Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 Review: The All-Terrain Titan Your Truck Deserves?

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The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is an all-season highway terrain tire designed to provide exceptional performance and durability for pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Engineered to tackle both on-road and off-road conditions, this tire strikes a perfect balance between comfort, handling, and rugged capability.

With its aggressive tread pattern and advanced compound technology, the Dueler H/T 685 excels in various driving scenarios, from daily commutes to adventurous off-road explorations. Its symmetric tread design enhances traction and stability, while the optimized tread blocks and sipes ensure superior grip on wet and slippery surfaces.

Key features of the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 include a robust casing for improved durability, a reinforced sidewall for resistance against cuts and punctures, and a unique tread compound that promotes even wear and extended treadlife. Additionally, this tire boasts excellent handling characteristics, providing a smooth and comfortable ride while delivering responsive steering and braking performance.

Design and Construction

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is designed to deliver exceptional performance both on and off the road. Its construction incorporates advanced materials and technologies to ensure durability, traction, and a comfortable ride.

The tire features a symmetric tread pattern with a computer-optimized design that enhances grip and handling on various surfaces. The tread blocks are siped (tiny slits) to increase traction on wet and slippery roads, while the rigid tread blocks provide stability and responsiveness on dry pavement.

The tire’s casing is constructed with two steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped nylon for improved strength and puncture resistance. This robust casing design helps maintain the tire’s shape, even under heavy loads or challenging terrain.

The sidewalls are designed with a rugged, high-turnup construction that protects against cuts, abrasions, and impacts encountered during off-road adventures. This feature also contributes to the tire’s overall durability and longevity.

Bridgestone has incorporated their proprietary NanoPro-Tech compound into the Dueler H/T 685. This advanced rubber compound is engineered with a unique molecular structure that enhances the tire’s wear resistance, ensuring longer tread life and improved fuel efficiency.

Overall, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 combines innovative materials, advanced tread design, and robust construction to deliver a well-rounded performance for both on-road and off-road driving conditions.

Performance on Different Terrains

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is an all-terrain tire designed to deliver versatile performance across a range of driving conditions. On paved roads, the tire provides a comfortable and responsive driving experience. The tread pattern is optimized for excellent traction and handling on dry and wet surfaces, ensuring confident braking and cornering.

When the road turns to unpaved terrain, the Dueler H/T 685 shines with its off-road capabilities. The aggressive tread design, with deep grooves and sturdy shoulder blocks, bites into loose surfaces like gravel, dirt, and mud, providing reliable traction and control. The tire’s reinforced construction and robust sidewalls help protect against punctures and cuts, making it a suitable choice for light off-road adventures.

In snowy conditions, the Dueler H/T 685 performs admirably. The siped tread blocks and specialized compound help the tire maintain grip on slippery surfaces, enhancing traction and stability during winter driving. However, for extreme winter conditions or heavy snowfall, dedicated winter tires may still be the better option.

The tire’s versatility extends to wet conditions as well. The circumferential grooves efficiently evacuate water from the tread area, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining reliable traction on wet roads. The tire’s handling and braking performance remain predictable and responsive, even in rainy weather.

Overall, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 offers a well-rounded performance across various terrains and conditions, making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a capable and versatile all-terrain tire.

Durability and Treadwear

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is designed to offer exceptional durability and treadwear, ensuring a long-lasting performance on the road. Bridgestone’s advanced tread compound and tire construction contribute to the tire’s impressive longevity.

One of the standout features of the Dueler H/T 685 is its extended treadlife expectancy. With its optimized tread design and high-quality materials, this tire can deliver up to 60,000 miles of reliable service under normal driving conditions. This impressive treadlife not only saves you money in the long run but also reduces the need for frequent tire replacements, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

In addition to its impressive treadlife, the Dueler H/T 685 boasts excellent resistance to cuts and punctures. The tire’s reinforced casing and sturdy construction help protect against road hazards, ensuring a safe and worry-free driving experience. Whether navigating through rough terrain or encountering debris on the road, this tire can withstand the challenges and maintain its structural integrity.

Furthermore, the Dueler H/T 685 features Bridgestone’s innovative tread wear indicators, which provide a visual cue when the tire’s tread depth reaches a critical level. These indicators help you monitor the tire’s condition and ensure timely replacement, preventing potential safety issues and optimizing the tire’s performance throughout its lifespan.

Comfort and Noise Levels

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 excels in delivering a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough terrain. Its advanced tread design and optimized casing construction work together to absorb road imperfections effectively, minimizing vibrations and jolts that can compromise ride quality.

