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The legend is back: Maxxis HighRoller III
The HighRoller was quiet for a long time, while Assegai and Minion dominated the trails. But for the 2026/2027 model year, Maxxis has completely reinvented its icon. The HighRoller III closes the gap between the solid dry specialist Assegai and the mud pro Shorty. The result is a modern hybrid tyre that should shine especially when conditions become unpredictable.
We tested these enduro tyres:
Character and area of application
The HighRoller III is a thoroughbred Gravity tyres. It was forged in the World Cup circuit and you can tell: The profile is significantly more open than its predecessor, which should ensure excellent self-cleaning and deep digging into loose ground. The massive, supported side lugs have been optimised for extreme slopes. Whether deep dust, loose forest soil or damp intermediate conditions - the HighRoller III should be the new all-purpose weapon for enduro racers and bike park shredders. Price: 84,90 Euro >> available here.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
- Soil intervention: Despite the low lug height, the open profile digs well through loose layers to the hard ground.
- Cornering stability: The massive side lugs offer a high level of support even with an aggressive riding style.
- Self-cleaning: Mud and dirt are quickly thrown off thanks to the large clearances.
Weaknesses:
- Rolling resistance: Thanks to the open tread and soft compounds, it is noticeably tougher on flat sections than a Minion DHR II.
- Low damping: Due to the rather narrow design and the flat profile, the tyre has less inherent damping and must be controlled precisely.
Speed meets adhesive: Maxxis Dissector II DoubleDown MaxxGrip
The Dissector is the result of the collaboration with downhill star Troy Brosnan. While the first generation was primarily known as a fast rear tyre for dry conditions, Maxxis drilled the second generation on. The combination of the solid DoubleDown (DD) carcass and the ultra-soft MaxxGrip mixture turns the former "scooter" into a real grip monster, which should show its teeth especially in enduro racing.
Character and area of application
The Dissector Gen. 2 is a hybrid specialist. Its tread pattern with bevelled centre lugs is designed to reduce rolling resistance, while the aggressive Minion-inspired side lugs are designed to grip corners. The special feature of the configuration we tested: The DoubleDown carcass (2x120 TPI) should offer almost the stability of a DH tyre, but remain a little more lively. Paired with the MaxxGrip compound however, the Dissector cannot really fulfil its promises. Despite the robust carcass, the puncture protection remains rather average and the rolling resistance is rather high for a rear tyre. Due to the narrower lugs, the Dissector gets clogged faster than the new Highroller at the front. Price: 84,90 Euro >> available here.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
- Curve behaviour: The side lugs offer a defined feel and do not bend thanks to the DD carcass.
- Brake control: The transverse slats hook into the ground when anchored.
Weaknesses:
- Wear and tear: If you ride the MaxxGrip on the rear wheel, you can almost watch the studs shrink - performance before mileage.
- Rolling resistance: Despite the rather fast tread pattern, the soft rubber swallows up a lot of energy on tarmac uphills.
- Puncture protectionAlthough tested in the heavy DD version, the Dissector does not deliver the best values for penetration and piercing.
Maxxis Highroller III / Dissector II DD - Facts & Price
| Maxxis Highroller III | Maxxis Dissector II | |
| Price | 84,90 Euro >> available here | 84,90 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | MaxxGrip / 120 | MaxxGrip / 120 |
| Carcass / size | Double Down / 29 x 2.4 | Double Down / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1278 g / 50.4 watts | 1148 g / 44.2 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 57.6 / 57.8 mm | 56.9 / 55.7 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 430 mm / 140; 630; 456 N | 350 mm / 137; 542; 471 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,59 | 2,59 |
Conclusion: Maxxis Highroller III / Dissector II DD
With the Highroller and the Dissector, Maxxis sends well-known names, but with completely new tread patterns, into the test. Both tyres are quite narrow in comparison and have a rather low lug height. The tried and tested MaxxGrip compound ensures reliable traction even in the wet, but only rolls moderately. Due to the low volume and little rubber on the tread, the tyres feel somewhat hard and provide little cushioning. Precision is therefore required when riding. The Dissector reaches its limit much earlier than the Highroller and has little reserves of puncture resistance.
How Bike tests
With a total of ten different tyres, we went to the laboratory of tyre manufacturer Ralf Bohle, where we measured values for the Puncture protection, rolling resistance and weight determined. The practical test took place in the Oberammergau Bike Park on various routes.
The test in the laboratory
How well do the tyres roll and how good is the puncture protection? We used Schwalbe's test laboratory to clarify these questions. The fast Specialized Eliminator rear tyre and the Maxxis Highroller are separated by over 21 watts at a speed of 20 km/h, 50 kg load and 1.7 bar tyre pressure.
There are also significant differences in snakebite protection. While the lightweight Specialized Butcher deflates at a drop height of 310 millimetres, the thick Pirelli Scorpion can withstand a 70 percent higher impact before failing.
We test how sensitive the tyres are to foreign objects such as thorns or sharp stones with a triple puncture test. A round spike with a diameter of 1.5 millimetres and a five-millimetre blade are pierced through the tread. The test is also carried out on the side wall with the blade. There are differences of up to 70 per cent in the penetration.
The practical test in Oberammergau
We organised three identical Canyon Neuon:On AL 8 tyres so that we could ride them directly against each other. The test took place in the Oberammergau bike park in rainy weather and with an outside temperature of twelve degrees. We were able to perfectly compare the tyres with three test riders on small laps and sections.
Traction for uphill riding and braking, cornering grip and self-cleaning were assessed for each individual tyre. Riding stability and damping behaviour also play a part in the overall score. The practical impressions make up 50 per cent of the final score. A further 30 per cent is accounted for by puncture protection, while weight and rolling resistance together contribute 20 per cent to the final score.
Stefan Frey
Editor
