[Sparticus]

The Verdict is IN

I put a 2.5" Verdict on the front and did a few techy downhill runs where conditions ranged from wet, slippery roots & rocks to marbly gravel to loam - this tire works well. I still slid around on the wet, slimy roots & rocks but there wasn't a tire in our bunch that did any better (six of us).

I had a brand new Schwalbe 2.6" Magic Mary on the rear.

FWIW a loyal Maxxis customer remained loyal to his DHF/DHR combo.

As for comparing the Verdict to my previous front tire (WTB 2.6" light/tough Vigilante), I don't believe the Verdict is any larger than the 2.6" Vig on my i30 rims (sorry, didn't actually measure) and I'm not convinced that it gripped the terrain any better than the Vig. But maybe. Hard to tell because even though I did four runs down the same course with each tire on consecutive weekends, the first weekend was dry (Vig) and the second weekend followed rain, which changed conditions dramatically. I'd been pleased with the Vig's performance, too. I think they're both good front tires.

In short, I was happy that the Verdict never let go, never let me down. And I was indeed leaning on it, pushing it as far as I dared under slippery, high speed conditions to give it a real test. I believe it's a winner and I'm going to keep it right where it is for further testing.
=sParty

 

[almazing]

I put a 2.5" Verdict on the front and did a few techy downhill runs where conditions ranged from wet, slippery roots & rocks to marbly gravel to loam - this tire works well. I still slid around on the wet, slimy roots & rocks but there wasn't a tire in our bunch that did any better (six of us).

I had a brand new Schwalbe 2.6" Magic Mary on the rear.

FWIW a loyal Maxxis customer remained loyal to his DHF/DHR combo.

As for comparing the Verdict to my previous front tire (WTB 2.6" light/tough Vigilante), I don't believe the Verdict is any larger than the 2.6" Vig on my i30 rims (sorry, didn't actually measure) and I'm not convinced that it gripped the terrain any better than the Vig. But maybe. Hard to tell because even though I did four runs down the same course with each tire on consecutive weekends, the first weekend was dry (Vig) and the second weekend followed rain, which changed conditions dramatically. I'd been pleased with the Vig's performance, too. I think they're both good front tires.

In short, I was happy that the Verdict never let go, never let me down. And I was indeed leaning on it, pushing it as far as I dared under slippery, high speed conditions to give it a real test. I believe it's a winner and I'm going to keep it right where it is for further testing.
=sParty

I'm stoked people are out there trying new tires. I love my Verdict/Judge combo and I still stand by them being the highest grip and strongest braking tire combination I've ever used.

 

[AKRCD47]

The past few weeks I have been testing the Verdict 2.5 and Vigilante 2.5 against each other. They are both Light/High Grip and after I rode the Judge for one day I decided that i'm never taking it off. Paired with the Judge both of these tires work awesome for a Front and Rear WTB setup.

I think that the Verdict definitely has a bit more grip but the Vigilante is more predictable and actually gives me a bit more confidence. The Vigilante side knobs definitely don't hold up as well on hard cornering but it always breaks away so predictably that I feel in total control. The Verdict maintains its form better but on some of the less smooth trails I found I would get stuck in the transition zones on awkward sections. I was more of a fan of Magic Mary style tires over DHF style so this makes sense. I would think about that before choosing your front tire.

The Vigilante/Judge combo has been the best most confidence inspiring tire combo I have tried. I have tried the Maxxis combos (Assegai, DHF, Aggressor, DHR2), Michelin Wild Enduro's, as well as Magic Mary/Hansy D, I think that these WTB tires despite their weight/strength climb easier and go downhill better than any of these other tires. My preference has been the Vigilante but the Verdict was still an awesome front tire, just not quite my style.

 

[almazing]

The past few weeks I have been testing the Verdict 2.5 and Vigilante 2.5 against each other. They are both Light/High Grip and after I rode the Judge for one day I decided that i'm never taking it off. Paired with the Judge both of these tires work awesome for a Front and Rear WTB setup.

