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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.

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Goodyear 4Seasons Gen 3

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 Review

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 is a great all season tire which is capable of handling dry and wet roads in both summers and winters. The tire gives you a great dynamic response and communicates with the steering really well. The most highlighting feature of this tire is it's handling performance on dry asphalts. But this comes at a little cost, literally too, as the tire with such high grip, also produces high rolling resistance values. So with more rolling resistance, the tire consumes more fuel. But the good thing is, it lasts a long time, as it's stiff compound is less prone to wear comparatively.

Hankook 4S2

Hankook Kinergy 4S2 Review

The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is a pretty decent pick, where the tire is jack of all trades, but master of none. It checks all boxes related to traction. On dry roads, its thermal adaptive polymer is very resistant and does not lose its friction properties. And on wet roads, it offers dual siping with reinforced foundations for stability, providing superb wet braking, and hydroplaning resistance, though lacking in handling. In winter conditions, its snow vices, multiple groove notches, and narrow section width earn it a 3-peak mountain snowflake rating. So all is great, except for its fuel and treadwear, which are very lacking.

Nitto Ridge Grappler

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs Toyo Open Country AT3

So out of both tires here, the Toyo AT3 is better on roads, as it provides better traction, on both wet and dry, though it's wet performance can still be improved. The tire also has 3pmsf rating unlike the Nitto Ridge, and provides ample snow traction. But it can't outperform Nitto Ridge Grappler off road, as it's a weaker tire in comparison that can not handle rugged terrains as confidently.

Michelin Defender LTX MS

Michelin Defender LTX MS Review

Michelin Defender LTX MS is a overall good pick for all season tire. But keep in mind that the tire is more inclined to performing better on wet roads than on dry. The dry grip of the tire is not as impressive, as it does provide you with higher rolling resistance but this helps the tire in other ways, as having a lower rolling resistance makes it a very good candidate for saving on fuel, and it also helps in the tread wear department. That's why the tire takes so long to wear off. Also if dry grip is important to you, go with higher speed rating. Defender offers speed ratings of T, R and H, so go with the highest, H.

Speed rating

Tire Speed Ratings

So, a speed rating is not just about speeds but it tells you about how fast you can take your tire up to. With higher speed rating, the the tire gets better grip so overall handling performance is improved. But with more grip comes more rolling resistance, or in other words, the tire takes more energy to roll, so that would mean more fuel consumption. It would also affect the tread wear of the tire, as with more rolling resistance, the rib would rub with the surface it's on with greater force.

BF Goodrich KO2

BF Goodrich Trail Terrain vs KO2 All Terrain T/A

So overall BFG Trail Terrain is a nice on road oriented all terrain option. On roads and pavements, the tire gives you decent ride quality with its smoother and quieter ride. And traction wise, things are also okay on dry, but still can be improved on wet, as there isn't much difference when compared to traction on BFG KO2 (which is not good on wet to begin with). On snow both tires are great and their 3 peak mountain snowflake rating is justified as they offer enough traction there. But on rugged terrains, the BF Goodrich Trail Terrain does not hold up as much as the KO2, and that makes sense, as it's less aggressive and not as durable with 2 ply sidewalls compared to KO2's 3 ply. Side Note: If you've used these tires, how was your experience? Any pros or cons you'd like to add? Comment below!

Maxxis Razr AT

Maxxis Razr AT811 Review

The Maxxis Razr AT811 is going to perform much better off road than on highways. But the tire is still good enough for roads. There are not too loud, provide satisfactory ride quality, all is good except their wet handling. It's a little below average. Other than that, the snow traction is a plus for this tire and it comes with 3 peak mountain snowflake rating, which authenticates it. Mud performance is very considerable and it's traction on rocks is simply amazing.

BF Goodrich KO2

BF Goodrich KO2 Review

The BF Goodrich KO2 still stands one of the toughest tires out there. With a close difference, for your info, the Mickey Thompson Baja Boss AT comes in 2nd. But with spirally wound nylon coverings the KO2 offers more protection to sidewalls, which is considered the weakest part of the tire. The try is overall great on dry and there are no problems over there, its okay in terms on noise and comfort and consumes average fuel, but the tire could really use some wet traction. That's why it really surprises on snow, and ice, as it provides pretty decent traction over there. The 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating symbol is really justified on this tire.

BF Goodrich KO2

Nitto Ridge Grappler vs BF Goodrich KO2

Although the BF Goodrich KO2 is one of the toughest AT tire out there, it's still not able to out perform Nitto Ridge Grappler on rocky and muddy terrains. But the tire is an all rounder,meaning it does not compromise too much on roads and other terrains like, as it's branded with 3 peak mountain snowflake rating.

Toyo Open Country AT3 vs Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Toyo Open Country AT3 vs Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Toyo Open Country provides overall better stability on dry roads, and on wet it provides ample hydroplaning resistance. Off road, the tire lacks in durability and aggressiveness but still provide a satisfactory performance. The Falken Wildpeak is almost on par in terms of dry performance, with deeper tread, it also offers more resistance to hydroplaning. And with more durability and biters the tire is also superior off road. As for the snow, both tires deserve the 3PMSF rating symbol they have.

Yokohama Geolandar AT G015

Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 Review

Well when it comes to Yokohama Geolandar G015, the tire provides a very decent on road performance. But then again they are very less aggressive, especially, on the shoulders and sidewalls. And yes, there are not too protected too, so you are not going to get the confidence with them if you dare to take them on rugged terrains. On snow however, the tire is pretty impressive and it makes sense why it's branded with 3 peak mountain snowflake rating.

Falken Wildpeak AT3w

Falken WildPeak AT3w Detailed Review

The Falken Wildpeak AT3w is simply awesome. And I don't usually use that word. This tire actually is pretty awesome as it deals with all types of terrains and at the same time, does not disappoint off-road. Plus it has impressive on road traction and comfort and provides ample snow traction and is awarded with 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. It provides features which no body does, the 2 extra ply on sides and heat diffuses really separates this tire from the crowd. Overall, you can never go wrong with this tire, no matter you go off road or stay on highways most of your time. Reach out to me if you have any questions.

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