3 finalists to replace the Duellers [Archive]

CX-9er

01-17-2009, 06:54 PM

o.c.cx9

01-17-2009, 08:41 PM

Look at the Mich Lat 255/50/20
I have them, and I think they are as good as any other.

Tom

CX-9er

01-17-2009, 09:51 PM

thanks, but does it matter that the size is 255 not 245...I'm not even sure what that means but I assume you want to get the same size as the car came with.

CX-9er

01-17-2009, 10:06 PM

I just read the reviews for the michelin latitude tire on tirerack.com and they are just under $300 /tire. A little to pricey for myself.

07cx9er

01-17-2009, 11:58 PM

I've ordered YOKOHAMA PARADA SPEC-X 245/50/20 for my 07 GT AWD, and expecting to receive next week. Can let you know my experience once I check 'em out.

o.c.cx9

01-18-2009, 10:52 AM

thanks, but does it matter that the size is 255 not 245...I'm not even sure what that means but I assume you want to get the same size as the car came with.

The 255/50/20 fit just fine. Many auto manufactures put on tires that are the bare minimum in quality and size as you have found out with the Bridgestones.

As for the price, I paid $275 each but I paid up for safety, quality and performance.

Tom

kosh2258

01-18-2009, 01:07 PM

thanks, but does it matter that the size is 255 not 245...I'm not even sure what that means but I assume you want to get the same size as the car came with.

Yes, it does have an impact on the speedometer reading and odometer miles. They're both calibrated to be accurate with a specific overall wheel and tire diameter. Going to a different size that results in a different overall diameter changes the revolutions per mile the tires make.

How significant the impact is depends on how much the overall diameter varies from the stock size.

Is it important? That depends on how much error is being introduced.

I'm not saying this is good/bad/right/wrong etc. Just pointing out the fact there is a consequence to deviating from the stock tire size.

I know that many newer vehicles can have their electronic modules re-calibrated so the speedo is accurate with the different tire size but I imagine one would have to pay the dealer to do this.

o.c.cx9

01-18-2009, 02:56 PM

Yes, it does have an impact on the speedometer reading and odometer miles. They're both calibrated to be accurate with a specific overall wheel and tire diameter. Going to a different size that results in a different overall diameter changes the revolutions per mile the tires make.

How significant the impact is depends on how much the overall diameter varies from the stock size.

Is it important? That depends on how much error is being introduced.

I'm not saying this is good/bad/right/wrong etc. Just pointing out the fact there is a consequence to deviating from the stock tire size.

I know that many newer vehicles can have their electronic modules re-calibrated so the speedo is accurate with the different tire size but I imagine one would have to pay the dealer to do this.

Very true, but how much?

Going from 245/50/20 to a 255/50/20 will decrees the Revs/mi: from 680 to 671.

As for MPH going up in the size described will be 1.3% slow. In another word, instead of doing 60mph you will be doing 60.8 mph.

On the CX-9, if you have Nav it will calibrate it for you.

Just my .02c

Tom

wakblak

01-18-2009, 08:27 PM

Parda is a great tire, but not too good in the snow.

jdoering

01-19-2009, 04:06 AM

On the tire size recalibration issue; NAV with the ability to recalibrate aside - I googled on the topic a bit and it seems the car odometers aren't guaranteed to be all that accurate anyway such that worrying about something on the order of 1% is probably pointless.

I don't have any first-hand knowledge in this area; so maybe there's more to the story but numerous articles (about concerns related to warranty coverage and such) talked about cars (Honda I think was one) easily being off +/- 2%, etc.

-Jeff

CX9inMA

01-19-2009, 08:14 AM

My first post here:
As with everyone else I have almost killed myself numerous times with the stock 245/50/20 deulers on my CX-9 Grant Touring. I chose to drive my '99 Jetta here in the chicago snowstorms instead, its absolutley rediculous!