I think that the Verdict definitely has a bit more grip but the Vigilante is more predictable and actually gives me a bit more confidence. The Vigilante side knobs definitely don't hold up as well on hard cornering but it always breaks away so predictably that I feel in total control. The Verdict maintains its form better but on some of the less smooth trails I found I would get stuck in the transition zones on awkward sections. I was more of a fan of Magic Mary style tires over DHF style so this makes sense. I would think about that before choosing your front tire.

The Vigilante/Judge combo has been the best most confidence inspiring tire combo I have tried. I have tried the Maxxis combos (Assegai, DHF, Aggressor, DHR2), Michelin Wild Enduro's, as well as Magic Mary/Hansy D, I think that these WTB tires despite their weight/strength climb easier and go downhill better than any of these other tires. My preference has been the Vigilante but the Verdict was still an awesome front tire, just not quite my style.

As great and amazing the Vigilantes and Verdicts are, I feel that the Judge is the best tire WTB makes. I sure hope they make them in a light/high grip casing so I can run it front and rear during the dry, dusty months.

 

[AKRCD47]

As great and amazing the Vigilantes and Verdicts are, I feel that the Judge is the best tire WTB makes. I sure hope they make them in a light/high grip casing so I can run it front and rear during the dry, dusty months.

Its funny, now that I switched to the Vigilante again I kind of miss the Verdict, both amazing! I thought the Judge was going to be just a winter tire and I would try a trailboss again for pedaling more in the summer. Honestly the Judge pedals so well, I have no clue how it can do so while having so much grip and predictability. My confidence on steeper stuff has skyrocketing with the Judge at the back.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[a.boy.named.kelly]

First post here! Currently Eying WTBs hard. Im on LG1 tires from e13 they're the apex so not the super square ones. 29er with inserts they come up to 1400g in a hurry. Ive been on this combo for over a year now and I think Im use to the weight of things by now.

Im torn between the Vigilante or the Verdict for the front and I think Ill be going for the 2.5-2.6" front and the judge in the rear. It seems that everyone for the most part is on the Judge fanboy page which is good. Im wondering if anyone on here has ridden the V tires in the PNW? I feel like we have all the conditions up here and it would be nice to have one tire set to ride everywhere. Duthie, Tiger, Raging, Tokul all of it and to not have to swap out all the time. Im also one of those big dudes who you wouldnt expect to see on the trail at 250+ and +6' so I think the double sidewall tires are going to be my choice...

 

[ocnLogan]

Welcome!

I'm up in the PNW, and have ridden most of the places you mention (haven't been to tokul or tiger yet). I usually ride a bit more on the more northern side, but I frequent Duthie, and have enjoyed the front side of raging river (Poppin tops/flow state). I'm not quite as large as you, but still a bit larger than average (~200lbs 6'1").

I only have the Vigilante, so I can't comment on the Verdict.

I prefer my Vigilante to the DHF that I had before. Full stop.

It seems to grip harder, be better supported, and give me more confidence than the DHF. I don't swap tires depending on the trail system I am on, so I've used the Vigilante everywhere, and now in multiple seasons.

On the loamier/muddier trails the DHF felt more vague than the Vigilante due to the lack of transition knobs. That could be partially on me (solidly intermediate rider here, my lean angle game isn't exactly pro level). The DHF was sketchier on rocks, roots, and wet wood

The other difference could also partially be just the difference in width/compound (the DHF I had was a 2.3 in the harder dual compound, the Vigilante I have is a 2.6in light/high grip).

The light casing is for sure heavier duty than the EXO casing on the DHF as well, if that is useful information for you.

So, not much of a review, but its all I've got.

 

[AKRCD47]

First post here! Currently Eying WTBs hard. Im on LG1 tires from e13 they're the apex so not the super square ones. 29er with inserts they come up to 1400g in a hurry. Ive been on this combo for over a year now and I think Im use to the weight of things by now.

Im torn between the Vigilante or the Verdict for the front and I think Ill be going for the 2.5-2.6" front and the judge in the rear. It seems that everyone for the most part is on the Judge fanboy page which is good. Im wondering if anyone on here has ridden the V tires in the PNW? I feel like we have all the conditions up here and it would be nice to have one tire set to ride everywhere. Duthie, Tiger, Raging, Tokul all of it and to not have to swap out all the time. Im also one of those big dudes who you wouldnt expect to see on the trail at 250+ and +6' so I think the double sidewall tires are going to be my choice...