At highway speeds, the Dueler H/T 685 maintains a remarkably quiet cabin environment. The tread pattern and specialized rubber compound work in tandem to reduce road noise, allowing for a serene driving experience. Even on coarse surfaces, the tire’s noise-canceling properties ensure that cabin noise levels remain pleasantly low.

Off-road, the tire’s robust construction and reinforced sidewalls help mitigate the impact of obstacles, further contributing to a comfortable ride. Whether navigating rocky trails or traversing unpaved surfaces, the Dueler H/T 685 provides a smooth and controlled ride, minimizing the fatigue and discomfort often associated with rough terrain.

Bridgestone’s commitment to comfort extends beyond the tire’s performance on the road. The Dueler H/T 685 also incorporates advanced noise-canceling technology that effectively dampens the sound of air turbulence and road roar, ensuring a tranquil cabin environment even at higher speeds.

Overall, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 strikes an impressive balance between ride comfort and noise reduction, making it an exceptional choice for drivers seeking a refined and enjoyable driving experience, whether on the highway or off the beaten path.

Fuel Efficiency

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is engineered with a focus on low rolling resistance, which translates to improved fuel efficiency for vehicles equipped with these tires. Rolling resistance refers to the force required to keep a tire rolling, and lower resistance means less energy is consumed, resulting in better gas mileage.

For passenger cars and crossovers, the Dueler H/T 685 can provide a noticeable improvement in fuel economy compared to tires with higher rolling resistance. Depending on the vehicle’s weight, driving conditions, and other factors, users can expect an increase of up to 2-3 miles per gallon in real-world driving scenarios.

The impact on fuel efficiency is even more pronounced for larger vehicles like SUVs and light trucks. These vehicles tend to have higher rolling resistance due to their weight and the demands placed on the tires. By switching to the Dueler H/T 685, owners of such vehicles can potentially see fuel savings of 3-4 miles per gallon or more.

It’s important to note that the actual fuel economy gains will vary based on factors like driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and environmental conditions. However, the low rolling resistance design of the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 ensures that it contributes positively to overall fuel efficiency, helping drivers save money at the gas pump while also reducing their environmental impact.

Sizing and Fitment Options

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate various vehicles, from compact SUVs to full-size trucks and SUVs. This versatility ensures that drivers can find the perfect fit for their specific vehicle and driving needs.

The tire is available in sizes ranging from 15 inches to 22 inches in diameter, with section widths ranging from 205 to 285 millimeters. This extensive size range makes the Dueler H/T 685 compatible with a vast array of vehicles, including popular models from manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and many more.

In addition to the various size options, the Dueler H/T 685 also offers different load and speed ratings to cater to different vehicle weights and driving conditions. The tire is available with load ratings ranging from Standard Load (SL) to Extra Load (XL), ensuring that it can handle the weight of your vehicle, passengers, and cargo with ease.

The speed ratings for the Dueler H/T 685 range from S (112 mph) to V (149 mph), allowing you to choose the appropriate rating based on your driving habits and the maximum speed you anticipate reaching.

Overall, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685’s extensive sizing and fitment options make it a versatile choice for a wide range of vehicles, ensuring that you can find the perfect tire to meet your specific needs and driving requirements.

Warranty and Customer Support

Bridgestone backs the Dueler H/T 685 with a solid warranty package, giving buyers peace of mind and protection against premature wear or manufacturing defects. The tire comes with a 6-year limited warranty that covers workmanship and materials, with free replacement during the first year or first 2/32″ of treadwear (whichever comes first). After that initial period, the warranty provides prorated coverage until the tire’s treadwear indicators are exposed.

In addition to the standard warranty, Bridgestone also offers a 3-year flat tire repair or replacement coverage, which can be a lifesaver if you experience a puncture or damage while on the road. This added protection ensures that you won’t be left stranded with a flat tire, as Bridgestone will repair or replace the affected tire free of charge.

Bridgestone’s customer service team is known for their responsiveness and professionalism. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your Dueler H/T 685 tires, you can reach out to their support team via phone, email, or through their website. They have a reputation for providing knowledgeable and helpful assistance, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly and to the customer’s satisfaction.

Furthermore, Bridgestone offers a comprehensive roadside assistance program for added peace of mind. If you experience a flat tire, run out of gas, need a jump-start, or find yourself locked out of your vehicle, you can call their 24/7 roadside assistance hotline for prompt and reliable help. This service is available throughout the United States and Canada, providing extra security and support for Bridgestone tire owners on the road.

