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Michelin Defender LTX vs Bridgestone H/L Alenza Plus - with a twist

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31K views 7 replies 8 participants last post by  Nosidam  
#1 ·
About 5 months ago I had to replace 1 of by factory Bridgestone tires due to damage. Now w/ only 24K miles the dealership is stating that I need to replace the rest and I agree. That said, I can get 3 Bridgestone H/L Alenza plus for $90 less than 4 new Michelin Defender LTX after a promo at Costco.

Which route would you go?
 
#3 ·
The consensus around here is that the a Michelin’s ride softer and squishier. Smoother over bumps and such. I imagine the trade-off might be they don’t handle aggressive driving maneuvers (and maybe trailer sway) as well but most Escalade owners aren’t too concerned about that.
I don’t mind the Bridgestones on mine. It’s up to you I guess.
 
#4 ·
Go with the Michelins. I cannot wait until my crappy Bridgestones are dead! Before the Escalade, I had a Denali. Bridgestones lasted 38k. I was literally sliding around turns on wet flat pavement, hydroplaning in the smallest of puddles and a shitty ride. Switched to the Defenders and they looked brand new still at 80k when I traded the Yukon for the Cadillac.

I have 19k. I swear at 25, I'm replacing them regardless of what they look like.
 
#5 ·
I have about 20K miles on my Bridgestone Duellers 22" and the ride is such crap I was thinking of dropping down to 20" wheels, but if Michelin's are that much better I may try them first before spending $2000+ on smaller rims and wheels.

I live in New England and the roads might be the worst in the country for potholes/cracks/general poor quality. Doesn't help that Magnetic Ride Control is tuned WAY too stiff!
 
#7 ·
Love my new Michelins but do want to mention to those few out there who have the mudflap option on their vehicle that the front left tire can (at a specific left turn and body angle combination) make noisy contact with the flap. Seems to be due to the slightly more boxy shape. It's very light but does ruin the moment when your backing out of certain parking spots in a crowded parking lot in your nice cool ride. Suspect it will go away on its own after a few thousand miles.
 
#8 ·
Michelin now has a deeper tread version of the premier as well. There were some complaints about the mileage/wear on the premier so not sure if they get better life, or if it is a compound issue. I have the defenders on our esv and they have great traction and pretty good ride with 22’s. The wear on mine is not great compared to the couple sets of LTX we had on a Tahoe. I am not sure if I will get 50,000 out of them.