The Vigilante is incredible on hardpack, but for off camber sketchy steep terrian the Verdict takes it. I switched back to the Verdict full time because no matter how sloppy or sketchy the terrain it will grip. I figured that I didnt need help on hardpack flow trails as much as I did on the sketchier stuff. I went back and forth, and the Vigilante gave me way more confidence cornering because it was predictable. Once I got better at cornering the Verdict is amazing on the tough terrain, and is still pretty good on harder pack.

 

[Sparticus]

I'm in the PNW, 6'2" ride year 'round. I got a Vigilante last spring, put it on the front of my Guerrilla Gravity Smash (140mm 29er). Found out right away that a little too much pressure can make the tire feel skittish and slippery, at least on the front Thought I might have made a mistake buying that 29x2.6 Vigilante light/tough. But then I dropped the pressure a pound or two and was amazed at the difference. Suddenly the tire gripped like mad. I pushed it and leaned on it everywhere all summer and into fall. Fell in love with the Vigilante, at least the 29x2.6 lighter version.

At the end of the season I bought a Verdict to replace the Vigilante and I moved the latter to the front of my singlespeed for the winter (steel Kona Honzo). I'm finding that the Vigilante is a darn good tire for classic PNW winter conditions, too. I just had the Vigilante in snow (for the first time) and mud (again) today - as usual it didn't disappoint.

Only ridden the Verdict a few times so far but I'm impressed with that tire, too. I ride my singlespeed a lot more than my FS bike in the winter, so I haven't ridden the Verdict enough to offer long term feedback.
=sParty

 

[AKRCD47]

I am very conflicted. These tires have been my favorite, but last week I punctured my Tough Casing Judge and it sealed and has been fine. However I punctured my Light Verdict a few days later and it will need a plug. I dont want to deal with flats so am considering a tough casing up front or going back to Maxxis DD front and rear. Has anyone else on here had more than usual punctures on their WTB tires?

 

[ocnLogan]

I have a WTB Vigilante light/high grip in the front of my bike, and haven't had a flat with it yet... but I also didn't ever flat my old EXO DHF in the front either (the back did though).

How did you flat the front? And you punctured the rear tough casing? From what I hear thats actually pretty uncommon. How did that happen?

Are you running really low pressures, or are you a really heavy/fast rider?

But if you're not wanting to have to deal with punctures, I'd go with a tough casing F/R, possibly with cushcore or similar.

 

[twodownzero]

I think I'm going to give up on WTB tires. They were a good value for the money, but they are just so worn out after 6 months of riding. Maybe I expected too much, but my friends on Maxxis and Specialized tires are still rocking the same tires they had when this test period started, whereas my rear Trail Boss is nearly bald and the Vigilante looks like it wants to lose its side knobs (but none have yet exited despite my efforts). I haven't been riding my enduro blaster a lot this winter because sometimes I ride a hardtail or fat bike, but it looks like unless I really want to go through something like 3 sets a year, that awesomeness the Vigilante had when it was new where it would just bite into everything is not there for long. It's surprising because, for example, the Maxxis Minion DHF is actually a softer tire based on the published durometer ratings. I still insist on a tire with intermediate knobs so I will be trying an Assegai or maybe a Specialized tire (Butcher?). There's a lot of factors to consider and I might be sad to see them go, even worn they grip pretty well, just nothing like when they were new. The desert is rough on tires.

 

[ocnLogan]

I think I'm going to give up on WTB tires. They were a good value for the money, but they are just so worn out after 6 months of riding. Maybe I expected too much, but my friends on Maxxis and Specialized tires are still rocking the same tires they had when this test period started, whereas my rear Trail Boss is nearly bald and the Vigilante looks like it wants to lose its side knobs (but none have yet exited despite my efforts). I haven't been riding my enduro blaster a lot this winter because sometimes I ride a hardtail or fat bike, but it looks like unless I really want to go through something like 3 sets a year, that awesomeness the Vigilante had when it was new where it would just bite into everything is not there for long. It's surprising because, for example, the Maxxis Minion DHF is actually a softer tire based on the published durometer ratings. I still insist on a tire with intermediate knobs so I will be trying an Assegai or maybe a Specialized tire (Butcher?). There's a lot of factors to consider and I might be sad to see them go, even worn they grip pretty well, just nothing like when they were new. The desert is rough on tires.

