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Tire reviews & comparisons

Ozmen

Hi Folks. I'm Ozmen, and I work as a tire designer. I understand finding a tire isn't easy, as there are so many variables involved. But with me around, tire selection would never bother you again.

Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3

Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 Review

So overall it comes down to this. The Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 is a notable upgrade where although it does have areas for improvement in terms of directional grip (on dry) and wet braking efficiency, its handling is stable. Though in terms of aquaplaning, it does reveal minor unpredictability due to its slight susceptibility to understeer. And same goes for winter conditions as well. Moreover, the tire is relatively comfortable, where noise is efficiently managed with advanced polymers and technologies, and the tire's softer composition also contributes to its capability to absorb road vibrations very nicely. And yes, you can expect a little off-road traction with these tires too.

Pathfinder AT

Pathfinder AT Tire Review

The Pathfinder AT tire exhibits a mixed performance across different terrains. It offers a pretty quiet ride, thanks to its variable pitch technology, and it maintains a decent grip on snowy and wet surfaces. And yes, it also does pretty well when it comes to fuel consumption. Moreover, it also performs decent, in terms of bumps absorption comfort, but can use some help in terms of tread life. Furthermore, its performance on rough and rocky terrains is also not the strongest due to its limited sidewall construction and vulnerability to clogging in muddy conditions.

General G-MAX AS-05

General G-MAX AS-05 Review

So what's the verdict here? Well, the General G-MAX AS-05 offers a mixed bag of results. While it provides you with excellent grip and traction due to its high silica compound, and powerful cap plies, its over-responsive steering impacts overall handling, particularly in cornering situations. Moreover, the tire performs decently in wet conditions but falls short in snowy terrains, overall, due to insufficient no. of biters, and a stiffer rubber composition. And yes, this rubber also affects the comfort level of the tire, though it also has a pro, and that's tread life, backed up by tire's 50,000-mile warranty.

Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental SportContact 7 vs PremiumContact 7

In evaluating the performance of both tires, various aspects were observed. The Continental PremiumContact 7 offers a quieter and a more comfortable ride in comparison. Moreover, the tire stands out in tread life, where it gives you a more durable rubber composition and deeper tread depth that promises a longer lifespan Though in terms of fuel consumption, the SportContact 7 leads with a structure optimized for low rolling resistance. What else? Yes, in dry conditions, the SportContact 7 distinctly outshines with better straight-line traction and handling capabilities. However, when it comes to wet traction, the tire is although better in wet braking and handling but lacks in hydroplaning resistance.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4s

Continental SportContact 7 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

In conclusion, when comparing both, it becomes apparent that both tires have their unique strengths and slight drawbacks across various categories. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S shines in the area of fuel efficiency due to its streamlined lug design and lighter weight. Additionally, it has a notable edge in hydroplaning resistance during wet surface tests and showcases a longer tread lifespan owing to its sturdier rubber composition. On the other hand, the Continental SportContact 7 outperforms in wet surface gripping and handling due to an increased number of sipes that effectively disperse water particles, and in dry conditions, offering superior grip and handling, especially evident in its directional grip and handling tests. Moreover, the tire also employs an innovative approach to noise reduction, utilizing advanced variable pitch technology to minimize sound levels effectively.

Continental UltraContact

Continental PremiumContact 7 vs UltraContact

In summing up, a comprehensive analysis reveals a close competition where both tires have their pros and cons. In the sphere of dry performance, the PremiumContact 7 exhibits remarkable directional grip, ensuring shorter braking distances and slightly edges out with a marginally better performance in handling too, showcasing a quicker steering response (and lateral g forces). When it comes to road comfort and noise levels, the Continental UltraContact takes the lead with a softer surface that adeptly handles road bumps, providing a smoother ride in comparison. Though both tires offers similar noise reduction efficacy. The PremiumContact 7 though, redeems itself in wet surface performance, showcasing an impressive resistance to hydroplaning and delivering confident wet grip. Whereas the UltraContact offers a more fuel efficient option, and provides you with a longer lasting tread.

