Owned by the Sailun Tire Group, BlackHawk has a strong presence in various countries and makes tires for passenger cars, light trucks, CUVs, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Its tires are manufactured in China utilizing advanced engineering and rigorous testing

The BlackHawk BDL71 is a drive-axle commercial tire designed for use on regional, line haul, and pickup and delivery trucks. The tire is optimized for increased fuel efficiency and promotes longevity. In this BlackHawk BDL71 review, let’s check out the tire’s features and benefits, pros and cons, available sizes, and our verdict on this commercial truck tire based on SimpleScore rating. The overall analysis of this tire will help you understand if the tire is a suitable choice for your application.

Features and Benefits

Commercial tires are made for use on commercial truckers, trailers, and other hauling vehicles, and the ones that are built for use on drive axle positions are mounted right behind the steer tires. The drive axle tires are also known as torque axle tires and they contribute to increasing traction performance. The BDL71 is also very much alike and has many great features that affect the driving performance in various ways. Let’s check these features out!

• Low rolling resistance and increased fuel efficiency – The tread and construction of the BDL71 are optimized for reduced rolling resistance which helps in increased fuel efficiency.
• Reduced uneven wear and long-lasting tread life – The closed shoulder design of the BDL71 prevents uneven wear and promotes longevity. Likewise, the deep aggressive tread pattern of the tire is also engineered for longer use and slower wear.
• Enhanced stability – All thanks to the solid shoulder ribs and a flat contact patch, the BDL71 provides enhanced stability while driving on the highways.
• Solid durability and damage resistance – BlackHawk has ensured that the construction of the tire is durable enough to withstand the driving pressures and haul weights. Likewise, the rubber compound of the tire is designed to resist damage from cuts, chips, and tears.
• Increased wet and dry traction – The deep and aggressive tread design of this drive axle tire maintains a consistent footprint while driving in wet and dry conditions. Likewise, the tire features four grooves that channel water out of the contact patch area and maintain optimum traction and grip.
• Optimum self-cleaning – The tire is also engineered for optimum self-cleaning and forces out dirt or debris from the footprint, allowing the tread to fully maintain its grip.

The BDL71 is offered in 24.5-inch wheel diameter and its available size is 11R24.5.

Pros and Cons

Undoubtedly, the BDL71 has abilities that an ideal drive axle commercial truck tire must have, but what are its real strengths and weaknesses? Find them all below!

PROS:

• Drive-axle commercial truck tire suitable for line haul, regional, and pickup and delivery trucks.
• Solid construction and sturdy rubber compound provide optimum durability.
• Optimum self-cleaning ensures better surefootedness and traction in wet and dry conditions.
• Resist damage from cuts, chips, and tears.
• Footprint and tread design ensure better stability on the highways.
• Tread design and construction prevent uneven wear.
• Engineered for low rolling resistance and boosts fuel efficiency for lower cost per mile.
• Available at a competitive pricing.

CONS:

• Limited sizes restrict its compatibility.
• Longevity isn’t as great as its competitors.
• Traction performance is good but not as great as its peers.
• Not covered by any limited manufacturer tread life warranty.

SimpleTire’s view on BlackHawk BDL71 tires

If you’re looking for an affordable drive-axle tire for a commercial application to use on line-haul, regional, pickup, or delivery trucks, then the BlackHawk BDL71 is a good choice that boasts an overall SimpleScore rating of 7.1 out of 10. Likewise, the tire sports a reinforced construction and solid rubber compound that assures a decent durability rating of 7.6. The tread is optimized for self-cleaning and helps the tire maintain better grip and traction in dry and wet conditions. However, compared to some of its peers the traction SimpleScore of 7.0 is slightly lesser. It can resist damage from cuts, chips, and tears, and its flat footprint and tread design promotes better stability during highway drives. Although the tire scores 7.0 in longevity, which is relatively lower than what its peers score, it ensures even wear. Additionally, the tread of this tire is optimized for reduced rolling resistance, which means the tire can enhance fuel efficiency, leading to extra savings.

However, there are certain areas that you must keep in mind before making a purchase. It is to be understood that the tire’s traction performance might not be as great as some of its better-rated competitors and likewise, longevity isn’t its strong area. BlackHawk offers the BDL71 in just two sizes, restricting compatibility with other applications. Lastly, the tire isn’t backed by any limited manufacturer tread life warranty.

The BlackHawk BDL71 has its competition with the following tires on the market:

• Arisun AD737
• Magna MHDL
• Gladiator QR92-Premium OS Drive
• Advance GL-261D
• Goodride CM983
• Fortune FDR601
• Westlake CM983
• Americus CS3000

Vehicles the BlackHawk BDL71 is a good replacement tire for

The BlackHawk BDL71 could be a good replacement choice for a line-haul, regional, pickup, or delivery trucks like:

• Kenworth
• Freightliner
• Volvo
• Peterbilt
• International