There is a national backorder on this tire, but one of the last shipments in the country happened to be destined for Tire Rack's Delaware center at just the right time that I could snag a set. These will be replacing my 225/50/16 Toyo Proxes 4s on Tuesday. They're supposed to weigh about 4 lbs more each, which I have attributed to a significantly stiffer sidewall by my exhaustive testing:






(In all seriousness, that's pretty damn sturdy. I tried the same thing with a Proxes 4 in the same size and it buckled in seconds.)




I will run these things through the winter and hopefully make it through next fall, which should be around 30k miles.


Discuss...

 

I don't see enough siping on them for good traction on anything over a couple of inches of snow.

Also, nice test procedure you get there, but do me a favor to match my sidewall stiffness "test". Before you have them mounted, squeeze the sidewalls with your thumbs to see how much "give" they have and have somebody take a picture.

 

those are some huge tires.. i remember my dad replaced the tires on my old 97 maxima with some 225/55/16 series.. and they looked like they came off an SUV..

 

225/55... tall sidewall... Interesting though. How much?

 

Not too sure why you need a stiff sidewall for winter type weather.

 

That's the pictures talking. Every single picture I have seen of these tires makes them look that way, no matter what angle, no matter what light. They definitely look a lot more snow-friendly in person.[/QUOTE]

That's the test I used to use, but it can be deceptive. It seems that some tires are specifically designed to permit local deformation, even though they maintain their shape very well when the load is spread out (like when it's mounted and inflated). That gives them the benefits of firm construction (i.e. handling and feel) without as much of a firm ride because the local deformability lets them absorb bumps.

Excellent example: Find yourself a 55-series Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. By the thumb test, the sidewall is decent but not hugely special. But if you sit on it, you'll notice (unless you're particularly hefty) that it doesn't deform very much except in one spot at the very bottom.

 

Thats a really strange pic of you sitting on the tire..

 

$567 shipped for the set, with Road Hazard. Delaware warehouse + destination in the Philly area = success.

Yes, that is a fairly big sidewall. Hopefully it really is as stiff on the car as it seems in my garage.

Winter weather is very unpredictable here, and all things considered there isn't really that much snow. If this tire ends up being three-seasons-plus, I'll probably be fine. All I really need as far as winter traction is for it not to leave me totally stranded in the off chance we get a surprise blizzard in the middle of the day when I'm at work.

 

I agree...

 

Hopefully. What wheels are you riding on?

 

Enkei RS-5, 16x7.

 

updates on the BS RE960ASPP's?

 

They're getting mounted on Tuesday. Believe me, I will update.

 

So, they're on now.

I can definitely feel the extra 4 pounds on each corner when I hit the brakes. It's not exactly night-and-day, but it's there. No big deal.

The kicker is that despite the heavier weight and significantly firmer construction, they actually seem to ride better than my old Toyos.

Can't say much about handling yet since they're not broken in and the only miles I've put on them were from the shop to my home. I will update in a week or so after I've put a few miles on them.

 

wouldn't the extra 55 series throw in variables compared to your 50 series toyo proxes 4? maybe thats why it rides better? and also the fact that they are brand new?

what psi ya running?

 

Good call. The only reason I'm not so sure about that in this case is that the sidewalls on the Bridgestones are also MUCH stiffer. The Toyos are toilet paper by comparison.

Again, let me stress that it is only the 50-series and up, V-rated Proxes 4s that have sidewalls this soft. The 45-series and under, W-rated tires are way better.

I'm running 35 PSI on these tires. I've run the Toyos between 35 and 40 PSI, but no pressure was significantly better or worse than any other pressure. The only difference was whether the car was more likely to bounce me around or to skitter off on broken pavement. These tires keep things in much better control.

 

You'll like them, without a doubt. They are confidence inspiring and have good ride quality. And in the wet they are EXCELLENT! I got to torture a set of these at a Bridgestone Drive & Learn. You'll have no regrets. I have them on my Max - 225/50-WR17 - they're just dandy!