Compare
Free shipping
Best price guarantee
Special pricing
Financing with Resolve
Easy returns
Last updated 12/26/2024 - Originally published 12/26/2024
Written by SimpleTire
There are drivers of light trucks and SUVs who look for tires that are not only suitable for use on paved roads but also on rough terrains. For them, all-terrain tires are a great option as they offer the best of both worlds. However, some drivers want to keep that enthusiast alive in themselves and often explore off-road trails alongside daily driving on paved roads or highways. For them, all-terrain tires might not provide the right, much-deserving driving experience as they are nowhere near the mud-terrain tires on the off-road performance front.
So, for such drivers, who want to buy something that’s a great blend of all-terrain tires (used for paved road driving and occasional off-roading) and mud-terrain tires (used for extreme off-roading), the rugged-terrain tires are the best bet!
Here we compare two value-offering and capable rugged terrain tires, the Radar Renegade R/T and the BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T. These hybrid tires are capable of delivering reliable off- and on-road performances. To give you a background of the brands manufacturing these two tires, Radar is a flagship Omni United brand introduced in 2006. Its tires are made in India, China, Thailand, and other parts of the world. On the other hand, BlackHawk is a part of Sailun Tire Group, and its tires are typically made in China and other parts of the world.
Returning to the tires picked for comparison here, the Renegade R/T and the Ridgecrawler R/T. Both rugged-terrain tires are suitable for use on pickup trucks and SUVs, and they both promise dependable performance off-the-road and good on-road comfort. So, utilizing our advanced tire rating system, SimpleScore, let’s compare Renegade R/T vs Ridgecrawler R/T tires and find out which of the two does the better job overall, and on the traction, handling, and longevity fronts.
Radar Renegade R/T tires
Let’s explore a bit about the Radar Renegade R/T before proceeding with the comparative analysis. The Renegade R/T has been in the market for some time now and has been awarded an overall 8.0 SimpleScore rating, which confirms its great ability to provide on-road comfort and aggressive off-road performance. It comes with dedicated features that contribute to increased multi-terrain performance, better stability, damage resistance, improved handling, and even wear. There’s also a generous tread life warranty on offer, which we will discuss in detail later.
BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T tires
The BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T is comparatively new in the market and was launched in August 2024. It specializes in offering aggressive off-road performance and comes with dedicated features that ensure optimum durability, aggressive traction, all-weather performance, damage resistance, improved handling, and smooth and comfortable rides. Additionally, there’s also a tread life warranty offered, that further adds value to the overall ownership experience. All these attributes result in a good 7.8 SimpleScore rating overall.
Radar Renegade R/T vs BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T tires on traction
Since we are comparing the two rugged-terrain tires that are used for aggressive off-road use as well as on-road driving, the analysis of traction performance is very important. We noticed that while one of the tires was good on the traction front, another one delivered so-so performance!
Commencing with the Renegade R/T, the tire scores a 7.7 SimpleScore rating in traction, which means it can offer good performance in varying terrain conditions. The tread pattern of the tire features optimized tread block sizes and shapes, multiple lateral grooves, and angled sipes for enhanced traction on- and off-road. The dual sidewall design of the tire features mud-penetrating dagger-shaped lugs that improve traction and biting ability in muddy terrains. Additionally, the tire is Mud and Snow (M+S) rated for use on terrains covered with mud or snow.
Contrarily, the BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T scores a 7.3 SimpleScore rating in traction which indicates that the tire is neither bad nor good and offers an average performance in rough terrains and paved roads. It is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and is also suitable for use on moderate to severe winter conditions. The wider footprint tread design of the tire provides confident traction on- and off-road, and the tread compound ensures that surefootedness is maintained in summers as well as winters. The tire features durable sidewall lugs for extra traction and grip.
Here, it is quite visible that the Renegade R/T comes out as a clear winner, leaving the Ridgecrawler R/T behind the race.
ADVANTAGE: Radar Renegade R/T
Radar Renegade R/T vs BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T tires on handling
Now, let’s understand how these Radar and BlackHawk rugged-terrain tires perform on the handling front. Sneak peek, the difference in the scores of both tires was minimal, and tough competition was seen in our analysis.
