By Jon Crowley
The System 3 SS360 sand tire immediately stood out from conventional UTV paddle tires. Instead of using a few tall, straight paddles, the SS360 has numerous smaller, angled tread blocks arranged in an interlocking pattern. System 3 designed it to combine straight-line propulsion with predictable cornering and a more playful feel in the dunes.
After seeing the tires in person at the Sand Sports Super Show, I mounted a set on System 3 beadlock wheels and installed them on a Polaris RZR Pro XP. We then headed to Glamis to find out whether the unconventional tread could deliver enough forward bite while retaining the precise handling System 3 was promising.
System 3 SS360 Sand Tire Highlights
- Lightweight, flexible two-ply carcass
- Interlocking, directional tread pattern
- Low rolling resistance
- Designed for straight-line traction and predictable cornering
- Reduced roost compared with aggressive straight-paddle tires
- Suitable for sand and snow
The design is intended to provide more of an all-terrain-tire feel than a traditional paddle tire. That difference becomes apparent when carving corners, crossing transitions and running ridgelines.
Current fitment note: System 3 now offers additional SS360 sizes and high-performance rear-tire versions. The company recommends its 32- and 33-inch HP rear tires only for turbocharged UTVs producing at least 200 horsepower at the wheels. Check the current System 3 fitment information before choosing a tire for your machine.
System 3 SS360 Tire and Wheel Weight
With the SS360 tires mounted on beadlock wheels, my scale showed the following weights:
- Rear tire and wheel: 47.8 pounds
- Front tire and wheel: 44.2 pounds
Those measurements are for the complete tire-and-wheel assemblies rather than the tires alone. The lightweight two-ply construction helps limit rotating mass and reduces the amount of work required from the engine, CVT belt and drivetrain.
Testing the SS360 at Glamis
My first question was whether the SS360 could generate enough forward bite to compete with more traditional sand tires. To get a rough idea, I lined up with other Polaris RZR Pro XP models for a run up Oldsmobile Hill.
This was not a controlled tire comparison. The cars did not have identical setups, and I intentionally let the other drivers leave first so they would remain visible in the GoPro footage. The goal was simply to determine whether the SS360 was in the same general performance range as conventional sand tires.
The SS360-equipped RZR pulled hard throughout the climb and caught one of the other Pro XPs without a problem. A different tire might win a tightly controlled hill-drag comparison, but that was not the purpose of this run. The important takeaway was that the SS360 delivered substantially more straight-line traction than its small, angled tread blocks might suggest.
Cornering and Dune Handling
The SS360’s strongest attribute was its predictable handling during fast dune rides. The tires did not unexpectedly dart or break loose. When crossing dune transitions, the RZR continued in the direction I intended rather than abruptly pulling uphill.
That behavior contrasts with some large, squared-off paddle tires, which can grab the face of a dune and steer the vehicle uphill while crossing a ridge. The SS360 felt more neutral and made it easier to place the RZR where I wanted it.
The numerous angled tread blocks also helped the tires carve through corners instead of behaving like a tire built strictly for straight-line acceleration. That makes the SS360 especially appealing to recreational dune riders who spend more time carving bowls and exploring than drag racing.
Traction Without Excessive Roost
Another benefit was the relatively small amount of roost thrown behind the vehicle. Riders following the RZR were not subjected to the same heavy wall of sand that can come from a tall, aggressive paddle tire.
The tread supplied enough traction to use the Pro XP’s power without constantly spinning through the paddles. Because the load is distributed across numerous smaller tread blocks, engagement also felt smoother than it can with a small number of tall paddles. That should reduce abrupt shock loads reaching the CVT belt, axles and the rest of the drivetrain.
Durability Beyond Open Sand
We continued using the SS360 tires after the original Glamis test, including on our 2020 Can-Am Maverick X3 X rc build. One useful characteristic was the ability to cross short rocky sections without treating the tires as though they were extremely fragile, competition-only paddles.
The SS360 is still a purpose-built sand and snow tire, so it is not intended to replace a trail tire. However, its tread arrangement makes it a practical option at dune areas where reaching the open sand may require crossing hard-packed or rock-strewn access routes.
System 3 SS360 Review Verdict
The System 3 SS360 proved to be much more than an unconventional-looking play tire. It pulled hard up Oldsmobile Hill, remained predictable during fast dune runs and tracked cleanly across transitions. It also carved corners well and threw less roost than many traditional paddle tires.
Its greatest strength is versatility within the dunes. A dedicated drag racer may prefer a more aggressive straight-paddle setup optimized for maximum forward bite, but recreational drivers often need a tire that can climb, corner, cross ridges and remain enjoyable during a full day of dune riding. That is where the SS360 performs particularly well.
Based on our testing in Glamis and subsequent use at Sand Mountain, the SS360 is a strong choice for UTV owners who prioritize predictable handling and playful dune performance without giving up useful straight-line traction.
System 3 SS360 Dune-Riding Video
The following video shows the SS360-equipped Polaris RZR Pro XP running through the Glamis dunes between Oldsmobile Hill and Osborne Overlook.
System 3 SS360 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the System 3 SS360 a paddle tire?
The SS360 is a purpose-built sand tire, but it does not use the tall, straight paddles found on many conventional rear sand tires. Its smaller angled tread blocks are designed to provide both forward propulsion and cornering traction.
How does the SS360 handle dune transitions?
In our testing, the SS360 tracked straight and remained predictable when crossing transitions. It was less inclined to grab the dune face and pull the vehicle uphill than some tires with large, squared-off paddles.
Does the System 3 SS360 work on a turbo UTV?
Yes. We tested the SS360 on a turbocharged Polaris RZR Pro XP and later used it on a Can-Am Maverick X3. System 3 also offers HP rear versions for high-output machines, although its 32- and 33-inch HP rear tires are recommended only for turbo UTVs producing at least 200 wheel horsepower.
Can the SS360 be driven across rocky terrain?
The tire handled short rock-strewn access sections during our use, but it remains a sand and snow tire. It should not be treated as a replacement for a dedicated trail or rock-crawling tire.
Does the SS360 throw a lot of roost?
No. One of the benefits we noticed was that the SS360 threw less roost than many aggressive paddle tires, making the vehicle more pleasant to follow during group rides.
Learn more: Visit System 3 Off-Road’s SS360 product page for current sizes, specifications and fitment guidance.
