I have had the Falkens on my max for 6 months and have had nothing but problems with them they won't stay balanced at certain speeds and sound like a 4 wheel drive truck on 44's going down the interstate. I am thinking about trying the RSA and wanted to get some opinions on the tires. Going with a 225-50-17

 

RSA suck. PERIOD! If you want to die, buy the RSAs.

 

When I had a '99 GTP, it came with the RSAs and I didn't have any problems. It was ok in the winter season in Chicago area. I believe the the 6th gen SEs come with the 18" RSAs. I went to the Tirerack site and according to it, it's an average tire.

 

The problem I am having is there aren't to many tires for a max and everyone was saying how good the 512's were and as far as handling they are good but ride comfort is terrible and all my wife mainly does is work and back no track time

 

Quick q. How much tread depth do you have left (assuming they check every time the balance)? How many miles in 6 months?

ps. The 6th gens are having lots of problems w/ the RSAs side walls getting hairline cuts.

 

I wouldn't buy the Goodyear RS-A, but it depends on what your requirements are... for your wife's commutes they are probably okay, but they might be on the expensive side. As the choice for a LOT of OEM tires, they seem to be quiet and good in wet weather - what most manufactures want (I drive anothe car with RS-As).

Other alternatives in 225/50-17 might be:

Kumho ASX
Toyo TPT

Both get good user feedback too I believe.

 

I got my BFG Traction T/A (H rated) 3 months ago, and I love them. It goes well on light (2-3 inches) snow/ice. Cheap too!

 

Conti Extreme Contact 235/45/17

 

I heard good reviews on those too. Too bad Costco doesn't carry them.

 

The RSAs are in no way quiet. When I drive in the rain I hydroplain constantly. Doesnt even have to be a puddle, Just wet ground and they will hydroplain. Also dont buy them if you want good dry traction. Oh yeah, They arent to comfortable either.

 

On tirerack, they are selling new tires by Avon Tyres: Tech M550 A/S of 225/50WR17. It only has three ratings but positive. It is ultra high performance all-season tires.