I am going to get new all season tires, (not going to deal with the snow tires)
and after doing research I have come down to these three finalists:

1)TOYO PROXES S/T II 245/50/20
2)YOKOHAMA PARADA SPEC-X 245/50/20
3)PIRELLI SCORPION STR 245/50/20

Cost aside, does anyone have any input on which one of these to go with...has anyone driven in the snow with these tires or have any info to help finalize my decision. Any info would help....thanks

I had narrowed my search to the same list and decided on the Toyo's at the advice of a local tech with a lot of experience. So far we have had three minor snowfalls here in Southern MA since I had them installed and haven't had any issues at all. In fact, I have only seen the traction control/4WD icon light up a few times, in heavy slush on an incline. I'm still waiting to truly test them in a heavy snow storm though.

That being said, I doubt there is much difference between these choices and they all cost about the same too.

rk2112

01-19-2009, 10:16 AM

I have the Yokohama's and have 10K miles on them. So far so good. They aren't bad in the snow also, but it doesn't take much to be better than the Bridgestones.

ceric

01-19-2009, 01:11 PM

When it comes to tires, I found it difficult to be relying on one person's opinion since no one have run so many tires to know them all. I usually rely on the reviews on tirerack.com.
After you read enough reviews, you have some ideas how one tire behave based on everyone's usage opinions.

BTW, the OE tires Mazda put on CX9 is not cheap at all. It is listed for $200 each on tirerack.com. It's just that Mazda focus too much on the non-snow condition. When,
in fact, putting on Spec-X ($160) probably would have made more people happy.

brownghost

01-19-2009, 02:50 PM

The Michelin Latitude Tour HPs come in 245/50R20 - they are indeed pricey, but I have been very happy with them so far.

CX9inMA

01-19-2009, 03:10 PM

The Michelin Latitude Tour HPs come in 245/50R20 - they are indeed pricey, but I have been very happy with them so far.

If that's the case then I would say the decision should be between any one of the three the OP mentioned or spending a bit more for better performance/traction in the Michelin. The reviews on that tire are excellent, and I plan to opt for it next time if the Toyos don't wear well or are a problem in deep snow.

CX-9er

01-19-2009, 11:27 PM

So, I had narrowed down the list to those three and I talked to discount tires and they recomended the Pirelli Scorpion STR because it is a T rated tire not a V rated tire like the other two. He seemed very knowledgable considering many of the other dealers I talked to were not too familiar with tires in this size.

He said basically that the tire rubber is not as firm and will wear better and traction in snow/extreme cold should be better than the other two because it is not a V tire. Looking up the tire rack test survey the Pirelli Scorpion took 2nd place and I think I'm going to go with that tire. If anyone has any experience with these tires please let me know.

Thanks for all your feedback.

CX9inMA

01-19-2009, 11:58 PM

I was going to mention the "T" rating, and that swayed me too, but I was also concerned about the performance in warm weather and I'm not so sure how that particular tire stacks up against the Toyo and Pirelli in that regard. The Toyo's do feel much firmer than the Duelers. That's for sure.

Let us know how they handle in deep/packed snow and on the highway and winding roads.

Thanks

CX-9er

01-20-2009, 01:34 PM

Will do. I have an appt to have them installed this Saturday, I will give an update on them after I get to try them out....I'll be hoping for snow so I can see how they do. All I know is it will be nice not fearing that I am going to slide into an intersection every time I approach a stop sign.

jrhos

01-20-2009, 07:33 PM

I'm going with the Michelin Latitude in the OEM size through Discount Tire. They were able to order the 245/50/20 size and get it in 3 days. Price is $302 per tire (about $1325 installed etc.). I'll let you know how well they do in the snow. I live in SW Michigan, and we have had a ton of snow. The Bridgestones have been aweful as everyone else has said.

CX-9er

01-20-2009, 09:05 PM

The Pirelli Scorpion STR 102T that I ordered from discount tire will be $643 installed out the door (about half the price of the Mich Lats), considering I had no intention of having to buy new tires for this vehicle considering it is only about a year old $643 is plenty for me to be spending.
Should be interesting to compare our views on the tire. I'm in chicago and weve gotten a boatload of snow as well and I'm sure more will come so we'll see how they do.

ceric

01-21-2009, 12:35 PM

If I am not mistaken, the speed rating (T, H, V, W, Z) is tied to its construction (layers of polymers, steel wires, etc.). Traction, however, is related to the compound, patterns of treads. All-season tires used to be S/T/H-rated only. Recent demand for high-performance all-season makes V-rated more popular. Technically, they (speed-rating and wet/snow-traction) are not contradictory.

jrhos

01-26-2009, 04:26 PM

The Michelin Latitude's are a LOT better than the OEM's on the snow. I don't really know if they are better than others for the price, but we feel much safer driving with these all season tires.

