Finding the perfect all-terrain tire that offers both durability for off-road adventures and comfort for everyday driving can be a daunting task. Enter the Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S: a tire that promises to deliver on both fronts. But does it truly rise to the occasion?
In the quest for an all-terrain tire that balances the rugged demands of off-road exploration with the smoothness of highway driving, the Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S emerges as a commendable choice. While it may not top every chart, it reliably performs across a broad spectrum of conditions, making it a solid, if not exceptional, option for the versatile driver.
In this article, we’ll delve into the performance of the Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S across various terrains, its handling in wet and dry conditions, winter capabilities, comfort levels, and durability. We’ll also explore potential drawbacks and see how it compares with other tires in its class, offering a comprehensive overview to assist in your tire selection process.
Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
7.7 of 10
Wet Weather
7.6 of 10
Winter Weather
7.2 of 10
All Terrain
7.4 of 10
Tread Wear
7.9 of 10
Dry Weather
8.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.0 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 400
UTQG Traction Rating: B
UTQG Temperature Rating: B
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 40,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Dirt Grip: 7.9 of 10
Mud Grip: 6.8 of 10
Sand Grip: 7.4 of 10
Rock Grip: 7.5 of 10
Hydroplaning: 7.7 of 10
Wet Grip: 7.5 of 10
Cornering: 8.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 8.7 of 10
Responsiveness: 8.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 7.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 6.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.2 of 10
Road Noise: 7.8 of 10
Description & Review
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S emerges as a versatile all-terrain tire designed to cater to the needs of drivers looking for a tire that bridges the gap between rugged off-road adventures and smooth on-road performance. Tailored for SUVs, light trucks, and crossovers, the Dueler A/T RH-S is part of Bridgestone’s commitment to providing durable, reliable tires that do not compromise on comfort or performance.
With its all-terrain tread pattern and specialized compound, the Dueler A/T RH-S is engineered for enhanced traction and durability across a variety of surfaces. On dirt and rocky terrains, it delivers commendable grip and stability, attributed to its optimized tread design that enhances off-road traction while minimizing the risk of punctures. Though its performance in mud is moderate, indicating room for improvement, the tire maintains a balanced approach to off-road driving, ensuring reliability in light to moderate conditions.
In terms of wet performance, the Dueler A/T RH-S showcases impressive hydroplaning resistance and consistent wet traction, thanks to its advanced tread pattern that efficiently channels water away from the tire’s footprint. This feature enhances safety and control in rainy conditions, making the tire a dependable option during inclement weather. On dry roads, the tire excels with excellent dry traction, precise cornering capabilities, and responsive steering, providing an engaging and safe driving experience.
Winter conditions pose a unique challenge for all-terrain tires, and the Dueler A/T RH-S offers adequate performance in light snow, providing drivers with the confidence to face seasonal challenges. However, its capabilities in deep snow and on ice are modest, suggesting the potential need for winter-specific tires in harsher climates to ensure optimal safety and performance.
Ride comfort and noise reduction are highlighted strengths of the Dueler A/T RH-S, with Bridgestone incorporating technology to ensure a smooth and quiet ride. The tire’s construction not only absorbs road imperfections but also reduces cabin noise, contributing to a more pleasant journey, whether on long highway stretches or rugged off-road trails.
OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S is capable across various off-road conditions:
- Versatile Traction: Solid performance on dirt and rocks, with moderate capabilities in mud, suitable for light to moderate off-road adventures.
- Durability in the Elements: Designed to withstand the challenges of off-road driving with a focus on reducing the risk of punctures.
WET AND DRY PERFORMANCE
Reliable in both wet and dry conditions:
- Wet Surface Proficiency: Exceptional hydroplaning resistance and wet traction ensure safety and control during rainy drives.
- Dry Road Performance: Excels with excellent traction, cornering stability, and responsive steering for an engaging on-road experience.
WINTER CAPABILITY
Moderate winter performance:
- Snow Performance: Adequate for light snow conditions but may struggle in deep snow and ice, highlighting the need for cautious driving or additional winter tires in severe conditions.
COMFORT AND NOISE
A focus on comfortable driving experience:
- Ride Quality: Achieves high levels of comfort, effectively absorbing road imperfections for a smooth ride.
- Noise Reduction: Maintains a quiet ride, minimizing road noise for a more enjoyable driving environment.
PROS
- Balanced performance for on-road comfort and off-road capability.
- Excellent wet and dry traction with responsive handling.
- Superior ride comfort and noise reduction.
- Solid treadwear performance, indicating durability and value.
CONS
- Performance in deep mud and challenging rock conditions could be improved.
- Limited winter performance in heavy snow and ice conditions.
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S stands as a compelling option for drivers seeking an all-terrain tire that offers a harmonious blend of off-road readiness and on-road sophistication. While it exhibits notable strengths across a variety of conditions, its limitations in challenging off-road and winter scenarios should be considered. Overall, for those prioritizing a tire capable of supporting diverse driving needs while ensuring a comfortable and quiet ride, the Dueler A/T RH-S is a noteworthy contender in the all-terrain category.
Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S Problems
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S, celebrated for its blend of on-road comfort and all-terrain capability, does encounter certain challenges that might impact its suitability for some drivers. An analysis of consumer feedback, expert reviews, and technical data reveals areas where the Dueler A/T RH-S may fall short of expectations:
LIMITED MUD AND EXTREME TERRAIN PERFORMANCE
Designed to cater to a broad range of driving conditions, the Dueler A/T RH-S performs commendably on light to moderate off-road terrains. However, its capabilities in deep mud and extremely challenging terrains like heavy rock crawling may not meet the demands of hardcore off-road enthusiasts. Its moderate traction in mud and on very rough surfaces indicates that drivers seeking to tackle the most demanding off-road conditions might require a tire with a more aggressive tread pattern and specialized compound.
WINTER TRACTION SHORTCOMINGS
While the Dueler A/T RH-S offers adequate performance in light snow conditions, its effectiveness in deep snow and ice is modest. Drivers in regions prone to heavy snowfall and icy conditions may find the tire’s performance insufficient for optimal winter driving safety. Its limited ice traction, in particular, suggests the need for additional caution or the consideration of dedicated winter tires during the colder months to ensure reliable performance.
TREAD WEAR VARIABILITY
The durability and tread life of the Dueler A/T RH-S are generally noted as strengths, but some drivers have reported variability in tread wear rates. Factors such as driving style, vehicle alignment, and frequency of off-road use can affect the tire’s longevity, potentially leading to uneven wear or a shorter lifespan than some might expect. This variability could impact the tire’s overall cost-effectiveness and value proposition for certain drivers.
ROAD NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
Despite its focus on reducing road noise, the Dueler A/T RH-S may exhibit higher noise levels at highway speeds compared to other all-terrain tires or more road-focused options. While engineered to offer a quiet ride, the compromise between off-road capability and on-road comfort can result in a ride that’s slightly noisier than some drivers might prefer, especially during extended highway travel.
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S is a solid choice for drivers seeking a tire that provides reliable performance across a variety of driving conditions, from city streets to unpaved trails. Its strengths in wet and dry traction, comfort, and handling make it a versatile and appealing option.
However, understanding its limitations in challenging off-road conditions, winter scenarios, potential tread wear variability, and noise levels at highway speeds is crucial for making an informed purchase decision. Despite these considerations, for many drivers, the Dueler A/T RH-S’s overall performance and comfort may still make it an attractive choice, especially for those looking for a balanced all-terrain tire.
Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S Alternatives
While the Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S offers a commendable blend of on-road comfort and all-terrain capability, certain drivers might seek alternatives that better align with their specific driving needs and conditions. Here are three notable alternatives to the Dueler A/T RH-S, each providing unique benefits to cater to different preferences:
Falken WildPeak A/T Trail
- Overall Rating: A versatile all-terrain tire designed specifically for crossovers and SUVs, blending robust off-road capacity with efficient on-road characteristics.
- Performance Highlights:
- Off-Road: Provides reliable performance in off-road conditions with a balanced approach to tackling dirt, sand, and mud.
- Wet Weather: Features excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, ensuring safety and confidence during rainy drives.
- Winter Performance: Equipped to handle light and deep snow, making it a strong choice for drivers in areas with varied winter conditions.
- Comfort and Durability: Engineered for a comfortable ride with minimal noise, alongside a durable construction aimed at long-lasting performance.
VREDESTEIN PINZA AT
- Overall Rating: Comparable to the WildPeak A/T Trail, with a slight edge in comfort and winter performance.
- Performance Highlights:
- Off-Road: Solid performance across various terrains with comparable dirt and sand traction.
- Wet Weather: Matches the WildPeak A/T Trail in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Winter Performance: Slightly better performance in deep snow and ice traction, making it a strong choice for drivers in colder climates.
- Ride Comfort and Tread Wear: Offers superior ride comfort and noise levels, making it ideal for drivers who prioritize a quiet and smooth ride.
CONTINENTAL TERRAINCONTACT A/T
- Overall Rating: A more road-focused all-terrain tire with excellent wet and dry performance.
- Performance Highlights:
- Off-Road: Though slightly behind the WildPeak A/T Trail in off-road performance, it offers competent handling in light off-road conditions.
- Wet Weather: Strong performance in wet conditions, with excellent hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
- Dry Weather: Outstanding cornering, dry traction, and steering response, making it a great choice for primarily on-road drivers.
- Winter Performance: While its winter performance doesn’t match the WildPeak A/T Trail, it still offers decent capabilities in light snow.
- Comfort and Tread Wear: High marks for ride comfort and noise, alongside a solid treadwear rating, appealing to those who value a pleasant driving experience.
When considering an alternative to the Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S, drivers should evaluate factors such as off-road performance needs, on-road comfort preferences, durability, and specific weather capabilities. Each of these alternatives offers a set of features designed to meet the varied needs of drivers, ensuring there’s a suitable option available to match every preference and driving scenario.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S proves itself as a solid contender in the all-terrain tire category, striking a balance between the ruggedness needed for off-road excursions and the comfort desired on paved roads. While it showcases commendable performance in various settings, its moderate limitations in extreme off-road and icy conditions should be considered.
Ultimately, for drivers prioritizing a versatile tire that performs well in a majority of driving conditions, the Dueler A/T RH-S offers a compelling blend of features. Balancing its strengths against any limitations will be key in determining if it’s the optimal choice for your vehicle and driving needs.
Good luck and happy motoring.
