Cross Country:

If the conditions are dry, we highly recommend the Nano Raptor 2.1. You will not find a better tire for sandy conditions. Additionally, the Nano Raptor’s voluminous 52-millimeter casing (GMS: 52/47) absorbs trail chatter and braking bumps. If all out speed is your main objective, we recommend running a Vulpine 2.1 as a rear tire with Nano Raptor front. That’s a fast and efficient combination.

In wetter conditions we recommend the Wolverine 1.95 front and rear. This tire weighs less than 500 grams, rolls quickly and its narrow profile (GMS: 45/47) easily slices through the mud. The Wolverine’s sharp side knobs also boost traction in the soft soil. But make no mistake, the Wolverine 1.95 is a narrow tire. If you prefer something wider that still works well in the mud, we recommend the Moto Raptor 2.14 (GMS: 49/52).

Downhill:

In dry conditions, the Sea Otter DH track is mostly hardpacked sand with some loose corners. This track doesn’t feature too many rocks, so some riders prefer to use lighter-casing Race version tires instead of the more-durable DH casing. WTB’s top performer in this “light-duty DH” category is the Prowler MX 2.5 Race (GMS: 58/65). This tire rolls fast and tracks really well in sandy hardpack. The WeirWolf 2.5 Race (GMS: 55/62) is strong alternative with a slightly-slower rolling, yet deeper-piercing tread.

The Sea Otter course can get pretty sloppy in wet weather. And conditions can transform in a matter of minutes after the sky opens up. The best candidates for the Sea Otter slop are the Stout 2.3 Race (GMS:55/60) and the Timberwolf 2.5 Team DH GMS: 55/65). Both of these tires utilize deep, widely-spaced square lugs that pierce deep into the soft surface. The Timberwolf offers unprecedented traction, but rolls slower than the Stout.

When conditions can change so quickly and unexpectedly, you don’t always have time to swap tires. If you’re looking for a do-it-all DH race tire, the Dissent 2.3 (GMS: 54/60) is the ideal choice. This tire is available in both Race and DH casing, it’s large knobs remain stable while cornering on hardpack and the deep tread pierces equally well in soft sand and mud. The Dissent 2.3 does not perform quite as well as the Prowler MX on dry hardpack, and does not cut through the slop as well as the Stout or Timberwolf, but this is one tire you can count on for anything Mother Nature throws at you.