07cx9er

01-28-2009, 10:44 PM

Got a chance to try my Parada Spec-x's in snow today. I had about 5-6 inches on my steep driveway and the CX-9 got out effortlessly. This was a big deal for me as I couldn't do this in the previous snowfall with the OEM tires. I then drove around town in snow and slush and it was perfectly fine throughout. What a huge difference compared to the last time I drove in a similar snowstorm with the OEM tires on - granted they had 23K miles on them, but still - what a relief!
One thing though. I feel that the dry handling isn't as good as what I remember with the OEM Duelers when they were new. It seems slightly less communicative in the local twisty roads and slightly more "floaty" during interstate driving. Did anyone else feel this way with these tires?

wakblak

01-29-2009, 02:34 AM

I have the total opposite reaction to the Prada Spec-x's.
Crappy in the snow and excellent in dry and rain conditions.
I'm running 22's btw which may be a factor in the snow.

badself

01-29-2009, 09:51 AM

rk2112

01-29-2009, 10:05 AM

Mazda3

01-29-2009, 05:06 PM

All of the new 2010 Mazda 3's are coming with Yokohamas. They sound like a good tire. Hopefully this the start of Mazda making a commitment to put some decent OEM tires on their vehicles.

CX9inMA

01-30-2009, 05:28 AM

I have nothing but praise for the Yokohama in 20", comparable to the Bridgestones in dry conditions, hands-down better in snow.

They're not Blizzaks or Nokians, but then again they're not meant to be.

If I lived in a snow belt I'd go the dedicated route for sure. For the occasional Maryland snow, the Spec-X more than suffices, and for a whole lot less than the Michelin Latitude some folks here are running.

And I echo that sentiment for the Toyo Proxes S/T II's as well.

It's all based on where you live, and in my case that's the south seacoast of MA. I keep looking for a good storm to test these new tires in deep snow and then it dawned on me that this is exactly why I don't need a separate set of snow tires -- just something safer than the hideous Deulers.

DashingMax

02-04-2009, 09:28 AM

I too was extremely frustrated with the Bridgestone Duelers especially in Chicago winter/snow conditions. (nailbyt) It was bad...very bad! :eek:

After doing a lengthy research I went with the Yokohama Parada Spec-X. Paid $175 installed at local Discount Tire.

After putting about 500 miles on these new tires I can confidently say that these tires are truly amazing! What a difference! They are surprisingly grippy. Fantastic traction even in snow/ice/slush with temperatures in single digits. No drama whatsoever!

They are so much quieter. Road noise has decreased by a noticeable amount. They absorb the road imperfections very well! The turn in is noticeably crisper. These tires actually look much more aggressive in person than they do in pictures. (cool)

(2thumbs) Highly recommended for our CX-9's (2thumbs)

cx9er

02-09-2009, 12:14 PM

I recently went through the tire madness that everyone is experiencing. I choose the Toyo STII for my GT. I have to say that they are a remarkable improvement over the Bridgestone. They are great in any condition that I have come across this far. I have almost 2k miles on them and have no complainants....And trust me I am a picky F8%k...It takes a lot to make me happy and I am very happy with these tires.
If you are in need of tires for your 9 I HIGHLY recommend the Toyo.

Force-1

02-10-2009, 07:31 PM

A coworker recently bought a new Toyota Highlander, and she parked it next to me at work today. When I left work I noticed that it has the exact same tires as our CX-9.

CX9 SportOwner

02-10-2009, 08:51 PM

A coworker recently bought a new Toyota Highlander, and she parked it next to me at work today. When I left work I noticed that it has the exact same tires as our CX-9.

Highlander.....ick

CX9inMA

02-10-2009, 11:17 PM

Highlander.....ick

Agreed, but this one looks interesting (Would like to see a seven seater though)...

http://www.toyota.com/img/vehicles/2009/venza/sem/venza.jpg

http://www.toyota.com/sem/venza.html?cid=Google_toyota%20cuv

CX9 SportOwner

02-11-2009, 04:48 PM

No wonder car companies are in trouble. They adding making new versions of the same car, rather than one good one for each category, like Mazda.

