By Casey Cordeiro
Editor’s note: This is our firsthand test of the Delta FX sand tires on a Polaris RZR XP 1000 at the Glamis UTV Industry Ride. It reflects the tire and vehicle we tested at the time; check current tire specifications and availability before purchasing.
Fullerton Sand Sports supplied a set of Delta FX tires for our Polaris RZR XP 1000 during the UTV Industry Ride at Glamis. The tire was intended to bridge the gap between a dedicated sand setup and a tire capable of crossing the rougher ground that can lie between camp and the dunes. Our test set was described as an 8-ply tire. We wanted to see whether its sturdier construction would give up the compliance that makes a sand tire enjoyable in big bowls and abrupt transitions.
How the Delta FX Felt in the Dunes
We liked the stock Bighorn tires on the XP 1000, even in sand, but the Delta FX setup delivered more drive traction. What surprised us most was its sidewall compliance. Despite the 8-ply description of our test tires, they flexed well through dune transitions and high-speed G-outs. Our wider-offset wheels also changed the vehicle’s stance, so we would not attribute every handling difference to the tires alone.
We installed the rear tires with the paddles facing forward. On this particular test, we reversed the fronts to loosen the steering response while retaining useful front-end bite. That combination suited our driving style and the XP 1000’s handling in Glamis. Tire direction can affect traction, braking and drivetrain loads; follow the tire maker’s mounting guidance for your own vehicle rather than treating our test arrangement as a universal recommendation.
Verdict
For our RZR XP 1000, the Delta FX tires offered a worthwhile step up in sand traction from the stock Bighorns without the harsh feel we had expected from the tire’s construction. They made the most sense for a rider who wanted a dune-focused setup but also had to travel over occasional dirt or rough approaches. This was a ride impression, not a controlled durability or long-term wear test.
Thanks to Fullerton Sand Sports for providing the tires for this test. Action photos by Neal Rideout.
