I'm in a similar position to you in that I want to replace my tyres and not with BFG this time but my other favoured brands have no stock thanks to COVID19. My son & daughter-in-law run Grabber AT3 on their 2012 S; they are happy with them and it sees gravel almost every day. My options are also limited because I run 15" wheels; so after a lot of research my short list is Grabber AT3, Yokohama GO15, Maxxis AT 771 (the 980 may be too big for you). I had to rule out Falken Wildpeak due to size.

 

@Kevin

Thanks a lot for the advice! I am currently most likely set to go with the Grabber AT3's when stock arrives, but also looking at other options

 

So having done a bunch more research today, I have found out the AT2's are for sure not available and the AT3's are $220 each (!).

I've physically seen the Maxxis AT 771 and at $145 a pop they are way more in budget. They don't look as aggressive as the Grabber AT2's I currently run though?

I've also found Yokohama GO15's at $135 each. Both these and the 771's look way more like a road tire though?

The Falken Wildpeak AT3WA seems more like what I'm after and are reasonable at $155 each. Has anyone had these on an SG? They get pretty good reviews.

I'll keep on searching, but any advice would be appreciated

 

general and falken are both on the "affordable brand" list in terms of tire quality but Ive had the at2s on my 09 for 3 years now but still plenty of treadlife left. BFGs are great but VERY HEAVY. I don't think you would have an issue with Falken or te GO15s. the yokohomas don't appear to do as well in snow/ice from my research but lots of love in all other categories.

I didn't see the falken available in the 215/65r16 though.

I love the BFGs on my F250 though... great treadwear, great road manners (no noise) great traction in snow, rain, slush etc. But they are too heavy for the suby in my opinon. I only saw the falken a/t trail in your size?

Ugh sorry im all over the place...

 

@KrisC

Aye man, greetings from Jamaica! I personally run Goodyear Wrangler SUV (which is a sort of hybrid road/AT tyre and too mild for your use).
I have a lot of friends who run the Maxxis 771s on anything from Rav4's on road all the way up to big pickups and SUVs. The general review I get is that it is capable for a sometimes-offroad, but still has very good road manners and weight etc. The 980s are definitely louder and a lot heavier, they are basically "lookalike" BFG K/O2s or General Grabber AT2 rivals (one could even say imitations)., Good reviews offroad from friends who use them (on bigger 4wds) but definitely have more road noise than the 771s.

Re Kumho At51 here in Jamaica, general review from people is that it does the job well on and off road but treadwear doesn't last as long as you would expect (comparatively speaking)

Any Cooper tyres around there in Nairobi? They are available in South Africa and tend to be a sweet spot between value and quality, and tend to have something that fits what you are looking for exactly.

Let us know what you end up with!

 

@Justin0009

Thanks for the advice! I confirmed with a supplier that the Falken's are available in my size, and they are currently running in first place.
The Geolanders seem more 'town' than 'bush' so are officially off the list

 

@badman9

appreciate your help. Thanks!

Sucks I can't get the 980 Maxxis. I wish I'd have gone for 15-inch rims over 16's when I replaced what was on the vehicle when it came over from Japan. Still, good excuse to upgrade in the future I guess

I never even thought of Cooper... and for sure they are big here in East Africa so I'll check them out

For sure, will finish the thread with what I went with!

 

@KrisC

Looking forward to hearing what you end up with! The reason i like Cooper is they have such a broad range of offroad tyres you can usually find something that works for you.

Also interested to see what Falken options you have, since the price should be similar to Cooper.

Good luck

 

@KrisC

Looking forward to hearing what you end up with! The reason i like Cooper is they have such a broad range of offroad tyres you can usually find something that works for you.

Also interested to see what Falken options you have, since the price should be similar to Cooper.

Good luck

@badman9

I went with the Falken Wildpeak AT3WA

I couldn't wait any longer as my Grabbers we're basically illegal...

I'm super happy with the way they feel and perform so far. I'm less happy with how they look aesthetically compared to the Grabbers. They just look to 'City' compared to the Grabber AT2's. To me, AT tires that I need should have a squarer front profile, but what do I know? 😂

Next time I'll go to the supplier.and physically see all the available options. Only 2-3 years to go!

Thanks for all the help from everyone that replied and sorry for the unflattering photo angle!

 

I've stayed away from Cooper ever since a tyre shop guy in the Australian remote outback said to me "Cooper; them's for city folks"

 

Why would they say that? Cooper S/T MaXX and STT Pro would disagree....

https://www.coopertires.com.au/our-range/4x4-tyres/stt-pro

 

I'm sure they will work perfectly fine for your purpose and probably save some fuel too. Maybe not quite as hardcore as the Generals but i;m sure it'll get you just as far as you need to be, and i'm sure a lot more affordable.

Enjoy your wheelin man!

 

Very curious to hear what your experiences have been with the Wildpeak AT3Wa's!

 

Honestly... not a fan and won't be buying them again.

They are super slippery at higher speeds on dirt roads, and whether through my driving or not, have a sidewall bulge on one tire.

Sad I can't get the General Grabber AT2's in Kenya (or anywhere?) in my size anymore as I'd have those again in a heartbeat.

I'll go KO2's next time, especially now they've been updated...

 

Hmm I was afraid of that. How are they on wet tarmac? I mostly need safe and comfortable on-road behavior...

 

They've not been too bad to be fair, though again, I would say that they are not lasting well, nor are they ageing gracefully as they have noticably gotten a bit skittish on wet patches a few times recently

 

I was hoping for it to be a Geolandar G015 with better mileage, but it seems it's not... Thanks for sharing your experiences in any case!

 

@Koelboy I'm very happy with the new GO15 both on and off road. The original Geo AT many years ago were bad as the sidewalls were too soft.

Could you please update your Public Profile; vehicle details at least; thanks. For detail instructions pls refer: https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/your-forum-public-profile-how-to-fill-this-out.824165/

 

I went ahead and ordered G015's, thanks!
(Profile update done