woody
The internet is just a fad.
I had a buddy thru the shop recently on Mickey Baja Boss 40 stickies, they measured 46ish I believe.
IMO, there is a fine line for what that durometer reading should be, since (as you note) temp is a factor....but lug size/stability is another, and a smaller lug that twists 180 degrees isn't doing much for traction, since it simply folds over. Carcass rigidity, base rubber thickness, and more are all factors. Driving style, wheeling terrain, temps, weather, and more all come into play for the "best" tire, since they all have their pluses and minuses.
But if they were all built the same, then there would be no favorites :)
The open-cell rubber of the tread cap on a Red is why their durometer reading can be higher, yet still perform.
IMO, there is a fine line for what that durometer reading should be, since (as you note) temp is a factor....but lug size/stability is another, and a smaller lug that twists 180 degrees isn't doing much for traction, since it simply folds over. Carcass rigidity, base rubber thickness, and more are all factors. Driving style, wheeling terrain, temps, weather, and more all come into play for the "best" tire, since they all have their pluses and minuses.
But if they were all built the same, then there would be no favorites :)
The open-cell rubber of the tread cap on a Red is why their durometer reading can be higher, yet still perform.