Has anyone tried the new General G-Max AS-03 yet?
#1
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Has anyone tried the new General G-Max AS-03 yet?
Just got an 08 TL with a set of worn out OEM EL42's on it. What a sucky tire. This car has only 19k miles and they are worn out and won't balance.
Had just about settled on the Continental ExtremeContact DWS...then I found this tire.
The General Altimax HP is the best tire I ever had on my Mercedes. Loved that tire.
One thing: It only shows available in the 245/45/17 and not in the 235/45/17. It has a 95W rating.
I found it on tirerack.com. No survey results yet and just 3-4 reviews (all very good).
Great price, too.
Had just about settled on the Continental ExtremeContact DWS...then I found this tire.
The General Altimax HP is the best tire I ever had on my Mercedes. Loved that tire.
One thing: It only shows available in the 245/45/17 and not in the 235/45/17. It has a 95W rating.
I found it on tirerack.com. No survey results yet and just 3-4 reviews (all very good).
Great price, too.
#2
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Just googled it. Motor Trend, Road and Track, all giving it superb reviews. Here is another: http://www.drivingthenation.com/?p=3165
I'm going to hold off on the DWS until I see some survey results and tests by tirerack.
I'm going to hold off on the DWS until I see some survey results and tests by tirerack.
#5
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Good to hear, thanks guys. Give us an update on your impressions of the tire after a week.
-- corner stability and traction?
-- highway quiet?
-- balance?
Tirerack has a 6-8 week backorder on my size.
-- corner stability and traction?
-- highway quiet?
-- balance?
Tirerack has a 6-8 week backorder on my size.
#7
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I was pretty much ready to get the Conti ExtremeContact DWS on my car this week but the more I ready about this tire from General I'm having a hard time deciding.
Here are a couple more reviews, one very recent.
http://www.tirereview.com/article/86..._offering.aspx
http://www.eurotuner.com/techarticle..._03/index.html
Honestly, in all I have read about them I have not heard one single negative.
Here are a couple more reviews, one very recent.
http://www.tirereview.com/article/86..._offering.aspx
http://www.eurotuner.com/techarticle..._03/index.html
Honestly, in all I have read about them I have not heard one single negative.
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#8
Team Owner
iTrader: (4)
I'm considering these.
I have the DWS and they are very loud for my taste. Not sure if it is just the 3 different thread pattern on them not working well with my car or what. Most people here really like the DWS. I love the traction but hate the comfort of them.
I have the DWS and they are very loud for my taste. Not sure if it is just the 3 different thread pattern on them not working well with my car or what. Most people here really like the DWS. I love the traction but hate the comfort of them.
#9
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And, by the way, those earlier on in the thread that said the DWS wouldn't hold tire shine -- they must have fixed that because mine hold it very well.
#10
Area on my XM
Bump...
Any updates from the owners who have purchased these? After about ~35k on my current Exclaim UHPs (and I can probably stretch another 5-7k out before replacement is necessary), I am in the market for a new set shoes for the car. The UHPs wore well with my car dropped on S-tech springs sans a camber kit. I was disheartened to see that this particular model was discontinued by General, but discovered that the G-MAX AS-03 was the direct replacement and has been on the market since this past summer. The price is a little higher than the Exclaims (I'm guessing due to inflation and oil prices?), but it appears to be the same quality of tire.
The DWS has a higher treadwear number, but I have read that tire noise can be an issue on some cars. I think that the AS-03 might be a good alternative as I have yet to see any complaints about noise, premature wear, or handling on dry or wet pavement.
Just fishing for some opinions from those who went this route over the DWS. Any comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for your input.
Any updates from the owners who have purchased these? After about ~35k on my current Exclaim UHPs (and I can probably stretch another 5-7k out before replacement is necessary), I am in the market for a new set shoes for the car. The UHPs wore well with my car dropped on S-tech springs sans a camber kit. I was disheartened to see that this particular model was discontinued by General, but discovered that the G-MAX AS-03 was the direct replacement and has been on the market since this past summer. The price is a little higher than the Exclaims (I'm guessing due to inflation and oil prices?), but it appears to be the same quality of tire.
The DWS has a higher treadwear number, but I have read that tire noise can be an issue on some cars. I think that the AS-03 might be a good alternative as I have yet to see any complaints about noise, premature wear, or handling on dry or wet pavement.
Just fishing for some opinions from those who went this route over the DWS. Any comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for your input.
#11
Jokerman
I just bought these and will be installing them this week. I couldnt find many reviews on this tire, but they looked like they could handle any type of weather I threw at them. Since it is becoming winter up here in the Chicago area, I will be able to run them through dry, wet and snow conditions over the next month.
