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Maxxis has developed the Recon a modern classic in the programme, while the Dissector II (newly introduced for the 2025/2026 season) is the evolution of one of the most popular rear tyres for the gravity sector. Both tyres focus on efficiency, but differ significantly in their aggressiveness.
Maxxis Dissector II
The Dissector II was developed in collaboration with downhill star Troy Brosnan. It is designed to combine the rolling resistance of a trail tyre with the lateral support of a downhill tyre. Version II has slightly optimised transition lugs to minimise the notorious "vagabonding" when leaning.
- Field of application: Aggressive trail, enduro and downhill (dry to dusty).
- Alignment: Extremely fast tyre with massive side lugs. It is often used as a rear tyre, but also works excellently as a front tyre on hard surfaces.
- Carcasses:
- EXO (lightweight construction)
- EXO+ (all-rounder)
- DoubleDown (DD - Enduro)
- Downhill (DH).
- Mixtures:
- Dual: Focus on longevity.
- 3C MaxxTerra: The golden mean for grip and rolling resistance
- 3C MaxxGrip: Maximum grip (usually in DD or DH casing).
Maxxis Rekon
The Recon is the epitome of a modern trail tyre. It offers significantly more meat and grip than a pure cross-country tyre (such as the Rekon Race), but remains light-footed enough for long tours and many metres in altitude. It is a technical climber.
- Field of application: Cross-country (XC), down-country and easy trail riding.
- Alignment: An efficient all-rounder. It shines on firm surfaces and forest floors. In technical, very loose terrain, it tends to reach its limits more than the Dissector due to the flatter centre lugs.
- Carcasses:
- Mainly EXO (weight priority)
- Isolated EXO+ for more puncture protection for e-bikes or heavier riders.
- Mixtures:
- Dual: Standard for touring riders (high mileage)
- 3C MaxxTerra: Offers noticeably more traction on wet roots or stones, but rolls a little more slowly.
Maxxis Dissector II/Rekon - Facts & Prices
| Maxxis Dissector II | Maxxis Rekon | |
| Price | 74,90 Euro >> available here | 79,90 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | MaxxTerra / 60 | MaxxTerra / 60 |
| Carcass / size | Exo / 29 x 2.4 | Exo+ / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 951 g / 29.7 watts | 885 g / 24.5 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 58 / 55.9 mm | 57.3 / 55.5 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 310 mm / 127; 631; 286 N | 280 mm / 123; 566; 336 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,91 | 2,91 |
Conclusion: Maxxis Dissector II/Rekon
With the new Dissector II and the Recon Maxxis sends the lightest trail tyre combination with only 1836 grams into this comparison. Both tyres rely on the MaxxTerra medium rubber compound, but differ in their carcass construction. Exo at the front and the slightly more stable Exo+ carcass on the rear wheel. This means that the Dissector II is the fastest rolling tyre by a minimal margin, while puncture protection is in the middle of the field. Compared to the competition, the Dissector II is quite narrow, offers predictable handling at all times, but doesn't quite reach the grip level of Conti and Schwalbe. In steep, slippery sections, both the front and rear tyres reach their limits sooner. Due to the low lug height on the rear wheel, the narrow tread quickly becomes clogged in wet conditions and offers moderate wet grip. In comparison, the carcass feels somewhat stiffer and therefore less comfortable, as our load test also shows.
Stefan Frey
Editor