The Renegade R/T scores a great 8.0 SimpleScore rating in handling, which means you can expect the tire to be responsive on the roads and also respond to the driver’s command in off-road conditions very well. For enhanced stability and handling, the tire features wide center tread blocks that balance the weight distribution for maximized control. The robust 3-ply construction of the tire offers sure-footed handling and allows the tire confidently corner the roads. The sharper tread blocks edges, sipes, and grooves, all contribute to a strong surface hold for a confident drive in changing weather.
On the other hand, the Ridgecrawler R/T scores a 7.7 SimpleScore in handling, which is good enough to highlight that the tire won’t disappoint you on the controllability front overall. First, you can give credit to the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating that makes the tire capable enough to respond to the driver’s commands even in severe snow conditions. The enhanced tread pattern of the tire provides solid control on any surface, whether on- or off-road. The aggressive sidewall biters of the tire help the tire corner better and provide much-needed stability on the trails.
On the handling front, it is again the Renegade R/T that surpasses the Ridgecrawler R/T and confirms that the tire is comparatively better on steering response, surface biting, cornering, and related handling attributes.
ADVANTAGE: Radar Renegade R/T
Radar Renegade R/T vs BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T tires on longevity
Let’s discuss the longevity area to help you decide, which of the two tires is long-lasting and can cover more miles. Here, we saw that both tires were better in terms of scores and scored much higher than what they scored in the traction and handling areas.
The Renegade R/T scores an impressive 8.7 SimpleScore rating in the longevity area, and this is a clear indicator that the tire will cover a decent number of miles. This is further underlined by the limited manufacturer tread life warranty of up to 45,000 miles. The robust 3-ply construction of the Renegade R/T tire provides solid durability to the tire to slow down the wear rate and reduce the chances of punctures. Similarly, the wide center tread block of the tire helps in even treadwear for a long-lasting service life. The inner and outer construction of the tire are sturdy enough to withstand off-road pressures and provide a long-lasting service.
On the contrary, the Ridgecrawler R/T scores an 8.5 SimpleScore in longevity and comes with a 45,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty. BlackHawk says that it has purposely engineered the tire for durability, and this is a big statement that confirms the manufacturer’s trust in its product. The presence of aggressive sidewall biters provides extra protection to guard against cuts and snags when driving through difficult conditions. Likewise, the robust rubber compound of the tire is engineered to withstand the pressures and ensure that the tire lasts longer.
In the long-lasting area as well, it was the Renegade R/T that came out as a clear winner, taking a 3-0 lead in all the important tire evaluation areas.
ADVANTAGE: BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T
When to use each
Both, the Renegade tires and the Ridgecrawler tires are made for off-road and on-road use and they are built using an all-season rubber compound that ensures solid performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions. However, the BlackHawk Ridgecrawler is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and therefore, it can be chosen for driving in moderate to severe winter weather, in temperatures less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Those who want a tire that’s purely for off-road driving must consider mud-terrain tires to achieve a more aggressive performance on rocks, sand, mud, gravel, and dirt.
Coming to the rim sizes, the Renegade R/T is available in 17- to 24-inch rim sizes, while the Ridgecrawler R/T is available in 16- to 22-inch rim sizes.
Which one should you choose?
Based on overall SimpleScores, the Radar Renegade R/T tires were better than the BlackHawk Ridgecrawler R/T tires (8.0 vs 7.8 SimpleScore rating). However, both the tires have their own merits, which must be evaluated below purchase.
Let’s talk about price now, another important tire consideration factor. The Renegade R/T is offered at a starting price of at least $164.98, while the Ridgecrawler R/T is available at a starting price of at least $131.99 per tire. This means a set of four Renegade R/T tires will cost you $659.92, while a set of four Ridgecrawler R/T tires will cost you at least $527.96.
Looking at the SimpleScore, you should consider the Renegade R/T if you:
- Drive a heavy-duty pickup truck like the Ford F-350 or a full-size truck like the Toyota Tundra
- Need a set of tires that’s better in traction
- Need a set of tires that’s better in handling
- Need a set of tires that’s better in longevity
- Are comfortable paying extra to own a set of tires that’s better overall
On the other hand, you should choose the Ridgecrawler R/T if you:
- Drive an off-roader SUV like the Jeep Wrangler or a high horsepower pickup truck like the GMC Sierra 1500
- Need a set of tires that’s backed by a 45,000 miles limited manufacturer tread life warranty, which is standard across all sizes
- Need a set of tires that’s relatively cheaper
- Need a set of tires that’s Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified and can also be used in severe winter conditions
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.