I originally wanted to get the Altimax HP, I have them on my wifes Pacifica and they handle great on her damn near 3 ton vehicle, but tire rack was low on their stock of that tire and everyone else wanted a ridiculous amount. So I settled on the G-Max.
The tread pattern on the G-Max lookes better in person than it does in photos. It is much deeper than I originally thought. So it looks like it will be able to handle the snow decently.
Like I said though I will be writing a complete review on this tire.
I originally wanted to get the Altimax HP, I have them on my wifes Pacifica and they handle great on her damn near 3 ton vehicle, but tire rack was low on their stock of that tire and everyone else wanted a ridiculous amount. So I settled on the G-Max.
The tread pattern on the G-Max lookes better in person than it does in photos. It is much deeper than I originally thought. So it looks like it will be able to handle the snow decently.
Like I said though I will be writing a complete review on this tire.
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Red Voodoo (12-06-2011)
#12
Team Owner
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I just bought these and will be installing them this week. I couldnt find many reviews on this tire, but they looked like they could handle any type of weather I threw at them. Since it is becoming winter up here in the Chicago area, I will be able to run them through dry, wet and snow conditions over the next month.
I originally wanted to get the Altimax HP, I have them on my wifes Pacifica and they handle great on her damn near 3 ton vehicle, but tire rack was low on their stock of that tire and everyone else wanted a ridiculous amount. So I settled on the G-Max.
The tread pattern on the G-Max lookes better in person than it does in photos. It is much deeper than I originally thought. So it looks like it will be able to handle the snow decently.
Like I said though I will be writing a complete review on this tire.
I originally wanted to get the Altimax HP, I have them on my wifes Pacifica and they handle great on her damn near 3 ton vehicle, but tire rack was low on their stock of that tire and everyone else wanted a ridiculous amount. So I settled on the G-Max.
The tread pattern on the G-Max lookes better in person than it does in photos. It is much deeper than I originally thought. So it looks like it will be able to handle the snow decently.
Like I said though I will be writing a complete review on this tire.
#13
Suzuka Master
The rubber in these and most A/S just get way too hard under 40F.
#14
Jokerman
The tread looks identical to the Exclaims and I have these in a 235/19/35 and I'll tell you .. I wouldn't run them in the snow, I had to for about 5 miles .. not fun.. tread depth has no real bearing on snow performance .. its rubber compound and siping that makes a snow tire work.
The rubber in these and most A/S just get way too hard under 40F.
The rubber in these and most A/S just get way too hard under 40F.
#15
Suzuka Master
You are correct, but in the winter, I seriously doubt that i will ever be hitting over 100mph, let alone the 130 the Altimax HP is rated at
I understand what you are saying. They should do decent in the snow, especially compared to my summer wheel set and all season Sumitomos. Of course we are not talking about a foot, maybe a few inches on the ground. I did not want to go for the complete winter tire since this will be my last winter that has snow. (will be moving back south). The tread design is deep and wide open which should allow the tire to get traction a little easier and hopefully allow for the snow to be able to release from the tire. I had troubles last year on my Sumitomos where the snow wouldn't release from the tire and essentially made the tire a slick where I couldnt get any traction. These tires havent been around long enough to get a good decent review in the snow. So i guess i will give it the test.
I understand what you are saying. They should do decent in the snow, especially compared to my summer wheel set and all season Sumitomos. Of course we are not talking about a foot, maybe a few inches on the ground. I did not want to go for the complete winter tire since this will be my last winter that has snow. (will be moving back south). The tread design is deep and wide open which should allow the tire to get traction a little easier and hopefully allow for the snow to be able to release from the tire. I had troubles last year on my Sumitomos where the snow wouldn't release from the tire and essentially made the tire a slick where I couldnt get any traction. These tires havent been around long enough to get a good decent review in the snow. So i guess i will give it the test.
#16
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
I just bought these and will be installing them this week. I couldnt find many reviews on this tire, but they looked like they could handle any type of weather I threw at them. Since it is becoming winter up here in the Chicago area, I will be able to run them through dry, wet and snow conditions over the next month.
I originally wanted to get the Altimax HP, I have them on my wifes Pacifica and they handle great on her damn near 3 ton vehicle, but tire rack was low on their stock of that tire and everyone else wanted a ridiculous amount. So I settled on the G-Max.
The tread pattern on the G-Max lookes better in person than it does in photos. It is much deeper than I originally thought. So it looks like it will be able to handle the snow decently.
Like I said though I will be writing a complete review on this tire.
