Before anyone flames me, this is my Opinion so take it for what it's worth...

I purchased the M500's after doing a loooonnnnnnng search for replacements for the OEM Craptenzas. I waited to post this until I had a good 5k on the tires and made it thorugh a couple of torrential downpours on the Interstate (where the Craptenzas used to make me fear for my life).

Overall, considering the price, and the mixed Falken reviews, you probably can't get a better tire for the price. I never owned Pilot Sports and at $195 a clip, probably never will. The Avon's hook up! I have not had the easy wheel spin like the craptenzas, nor the buttery feel around a hot corner, nor the wheel hop on a hard start. The road noise actually seems quieter after a few miles and is perfectly acceptable (even with the windows up and kids sleeping in the back). Grand Premier in Upstate NY has them balanced perfectly the first time - one finger on the wheel at 80, no issue. No tramlining, no straying, no nervousness. They cut right through heavy rain (the only issue is you come up on the slower drivers quickly!).

Bottom line, for the price, you cannot go wrong.

PS - thank you to everyone else who posted their opinions along the way. It was a great help in finding these tires for me.

 

I was looking into this one or M550 A/S. Do you think you lost some performance with the tire being heavy?? Doing a long search just like you until I find the right one.
Thanks

 

I drive the Max hard and had guys commenting at work how the edges of the Craptenzas were worn off - these tires completely out-perform the Craptenzas. I have not noticed any acceleration lag, and only gains from handling. I'm not sure what everyone is referring to wtih the extra weight.

Do yourself a favor and check Tirerack.com, the Avon's are now the number one ranked Ultra High Performance Summer Tire. Since I have snows for the winter, the shop encouraged me to get the summers and not the A/S and I am completely happy with the decision.

Good luck, I know it's hard to pull the trigger, but you wont be disappointed.

 

Interestingly, I found your post here after I bought 4 M550 A/S. So far, having only about 200 miles on the new tires, I agree these Avons are very nice. Quiet. Responsive turn in and low slip angle even when brand new. I haven't seen rain yet in the past 5 days, but am looking forward to it. I agree, the tire rack has excellent survey and reader opinion results, a great way to try to pick out new rubber. I too run dedicated snows (Blizzak WS-50 I believe) on all 4 corners but I wil run these Avons into the first snow to see how they do. I hate to run snows too much, they wear fairly quickly in the dry and warm of autumn and spring.