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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.

Michelin Crossclimate 2

Michelin Crossclimate 2 vs Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

So ending up, I should say that, in the tire tournament between these two big all-season players, each has its own trophy moments. The Michelin's tire excels in dry traction, showcasing unmatched grip and braking power, (especially). Meanwhile, the Goodyear shows superior handling and steering stability, when things get wet. In terms of ride comfort, the CrossClimate 2 promises quieter and smoother rides, while the Assurance WeatherReady lacks with it's compound, generating more in-groove resonance. Though its stiffer rubber helps it scores extra points in case of tread life and fuel efficiency, overall.

Michelin Crossclimate 2

Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Bridgestone WeatherPeak

In conclusion, choosing between the two tires can be a complex task, given that each demonstrates unique strengths in specific areas. I mean, when it comes to winter traction, the CrossClimate 2 undoubtedly comes out on top. Its unique design, featuring elongated lugs and thermally adaptive rubber, ensures optimal snow-to-snow contact. Though Weatherpeak is also great, and has 3 peak mountain snowflake rating just like it's counterpart. Dry traction is another category where the Michelin's tire slightly outperforms, thanks to its densely packed central lugs and a rounded contact patch. Though in terms of handling Bridgestone's tire also demonstrates impressive performance. It actually has better under and over steering balance thanks to its weight. Speaking of which, its lighter construction also contributes to its longer tread life, and fuel economy. And the tire also excels when it comes to noise reduction, and overall wet traction. Side Note: Did my comparison help you make a decision? I'd love your feedback.

Firestone Destination LE3

Firestone Destination LE2 vs LE3

After an in-depth analysis of the Firestone Destination LE2 and LE3 tires, we've arrived at some notable conclusions. Let me summarize them for you. Although the Destination LE2 is an older tire, it features superior performance on snow terrains, thanks to it's greater biting efficacy. Moreover the tire also features almost similar dry traction, and handling, though can use some help in the overall steering feedback department. And worth reminding, that also affects its comfort performance too. Though in term of noise (which also a crucial part of overall ride comfort), the tire does okay, showing up with similar decibels values compared to LE3. The biggest different however is seen in the wet traction area, where the Destination LE3 excels by a greater margin. And yes same goes for it's tread wear. That's why it gives you 10k more miles in its warranty, and the UTQG of 700 where LE2 only offers with 520 A B.

Michelin Defender T+H

Michelin Defender T+H vs X Tour A/S 2 vs Defender 2

The Michelin X Tour AS2 and Defender 2 are both same tires, and they are only named different for marketing purposes. Both of these, excel in dry roads, in terms of traction, and give out amazing tread life, noise reduction, and fuel economy. Their robust grip on dry surfaces, and effective steering response, is due to their superior uniformity of lugs, and elastic tread compound (having a lighter weight). Though their light weight mostly comes form their just single polyester covers (inside). So you can say, durability is not a strong point here. The Michelin Defender T+H on the other hand, shines in wet conditions, with its IntelliSipe Technology and softer compound supplying superior water wiping abilities, and bringing about good enough impact comfort on pavements. Moreover the tire's asymmetric design also holds unique capabilities on snowy terrains.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Although its not recommended to skip any of the above, let me (try to) break down every thing I discussed here. In terms of dry performance, both tires perform admirably, but the Asymmetric 6 still comes out better in terms of dry braking, thanks to its full-depth sipes on the middle ribs. However, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 offers superior dry handling due to its enhanced understeering and oversteering balance, along with a quicker steering response. The opposite happens on wet roads, where Michelin Pilot 5 delivers shorter braking distances and its competitor comes out with superior handling. But yes, hydroplaning resistance is seen better on Pilot Sport too. What else... yes, in terms of rolling resistance and fuel efficiency, the Asymmetric 6 comes out ahead with its lighter structure and shallower tread depth. Though they also cause it to wear off quicker in comparison. So tread life is longer on Pilot Sport 5. Lastly, evaluating road comfort, the Asymmetric 6 leads in noise reduction due to smaller tread voids on its shoulders and superior absorption of road irregularities. Whereas the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 could really use some help in this area.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Hankook Ventus S1 EVO 3 vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5

After thoroughly examining both of these summer tires, we can draw some conclusions. The EVO 3 stands out in dry braking and offers slightly superior handling times in both dry and wet conditions. And it also wins in other performance metrics such as tread life, and fuel economy, thanks to its lighter build and superior lug maneuverability, which also renders superior comfort performance. Though the tire lacks to its counterpart when it comes to hydroplaning resistance. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 on the other hand, is a great overall pick. But it really lacks when it comes to noise reduction. Its one of the loudest tires in its category.

