[Pete Munroe]

Road rod,

Just my opinion but pretty sure the S/R is the softer of the two...

Before getting the M/T S/R's spent a LOT of time trying to check wear ratings and speed ratings on the basic 15" tires to try estimate tire traction.

My conclusion is the M/T "S/T" is a "normal 15" street radial" similar with the Dunlop GT Qualifier, Cooper Cobra, BFG Radial T/S. Yokohama AVID...

Do not know of any direct "durometer" measures of the rubber. But if you check out the wear ratings for that grouping they are relatively high numbers. Think you can infer therefore a rubber that is harder than you see in performance orientated tires, whether they are 15, 17 whatever.

Also the tires above are not rated for a speed higher the S or T, ~112 or 118 in that ball park. That grouping is also all roughly the same price, at least 2 years ago.

OK, the M/T "S/R" with the "flame pattern" tread is speed rated at H - 130...I don't remember exactly but I think the UTG wear rating is MUCH lower than the "run of the mill" 15" 60 series tires.

My experience with the S/R's is they are MUCH stickier than the Dunlop GT's they replaced.

First tires on my car were "non-radial bias type" HOOSIER Street T/D's. When switching from Hoosier to the Dunlop GT' it was an eye opener as there was NO where near the traction with the Dunlop's.

Of all the lower end tires, some may be harder/softer than others, or handle better/worse due to design, but they appear to be very similar based on specs.

IMHO the "S/R" is a real step up in traction from the entry level 60 series 15" tires.

Until NITTO comes up a with a 60 series 15" version of their hi-po 17" tires...or, hows this...the AVONS go on a "buy two get TWO FREE..!!!" the M/T S/R is about the only moderately priced alternative I am aware of.i

Pete