MAXXIS Minion DHX Tested: Can It Beat the Legendary DHF?

James Moore · 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. ### The Specs at a Glance Before we dive into the ride, here's what we're dealing with. The MAXXIS Minion DHX comes with the burly DH casing, a 2 x 120 TPI construction, and the soft 3C MaxxGrip compound. Our test model was the 29 x 2.5-inch version, weighing in at 3.4 pounds. At $86.90, it's priced at the premium end of the market, but gravity riders know that grip is worth every penny. ### From Prototype to Podium 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? ### Tread Design: Built for Maximum Bite 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 are equally broad in their 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 the DHR II? 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 in reserves, delivering a more precise and predictable feel at high lean angles. MAXXIS also claim 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 believe the ASSEGAI remains the better choice thanks to its superior self-cleaning tread pattern. ### Casing and Compound: No Shortcuts 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. > "The DHX is the closest thing to a cheat code for dry, rough tracks we've ever tested." — Our lead tester after a full day at the bike park. ### What's Next for the DHX Lineup? MAXXIS are 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. ### The Verdict So, does the Minion DHX live up to the hype? In our testing, it delivered exceptional braking power and cornering confidence on dry, loose-over-hardpack trails. The transition from center to shoulder knobs is indeed seamless, and the tire holds its line through high-speed berms like nothing else we've ridden. It's not a wet-weather tire, but for dry conditions, this is the new benchmark. If you're chasing race times or just want the ultimate grip on your weekend shreds, the DHX is worth every dollar.