4 Ply Vs. 6 Ply ATV Tires: What to Choose?

Choosing the right ATV tires is a bigger deal than most people think. It’s not just about size or tread — the tire’s ply rating can completely change how your ATV handles, how long your tires last, and even how much fun you have on the trails.

Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about 4 ply vs 6 ply ATV tires so you can pick the right ATV Tire set for your adventures.

Recommended Read: 2 Ply vs 4 Ply ATV Tire Comparison

Understanding Ply Ratings: What Do 4 Ply and 6 Ply Actually Mean?

Before you can pick the right tire, you need to know what “ply rating” even means. It’s not just about how many layers your tire has.

Originally, ply ratings referred to the number of fabric layers inside a tire. More layers = stronger tire. Simple, right? Well, not anymore. Thanks to modern materials, a 6-ply tire today doesn’t actually have six layers — it just has the strength equivalent of one.

Today, ply ratings are all about tire strength:

• 4 Ply = Light duty
• 6 Ply = Heavy duty

Think of it like armor. 4-ply tires wear a leather jacket, while 6-ply tires are rocking a full suit of medieval armor.

4 Ply ATV Tires: What You Need to Know

4 ply tires might seem “weaker” at first glance, but they’re perfect for a lot of riders. If you mostly stick to easy trails or just enjoy cruising, 4 ply tires could actually be your best friend. 

Overview of 4 Ply Tires

4 ply tires are all about being light, flexible, and smooth. They’re ideal if you’re mainly cruising dirt trails, grassy fields, or packed sand dunes. These tires are built for casual rides where speed and comfort matter more than brute toughness.

Benefits of 4 Ply Tires

• Lightweight Ride: Since they have less material, 4 ply tires are lighter. This means better handling, faster acceleration, and less stress on your suspension.
• Fuel Efficiency: Less weight = better gas mileage. Your ATV won’t work as hard, which saves you trips to the gas station.
• Softer Ride: 4 ply tires flex more, absorbing bumps and giving you a comfier ride on mild terrain.
• Lower Cost: They’re generally cheaper than their 6 ply cousins, making them a good budget choice.

Drawbacks of 4 Ply Tires

• Puncture Risk: Sharp rocks, branches, and tough trails can pierce through more easily.
• Shorter Lifespan: If you’re rough on your ATV or ride in hardcore conditions, 4 ply tires will wear out faster.

Bottom line: 4 ply tires are perfect for light recreational use — but not for battling boulders.

6 Ply ATV Tires: What You Need to Know

If you like to push your ATV to its limits (or just hate getting flats), 6 ply tires might be your best buddy. These tougher tires are built to handle the rough stuff without leaving you stranded miles from camp

Overview of 6 Ply Tires

6 ply tires are the tanks of the ATV tire world. They’re made for rough, nasty, unforgiving terrain — and they don’t back down easily. Whether you’re trailblazing through jagged rocks or dragging heavy loads, 6 ply tires are designed for maximum toughness.

Benefits of 6 Ply Tires

• Puncture Resistance: Their thicker sidewalls and stronger carcass fend off sharp objects like a champ.
• Heavy-Duty Load Capacity: Perfect if you use your ATV for work — hauling logs, towing gear, or carrying heavy loads.
• Longer Lifespan: Tougher tires mean fewer replacements, even if you ride hard.
• Peace of Mind: You can ride over rocks, sticks, and debris without holding your breath every time.

Drawbacks of 6 Ply Tires

• Heavier: More material means more weight, which can slightly slow you down.
• Rougher Ride: Stiffer tires don’t soak up bumps as nicely as softer ones.
• Higher Cost: They cost more upfront, but you might save money long-term thanks to durability.

Bottom line: 6 ply tires are ideal for serious off-roading and utility work.

Side-by-Side Comparison: 4 Ply vs 6 Ply ATV Tires

Sometimes, seeing it all laid out makes it way easier to figure out what fits your riding style. Here’s how they stack up head-to-head:

Feature	4 Ply Tires	6 Ply Tires
Weight	Lighter	Heavier
Ride Comfort	Softer ride	Firmer, rougher ride
Puncture Resistance	Moderate	High
Load Capacity	Lower	Higher
Best Terrain	Trails, fields, light mud	Rocky, rugged, extreme trails
Lifespan	Shorter under heavy use	Longer durability
Price	Generally cheaper	Generally more expensive

Pro Tip: If you’re mostly riding light trails, 4 ply is your jam. If you’re tackling mountain rocks or using your ATV for work, 6 ply all the way.

Recommended Read: Best 8 Ply ATV Tires for 2025 & Beyond

Choosing the Right Ply for Your ATV: Key Factors to Consider

Picking the right tire isn’t about bragging rights — it’s about matching the tire to your real-life needs. The best tire for you depends way more on where and how you ride than on any single number or feature. Here’s what you should think about: 

1. Terrain Type

• Smooth Trails, Fields, Beaches? 4 ply is perfect.
• Rocky Mountains, Dense Forests, Mud Bogs? Go 6 ply. No question.

The ground under your tires makes a bigger difference than you might think.

2. Riding Style

• Cruiser or casual weekend rider? Light 4 ply tires will make your rides smoother and quicker.
• Hardcore adventurer or someone who treats riding like a contact sport? Get the 6 ply tires — your future self will thank you.
  

How you ride — aggressive or easygoing — should steer your tire choice.

3. Load and Towing Requirements

• Towing a trailer? Carrying gear? You need the sturdiness of 6 ply.
• Just you and a backpack on easy trails? 4 ply is plenty.