Toyota's mistake was redesigning the Highlander to beat the Pilot. Problem is, the Pilot is at the bottom of the heap, so not much of a goal. They beat it, but failed to offer the style, function, and overall performance of the CX9. It's also only a 6 seater, realisticaly, since that 'stowable' center seat is worthless. May as well toss it and have minivan seating. You also can't split the third row, so anything big takes up the entire third row automatically, especially since the rear cargo area is so tiny. What Toyota should have done was gone after the CX9 and Enclave and ended up with a true 3 row 7 passenger that LOOKS like the Venza.
Nissan made a similar mistake. They already had 4 different 5 passenger SUVs, their only 7/8 passenger being the clunky Armada. They should have made the Murano a 7 passenger, since it's almost as big as a CX9 anyway, and they market it AGAINST 3 row SUV's. Would have been a GORGEOUS 7 passenger.
Ford did the same mistake with the Edge, even though it's the same base as the CX9. clunky 5 passenger instead of a performance 7. Dumb

CX9inMA

02-11-2009, 11:03 PM

We're off topic now, but I have to agree that not enough car companies are pioneers in this area. The thing that sealed the deal with the CX9 for me was the seven passenger seating with a real third row; that and the performance and handling. The closest cars I could find to compete were the Subaru B9 Tribeca (underpowered and tiny 3rd row), the Buick Enclave (captains seats for a 2nd row, which makes it a six seater) or the Audi Q7 (overpriced).

So many cars are great CUVs, but they only have five seats and we already have a euro sports wagon for a five seater (2007 VW Passat). I would have bought ANYTHING VW that had seven seats and a decent ride (i.e., not a minivan). And even their newest CUV (Tiguan) is a five seater and they still haven't extended the Touareg. DUMB!

CX9 SportOwner

02-12-2009, 05:04 PM

We went to an auto show and literally looked at every vehicle with a third row. No matter what price, the CX9 was the most functional, and fun vehicle. The only other one close was the Mercedes 450 GL, and that starts at 60k, has 17cf less cargo space, gets worse mileage, and is less that a second faster with a V8 (using premium).
All the others had ridiculous seat folding systems, like having to remove the rear headrests, or fold them down first, or slide the middle row forward to make room. A lot of complicate releases too. Volvo, of course, has the worst one..

The seat system and room sold us on the CX9 as much as the performance. One hand entry without some silly tumbling seat, and folding the third row with the same strap you use to pull it back up. (which also are the retainers for the rear floor to hold it up). And the third row can be folded no matter what position the middle row is in. Brilliantly simple. When we looked at the Acadia/Enclave, I couldn't get the seat bottoms to latch back down no matter how hard I tried. way too complicated for the same amount of entry space as the CX9. We even looked at the Expedition EX, and you STILL have to slide the middle row forward before the third row will fold. That's just retarded in a vehicle that size. You also have to hit the liftgate close button inside the cargo area, and duck out of the way before it hits you, rather than have a button on the underside of the gate. FURD

Anyway, how about them tires!!

bytehoven

02-20-2009, 05:42 PM

If the dealer will not help you upgrade your tires, find a tire dealer in your area who will take new OEM tires on trade.

I have a tire dealer who will give me wholesale (-) 20% for the factory rubber.

Michelins are now on sale, so I was able to upgrade (4) Duelers with 125 miles on them, to Michelin Latitude Tour HPs for $170 total.

I have traded larger SUV and Truck tires before, and they will accept tires up to 500 miles of wear.

The Yokohama and General Grabber had slightly better performance data on Tire Rack, but I am happy with the Michelins.

ondeckbatter

02-28-2009, 10:11 AM

After reading the postings, I am furious! I leased my '07 CX 9 in March of '07 and have had 2 Michigan winters on the Dueler's for a total driving milage of 27,400. The winter conditions and these tire are truly not a good match. Additionally, the left front started making noise and a vibration like a bad bearing or universal was occurring. Took the car in for service at the dealer and they said the problem was related to the tires. Additionally, the car needed all new tires and they would talk to the rep. about a credit toward replacement and I had to buy the tires at the dealership. Is delamination the cause? I turn this car back in in July. I'm temped to drive it like it is and turn it back in without replacing the tires. Should the cost of the tires be my responsibility??