Which compound/casing is your Vigilante, and how many miles are you getting out of them?

And which tires are your buddies running, and do they do similar mileage to you? I know some people seem to get lots of use out of their tires, while others running softer rubber seem to think that 3 months of riding is pretty good tread life.

My front Vigilante is a light/high grip (2.6x29) variant, and so far it hasn't had tons of mileage on it (~50ish miles so far), and it still looks quite new. Curious what kind of life to expect out of it.

I had some dual compound (the hardest rubber) DHF's on my bike before, and I swapped them out before they were worn out, with about 200 miles on them. They didn't look new anymore, but they had plenty of life left in them. I'm pretty sure it was just that the rubber was super hard, as my buddies Maxxterra (middle softness) tires didn't seem to last near as well. Thats why I'm a bit curious what your friends are using, and if they're getting longer life.

I just put a Michelin Wild Enduro Rear on my bike to complement the Vigilante front. I nearly went with the Judge, but I scored a pretty good deal on the Michelin (paid $35). I also hear they wear pretty quick, so I'll be curious to see which one wears out first (Vigilante, or the Wild Enduro rear).

 

[ungod]

Good write-up. Historically I've been a big fan of WTB tires but I've been really unhappy with their current line up. Sorry to gripe. I just wish someone at WTB would get it into their head that there is not much of a market for slow rolling 1100g+ tires.

 

[twodownzero]

Which compound/casing is your Vigilante, and how many miles are you getting out of them?

And which tires are your buddies running, and do they do similar mileage to you? I know some people seem to get lots of use out of their tires, while others running softer rubber seem to think that 3 months of riding is pretty good tread life.

My front Vigilante is a light/high grip (2.6x29) variant, and so far it hasn't had tons of mileage on it (~50ish miles so far), and it still looks quite new. Curious what kind of life to expect out of it.

I had some dual compound (the hardest rubber) DHF's on my bike before, and I swapped them out before they were worn out, with about 200 miles on them. They didn't look new anymore, but they had plenty of life left in them. I'm pretty sure it was just that the rubber was super hard, as my buddies Maxxterra (middle softness) tires didn't seem to last near as well. Thats why I'm a bit curious what your friends are using, and if they're getting longer life.

I just put a Michelin Wild Enduro Rear on my bike to complement the Vigilante front. I nearly went with the Judge, but I scored a pretty good deal on the Michelin (paid $35). I also hear they wear pretty quick, so I'll be curious to see which one wears out first (Vigilante, or the Wild Enduro rear).

I think there's about 400 miles on my tires. I'm putting off ordering another set because I'm undecided on what to try next, but I have some out of town trips coming up so I'm going to be swapping them soon enough. I am running the light/high grip front and light/fast rolling rear compound.

My friends ride with me a lot, some of them more than me and some less than I ride. Their tires look new. Mine are trashed.

I'd expect your Vigilante is ripped to shreds faster than any tire you've ever used. Rears generally wear faster but the side knobs on my Vigilante are so rough looking that although the rear is more "worn," both really need to be replaced.

 

[ocnLogan]

I think there's about 400 miles on my tires. I'm putting off ordering another set because I'm undecided on what to try next, but I have some out of town trips coming up so I'm going to be swapping them soon enough. I am running the light/high grip front and light/fast rolling rear compound.

My friends ride with me a lot, some of them more than me and some less than I ride. Their tires look new. Mine are trashed.

I'd expect your Vigilante is ripped to shreds faster than any tire you've ever used. Rears generally wear faster but the side knobs on my Vigilante are so rough looking that although the rear is more "worn," both really need to be replaced.

Thanks for the heads up.

Guess I'll see how they wear for me over the upcoming season.

That said, I don't get to ride near as much as I would like (work, 2 young kids, etc). 400 miles is about what I rode all of last year, and if the tire last me a full year, I'd not be too annoyed by it. If I rode a lot more though, I could see that being annoying/disappointing.

Currently I still like my Vigilante, but I'm not really committed to any one tire manufacturer. So if it ends up being sub-par, I'll probably try something new.

