Maxxis High Roller 3 Review – The Ultimate All-Conditions Gravity Tyre?

The new Maxxis High Roller 3 is positioned right between Maxxis’ Assegai, their all-rounder, and the Shorty, their mud-shedding tyre. It’s designed as an intermediate tyre for downhill and enduro use. Relying on an open lug design with large shoulder knobs, Maxxis’ new gravity tyre promises plenty of grip and excellent clearance of sticky soil in wet conditions. At the same time, these sturdy shoulder knobs don’t buckle or squirm in fast berms, ensuring good all-round properties for those of us that don’t want to be changing tyres all the time. 

READ: Trail and Enduro Mountain Bike Tyre Test

Given the tyre’s versatility, this is perhaps why we have been seeing World Cup Downhill riders using this for large parts of the race season. There is speculation that the tyre won an Elite Downhill World Championships this year under a rider sponsored by another brand, au contraire!

In terms of compound, the Maxxis High Roller 3 is only offered in the soft MaxxGrip compound, making it especially suitable for the front wheel on enduro bikes (I ran it on both ends). There are three casings to choose from: EXO+, Doubledown (DD, as tested) and DH. Size-wise, Maxxis will be providing the High Roller 3 in 2.4” wide and both 27.5″ and 29″ versions. The Maxxis High Roller 3 tips the scales at 1,277 grams in the DD variant, while the stiffer and stronger DH model weighs 1,376 grams. 

When looking at the rolling resistance (based on feel, not lab testing), the difference between the Assegai and classic Minion DHF doesn’t differ too much on the loose over hardpack. Still, when discussing versatility, the High Roller 3 stands more with the Assegai than the Minion DHF.

On the trail, the new Maxxis High Roller 3 has become the tyre I would put on when I’m not sure what to put on; this is a big call from me as I am from the old school camp of ‘if you can’t use a Minion DHF it’s probably time for mud tyres, or going to the pub’. It generates consistent grip and excellent braking traction even in wet, unpredictable conditions, and the breakaway transition goes all the way to the edge, unlike the other Maxxis High Roller models that drop off suddenly. The mud-shedding properties exceed even the Assegai, meaning you may be able to get away without changing to full mud tyres should the conditions be that bad. I was impressed with the grip on Stromlo’s dry hardpack (aka: antigrip) and gravel berms.

The new Maxxis High Roller 3 is the tyre you put on when you don’t know what to put on. For those heading to Maydena this year for their Enduro Jam, the High Roller 3 would be an excellent choice, especially on the steep loam trails that can be full on after a bit of rain. Going to Cannonball; sure, pack Maxxis High Roller 3’s as you don’t know what the weather will hold, and if, like last year, it gets super dry, dusty and blown out, you have things covered. 

Maxxis don’t just add another tyre to the range to up the sales; they listened to their pro riders to get feedback, and with the release of the High Roller 3, we all get to benefit.

Maxxis High Roller 3 Pricing & Availability

RRP: $119–$134 AUD
Where to Buy: Lusty Industries | KWT Imports

Pros & Cons of the Maxxis High Roller 3

Pros

• Performs well in both wet and dry conditions
• Soft MaxxGrip compound provides exceptional traction

Cons

• Higher rolling resistance compared to some faster-rolling options