CX9 SportOwner

02-28-2009, 12:41 PM

Curious what was the noise from the front end?

You shouldn't be responsible for crappy tires on a lease, but dealers always have a different view of right and wrong.

ondeckbatter

02-28-2009, 02:07 PM

Starting at 17,000 miles, these tires got louder and louder. At 20,000 miles, it was difficult to hold a conversation in the car above 45 mph. It sounded like I had a bad wheel bearing. The tires weren't noisy when new but developed loud hum-like noise after 2000 miles and loudest when driving 40-60 MPH. No visible marks on tires and treads look even.

CX9 SportOwner

02-28-2009, 03:11 PM

Is the noise on one specific side, or general hum from the front of the car?

Usually a bearing will be a higher pitched sound, almost a whistle.

ondeckbatter

02-28-2009, 06:56 PM

At first it was a general hum. I complained to the service dept and they rotated the tires and aligned the front. It helped for about 500 miles. No high pitched sound, more like a grinding and vibration that I traced to the left front. This is why I have a hard time believing all the tires need to be replaced. Seems like the company wants me to bear the cost of replacing the tires so when I turn it in, it is ready for auction or sale.

CX9 SportOwner

02-28-2009, 07:01 PM

Does it pull to the left?

ondeckbatter

02-28-2009, 08:02 PM

Yes, on occasion. But I thought it might be the crowning in the road. You have a thought?

ondeckbatter

02-28-2009, 08:08 PM

Enabled instant e-mail notification.

CX9 SportOwner

02-28-2009, 09:04 PM

Yes Brakes. Pad not set properly, debris like a rock caught in the pad, or caliper isn't releasing, although that's unlikely.

easy to check disc brakes for anything abnormal.

Jack up that wheel, and with the tire on I'd suggest checking the wheel assembly for lateral movement, and spin it while feeling and listening before you remove it to check the brakes.

Check the tire again for ANYTHING unusual, too, particularly new wear from after the rotation.

Again, bearings usually whistle. By the time they grind you are causing serious damage and about to lose the entire hub.

ux149

03-12-2009, 11:19 PM

I warehoused my Bridgestones after 9,000 miles and put on a set of YOKOHAMA PARADA SPEC-X 255/50/20 in January. My tire dealer said that the 245's would not ship for over a month, and TireRack was out of stock. So, I went with the 255's. The 1/10th of an inch increase in sidewall height between rim and road is insignificant. The Yokos handled a lot better in light snow and are significantly smoother riding on dry pavement. When I sell the CX-9, I'll throw in the spare set of tires.

ux149

03-12-2009, 11:26 PM

Three of the four models of Toyota's new Venza come with 245/50/20 tires. More options in brands and styles hopefully will be a result this size becoming a frequent OME.

badself

03-12-2009, 11:31 PM

Three of the four models of Toyota's new Venza come with 245/50/20 tires. More options in brands and styles hopefully will be a result this size becoming a frequent OME.

Out of curiosity, what is Toyota using as the OEM tires in this size?

And FWIW, Mazda nav has a calibration function to compensate for non-OEM sizes, it should probably be run after each tire changeover, no matter what the size.

todd92

03-13-2009, 06:21 AM

Venza comes with Goodyear RS-A, possibly the only 'all-season' tire that is worse in snow than the Bridgestones that come on the CX-9.

CX9 SportOwner

03-13-2009, 01:23 PM

Venza comes with Goodyear RS-A, possibly the only 'all-season' tire that is worse in snow than the Bridgestones that come on the CX-9.

How can they be worse? Are they bald?

Crystalwhitey

03-18-2009, 11:17 AM

How can they be worse? Are they bald?

I like your sense of humor (lol) but click thishttp://http://www.tirerack.com/tires/CompareTires.jsp?sortValue=1&filterType=all&resultsNumberSelected=Y&displayResults=10&compare=true&autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=CX-9&autoYear=2008&autoModClar=Grand+Touring+AWD&vehicleSearch=true&compareList=0%2C6&RunFlat=All&goWhere=%252Ftires%252FCompare1.jsp&minLoad=S&loadRank=2&minSpeedRating=S&sortCode=59938&width=245%2F&ratio=50&diameter=20&speed_rating=S&speed_rating=T&speed_rating=U&speed_rating=H&speed_rating=V&speed_rating=Z&speed_rating=W&speed_rating=Y&speed_rating=%28Y%29&startIndex=0 to see why.