My buddy just put on a MaxxTerra EXO+ 2.5 Assegai (0 miles on it so far), so we can compare wear over the summer, as mine aren't too worn yet. Thats another one on my list to try next.

I really wish Michelin made the Wild Enduro front in at least a 2.5in width, or I think I'd try that next (or, maybe I still will, hard to tell). I'm a sucker for any tire with big shoulder lugs and transition knobs.

 

[ungod]

Thanks for the heads up.

Guess I'll see how they wear for me over the upcoming season.

That said, I don't get to ride near as much as I would like (work, 2 young kids, etc). 400 miles is about what I rode all of last year, and if the tire last me a full year, I'd not be too annoyed by it. If I rode a lot more though, I could see that being annoying/disappointing.

Currently I still like my Vigilante, but I'm not really committed to any one tire manufacturer. So if it ends up being sub-par, I'll probably try something new.

My buddy just put on a MaxxTerra EXO+ 2.5 Assegai (0 miles on it so far), so we can compare wear over the summer, as mine aren't too worn yet. Thats another one on my list to try next.

I really wish Michelin made the Wild Enduro front in at least a 2.5in width, or I think I'd try that next (or, maybe I still will, hard to tell). I'm a sucker for any tire with big shoulder lugs and transition knobs.

HellKat is supposed to be the front tire to run these days, and it's big. I just put a specialized eliminator on and it's excellent, although I prioritize rolling speed over ultimate grip.

 

[almazing]

https://nsmb.com/articles/wtb-verdict-29-x-25-front-tire-reviewed-w-judge-rear/

 

[dwyooaj]

ive used both the Verdict (dry, light version) and the Vigilante on the front, extensively.
IME, the Verdict is a soft/loose conditions tire only, when you care only about grip and not rolling speed. For that there's nothing better. However, its not great on hardpack or smooth clean rock. The side knobs are just too flexible and squirm on off-camber smooth rock-can actually be kinda sketchy your line can shift unexpectedly . the Vigilante is a better in those conditions the side knobs dont seem as flexy, it works well in both dry hard conditions and soft/loose/damp, but the Verdict is better in pure loose. I just throw the verdict on if conditions warrant it. One con of both tires is the bead is so freakin tight I have to use a clamp to remove the tire in the garage, so removing the tire to put in a tube on the trail sounds like a giant PITA.
The weight doesnt botehr me.

 

[almazing]

I installed CushCore on my Verdict and Judge combo and finally got to ride it recently. It's amazing how ridiculous the grip is with CushCore especially when you run lower pressures. I settled on 16F/18R and I've never been more confident in corners. Zero tire roll. I haven't lost any feedback and it's still quick to turn. If anything, I feel that it's more precise now. And I can definitely feel the mechanical grip. Braking has increased considerably. I run the new generation 4 piston XTs and they're no slouch. Add CC and low pressures and you're going to slow down or stop exactly where you want without skidding. It has also helped a ton in more techy climbs since I have a lot more grip to get up. Going through rock gardens, I don't get bounced around as much as I'm used to. And it's overall a more comfortable ride.

Now for the elephant in the room. Yes it added 1lb of extra weight to the bike. It's up to you to determine if that weight is worth it. If you want the maximum amount of grip, then you should consider CC. If you're worried about weight, move right along. I'm used to heavy bikes and slow rolling tires now(thanks to riding WTBs) so the extra weight isn't super noticeable just chugging along. Until I'm climbing steep inclines. That's where the weight rears its ugly head. Rolling speed, strangely enough, doesn't feel negatively affected.

Installing CC on these tires is a nightmare. I took my wheels to my LBS to have them install it. My friend who owns said LBS told me that CC also increased the life of his tires. He's been running the same Bontrager SE5s, on an e-MTB, no less, for 1000 miles and the tires look to have just moderate wear. He rides harder than anyone I know and my local trails aren't exactly tire friendly.

Oh, and to make up for the increased weight, there's no need to carry tubes anymore. There is no way in hell anyone is removing a CC from a wheel trail side. But you can ride a flat tire with CC and limp back to the trail head. Like I said, it's not for everyone. But for those that put maximum grip above everything else, there's nothing better.