Tires Firestone or RIKEN
While not a 200tw tire the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340tw) not only costs significantly less but I've ran them with excellent grip on my WRX.
The original Winter Force tires are streets ahead of the Winter Force 2.
I like the set of firestone winterforce I just put on our XC70 this year so far. Took them out on snow/ice a few times so far and they feel like I would expect any dedicated winter tire to feel. What took me by surprise is how they drive in the dry... perfectly reasonable handling/braking and reasonable road noise for a winter tire. These actually handle and brake better in the dry than bridgestone weatherpeaks.
Another solid budget pick is the Firehawk Indy 500 (basically a baby Pilot Sport but cheaper). I ran them on my old Mk7 and they were awesome for daily + fun drives.
In my experience the best bang for your buck summer tire is the Riken Raptor. They're about $100 a pop and have great dry grip. Downside is that they're not amazing in very wet conditions.
Riken Raptor ZR A/S RF. These tires were under $400 for a SET (about $86 per tire). 300tw. Aggressive tire pattern. And they are a solid performer for canyon carving. I drove them about 4000 miles over a week this past summer around MATG including some pretty aggressive backroad driving and they held up VERY well. Insanely well given the price.
Indy500 - probably my favorite all around tire. Good looking tread, great dry grip, SUPERB wet grip, and also very quiet & comfortable
We had Firestone Transforces on my dad\u2019s truck when I was in high school. Slightest hint of mud and they would pack up and slick off in an instant, but man they lasted a long time.
Personally I stay away from the Firestone stuff. Hard compounds that aquaplane easily and still have worse rolling resistance than the premium tyres.
I would almost never recommend firehawks. They wear like shit
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