I originally wanted to get the Altimax HP, I have them on my wifes Pacifica and they handle great on her damn near 3 ton vehicle, but tire rack was low on their stock of that tire and everyone else wanted a ridiculous amount. So I settled on the G-Max.
The tread pattern on the G-Max lookes better in person than it does in photos. It is much deeper than I originally thought. So it looks like it will be able to handle the snow decently.
Like I said though I will be writing a complete review on this tire.
#17
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
posted this in the continental dws thread but thought the reviews/info would be helpful linked to this thread as well:
"in my search for an alternative for the DWS 245/45 (3 month back order), just did a few hours research on the general g-max as-03 and the kumho ecsta 4x...both don't have survey ratings on tirerack but i searched forums and driving magazines for info.
right now i'm leaning towards the general g-max in the 245/45 combo, looks like it handles great in wet weather and may have a stiffer sidewall than the DWS's due to interlocking treads
kumho ecsta 4x doesn't have many reviews from driving magazines, which tipped me towards g-max
has anyone heard of someone running the g-max tires??
general g-max review:
http://www.eurotuner.com/techarticle..._03/index.html
youtube info:
tirerack initial tests:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=151
one more review:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/special-...re-g-max-as-03 "
"in my search for an alternative for the DWS 245/45 (3 month back order), just did a few hours research on the general g-max as-03 and the kumho ecsta 4x...both don't have survey ratings on tirerack but i searched forums and driving magazines for info.
right now i'm leaning towards the general g-max in the 245/45 combo, looks like it handles great in wet weather and may have a stiffer sidewall than the DWS's due to interlocking treads
kumho ecsta 4x doesn't have many reviews from driving magazines, which tipped me towards g-max
has anyone heard of someone running the g-max tires??
general g-max review:
http://www.eurotuner.com/techarticle..._03/index.html
youtube info:
tirerack initial tests:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=151
one more review:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/special-...re-g-max-as-03 "
#18
Jokerman
I am running the g-max tires right now, have been on the car since friday. For me, they handle well on the dry road. I dont know if its me, but i think i might be feeling more bumps with these tan my sumitomo summers. I think its me because it was cold and i know that the summer tires would be stiffer than the all seasons. I cant wait until it snows again so i can test it out again.
#19
Jokerman
I have now been running on them in the rain and on dry roads. I dont know if is is just me, but i fell like these stick to the ground extremely well. I had summer sports on before and i feel as thoguh these are stickier. I havent been able to break them free on dry road yet. In the rain, they do very well. I went through a few puddles (not on purpose) and at first i was scared that i would hydroplain a little. To my surprise, i did not and just kept on driving. I am now just waiting on the snow.
#21
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
I decided to go with the kumho ecsta 4x afte reading some more reviews on tirerack and I love them. Had them on for a week now and very happy getting them in 245/45. But either general or kumho will be a great quality choice at a decent price. Kumho also has a 50 dollar rebate until the end of the month
#22
Jokerman
The g-maxes are great. I am holding back on the snow covered roads as of right now, because of my accident last year. they seem to have a goos amount of grip even on the snow. I am not getting any pulling from them like a lot of people have gotten with the Conti DWS. My theory is because these are directional tires. and the tread design is somewhat symetrical. On the wet roads they are excelent. I went through a large puddle by accident and did not feel any hydroplaning. I have less than 1000 miles on them but no problems so far.
#23
Racer
I'm running these on my accord 6speed 3.5 and I love them, don't let the price turn u away .. These tires coming from its parent company continental they have great rubber quality , and let me tell u these tires GRIP .. These aren't Michelin super sports but these tires being all seasons too they do very well in the rain , ive really tested them in all road conditions
In the dry I've made turns so fast in my accord that the back end was breaking out and I caught myself sliding slightly with my stability control trying to straighten everything out but again i have taken these tires to there limit because I like to kno where the edge is and they do a fantastic job
In the rain there very good but I don't like to fully push them because the couple times I did stability control had to kick on and straighten me out and I wasn't going really pushing them but despite that there very good in the rain just u need to realize its the rain so conditions are different
In the snow storm we had last week we got 5inches and I drove the tires at730am before anything got plowed or saw salt and obviously most of us will be driving with caution because it's snow but once I had open space I played a little stupid with them and regardless when they slide out stability kicks in but I came home and went to my job saying holy shit I love these tires ..
