DRY SURFACE:
One word: Smooth. The rubber is smooth, and has the added benefit of being noticeably quieter than the Terra’s. This was the strangest result for me, as I didn’t feel the Terra’s added much noise really. However, please consider that the Dragon (which had the Terra’s) had Dynamat installed. I have deadener for the Proton, but it’s not installed yet. Once that’s done, it should quiet the Dunes down even more so. The tires do not like grooves in the pavement at higher speeds (55 – 85mph), and give a good struggle to keep the VX straight – jerking the Cross from side to side. However, the width of the tire could play some role in this. Finally, the tires are have much grip giving the VX amazing agility and responsiveness around turns and quick maneuvers – very secure and surefooted.

MELTING SNOW/SLUSH/WATER:
I feel very sorry for the bloke behind me – and hope he/she has good wipers. These tires spew out quite the rooster tail of water! All around they channel water very well though, and give little play when faced with moderate water on the surface. They also do great when the small/medium puddle is encountered (good control). Watch out for water filled grooves in the pavement though – proves tricky.

SNOW:
EXCELLENT. We’ve had plenty of snow to test the tires in. They plow, and plow with ease! The Dune’s give good traction – thus little slippage. I like using the “Winter” option on our VX’s, but really there’s been little to no need for that with these tires. Unfortunately, the flames on the rubber are just for looks, and don’t actually heat up the road as you drive. Man, I wish somebody told me that before shelling out the pesos…

Admittedly, the 285.60.18 Dune Grapplers give the illusion that they’re smaller than the Terra’s of the same size (not as beefy) – as the wheel wells don’t seem as ‘filled out’ – at least not on our VX’s. However, so far the tires have impressed me handling water, snow and ice with tenacity. If the Terra’s are any indication of Nitto’s quality, the Dunes should perform excellent in Moab – my hope and expectations are high.