And whether taller or shorter, there are several different over-the-counter cup or scoop profile designs for paddles ranging from mild to full performance. Different manufacturers offer different terminology to describe their paddle cut styles and designs. For example, Skat-Trak offers four over-the-counter paddle styles that range from 11/4 inches tall to 21/4 inches tall. And of those, there are varying degrees of profile and thickness to offer more or less flexibility, bite, and wheel speed. Thinner paddles will offer more slip, which is beneficial for lower-horsepower vehicles. Thicker paddles will give more bite, which is good for heavier vehicles or rigs with big power. What's more, you can alternate thick and thin paddles on the same tire. And of those paddle designs, the company offers the option of offsetting the paddles on the carcass if the width allows to increase flotation with little to no drawback in bite.
Bottom Line
While we admit it's a fool's errand trying to spec out one paddle tire design that works equally well for every Jeep out there, we'll lay out the specs of Sand Tires Unlimited's 1650 Padla Trak tire, which in the sand community has a good reputation for performance on moderately built Jeeps and buggies. The company recommends its thin paddles for low-horsepower rigs and the thick paddles for rigs with up to 450 hp.
-Four-ply nylon cord construction
-33-inch height when mounted on an 18-inch-wide wheel at 5 psi
-Thirty-six 11/2-inch-high paddles spaced at 3 inches apart
-Equal number of thick and thin paddles alternately spaced
-Tire crowns for better compression
Pros
-Crazy sand traction
-Throws roosts like a jet boat
-Aggressive looks
Cons
-Single-purpose design
-Not for street or firm terrain
-Poor paddle and sidewall durability in debris-laden sand