The Eagle RS-A are just as bad as the Duelers

Mazda3

03-18-2009, 11:46 AM

How can they be worse? Are they bald?

:D

They might as well be. Both my 2007 CX-7 and 2006 Mazda 3 GT came with the RS-A's. They are ok in dry conditions, but like driving on ski's in the winter. I really don't know how Goodyear can get away with putting M+S on this tire. Both sets were replaced by Nokian WR's with in the first month.

Padre Dave

03-23-2009, 10:15 PM

I went over to my favorite Discount Tire store to get a routine rotation and balance. I ended up buying their "certificates" which is basically their road hazard warranty which includes lifetime rotations and balances. Pretty good deal. Their website lists our tires under the "best" category. Hmmm....

jgmass

04-07-2009, 02:52 PM

I am in the process of trading up my Bridgestones to Hankook Ventus RH07 245/50/20. Since I live in the Northeast, I have to get off these OEM skates while I can.

I was only able to find one tire center that was willing to trade up. They recommended the Hankook as a better AS tire than the others on this list. The tread pattern looks much better than the Duellers.

The Hankooks are less well-known, but have a good following over in the Toureg and Murano forums. They are also $200 less per set than the Yokos, and $640 less than the Michelin Lattitudes....

RH07 Specs: Treadwear: 420 Traction: A Temperature: A Speed Rating: V

Since I have less than 400 miles on my tires now, I worked an OK trade-up, should be around $275 OTD for the set. I'll report out after I get them swapped out later in the week.

p.s. Padre Dave. Small world - I grew up in Chandler. I know exactly where your church is...

ceric

04-08-2009, 02:16 AM

I am guessing here.
Just by looking at the tire block pattern...
- many and wide center channels -> seam following on highway
- can't see saw tooth pattern/cut -> probably so-so on snow
My friend did his Ph.D desertation on tire block design. He told me one thing or two about it.

I am not afraid of buying Korean tires. I have used Kumho a couple of times on my BMW 5. They were good for the price I paid. Hankook is not as famous as Kumho (to me. at least), which also produces tires used in racing. Let us face it, tires are not really high-tech anymore. It is a matter of price, design and marketing.

CX9 SportOwner

04-10-2009, 04:22 PM

The Parada Spec X gets better noise and wet/snow ratings by owners than any other AS I've found.

jgmass

04-11-2009, 06:18 PM

Well, I got the Hankook RH07s installed this week.

So far, I am impressed. They seem as quiet as the Bridgestones, don't tramline on our rough and grooved highways, and handle the heavy rains we have been having lately with no issues.

Time will tell if they are decent in the snow, but at least I'm off the OEM tread for very little out-of-pocket.

broomco

04-13-2009, 12:45 PM

ceric

04-13-2009, 01:01 PM

If one is looking for a tire that works well one snow, make sure that it has
- saw-tooth patterns on the tire blocks. The more, the better.
- special winter compound that remain soft in cold temperature. Summer tire compound hardens up in cold temperature which renders it useless on snow.

All "all-season" tires are not equal. Some are more summer-oriented. The so-called "high-performance all season" falls in this category.

P.S. the saw-tooth pattern facilitates wear and creates noises. Quiet tires have varying sizes of tire blocks to cancel the harmonics of one another.

DaddyD

05-01-2009, 12:55 PM

CX9 SportOwner

05-01-2009, 01:09 PM

CX9 SportOwner

05-01-2009, 01:19 PM

Here they are on my 9...

.

Padre Dave

05-08-2009, 11:23 PM

I ordered Yokohamas from my favorite Discount Tire store today. The Bridgestones ride like rocks and I just had enough of them. Will report next week when they are on the car.

CX9 SportOwner

05-09-2009, 12:18 AM

I ordered Yokohamas from my favorite Discount Tire store today. The Bridgestones ride like rocks and I just had enough of them. Will report next week when they are on the car.

