the difference between staying in the flow or getting bucked by the terrain. ProTaper knows this, so its latest tires and foot pegs are engineered to perform under real-world pressure. Built for riders who push through changing conditions, tight lines, and demanding days, this lineup isn’t just an expansion. It’s a natural evolution of ProTaper’s commitment to purposeful, rider-driven design.

When it comes to riding, setup can make all the difference. Performance matters whether navigating tight singletrack or powering through motos at the track. We put ProTaper’s new MXT 04 and SMX 04 tires and footpegs lineup through their paces to see how they hold up in real-world conditions.

PROTAPER MXT 04 & SMX 04 TIRES

ProTaper’s new tire lineup is built with real-world conditions in mind. The MXT 04 is a go-to for riders who move between terrain types—hardpack, loose rock, and slick surfaces all in a single loop. The asymmetrical tread provides consistent grip through lean, while reinforced sidewalls help reduce pinch flats and keep the carcass stable at low pressures. After long hours on rocky trails and fire roads, the tire held its shape and continued to offer reliable feedback.

The SMX 04, by contrast, shines when the terrain softens. Its polygonal center knobs and staggered lugs dig into loam and sand, offering strong forward drive and steady braking. It clears debris well, stays composed at speed, and feels planted in soft corners and ruts. The compound strikes a rare balance between durability and compliance, offering traction without sacrificing ride quality.

While designed for different environments, both tires share the same rider-first priorities: grip, stability, and durability that doesn’t quit.

PROTAPER FOOTPEGS

When the terrain turns technical, control often starts at your feet. ProTaper’s Titanium Footpegs aren’t just lightweight—they’re dialed for performance. The open-back design clears mud fast, and the tooth layout offers grip that’s secure without shredding your boots. These pegs deliver confident, responsive feedback when you’re weighting them through technical climbs or off-camber descents, giving you the grip and control you need when the terrain gets demanding. After several muddy sessions, the pegs still delivered a consistent feel and required little cleanup.

For those who prefer to customize their setup, the 2.3 Platform Footpegs feature a modular cleat system that allows riders to fine-tune peg feel to match their boots, stance, and terrain. It’s a detail that might go unnoticed until you try it, and then you wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.

FINAL THOUGHTS

ProTaper’s latest products reflect how the brand continues to evolve, pushing beyond category lines to meet real rider demands. These products aren’t about checking boxes; they’re about providing riders with gear that keeps pace with how we actually ride: hard, fast, and in terrain that doesn’t always cooperate.

At Turn 14 Distribution, we’ve grown into a major player in the powersports space by curating brands that understand the ride and building a program that focuses on what matters most to our dealers. A deep line card, fast shipping, and dedicated support continue to set us apart. T14 dealers can use our Powersports Wheel & Tire Search tool, making it easier than ever to find the right fit, cutting down time at the counter, and getting riders back on the bike faster.

While our roots are in high-performance automotive parts, our powersports line card includes trusted names like ProTaper. Because when you’re threading tight singletrack or pushing through motos at the track, your setup can make or break the ride.

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

OFFICIAL PARTNERS