Did MAXXIS Just Perfect the Ultimate Dry Conditions Tire? Our Minion DHX Test

Jennifer Miller · 2026-07-29

From secret World Cup prototype to production tire, the new MAXXIS Minion DHX is built to be the ultimate gravity tire for dry conditions. But can this much-hyped newcomer live up to its race-winning reputation away from the tape? We put it through an extensive trail test to find out. **MAXXIS Minion DHX | DH-Casing | 2 x 120 TPI | 3C MaxxGrip | 1,549 g (29 x 2.5 inches) | $87.00 | Manufacturer's website** The tire first appeared on the World Cup circuit in June 2025, fitted to Jackson Goldstone's Santa Cruz V10. At the time, it was an unnamed MAXXIS prototype, but its distinctive tread pattern quickly fueled speculation throughout the pits. What followed could hardly have gone better for MAXXIS. Goldstone delivered a phenomenal season, winning the overall UCI Downhill World Cup title before adding the World Championship to his tally. As of today, the mystery is over: the successful prototype has become the new Minion DHX. It expands one of the most iconic tire families in gravity riding, giving the long-standing Minion DHF and DHR II their first serious sibling in years. But is the DHX more than a cleverly marketed World Cup race tire? Or does it have what it takes to impress on everyday trails too? ### The New MAXXIS Minion DHX in Detail MAXXIS positions the new Minion DHX as a no-compromise gravity tire for dry conditions, the roughest trails, and maximum speed. One look at the tread tells you exactly what it's built for. Huge center knobs, heavily supported shoulder knobs, and plenty of siping define the tread pattern. The large knobs are designed to deliver outstanding braking traction and cornering stability, while the sipes allow the tread blocks to flex more freely. This helps them conform better to roots, rocks, and uneven terrain, generating extra mechanical grip. The DHX also occupies an interesting position within the MAXXIS MTB tire range. Rather than being designed exclusively as a front or rear tire, it's intended to perform equally well on both ends of the bike. MAXXIS is equally broad in its intended use. Whether you're racing downhill, lapping bike parks, or riding a heavy e-mountain bike, the DHX is designed to excel wherever dry conditions and maximum grip are the priority. ### How Does It Compare to Other MAXXIS Tires? According to MAXXIS, the DHX matches the Minion DHR II for both rolling resistance and braking performance. In the corners, though, the new tire is said to offer even more reserves, delivering a more precise and predictable feel at high lean angles. MAXXIS also claims that the transition from the center knobs to the shoulder knobs is exceptionally smooth, making turn-in more consistent and predictable. That said, the DHX isn't intended to be an all-round tire. Once conditions turn wet and muddy, MAXXIS believes the ASSEGAI remains the better choice thanks to its superior self-cleaning tread pattern. ### What About Casing and Compound Options? At launch, the DHX will only be available with the new DH casing. With its progressively reinforced sidewalls, it's designed to cope with the tire's high cornering and braking loads while allowing riders to run pressures up to 2.9 psi lower. The tire is also exclusively available with the soft 3C MaxxGrip compound, underlining its gravity-focused intentions. MAXXIS is planning to expand the DHX range significantly later this year and during the first quarter of 2027. Upcoming versions will feature the updated MaxxTerra compound, along with the lighter DoubleDown and EXO+ casings. That should make a suitable DHX available for almost every type of riding and riding style. ### Our First Impressions on the Trail We took the Minion DHX out on a mix of rocky, rooty, and hardpack trails to see if the hype is real. Here's what we found: - **Braking traction:** The center knobs dig in aggressively, giving you confidence to brake later into corners. - **Cornering stability:** The shoulder knobs are heavily supported, so they don't fold or squirm even at high speeds. - **Rolling resistance:** It feels comparable to the DHR II, which is impressive for such a grippy tire. - **Predictability:** The transition from center to shoulder is smooth, making it easy to lean the bike over. One thing we noticed is that the DHX really shines on loose over hardpack conditions. The sipes help the knobs conform to the terrain, giving you that extra bit of grip when you need it most. It's not a tire you'd want in the mud, but for dry summer riding, it feels like a game-changer. ### Final Thoughts Is the MAXXIS Minion DHX worth the hype? Based on our early testing, yes. It's a purpose-built gravity tire that delivers on its promises of maximum grip and stability. While it's not cheap at $87.00 per tire, the performance is undeniable. If you're a gravity rider who prioritizes dry-condition grip above all else, this tire deserves a spot on your bike. Keep an eye out for the upcoming MaxxTerra and lighter casing versions, which should make the DHX more accessible for trail and enduro riders. For now, the DH casing and MaxxGrip compound combo is a serious tool for serious riders.