Tires - Mazda CX-9 AWD - Firestone or Falken?

"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/12/2015 at 19:39 • Filed to: None

Mrs. addiction’s ride needs new rubber before winter. Got a couple quotes: Firestone Destination LE 2 ($892.80 out the door) or Falken Pro G4 ($719.83). Anyone with experience with either of these? Also open to other options.

Size is 245/50-20 (yeah, I know).

Related, somehow: Pilot Super Sports are on national backorder until December... I just need one!

DISCUSSION (33)

Sam > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:42

Hah, wow, I was gonna jokingly suggest Michelin PSSs but they’re really on backorder for two months? Going into winter? Man.

But really though, I’m a Falken fan myself.

MM54 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:45

I almost choked on this cider when I saw those prices, for CUV tires? Good reason to stay away from 20” wheels I guess.

To be somewhat contributive: I’ve had good experience with Firestones

Jayhawk Jake > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:46

I got a set of Falken’s recently (Ziex something or other), and I’ve been impressed. Haven’t driven in winter yet though...

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:46

Trick question. The answer is btidgestone blizzaks for winter and then get some summer rubber come April or may.

Spasoje > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:49

May I suggest Michelin Premier LTX-es ? I’ve had very positive experience w/ Michelins in the past – they tend to be my go-to tire brand now...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Sam
10/12/2015 at 19:49

Okay, thanks - I’m leaning that way.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > MM54
10/12/2015 at 19:50

Yeah, she got the one with all the bells and whistles (and the hoooge reeems). Thanks for the input.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:51

I’m honestly not the biggest fan of Firestones. I found that they are somewhat noisy and don’t wear the best. But I’ve never used Falken’s either...

I’m a Michelin or Hankook fan

Viggen > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:51

I’d go with the Falken shoes. A couple of my friends have had Falken tires on their cars, only one ever complained- and that was his fault!

Plus then you could wrap the CX-9 in the Falken livery!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jayhawk Jake
10/12/2015 at 19:51

Thanks.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/12/2015 at 19:53

We’re in Tulsa, so dedicated winters aren’t really necessary. On my car, I run high performance rubber in the summer and then switch to good all-seasons for the winter.

dogisbadob > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:53

It’s OK because you shouldn’t be using Pilot Super Sports in December anyway :)

Out of those two, Falken. The Pro G4 is a Discount Tire exclusive, and a relabeled Sumitomo HTR AS P02, which in turn is very similar to the Falken Ziex ZE950 (the siping is slightly different between the 950 and the G4/P02)

The Falken is more of a performance all-season tire, while the LE2 is more of a truck tire.

Funktheduck > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 19:55

Don't get run flats. The guy sold me on them and I'm not a fan so far.

Sam > Jayhawk Jake
10/12/2015 at 19:55

The Ziex 912s on my BMW are great. I think they’re a “High performance all season” so they actually stick rather well when they warm up. They’re like $100-150 a tire, though.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
10/12/2015 at 19:56

Thanks. The Michelin Premier LTX seem like good tires, but they are considerably more expensive.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Viggen
10/12/2015 at 19:56

Haha - yesss...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > dogisbadob
10/12/2015 at 19:59

Thanks - I’m leaning toward the Falkens.

I’m heading to the Ozarks of NW Arkansas in a couple weeks to enjoy the twisties and really wanted the PSS on, but I guess I’ll have to switch out to the Conti DWS. I’ll have Mrs. addiction along, so I won’t be pushing as hard as normal anyway...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Funktheduck
10/12/2015 at 20:00

Never would. Sorry you got stuck with them!

Chariotoflove > Jayhawk Jake
10/12/2015 at 20:09

I've got some of these. They've done well.

Jayhawk Jake > Sam
10/12/2015 at 20:24

They aren't bad for an all season, but I have a set of 200 treadwear Hankooks as well, so by comparison they aren't all that grippy

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 20:31

I nearly cried when my Goodyear Eagle GTs were cancelled.

No input. Just needed a moment.

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 20:37

Actually, I do have some input.

If this is a people-carrier type of vehicle, even my wife(!!) Noticed how good the Michelin Primacy MX4 was. We had a Honda van at the time. I called the tire shop and said I want Primacy’s. The salesmen replied ‘I can sell you a cheaper tire.’ It was worth it.

bob and john > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 20:37

you know, there are performance winter tires....

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 20:38

Those both seem to be good prices. I’m a fan of Yokos, either the Geolander (appx $170/tire) or YK580 (Discount Tire only, about $160/tire). General Altimax or Grabber are also excellent.

Edit: also, 20”?!? Are those stock or are you baller?

spanfucker retire bitch > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 20:41

Look into those Yokohama Ice Guards if you can get them in the right size. I used them last winter on my Mazda3 and they were incredible.

LongbowMkII > bob and john
10/12/2015 at 20:49

theres just not much winter in tulsa, comparatively.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius
10/12/2015 at 21:12

Thanks - there’s a new Michelin that fits her wheels and seems to be good, but they're considerably more expensive. Might have to give them another look.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > bob and john
10/12/2015 at 21:15

I have Conti DWS - not too shabby.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/12/2015 at 21:23

I’ve got Yoko Paradas on it now. They’ve been good tires.

She’s the baller-est soccer mom in town, but they're OEM on the GT trim.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/12/2015 at 21:45

You've got me looking at just getting another set of the Paradas...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius
10/12/2015 at 22:58

Take all the time you need.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/13/2015 at 00:28

Every Falken I’ve encountered had some stupid wear pattern. Not a fan.

I’ve had a fair amount of experience with the Firestone’s, surprisingly acceptable. Long life and even wear are probably their best attributes though.

I run Pirelli Scorpion Verde’s on the wife’s car. Those have been great so far and only cost about $700 for the set. I’m also partial to Cooper Discoverers, Bridgestone Duelers and Toyo Open Countries.

When aren’t Michelin PSS’s on backorder? Many of my customers run them and an alarming number of them have required new tires but ended up getting something else because Michelin seems to forget that they make money by making and selling tires. These days it’s safe to assume those tires are just not available.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
10/13/2015 at 08:50

Thanks for the input - good to know the Scorpions are quality.