BlackHawk is a value tire manufacturer known for selling quality tires with a global footprint of more than 40 countries. Previously, a part of the Sailun Tire Group, the Chinese brand was known as Blacklion. Blackhawk is known for manufacturing affordable tires that last long, catering to different types of vehicles like passenger cars, commercial vehicles, light trucks, SUVs, and CUVs. The brand adheres to strict quality standards and is known for its innovative stance in manufacturing lasting tires. The product lineup of BlackHawk is extensive, as the brand manufactures different types of tires, including all-season, commercial, performance, and UHP.

Developed for long-distance trailer applications, the BlackHawk BTL66 is a SmartWay-verified commercial tire that features a shallow tread pattern to reduce uneven wear. While its optimized casing minimizes rolling resistance to boost fuel efficiency, the wide grooves in the BTL66 quickly remove water from the tire to enhance performance and traction on wet roads. The advanced rubber compound and smart tread pattern on this commercial tire ensure a longer life, reducing uneven wear. Its solid shoulders minimize skid wear to promote a long tread life.

So, is it worth going for? Let's try to answer in this BlackHawk BTL66 tire review.

Features and Benefits

Commercial tires are designed specifically for trucks and trailers to maximize performance on each axle. Commercial tires can be retreaded to enhance their service life and come with a long tread life. Ideally, they are used in regional, delivery, line haul, urban, and pickup applications. Given below are its features and benefits:

• Strong construction: The BTL66 is a robust commercial tire featuring a shallow tread pattern that reduces uneven wear. The smart tread pattern and advanced rubber compound ensure even wear to prolong its lifespan. Thanks to its solid shoulders, the tire undergoes minimal skid wear, further promoting its tread life.
• Great fuel efficiency: As these tires are Smartway verified due to a low rolling resistance design, they offer better fuel efficiency that allows the trucks to cover longer distances without refueling.
• Better traction: This BlackHawk tire has been developed to maximize traction on dry, wet, and light snow. It comes with wide center grooves that quickly remove water from the tire to boost traction and performance on wet roads, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning. Also, its solid shoulders reduce the risk of skidding on light snow or wet terrain.
• Enhanced handling: The intelligent construction of the BTL66 makes it easy for drivers to control commercial vehicles on different terrains. While the wide center grooves enhance handling, they return a decent steering response while hauling heavy loads.
• High load-carrying capacity: The BlackHawk BTL66 receives a 14-ply rating, making it suitable for carrying very heavy loads.

Pros and Cons

While the BTL66 offers several benefits, it has some drawbacks too. Let’s glance over its pros and cons before we sum up the BlackHawk BTL66 tire review.

PROS

• Developed for trailers traveling long distances
• Enhances fuel efficiency due to low rolling resistance
• Long tread life due to solid shoulders
• Boosts traction and handling with wide central grooves
• Offers long durability due to the advanced rubber compounds

CONS

• It is not suitable to be used on passenger cars
• It does not offer a mileage warranty from the manufacturer

SimpleTire’s view on BlackHawk BTL66 tires

To sum up, the BlackHawk BTL66 (starts around $317) is a good commercial tire designed for long-distance trailer applications. It offers low rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency, while drivers enjoy impressive handling and traction throughout the year. The advanced rubber compound and solid shoulders of the BTL66 prolong its lifespan. With wide central grooves, this commercial tire offers great traction for well-controlled rides. However, it doesn’t come with a mileage warranty, which is a letdown for potential buyers. Those looking for a dependable commercial trailer tire may consider the BlackHawk BTL66.

It locks horns with another commercial tire - Roadmaster RM234(EM) (starts around $425). While the BlackHawk’s overall SimpleScore is 7.5, the Roadmaster achieves an 8. Whether traction (8 vs 7.5), durability (8.1 vs. 7.8), or longevity (8 vs. 7.5), the Roadmaster RM234(EM) scores better than the BlackHawk BTL66. While the Roadmaster pins the BlackHawk In terms of performance, it’s the price where the BTL66 carries an edge.

Vehicles the BlackHawk BTL66 is a good replacement tire for

The BlackHawk BTL66 will be a good replacement for commercial vehicles from brands like Isuzu, Kenworth, Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo, Mack trucks, and others.