Tyre side wall damage...

[twocs]

So after slashing a third near new MTZ, I'm starting to question the benefits of airing down.
I have no doubt of the extra traction gained and the possible puncture resistance through the tread, but I'm starting to think that by bagging out the tyres, I'm leaving the side walls vulnerable.
All the instances were on an easy main track at my local spot, Ormeau, one being a rock, one a very un-sharp tree root and the third unknown.
I run 22 psi in my 100 sreies off road, and in previous years when I never aired down, had no problems at all.
Opions ?

[SIM79]

Was speed involved when the sidewall failed? 22 might be to low if your rig is heavy espescially on the front.

[Luxo]

Ive seen a fair few MTZ damaged sidewall threads popping up lately. I think their stiff sidewall is their own worst enemy. My bighorns have a relatively soft sidewall in comparison and tend to mould themselves around rocks, so do my mates Buckshots

[twocs]

Was speed involved when the sidewall failed? 22 might be to low if your rig is heavy espescially on the front.

Doing low speed. 10 k's tops. And yes maybe a bit heavy...

[SIM79]

When I parked my Patrols front tyre (mtzs) on a sharp rock I noticed there was less than 2 inches of sidewall between my tread and rim. With a little bit of speed it wouldn't be hard for the rim to bottom out onto the rock and then split the sidewall. I run the front now higher at 25psi and the rears at 20psi.

[me3@neuralfibre.com]

I run MTZ's on the my 105 and have been very impressed with the sidewalls compared to the older coopers and BFG's.

I run 23PSI on the rocks most of the time.

It's a heavy car with most junk on it.

Paul