RBP Repulsor M/T vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires

Those on the lookout for good-looking and well-performing mud-terrain tires should take a look at the RBP Repulsor M/T and Nitto Trail Grappler M/T. The difference between the two is fairly high, both in terms of ply ratings and tread depth. You’ll notice an aggressive design on both and side lug tread blocks on the Trail Grappler M/T. Both have proved their mettle in the world of off-road traction. A high void ratio on the Repulsor M/T and a balanced void ratio on the Trail Grappler M/T constantly removes mud, dirt, and other debris to ensure better grip in off-road areas on the move.

On standard roads, mud-terrain tires are often said to be very noisy. However, the RBP Repulsor M/T and the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T have been designed to produce less noise, with the latter featuring a computer-simulated design that is 36% quieter at highway speeds and 34% quieter at street speeds. For worry-free off-road performance, there is an extended sidewall pattern on the RBP and a damage-resistant, 3-ply sidewall on the Nitto. As is typical with mud-terrain tires, there are no limited manufacturer treadwear warranties on these. There's much more to talk about here, but we've saved the information for you to read in the different sections about the two tires. Additionally, we would like to inform you that each of the tires has been rated as per our in-house rating system termed SimpleScore.

RBP Repulsor M/T tires

SimpleScore is designed to produce accurate scores for every tire based on traction, longevity, and handling. Apart from the above, we have also used the ratings to come up with an average SimpleScore. The RBP Repulsor M/T features a specially designed tread pattern that includes large staggered tread elements, a detailed upper shoulder design, and an extended sidewall pattern for grip in sand, deep mud, and other types of rough terrain.

Expect the Repulsor M/T to be a perfect fit on light trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. The upper sidewall design mentioned above is most suitable for confident performance on trails. A combination of a unique tread compound and a beefy sidewall enables it to come into its own on rough terrain. While the tread and ultra-aggressive shoulder blocks enhance this tire’s visual appearance, the computer-tuned tread pitch decreases noise for a quiet, comfortable ride.

Based on the above, the RBP Repulsor M/T was found suitable for an average SimpleScore of 7.2.

Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires

The off-roading world is no stranger to the Nitto brand, which is probably known to most aficionados. This Nitto tire is as fantastic as it is now after going through multiple revisions since its US launch in 2009. The turn-up construction and three-ply sidewalls work together to provide high resistance against punctures and abrasions. This tire has a deep tread but a much lower ply rating than the Repulsor M/T.

In addition to a robust dual sidewall option, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T boasts an aggressive lug design. Grappler tires are available with two different sidewall designs, so you may pick the one that best suits your vehicle. Expect the Nitto tires to be incredibly comfortable and homogeneous due to their automated manufacturing technique. The above features are good enough for an average SimpleScore of 8.5.

RBP Repulsor M/T vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T on traction

RBP, short for Rolling Big Power, has provided the Repulsor M/T with an extended sidewall pattern to scale difficult surfaces such as deep mud, sand, and loose dirt. A unique tread compound is in place for the best grip, as is a specially designed tread pattern with open shoulders, a detailed upper shoulder design, and large staggered tread elements. Apart from these, the tread depth, although lower than that of the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T, is decent. This tire features a 10-ply rating for carrying heavy loads here. There’s a high void ratio here for self-cleaning debris and generating consistent traction. Based on the above, the Repulsor M/T is suitable for a traction score of 7.4.

On the other hand, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T handles surfaces with rocks, dirt, and mud well owing to a balanced void ratio that also efficiently removes debris. This Nitto tire features side lug blocks and leading edge treads for extra biting edges, leading to better forward traction. Deep center sipes minimize hydroplaning chances and improve wet traction, which means that instead of sitting at home and longing to go out in the rain, you can actually do so with your vehicle! Based on the above abilities, the Trail Grappler M/T was found capable enough of an 8.3 rating in traction.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T

RBP Repulsor M/T vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T on handling

Large staggered tread elements are responsible for improving the RBP’s drivability through deep mud, sand, and other types of loose terrain. The tread depth here may be lesser than that of the Nitto tire, but it compensates with a directional tread pattern. The open shoulders and tread blocks are responsible for great performance on the RBP. This is a tire that offers drivers a great balance of on- and off-road performance, with the unique tread compound assisting in the same. Armed with a beefy sidewall for high durability, this tire is suitable for an average handling score of 7.7.

Compared to the above, the Nitto’s 3-ply sidewall features steel belts in its sidewalls for higher comfort and performance. Reinforced shoulder grooves do not compromise on tread block stiffness and help boost on- and off-road performance. With a much higher tread depth and a 6-ply rating, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T receives an average handling score of 8.5.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T

RBP Repulsor M/T vs Nitto Trail Grappler M/T on longevity

Typically, the most crucial aspect of longevity is the availability of a limited manufacturer tread life warranty, which none of these tires offer. The tread life can be significantly improved with aggressive designs and sidewalls, and both tires feature them. Both tires feature striking appearances that have been made possible due to their aggressive tread blocks. The Repulsor M/T's improved tread compounds and extended as well as upper sidewall patterns lead to longer tread life. While the Repulsor M/T gets a high void ratio, the Trail Grappler M/T features a balanced void ratio for enhancing self-cleaning capabilities.

When comparing longevity on the RBP and Nitto tires, the Trail Grappler M/T came out on top yet again with a score of 8.9. We found the Repulsor M/T to be suitable for a score of 7.4.

ADVANTAGE: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T

When to use each

If you were to take a look at the tread blocks and grooves on the RBP and Nitto tires, you would be correct in assuming that these tires are primarily designed to travel through loose dirt and deep mud. To put it another way, if you are simply going to be driving on moderately muddy and dirty surfaces, then purchasing all-terrain tires might be a wiser investment. Both tires feature aggressive treads, which means they look quite appealing from a close range as well as from a greater distance. Nitto has been in business for a significantly longer period, and this continuity is reflected in the characteristics that its tires exhibit.

Which one should you choose?

RBP has clearly been smacked black and blue by Nitto in terms of SimpleScores. However, do not think of this RBP tire as a weak performer due to the above reasons. The type of sidewall patterns and high void ratio are very rare properties, both of which are immensely useful for traction. To gain a better understanding of the two tires, take a look at their starting prices. While the RBP Repulsor M/T begins at roughly $177 per tire ($708 for 4), the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T starts at $278 per tire ($1112 for 4).

Based on the above, here’s why we would choose the RBP Repulsor M/T:

• It is the cheaper tire
• The upper sidewall design is better for trail use
• Traction does not sacrifice ride quality

Here are the top reasons to select the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T:

• You require better handling
• You need better forward traction
• You want higher longevity
• You are more familiar with the Nitto brand

Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.