So I think the Michelin Defender is the perfect all-terrain tire... (For most of us) (3 Viewers)

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If the size is available definitely get the ms2.

I just want to ask how are the ms2 in the rain on road, if you already have driven this in the rain.
 
LX4x4 said:
If the size is available definitely get the ms2.

I just want to ask how are the ms2 in the rain on road, if you already have driven this in the rain.
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Only twice so far - handled great w no slippage or issues in ponding areas. It is basically their specialty based on history and evolutionary tread design. It’s a big reason why I ended up with them. Sipes for days.

In more time I will update my experience. It hasn’t been raining much lately in the coastal SE.
 
LX4x4 said:
If the size is available definitely get the ms2.

I just want to ask how are the ms2 in the rain on road, if you already have driven this in the rain.
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I wonder if the UTQG ratings mean much anymore? I see the Defender LTX M/S2 is rated B for traction and the Defender LTX M/S is rated A. Those ratings are set using a wet road.
 
kto25 said:
I don’t know the answer, but having just bought some of these what I learned was that an XL Defender in stock 285/60/18 can only be found in the older M/S version.

There’s an M/S2 XL in 275/65/18 but its 7.6” tread width might look too narrow for some people’s tastes? There’s an M/S2 LT in that size that’s 8.8” tw but it comes with (subjective) downsides of an E tire.

Hope that info helps someone out there. I ended up with the older M/S as it fit my needs better and I’d imagine the M/S2 isn’t all that much different.
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I’m sure the 7.6” tread width number for the Defender LTX M/S2 in 275/65-18 XL on the Tire Rack site is a typo or a goof. I just measured the Defender LTX M/S 275/65-18 XL on my LC and they are 8.9” in tread width, which is what the Tire Rack listed for that tire. There is no way basically the same form factor on the new tire lost 1.3” of tread width, especially given the E tire in that size is also almost 9” across.
 
Sandroad said:
I wonder if the UTQG ratings mean much anymore? I see the Defender LTX M/S2 is rated B for traction and the Defender LTX M/S is rated A. Those ratings are set using a wet road.
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I noticed CrossClimate 2 is also traction B. The rating is obtained by no anti lock braking skidding away. Michelin of course claims they optimized it for anti lock situation. But maybe a rated A tire is still better than B with antilock brake (not sure).
This would have to come with real life reviews for both wet and dry.
 
Are these tires also worth considering? Max Load 2756 lbs (conti website) ~ 116T.
Edit: load range is SL is that not good.



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LX4x4 said:
Are these tires also worth considering? Max Load 2756 lbs (conti website) ~ 116T.
Edit: load range is SL is that not good.



View attachment 3471259
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There are separate threads on the TerrainContacts. They are reviewed well on-road. Some reports of worse mileage.

Whether SL is “not good” depends on your planned use. They will handle the full towing capacity of the vehicle.
 
How did they do in the slick stuff?
 
RTaylor said:
How did they do in the slick stuff?
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I had confidence in them the whole time, but I mean they have their limitations. One muddy, steeply angled left to right route during the off road section had a big ditch waiting on the poor soul that didn’t have enough bite. We were on that slick eroded edge in 4lo doing good and for a moment they started to lose rear grip (understandably) - but they found it a second later and pulled up and out of the obstacle.

They were absolutely caked in mud when I got out to see the action just a few feet out of that spot. I thought they did really good all things considered. Several others with actual blocky ATs were sliding a bit too but ultimately had good success from what I saw. There was sharp looking 100 ser black LX on Ko2s that ran the most difficult route nicely with only a temporary pause on a tall, slick mogul.

Very small sample size but take it for what it’s worth. It’s a buttery smooth highway tire with some capability on trail. I liked the E load confidence I had in them on the rocky rough entry roads, squirrelly fire roads, etc. as well.
 
Good perspective. I put them on my wife’s LC, but haven’t gotten them too dirty yet. They’re awesome around town and on the highway, of course. But I would feel confident in them for the basics of 4WD and your input solidifies that. The mechanics of the 200 can compensate for lighter duty off-road tires.
 
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thammer62 said:
I had confidence in them the whole time, but I mean they have their limitations. One muddy, steeply angled left to right route during the off road section had a big ditch waiting on the poor soul that didn’t have enough bite. We were on that slick eroded edge in 4lo doing good and for a moment they started to lose rear grip (understandably) - but they found it a second later and pulled up and out of the obstacle.

They were absolutely caked in mud when I got out to see the action just a few feet out of that spot. I thought they did really good all things considered. Several others with actual blocky ATs were sliding a bit too but ultimately had good success from what I saw. There was sharp looking 100 ser black LX on Ko2s that ran the most difficult route nicely with only a temporary pause on a tall, slick mogul.

Very small sample size but take it for what it’s worth. It’s a buttery smooth highway tire with some capability on trail. I liked the E load confidence I had in them on the rocky rough entry roads, squirrelly fire roads, etc. as well.
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did you air down to maybe 20-25 psi?
 
KarlHungus said:
How do you like the M/S2 vs your Contis previously had? Am looking at both...
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LT vs P - but they ride similarly (great). A touch firmer on the LTs I suppose but it is negligible. That fractional firmness is a positive/ improvement in braking, handling, and general daily driving imo. Again it is close though. Both are silent as expected.

Picked up a nail near the beach the other day - not flat yet, just down in the tread block. Cussed as usual. Took it to tire place, pulled it out and leak tested - no leak. LTs paying off already. Lol

Both are great tire choices. I am really liking these so far and highly recommend this 25 mm offset D-Ms2 combo aesthetically and performance wise.
 
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