I see there is some spirited discussion!
No worries, as long as there are no hard feelings, it is all good.
Stopped by the DT yesterday. They corrected the mileage and informed me that I have 30 days to decide if I want different tires.
They were surprised I was reporting harshness, as the tires have been very well received.
I mentioned that my wife's CRV was transformed, and they commented that it is the "same" tire that is in my car.
I politely stated that her tires had much more sidewall and internal volume, which likely provided more comfort.
They said I could go up a little in size without detriment. I wasn't interested.
I'm having the Defenders rebalanced on Wednesday because there is a noise/vibration that I'm pretty sure is mechanical (baseline noise worsened after new tires, which means the new tires are quieter than the old ones).
I know all tires are a compromise, and was ok with trading some weather performance for quietness and smooth ride, since I spend a lot of time in the car, but not a huge amount in bad weather, where additional performance may be welcome.
That said, my area of Michigan can have snow on the ground for about 6 months of the year, but not usually huge amounts. The roads are usually cleared well, and I've been driving here for 38 years.
I thought that it may be best to have as much performance as possible: prepare for the worst (horrible weather, emergency maneuvers) and hope for the best.
I was nearly set on the CC2, but thought it wouldn't have any advantage for 90% of my driving, and it would likely be louder, harsher, and ding my MPG.
We drove from MI to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area earlier this year. Four people, loaded trunk, about 1500mi round trip, and over 18hrs drive. Loud, droning, harsh tires would have sucked.
We ran into torrential downpours on the way back home and the nearly worn PureContacts handled great.
I considered the DWS06 plus, but the PureContact LS (70k rated) only lasted 40k miles...so the DWS (50k rated) might last 30k? Ouch.
I have more thinking to do.
I knew I would have to give something up.
If the CC2 is as quiet as the D2 (not likely), but rides the same (firm), then the gain in weather capabilities might be worth the loss of comfort.
But louder AND harsh? Yuck.
Bob