Hi,
Reports, Comparisons, etc. can be very helpful, but be sure to realize the
Subjective nature of most Tire Satisfaction. Testing is usually done at extremes which few people ever drive to. But even empirical measurements have a
Subjective side to them. A Tire running at 15db may be considered quiet by some, noisy by others, etc.
Your Driving Style, Local Roads, Patterns, Habits etc. are fairly unique to you. No one drives
Your Car,
Your Route,
Your Way. Add to this that everyone's Tire Knowledge and Expectations vary widely as well. This is why so often a particular Tire is both Loved by some and Hated by others. Add to this mix the relatively new factor - Aesthetics (Fancy Sidewalls or Agressive Tread Patterns) and it gets even more confusing. For the most detailed Primer on Tires go to:
http://www.safercars.gov/Tires/Index.htm .
In other words, buying a particular Tire for the first time is pretty much a Crap Shoot. Only when you buy a Tire
again can you have a reasonable expectation of what you're getting...
Happy Motoring!...Jim'99