Paging Mr. Redline....
So what are your thoughts on the new footprint and sidewall of the next generation of FCs...
I think that the traction in mud and clay will improve while still performing well in the snow. As I'm not totally happy with the Cooper ST Maxxs I'm running I think I'll give these a spin as my next set of tires.
Based purely on the appearance of the center tread blocks, I don't think it's as attractive a tire as the F-C II. Also, the historical link back to the Armstrong Norseman is beginning to fade. Yet that is only my superficial opinion.
I like the new sidewall design better, it is both better looking and appears more functional and robust. If you look at one closely, there are actual sipes in some of the sidewall tread lugs; IMPRESSIVE! While all sidewalls can be punctured relatively easily, even 3-ply sidewalls (I did a Toyo last year), all sizes of the new design have 3-ply sidewalls, another improvement.
The center tread ribs should be more functional in wet/sloppy terrain because of the increased void... and the individual tread blocks still have many seagull-shaped sipes cut into the tread. Based on this, I think the winter/snow traction should be about the same = excellent as you know.
I'm not sure when/if I'll get around to testing the new Fun Country tread design but I'd like to ASAP.
The only 'question' in my mind is tread life. Along with all the other positive traits of the previous F-C II, I've found tread wear to be fantastic on two 4WD Toyotas and one heavy, old F350 diesel. If the new Fun Country design offers the same impressive longevity, ******** Cepek can't help but have another winner on their hands. The old F-C II was a very underrated tire, maybe the new design will grab more attention and some truck owners won’t buy the same old thing when there are arguably better, more versatile options available.
Related, I've long wanted to try the Mickey Thompson ATZ 4-rib, which was also updated to the new ATZ P3. This tire looks to be a winner as well, I really like a good 4-rib design and it's similar in void to the ******** Cepek Mud Country I've been running and really like on my 4Runner.
So many tires, so little time...