Welcome to the 'I no longer hate my CX9 tires' club

Padre Dave

05-12-2009, 05:19 AM

Welcome to the 'I no longer hate my CX9 tires' club

I went with the Yokohama YK520 from Discount Tire. The difference in ride is amazing....so much smoother and quieter. Nice look, should be a good long-term tire.

todd92

05-16-2009, 09:33 PM

I just replaced the Bridgestone slicks with Pirelli STR-A's. They are smoother and quieter. I have separate winter wheels and tires, but these tires look like they would be capable in moderate winter conditions. Can't beat the $444 delivered from the Tire Rack + $77 install at the local Goodyear store.

wontonjon

05-22-2009, 01:27 PM

Beloved is right. LOVE these Paradas! I'll repost here to show the differences.

If you compare them to other tires, particularly the Duelers, you can see the section of open block style tread reminiscent of a snow tire rather than the radial groove design, and the dual center rib.

Dueler H/l 400 - Latitude Tour HP - Hankook RH07 - Parada Spec X - Blizzak Snow

just had a thought - with the parada spec Xs, they appear to be unidirectional tires....so when it comes time for the good ol' balance/rotation, it'll only be a front/rear swap rather than front/rear/side to side swap right?

anyone know of any good tires that'll still allow for front/rear/side to side rotation of tires?

CX9 SportOwner

05-23-2009, 12:25 AM

Directional, yes, But I only do linear rotations front to back anyway. Best way to do it, and you get better performance from a tire when they aren't constrained by making the tread unidirectional.

Update on the Paradas: Lot of rain here lately. I can punch it, even turning and no slipping on wet pavement where the Duelers would slip even on dry.

wontonjon

05-26-2009, 08:30 PM

good to hear that the tires are doing well.

when doing your linear rotations front to back on the past set of tires - were there any concerns about inner or outer area of the tires wearing unevenly?

i guess this might have been more of a problem on my old coupe due to its camber?

CX9 SportOwner

05-27-2009, 01:35 AM

at 25k my tires were worn perfectly even. that's with 2 rotations at 10k and 20k. The only reason I needed to was to compensate for the front tires being driven.

Craig-CX9

07-01-2009, 11:19 PM

I just put a set of 4 Michelin Latitudes 255/50/R20 on my CX-9 GT AWD. They are awesome so far.. do the calibration.. easy.. and get a good alignment. Mine was mostly in spec, but after narrowing the spec, the whole package is awesome.. Will report back after I get some run time on them.

Craig

ceric

07-02-2009, 02:05 AM

At $278/per tire, I hope they are good.
According to this chart, it got worst review than the Yoko Parada Spec-X,
which is $160/per.
Note that those reviews were from customers (sure, some may be bogus)
I have purchased at least 5 sets of tires from tirerack.com. Their review system
is pretty useful, IMO. Trust the ones with more miles to avoid bogus reviews.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=SSTAS&width=255%2F&ratio=50&diameter=20&tireSearch=true

Craig-CX9

07-02-2009, 11:22 AM

ceric - We've got a long trip ahead of us over the next week or so.. I'll let you guys know. The ride is smooth and they absolutely put the Zoom back in the Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!

CX9 SportOwner

07-02-2009, 01:29 PM

Latitude was my second choice, so you should do well with them.

Again, I went with the Paradas becasue they look nicer, have better evacuation, and better ice traction than the Latitudes, which I need since I can't afford snow tires.

Oh, and $800 out the door with full replacement warranty.

nick2421

08-26-2009, 07:09 PM

Have 20,000k on my Duellers.
Dealer says I have 4/32 on back tires, and 5/32 on front tires.
Probably going to need to replace my 4 tires in another 5k miles.

Planning on purchasing the Prada-X when I'm due.
Is 25,000 miles probably the norm for the Prada's?
Depending on your driving habits of course.

ceric

08-26-2009, 08:05 PM

Deuler is rated 260 (UTQG rating), while Parada Spec-X is rated at 420.
By projection, if you Deuler last 25K miles, the Spec-X should last 41K for your driving.

CX9 SportOwner

08-27-2009, 12:35 AM

Except that the UTQG Treadwear rating is not an industry standard. Each manufacturer sets up their own rating system, so you cant compare one make to another for that.