Overall I've had them for about 2500miles and I'm in NJ so we see all road conditions plus pot holes and shitty paved streets and for the money u can't beat this there great for all year they really do exceed my expectations
In the dry I've made turns so fast in my accord that the back end was breaking out and I caught myself sliding slightly with my stability control trying to straighten everything out but again i have taken these tires to there limit because I like to kno where the edge is and they do a fantastic job
In the rain there very good but I don't like to fully push them because the couple times I did stability control had to kick on and straighten me out and I wasn't going really pushing them but despite that there very good in the rain just u need to realize its the rain so conditions are different
In the snow storm we had last week we got 5inches and I drove the tires at730am before anything got plowed or saw salt and obviously most of us will be driving with caution because it's snow but once I had open space I played a little stupid with them and regardless when they slide out stability kicks in but I came home and went to my job saying holy shit I love these tires ..
Overall I've had them for about 2500miles and I'm in NJ so we see all road conditions plus pot holes and shitty paved streets and for the money u can't beat this there great for all year they really do exceed my expectations
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Mista (03-19-2012)
#25
Racer
Last night I was with a few friends hanging out , in a big parking lot , Evos , SIs bikes etc , I decided to spin my around the lot, turned traction off and I power slided my coupe , thru it in turns etc ... My generals with traction off still gripped with traction off high rpms and me behind the wheel
I was so impressedcwith how the tires gripped being thrown into power slides and turns and spinning .. I honestly love them
I was so impressedcwith how the tires gripped being thrown into power slides and turns and spinning .. I honestly love them
#26
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (3)
looking at these as well but the negative I hear is soft sidewalls.. I am the type that goes in an out of lanes quickly.. not all the time but enough that I want a tire that can handle it...
does anyone feel the tires are soft when pushing into corners or changing lanes quickly? .. straighaway I heard is fantastic but I get too many tickets going fast on a straightaway
does anyone feel the tires are soft when pushing into corners or changing lanes quickly? .. straighaway I heard is fantastic but I get too many tickets going fast on a straightaway
#27
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
looking at these as well but the negative I hear is soft sidewalls.. I am the type that goes in an out of lanes quickly.. not all the time but enough that I want a tire that can handle it...
does anyone feel the tires are soft when pushing into corners or changing lanes quickly? .. straighaway I heard is fantastic but I get too many tickets going fast on a straightaway
does anyone feel the tires are soft when pushing into corners or changing lanes quickly? .. straighaway I heard is fantastic but I get too many tickets going fast on a straightaway
i love my kumhos so far (about 3 months)
Last edited by sockr1; 03-19-2012 at 09:22 AM. Reason: forgot one sentence
#31
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (3)
^^DC, what driving style would you consider yourself? aggressive? or moderately aggressive?
i have read really good things about the tires but the only question mark is the side-to-side movement.. how does it feel changing lanes at high speeds or taking turns say about 20mph to 30mph over the turn limit?
also what about road noise?
and thanks for posting!! need some new tires and reviews on here are great
i have read really good things about the tires but the only question mark is the side-to-side movement.. how does it feel changing lanes at high speeds or taking turns say about 20mph to 30mph over the turn limit?
also what about road noise?
and thanks for posting!! need some new tires and reviews on here are great
#33
the overexplainer
TireRack gave these a good review. 2nd place in its category of value oriented A/S. These will probably be my next set of tires when my V12s wear out.
#35
I have the Generals on two cars, with no complaints. Been driving my '97 Prelude in the snow recently, and they work pretty well. On both cars they show decent wear, good ride, low noise (though increases at end of tire wear), and the price is great.
My TL came with DWS….will have a choice to make, when the time comes.
My TL came with DWS….will have a choice to make, when the time comes.
#37
Instructor
iTrader: (2)
^^ true for me. I am not sure if it had to do with me buying separate pairs, but they were loud the minute i rode after the install. Initially, when i had a pair upfront, they weren't as loud or i didn't notice the road noise. the minute i got the second pair, it became apparent. i rotated and had wheel alignments, same noise.
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mattpete (02-01-2015)
#38
Racer
iTrader: (4)
^^ true for me. I am not sure if it had to do with me buying separate pairs, but they were loud the minute i rode after the install. Initially, when i had a pair upfront, they weren't as loud or i didn't notice the road noise. the minute i got the second pair, it became apparent. i rotated and had wheel alignments, same noise.
Where in New England are you?
I travel to Metro Boston quite frequently - Wellesley, Framingham, Burlington, Concord.... etc.
#39
Just to add to comments on my experience with the Generals. I have them on a '97 Prelude (2nd set) and an '83 Firebird (with LS1- '00 Corvette wheels). Both are not noisy. The last set on the Prelude had some noise for the last 8000 miles (got 34-40K on them- I think). Before I went to Generals on the Prelude, I've had many kinds of tires on the car. They would mostly melt away quickly and would get noisy after 8-10K miles.