Michelin Crossclimate 2

Hankook Kinergy 4S2 vs Michelin Crossclimate 2

Both the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 are excellent choices when compared to other premium tire options, offering commendable performance values, across various conditions, may it be wet, dry, hot, and even snowy tracks. Though still overall, the Crossclimate 2 does better when it comes to winter performance, dry and wet braking and overall impact comfort efficacy. Whereas, the Hankook 4S2 is superior in terms of handling in both wet and dry conditions, fuel, and tread economy, and road quietness.

Michelin Crossclimate 2

Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs Michelin Defender 2

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 takes the lead in dry conditions, with better grip and high-speed stability, and is superior in winter and wet conditions. Plus, it also has slightly better durability due to its 2-ply polyester casing, and thicker steel belts. Though this also causes it to have a heavier weight, which leads to lower fuel efficiency. And that's where the Michelin Defender 2 comes in, showcasing superior fuel economy and much better overall tread longevity. Plus it also quieter too, exhibiting better road comfort overall. What's your experience with these tires? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Laufenn X FIT AT

Laufenn X FIT AT Review

Let me break down everything I explained here. So overall the Laufenn X FIT AT is a versatile all-terrain tire that delivers varying levels of performance across different terrain types and conditions. The tire's softer rubber gives you a smooth, comfortable (impact absorbing) experience, and its lightweight design combined with ample sipes bring about above average wet and dry traction. Though the tire has some limitations, particularly when it comes to off-road rugged terrains. Moreover fuel economy and tread life of this tire can also be improved, as its rubber generates a lot of rolling resistance. Though I like to add, that looking at its price tag, these things can still be ignored, in my opinion.

Goodyear Wrangler AT/S

Goodyear Wrangler AT/S Review

The Goodyear Wrangler ATS stands out as a decent all-terrain tire that supplies a good enough balance between on-road performance and mild off-road capabilities. With its superior dry grip and handling, it excels on the road, while its open shoulders supply great hydroplaning resistance. Though as discussed, its wet grip still needs some improvement. Speaking of other on-road performance areas, the tire's lightweight design although supply with good enough fuel economy, it's tread life efficacy needs a bump up. And speaking of bumps, it's comfort is also not that great either, though its tread reduces noise very effectively. I mean, its one of most silent tires, out there, in its category. Off-road, the tire although does great on rocks and mud, it struggles on sandy surfaces and lacks durability in more demanding off-road conditions. Ultimately, the Goodyear Wrangler ATS is a suitable choice for those seeking a tire that can handle both on-road driving and light off-roading. For more aggressive performance, and extended tread life, other options may be more appropriate, I believe.

Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme

Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme review

So to sum things up, the Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme is a decent overall option, that performs well in various conditions, (with some areas needing improvement). Off-road, it supplies you with a reliable traction on sand and rocky terrains, though struggles in muddy conditions due to its densely packed central lug area. In terms of winter traction, there are no complaints, thanks to its ample biting edges and 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. And on pavements, it gives you a very comfortable ride (in terms of noise), though it's overall impact comfort could be slightly improved. What else? Yes, its fuel economy is not that appreciable, but its tread life remains above average. And when it comes to on-road traction, the tire really meets your expectations but only when things are dry (wet grip can be improved).

Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ

Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ vs Nitto Trail Grappler

In the end it all comes down to this. The Nitto Trail Grappler is a tougher tire out of two, and so it makes sense why it offers superior tread life and rocky terrain traction. On the other side, the Mickey MTZ does a great job on mud and sand, and is a relatively better tire for pavements.