Yeah, I have spent a LOT of hours reading tire reviews and watching video reviews. The Discoverer STT Pros hold up pretty good. The elevation here is between 3 and 7-thousand feet. My home town is about 3,400 ft. Although I had to drive on snow covered roads most of the time yesterday, it's not the norm. And since dealing with severe emphysema, I don't go out much in the winter months.
Years ago, winters were much more severe around here. I can remember lots of days there was 4' or more of snow everywhere every year. And before my time, historical photos show snow that was over most people's heads. I wouldn't want to argue with anyone about how these changes came about and in my age and condition, I'm not worried so much about global as I am my own little world of this part of the Sierra Nevadas. But the change is noticeable and there doesn't appear to be a chance of reversal unless a huge meteor hits or some idiot presses a big red button somewhere.
I'm livin' on bonus time. I got less than one quarter lung function and am enjoying my 7th or 8th unexpected winter. It'd be nice if I could squeeze out another 8 or even 18 - who knows? But I am living for today. I balanced my tire choices between a variety of environmental conditions, how I spend my time and, of course, my vanity. I like the way these tires look. They may not be the best in snow, might make more noise than another tire going down the highway at 60 or 70mph and they may wear out quicker than some. I'm thinkin'... :shrug: meh.
The STT Pros will be a lot better than the Big-O all season tires I have now - and these Big-Os got me back and forth to Reno in several inches of snow yesterday. They will most certainly be better on all the roads (and almost roads) that I like to go photo hunting on. And they will get me back and forth every 2 or 3 months to Reno doctor appointments and shopping excursions. I think these were the right choice for me.
'Course, if they don't fit, then I'll have to find a whole new right choice. :gr_grin: