Topic: Which Tires? BFG G-Force KDW, Yoko H4S, or Toyo PRX4

[braxus]

Im wanting more summer tires then all season, but if the handling performance is up to par- I can live with all seasons. Anyway Im looking at the BF Goodrich KDW, Yokohama H4S, and the Toyo PRX4 tires. All are around the same pricing. Im putting them on a 1989 Mazda 323 with 16"x7" wheels running 205/40/16. Anyway Im concerned about wet performance and cornering more then anything else. The BFG tires have sidewall reinforcing which I do like. Not sure if the others have something similar. If you had to pick of these three of the best overall performer- which one would you go with?

I was thinking of Kumho KU31, Federal 595, and Nexen N3000 tires- but pricing isn't far from the above tires and they are average performers at best.

[tortoise]

I loved my Proxes4's.  Treadlife isn't the best but they have tons of grip, a reasonably smooth ride and don't hydroplane at all.

What about the Yoko S. Drives?

[braxus]

I loved my Proxes4's.  Treadlife isn't the best but they have tons of grip, a reasonably smooth ride and don't hydroplane at all.

What about the Yoko S. Drives?

S drives are not in my tire size.

[tortoise]

Fair enough.

I you go with the Toyo's I wouldn't suggest using them in snow.  Their M+S rating is kind of a joke.

[Canada Stig]

Hankook W409, without studs, are awesome in all conditions.  Quiet on dry roads.

"Studless" treads will practically melt on warm pavement, while studdable tend to be a little harder and thus tolerate temps above 5 degrees C - something we see a lot of in S Ontario winters.  VS studless "ice" tires  you lose a bit of ice traction, yes (but still leagues ahead of all seasons), but you gain snow/slush traction.  Also less MPG loss as rolling resistance is better.

[Flinter]

I can't speak to the BF Goodrich KDW, or Yokohama H4S, but I did have a set of Toyo Proxes 4 on my old Integra and I found them to be excellent tires in both dry & wet conditions. However, as tortise mentioned, the tread life isn't the best and I also would not recommend using them in snow.

[braxus]

I decided to go with the KDW 2 tires. I have had good experiences with BFG tires before having owned a few sets of Comp T/A tires and I like the reinforced sidewalls on BFGs that help cornering. The store I got my 15" tires from years ago is getting me my winter tires, and can also get these summer ones. So its one dealer for both sets which helps come season changeover rotations.