Continental PremiumContact 7

Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Bridgestone Turanza 6

The Continental PremiumContact 7 stands out notably in several categories including its ability to offer superior grip on wet surfaces owing to its efficient siping system, and remarkable dry handling and longitudinal traction attributes which are attributed to its robust build. Moreover, the tire is also better when it comes to fuel economy. On the other side, the Bridgestone Turanza 6 offers commendable hydroplaning resistance, with an edge in speed capabilities during water tests. Moreover, it promises a quieter ride, thanks to its innovative design (pitch sequencing tech.), and it showcases superior tread life, characterized by a strong rubber composition. However, it is imperative to note the Bridgestone Turanza 6 falls slightly short in terms of road vibration dampening and dry handling capabilities, primarily due to greater flexing lugs, it faces.

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4

In conclusion, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 seems to have a slight edge in several critical areas. Its performance in dry, and wet conditions is noticeably superior, attributed largely to its enhanced rubber to road contact, hydroplaning resistance and numerous sipes. Additionally, it promises a quieter and smoother ride, making significant strides in terms of road noise reduction and vibration absorption. On the flip side, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ does not fall far behind, particularly showcasing its merits in winter, and impact comfort performance. Moreover, its also offers better tread life, though it by a very close margin. And yes, it also holds its ground decently in aspects of wet grip and fuel economy.

Continental PremiumContact 7

Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 vs Continental PremiumContact 7

As we've navigated through the distinct attributes of both tires, it becomes evident that both these tires excel in different departments. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2 distinguishes itself with a robust construction that promises longevity and durability. And its firmer rubber composition and streamlined design play a vital role in reducing road noise, creating a quieter driving environment. Moreover, its stiffer tread is also more fuel efficient, showcasing a lower rolling resistance, where its lighter weight is also pretty helping. On the other hand, the Continental PremiumContact 7 stands out with superior vibration dampening capabilities, offering a smoother and more comfortable ride. Its well-designed in-groove notches and softer compound enhance its flexibility, adeptly absorbing road irregularities and maintaining a stable connection with the road surface. Moreover, this very feature also helps it do better in overall wet traction.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

So both tires have their pros and cons. When it comes to impact comfort, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 seems to have a slight edge due to its construction which facilitates smoother rides (though its steering response isn't that direct). When looking at tread longevity, the Sport 5 stands out with its durable rubber composition and deeper tread depth, even though both have a 30,000-mile warranty. Dry performance is a mixed bag, with the Sport 5 offering better directional grip, resulting in shorter average braking distances. However, the Sport 4S shines in dry handling. And same goes for wet performance factors, where Sport 5 excels in hydroplaning resistance but lacks in grip compared to Pilot Sport 4S. Lastly, the Sport 4S has the upper hand in fuel economy due to its sleeker design, though needs some improvement in the noise dampening department. (Though note, that Sport 5 isn't that great here either).

Falken Tires

Falken Azenis FK520 vs FK510

So drawing from a detailed analysis, it appears that the Falken Azenis FK520 edges out its predecessor, the FK510 in several critical domains. The FK520 showcases better noise reduction, where its innovative shoulder design and advanced pitch sequencing technology significantly dampen down the noise levels. Moreover, its updated asymmetric tread design not only promises an aggressive look but also delivers excellent stopping power on dry roads and enhanced wet traction due to more pronounced lateral and slanted sipes. Though it still lacks to its predecessor when it comes to hydroplaning and offering better wet braking. And yes, as for the comfort, the FK520 might have a slight disadvantage with its stiffer compound, which doesn't absorb road imperfections as smoothly as the FK510. Yet, it does offer more stability with its direct steering. And lastly, with a lighter construction, the newer model gets to offer a more promising fuel economy and longer tread life.

Goodyear Reliant All-Season

Goodyear Reliant All-Season Review

The Goodyear Reliant All-Season tire is a versatile option, performing well in various conditions. It minimizes road noise effectively due to its unique design and offers solid dry traction thanks to its lightweight and firm composition. While its wet grip could benefit from some improvements, it has commendable hydroplaning resistance. Moreover, it's a fuel-efficient option, offering good durability and tread life too, though there's room for improvement in the comfort and winter traction department. Side Note: I always appreciate your feedback. Did you find this review helpful? Any suggestions for my next post? I also look forward to your tire related queries as well.