The more you haul, the more muscle your tires need.

4. Budget and Longevity

• Short-Term Savings: 4 ply tires are cheaper right now.
• Long-Term Value: 6 ply tires might cost more upfront but could last twice as long if you’re rough on them.

Sometimes spending a little more upfront can save you a lot in repairs and replacements.

When You Might Want a 4 Ply Tire (Even if 6 Ply Sounds Tougher)

If smoothness and speed are your main goals, there’s no shame in going with a lighter option. Sometimes tougher isn’t better — at least for the ride you’re planning.

You’ll love 4 ply tires if you:

• Mostly ride smooth dirt trails, parks, or sand dunes.
• Own a youth ATV or beginner’s quad.
• Need maximum speed and agility (racing on soft tracks).

If comfort and quick handling are your priority, stick with 4 ply!

When a 6 Ply Tire Is Absolutely Worth It

The durability and toughness of 6 ply tires can mean the difference between a fun adventure and a long walk home. If you ride rough or work hard, don’t even think twice — 6 ply is the way to go.

You’ll need 6 ply tires if you:

• Ride in rocky, brush-filled, or mountainous terrain.
• Haul heavy gear, logs, or trailers.
• Constantly pop tires or tear up sidewalls with 4 ply tires.

Real talk: Replacing one flat tire after another gets old (and expensive) fast.

Recommended Read: How to Read, Measure, and Choose ATV Tire Size

Don’t Just Rely on Ply — Look at Tire Construction

Ply rating is important, but it’s not the whole story. There are other big factors — like construction style and tread — that seriously affect how your ATV performs.

You also want to look at:

• Radial vs Bias Construction: Radials ride smoother and last longer; bias tires are tougher side-to-side.
• Tread Pattern: Aggressive tread = better grip in mud and rocks.
• Rubber Compound: Softer rubber grips better but wears faster; harder rubber lasts longer but can slip.

Smart shopping tip: Read the full tire specs, not just the ply number.

Popular 4 Ply and 6 Ply ATV Tires (With Quick Reviews)

Knowing some proven winners can save you hours of research and decision paralysis. Here’s a cheat sheet for the best tires, depending on your ply pick:

Top 4 Ply Picks:

• Maxxis Razr 2: Lightweight and fast, perfect for race-style trail riding.
• Carlisle All Trail: Great for smooth, hard-packed surfaces like parks and farmland.
• ITP Mud Lite AT (4 Ply): Good mix of lightweight and mud performance.

Top 6 Ply Picks:

• Kenda Bearclaw K299: Affordable and almost bulletproof — great for hunting or farm work.
• ITP Mud Lite XL (6 Ply): Legendary toughness for mud, rocks, and hardcore trails.
• Maxxis Bighorn 2.0: Radial design with insane puncture resistance and plush ride.

Recommended Read: 6 Ply vs 8 Ply ATV Tires – Which One to Opt

ATV Tire Ply Rating or Load Range

ATV tire manufacturers are more concerned about these factors, so they use different layers of Kevlar and nylon in tire construction. That is understood from the ratings tagged, indicating the strength and load capacity they are built with. And the most popular ATV tire ratings include – 4, 6, and 8. 

With tire technology sophistication, tire materials have improved, and now, it is possible to achieve more tire strength by bonding fewer layers. So, ply ratings originating from the number of layers used in tire construction are going out of fashion and load range as a more appropriate term is gaining favor. To better understand the ATV tyre load range, you have corresponding load range ratings of the ply rating. This infographic can be of some help.

FAQs

Are 6 ply ATV tires better than 4 ply?

It depends on what you need. 6 ply tires are stronger and more puncture-resistant, making them better for rough terrain and heavy loads. However, if you ride mostly on smooth trails, a 4 ply tire could actually give you a better ride without the extra weight.

Are 6 ply tires heavier than 4 ply?

Yes, 6 ply tires are heavier because they have more material built into them.
This extra weight can slow down your ATV a little but also makes the tires tougher and better at carrying heavy loads.

Do 4 ply tires puncture easily?

They’re more vulnerable compared to 6 ply tires, especially on rocky or debris-filled trails.
If you stay on mild, well-kept paths, though, you might never have an issue with punctures.

Is a higher ply tire always better?

Not necessarily. While higher ply tires are tougher, they can make the ride stiffer and heavier.
Choosing the best tire is about balancing strength, comfort, and how you actually use your ATV.

Are 4 ply tires cheaper than 6 ply?

In most cases, yes — 4 ply tires usually cost less upfront. But if you’re riding hard and replacing tires often, a 6 ply tire could actually save you money over time.

Can you tell the difference riding on 4 ply vs 6 ply?

Definitely. 4 ply tires tend to feel lighter, quicker, and smoother on easy trails, while 6 ply tires feel sturdier but slightly stiffer. You’ll notice the difference more when you hit bumps, haul gear, or ride over rough terrain.

Should You Choose 4 Ply or 6 Ply Tires for Your ATV?

Choosing between 4 ply and 6 ply ATV tires comes down to how and where you ride. If you stick to smooth trails and lighter adventures, 4 ply tires offer a softer ride, quicker handling, and a more affordable option. They’re ideal for casual riders who don’t put their machines through harsh conditions.

If you tackle rocky trails, haul heavy loads, or need extra durability, 6 ply tires are the better choice. They offer stronger protection, longer lifespan, and better support for tough jobs, even if they ride a bit stiffer.

Think about your usual terrain, riding style, and how much durability you really need. The right tire will make your ATV rides smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable.

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