ScoobyD922

I just stole BAC's layout since I don't know what I'm doing. Hope you don't mind! So far I've logged just shy of 2000 miles on pavement and 300 miles off road use. Rating out of 5. Please note, this is my first time using AT tires, so I have nothing to compare to. These are just my opinions. My last tires being 215/65 Sumitomo HTR H4. Suspension is 100% stock.
I really suck at this kinda thing. If I leave something out, or if anyone has a question, just ask.

Sizing: I'm running a 205/70/15. Absolutely no rubbing anywhere, although the rear struts are pretty close. A perfect fit. 5/5

Why I chose these: One simple reason, these are the only AT tires in this size. Not really much of a choice. :?

On-Road

NVH: On road these tires behave very well. Goin around turns there is a fair amount of road noise, but it's bearable. Straight line driving, they act just like any other tire. Bumps are kinda harsh, but I think it's my worn suspension more than anything. I'd give 3/5 overall.

Highway: Anything over 65mph, and these tires get kinda squirrelly. Over 75mph and they get down-right hairy. It's either one of two things. 1) the sidewalls just aren't strong enough, or 2) I'm just not used to it. Either way, I've had to seriously tone down my driving habits. 2/5 for highway use.

Handling: Not too bad. Have no significant traction loss so far. Will keep you updated.

Rain: Not much to go on here, as I've only encountered light right and drizle so far. But even that, I haven't had any problems with hydroplaning yet. I'll come back to this when we actually get some rain... So far 5?/5.

Gas Mileage: I did actually improve gas mileage by switching to these tires. But it probably has more to do with my right foot than anything else. Will come back to this also as I get more results. Again, so far 5?/5.

Off Road

Gravel: Splitting into two categories. 5/5
Small gravel/dirt mix: What you find on a typical back road. Much like dirt, they dig in and find traction at all times. Some larger tread gaps would be nice, but so far I have had NO trouble, even pulling up hill from a stop. Small rocks and such tend to get stuck in the treads and spray everywhere when you get onto pavement (wife says it sounds like popcorn ) which also throws it all over the wheel well.
Large gravel: Big stuff found in most construction zones. Note much of this I've gotten into.

Dirt: These tires shine here. In hard pack, it's like driving on pavement. In deep, loose packed dirt, the tires just sink their teeth in. You have to be careful with spirited driving in dirt though. I was fooling around, sliding around turns like I used to do with the HTR's. Only difference, with these tires, I hit the gas mid-corner, and the tires got traction, sending me FORWARD instead of sideways (almost into a tree). Dirt dirt dirt, FIND SOME DIRT! Can I give it a 6 out of 5?

Mud: Mmmm....I love MUD. Bare in mind, this is NOT a mud tire. The treads fill themselves out quickly and can leave you sitting in a deep pile. However, a little mud never hurt anyone. With just 1-3 inches to go through, you should be okay if you keep your speed up. 2/5 for mud.

Grass/leaves: Dry stuff, no problem. Wet stuff is different. Wet leaves act much like mud, filling your treads and leaving you with little traction. 5/5 for dry, 4/5 for wet.

Snow/ice: I live in GA. Don't expect anything.

Overall

Great offroad tire, but I probably won't buy them again. This is a great tire for those living in the mountains, in off-road situations on a weekly basis. The highway stability is a big thing for me. I do too much highway traveling for these. My next set will probably be Grabbers on XT rims (wider tire).

Quote from BAC5.2, because it fits here too...
One thing to keep in mind. They aren't mud tires, and you must remember that when you are going places. They are probably a better mud tire than 99% of the all-terrain tires out there though. They also pick up rocks like J-lo, which is annoying on the road, so I recommend carrying a pen in the car to pop pebbles out of the tread when you hear a loud clicking noise coming from a corner of the car.

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~Dan
'00L w/ AT's
RIP in the junkyard :(

 

Forester 2.5 XTi

Nice pics!!!

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USMC - One Shot, One Kill. You can run, but you'll die tired.

azforester

I'm thinking of getting these in stock size(215/60/16) for my 05. What is the speed rating on yours?

carljwnc

The 215/60-16's should/will have an 'H' speed rating, but good luck finding them, I don't think they are available yet. I've been looking into them for months now, but they still haven't been released. I will be sending an e-mail to Yoko to try and find out what-up.

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'94 'YotaRu' 4Runner
'10 'Nubaru' Forester