Pricing and Value

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is a premium tire, and its pricing reflects that. The retail price range for this tire can vary based on size and location, but generally, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 per tire. While this may seem steep, it’s important to consider the overall value you’re getting for your money.

Compared to some of its competitors in the highway terrain tire segment, the Dueler H/T 685 is priced competitively. It falls in the mid-to-high range, offering a balance between quality and affordability. Bridgestone’s reputation for durability and performance justifies the slightly higher price point.

When you factor in the tire’s impressive treadwear ratings, excellent all-season capabilities, and the peace of mind that comes with Bridgestone’s warranty and customer support, the Dueler H/T 685 represents a solid value proposition. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market, it delivers a good return on investment for those seeking a reliable, long-lasting tire that can handle a variety of driving conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent all-terrain capability with strong traction on various surfaces
• Durable construction with reinforced casing and cut-resistant compounds
• Comfortable and quiet ride, even on rough terrain
• Aggressive tread pattern provides reliable off-road performance
• Impressive treadwear and long-lasting tread life
• Wide range of sizes available to fit different vehicles

Cons:

• Slightly higher rolling resistance can impact fuel economy
• Not the best choice for extreme off-road conditions or rock crawling
• Tread may be too aggressive for some, leading to increased road noise
• Expensive compared to some competitors in the all-terrain category
• Limited sizes available for certain vehicle fitments

Overall, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 strikes a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile all-terrain tire. Its strengths lie in durability, traction, and ride quality, while the main drawbacks are related to fuel efficiency, extreme off-road performance, and pricing.

Comparison with Other Tires

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is a versatile and capable all-terrain tire that competes with other popular models in the market. When compared to its rivals, the Dueler H/T 685 stands out in several areas.

One of its main competitors is the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. While the KO2 offers excellent off-road performance and traction, the Dueler H/T 685 provides a more comfortable and quieter ride on paved roads. Additionally, the Bridgestone tire tends to have better fuel efficiency ratings, which can translate into cost savings over time.

Another popular option is the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar. This tire is known for its durability and resistance to punctures, thanks to the Kevlar reinforcement. However, the Dueler H/T 685 outperforms it in terms of on-road handling and stability, making it a more well-rounded choice for those who spend a significant amount of time on the highway.

The Michelin LTX A/T 2 is another contender in the all-terrain tire category. While it offers excellent treadwear and a smooth ride, the Dueler H/T 685 has an edge when it comes to off-road capabilities and traction on loose or muddy surfaces.

Compared to the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 has a more aggressive tread pattern, which translates into better performance on challenging terrains. However, the Falken tire may have a slight advantage in terms of treadwear and longevity.

Overall, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 strikes a balanced compromise between on-road comfort, off-road capability, and durability, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile all-terrain tire that can handle a variety of driving conditions.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to selecting the right Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 tires for your vehicle, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s crucial to choose the correct tire size. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the placard located on the driver’s side door jamb to find the recommended tire size for your specific make and model.

In addition to the correct size, you should also consider the driving conditions you typically encounter. If you frequently drive on rough terrain or in adverse weather conditions, you may want to opt for a more aggressive tread pattern or a higher load rating to ensure optimal performance and durability.

Another important factor to consider is the intended use of your vehicle. If you primarily use your vehicle for daily commuting or highway driving, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 may be an excellent choice due to its combination of on-road performance and off-road capability. However, if you plan to engage in more extreme off-road adventures, you may want to explore more specialized off-road tires.

When purchasing the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685, it’s recommended to replace all four tires at once to ensure even wear and optimal performance. Mixing new tires with worn tires can lead to handling issues and decreased traction.

Finally, consider the overall value and cost of ownership. While the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 may have a higher initial cost compared to some budget options, its reputation for durability and long-lasting treadwear may make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Conclusion and Overall Rating

The Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 is a well-rounded all-terrain tire that delivers a balanced performance across various driving conditions. Its rugged tread design and durable construction make it a reliable choice for off-road adventures, while its on-road capabilities ensure a comfortable and responsive driving experience.

One of the standout strengths of the Dueler H/T 685 is its impressive tread life, which can potentially save you money in the long run. Additionally, its excellent traction on both paved and unpaved surfaces, combined with its quiet and comfortable ride, make it a compelling option for those who frequently encounter diverse terrain.

However, it’s important to note that the Dueler H/T 685 may not be the best choice for extreme off-road conditions or severe winter weather, as it is primarily designed for all-terrain use rather than specialized applications.

Overall, the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating. Its well-rounded performance, durability, and versatility make it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable all-terrain tire that can handle a wide range of driving scenarios without compromising comfort or safety.