That said, I'm confident the Paradas will outlast the horrible Duelers.

ceric

08-27-2009, 02:32 AM

UTQG is government standard testing. (NHTSA under DoT, tested on the same track)
It is scientifically good enough for me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTQG

WaxiP5

08-27-2009, 10:11 AM

^ I agree. Most people say it is idotic to compare UTQG between manufacturers, but I think that it is a no brainer that the 400 Parada Spec X would outlast a 260 Dueler H/L.

Btw, I will be going for the Parada Spec X in OEM 245/50/20 size instead of the 255/50/20. There's a 3lbs weight difference per tire and I do not want more strain on my puny 3.5L engine.

nick2421

08-27-2009, 11:58 AM

I see some comments but not much for the Pirelli Scorpion STR A.

Anyone else usng this tire, or additonal comments regarding this type tire compared to the Yoko Spec-X?

I see on tirerack that the Pirelli are going for $99 each compared to Yoko's $159 each as of today.

Sounds like a good deal for the Pirelli, but you get what you pay for.

The Pirelli are also coming in on the tirerack site as UTQG: 520AA.
Might last longer than the 420 AA Yoko?
Another postive perhaps.

But the Pirelli is has a T rating, compared to the V for the Yoko.
Not sure if performace would suffer on the CX9 AWD GT with a T tire.

I live in Northeast PA. Alot of snow during the winter though.

Any additonal thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

ceric

08-27-2009, 12:42 PM

Speed rating is not so much a concern since T-rated is good for more than 118mph (sustained speed). H-rated is good for 130mph. V-rate is probably 149mph. Our CX9 has top-speed of 119mph.

That said, the "Survey Result" of Pirelli Scorpion STR-A is not as good as that of the Parada Spec-X. However, $99 is pretty low price (special pricing). It is your call. The thing I dislike about OE Dueler is the on-snow handling. I will not risk buying another one that is as lousy on snow.

4wardmotion

08-30-2009, 08:56 PM

This won't help you folks riding on 20", but I immediately replaced the Bridgestones upon buying my '08 Sport AWD with Continental Cross Contact LX's. With 45K now on my 9, I still have between 7 and 8/32's of tread left. I was so concerned about the negative reviews on the Dueller that I didn't even want to waste my time with them. I've been very happy with the Conti's in all respects.....and considering they only cost about $100 each for the 18", it is a heck of a steal. Granted, I do 90% highway driving, the treadlife I'm experiencing is higher than most would see, but I don't think the Dueller would have ever lasted this long.

So, if you're riding on 18's, keep the Continentals in mind as an inexpensive replacment option!

vikefan7

08-31-2009, 12:16 PM

Wow, that's amazing you've been able to keep the Contis so long. No Continental tire I've ever owned has lasted over 20,000 miles.

ceric

08-31-2009, 02:06 PM

Continental Cross Contact has tread wear index of 680.
It should last quite long compared to other.
$105 is great price also (compared to $153 of Parada Spec-X).
The reviews/survey looks decent also.
However, not for 20" GT wheels.

4wardmotion

08-31-2009, 05:52 PM

Wow, that's amazing you've been able to keep the Contis so long. No Continental tire I've ever owned has lasted over 20,000 miles.

Really? I've had several models of Continentals and have actually had really good luck with them.....but again, I do almost all highway. I had 60K on my Continental Contacts on my Passat when I replaced them. I had a set of Semperit Snow tires (made by Continental) which were actually a good A/S tire.

Continental Cross Contact has tread wear index of 680.
It should last quite long compared to other.
$105 is great price also (compared to $153 of Parada Spec-X).
The reviews/survey looks decent also.
However, not for 20" GT wheels.

Like you, I utilize the Tire Rack reviews/surveys for information before I buy. I've noticed that when a new tire comes out, sometimes it quickly rises to the top because there's not enough real data or life-long tire experience to get truly valuable information. I've seen more than a few tires go to the top of the list and then slowly sink as more people own the tire longer and send in their reviews. It's always a good idea to check the 'miles reported' column to make sure the data isn't erroneously skewed by a newbie tire release with people getting caught up in the initial hype.

But, no regrets at all on the Contact LX's. It's too bad they don't make them in the 20" size for the rest of the 9 owners, as another option for you.