New Tekkies for the Defender: Testing the Radar Renegade R/T

There’s something about fitting a fresh set of tyres to a Land Rover Defender that makes you want to point it towards the nearest dirt road and disappear for a few days.

Our Defender has always been one of the most important tools in the KhakiBush kit. It gets us to campsites, game reserves, mountains, beaches and those lekker little places that don't always show up on Google Maps. So when the team at Supa Quick Durban North and Kloof came on board to sponsor us with a brand-new set of Radar Renegade R/T tyres, I was seriously stoked.

And after around 1,000 km on them, I'm already getting a pretty good feeling about these tyres.

First Impressions Count

Let's be honest – tyres can completely change the look of a vehicle.

The Defender already has plenty of attitude, but fitting the Renegade R/Ts has given it a much more purposeful stance. They look properly at home on the Defender, with that aggressive all-terrain appearance that makes you want to load the cooler box, throw the camping gear in the back and head for the bundu.

But looking good is one thing. What really matters is how they perform.

That's where things are starting to get interesting.

1,000 km In and I'm Impressed

We've only covered around 1,000 km on the new tyres, so this certainly isn't a long-term review yet. There are still plenty of kilometres, road conditions and adventures ahead before I can give them the full KhakiBush treatment.

But the early signs are bloody encouraging.

One of the things that has impressed me most so far is the grip on gravel. The Defender feels planted and predictable, particularly when moving onto loose surfaces. That extra confidence is exactly what I'm looking for when heading away from the tar and onto the sort of roads where you don't always know what you're going to find around the next corner.

And then there's the noise.

For an aggressive-looking R/T tyre, I've been pleasantly surprised by just how quiet they are on tar. There's no constant drone making you crank up the radio, which is a big plus when you're spending hours behind the wheel getting to your next adventure.

The Defender Has a New Attitude

I'm also a big believer that your outdoor vehicle should look the part.

The Renegades have completely changed the Defender's appearance. The tyres fill the arches nicely and give the vehicle a stronger, more capable stance without making it look like we're trying too hard.

It's a small change that makes a surprisingly big difference.

And yes, I know we're not supposed to judge a tyre by its looks – but when you're as obsessed with Defenders as I am, aesthetics definitely count!

More Than Just Fitting Tyres

One thing I particularly appreciate about the relationship with the Supa Quick teams in Durban North and Kloof is that the support doesn't stop when the tyres are fitted.

Before we head off on longer trips, the team helps us make sure the tyres are properly checked and that the Defender is ready for the kilometres ahead. That includes keeping an eye on things like suspension, wheel balancing and tyre condition, as well as rotating and balancing the tyres when required.

For an adventure vehicle, that peace of mind is worth a lot.

A tyre is only one part of the equation. Your suspension, wheels, pressures and general vehicle condition all play a role in how safely and confidently you travel.

At KhakiBush, we spend a lot of time encouraging people to get outdoors and explore. But responsible adventure also means looking after the vehicle that gets you there.

The Real Test Is Still Coming

The first 1,000 km have definitely got my attention, but the proper testing is still ahead.

The Defender will be heading onto more gravel, dirt, sand and hopefully plenty of remote African tracks. That's where I really want to see what these Radar Renegade R/Ts can do.

How do they handle long-distance touring? What happens when the going gets properly loose? How do they perform with a fully loaded Defender? And, importantly, how do they hold up over thousands of kilometres?

Those are the questions we'll answer as we put more miles behind us.

For now, though, I'm extremely impressed.

The grip on gravel is giving me confidence, the road noise is surprisingly low, and the Defender looks bloody brilliant on them.

A Big Thank You to Supa Quick

A massive thank you to the teams at Supa Quick Durban North and Kloof for sponsoring KhakiBush with the new Radar Renegade R/Ts and for supporting our adventures.

It's partnerships like these that help us keep getting out there – travelling, exploring, testing gear and telling stories about the places and people that make Africa such an incredible continent.

Now we just need to put a few more thousand kilometres on these tyres.

Preferably somewhere with a lot more dirt.

The road ahead is calling.

This article is written by Craig Mitchell, KhakiBush Magazine editor, conservationist, guide, adventurer, photographer and explorer. Craig personally guides safari and adventure expeditions, sharing his passion for Africa's wild places through authentic wildlife encounters, remote landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Keywords: Radar Renegade R/T tyres, Radar tyres South Africa, Land Rover Defender tyres, Defender all terrain tyres, Supa Quick Durban North, Supa Quick Kloof, gravel tyres South Africa, 4x4 tyres, overlanding tyres, KhakiBush Magazine