A few thoughts.
First, the Defender does have the M+S symbol on it. Check the "zoom" picture of this tire on Tire Rack. You can see the "M+S" symbol at about the 8:00 position on the tire, near the bead.
Second, even if it didn't have the M+S symbol, you guys know that there's not an actual performance requirement for that symbol, right? It means nothing, except the fact that there's a sufficient tread-to-void ratio in the tread pattern. The only sidewall marking tha denotes true winter performance (backed up by actual testing) is the RMA's mountain-and-snowflake symbol. Only dedicated winter tires will have that symbol in this size.
That said, I don't know of any tires marketed as "all season" tires that don't have this symbol. The tires that won't have it are tires like competition slicks, etc.
From my experience alone, I'd buy the Michelin Defender 8 days a week. I've never come across a Michelin tire I didn't like. I've been a Michelin customer for a LONG time. I've also bought tires from other brands. I've found that, in general, the added cost of the Michelin buys you consistency. They're not necessarily "better" performers than their peers, but you very rarely get true "duds". Michelins have always balanced better for me than other brands as well.
First, the Defender does have the M+S symbol on it. Check the "zoom" picture of this tire on Tire Rack. You can see the "M+S" symbol at about the 8:00 position on the tire, near the bead.
Second, even if it didn't have the M+S symbol, you guys know that there's not an actual performance requirement for that symbol, right? It means nothing, except the fact that there's a sufficient tread-to-void ratio in the tread pattern. The only sidewall marking tha denotes true winter performance (backed up by actual testing) is the RMA's mountain-and-snowflake symbol. Only dedicated winter tires will have that symbol in this size.
That said, I don't know of any tires marketed as "all season" tires that don't have this symbol. The tires that won't have it are tires like competition slicks, etc.
From my experience alone, I'd buy the Michelin Defender 8 days a week. I've never come across a Michelin tire I didn't like. I've been a Michelin customer for a LONG time. I've also bought tires from other brands. I've found that, in general, the added cost of the Michelin buys you consistency. They're not necessarily "better" performers than their peers, but you very rarely get true "duds". Michelins have always balanced better for me than other brands as well.
