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Michelin Defender MS photos? (MS2's replacement)

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by NMTrailRider, Nov 29, 2015.

  1. Nov 29, 2015 at 6:49 PM
    #1
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    If anyone has photos of mounted Michelin Defender MS tires, I'd appreciate seeing them. Sounds like they are set to eventually replace the MS2's. They are currently available in limited sizes. I've read that they're rolling out different sizes over a period of time. When I shopped around town this week, here's what was available in 16" rims:

    MS2
    245.75-35lb, 12/32 tread depth, 7.6 tread width, 30.5 dia, section width 9.8
    265.70- not available
    265.75-40lb, 12/32 tread depth, 8.0 tread width, 31.7 dia, section width 10.5

    Defender MS
    245.75- not available
    265.70-38lb, 12/32 tread depth, 8.1 tread width, 30.6 dia, section width 10.7
    265.75-40lb, 12/32 tread depth, width not listed, 31.6 dia, section width 10.5

    I wonder if this means the MS2 in our stock tire size of 265-70-16 is done. Kind of looks that way based on local availability. Apparently, the defenders have a lower rolling resistance than the MS2 and are made of a slightly different compound- with improved wet/snow traction.

    Tire Rack: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e1=yes&AID=10398365&PID=2206300&SID=two368998
     
  2. Nov 29, 2015 at 7:07 PM
    #2
    fla_sun

    fla_sun Well-Known Member

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    I recently bought some MS2's and the sales person tried to persuade me to get the Defender. I just hate surprises so declined.
     
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  3. Nov 29, 2015 at 9:24 PM
    #3
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I don't blame you! I love my current MS2's. I hate to mess with a good thing. If defenders are better... Hard to imagine.
     
  4. Nov 29, 2015 at 11:18 PM
    #4
    stbear

    stbear Well-Known Member

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    If Defenders are better I'll be getting them in another 70,000 miles or 5 years. Just got MS2s
     
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  5. Nov 30, 2015 at 8:23 AM
    #5
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    improved wet / snow traction over the MS2... if thats the case... holly bejezus... thats gonna be a good tire cus the MS2 is bar none the best non dedicated snow / ice tire i have ever used in snow and ice.
     
  6. Nov 30, 2015 at 1:49 PM
    #6
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've got 4 hours to make the decision before Costco's $70 rebate ends. A set of P265-70-16 is about $740 out the door.
     
  7. Nov 30, 2015 at 2:03 PM
    #7
    stbear

    stbear Well-Known Member

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    Costco prices are good. They have the Michelin $70 rebate every other or every third month. It's a good deal because balancing is included with each rotation.
     
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  8. Nov 30, 2015 at 2:16 PM
    #8
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Top is the defender tread
    Bottom is the MS2 tread

    image.jpg
     
  9. Dec 4, 2015 at 6:20 PM
    #9
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider [OP] Well-Known Member

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  10. Dec 5, 2015 at 11:02 AM
    #10
    toyman2k

    toyman2k Toyman2k

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    almost ready to click and buy MS'2s yet These Defenders look good with a tad more load avail and same speed rating. Seems a different compound using new Technology. Not alot of reviews yet on the Defenders and have had a great experience with the old style MS'2s. more reading to do now.
     
  11. Dec 5, 2015 at 11:14 AM
    #11
    Cmurder

    Cmurder 2011 TX TRD Offroad

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    nothing cool
    image.jpg Defender
     
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  12. Dec 5, 2015 at 11:15 AM
    #12
    Cmurder

    Cmurder 2011 TX TRD Offroad

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    nothing cool
  13. Dec 5, 2015 at 12:32 PM
    #13
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    From what I've been able to ascertain, the Defender is all the tire that the MS2 is, but with the added benefit of slightly better wet/snow traction due to a slightly different tread compound (more silica). And possibly up to 10% increased longevity under heavy load conditions, which may or may not be significant for us in our TACOMAS.
     
  14. Dec 5, 2015 at 12:58 PM
    #14
    toyman2k

    toyman2k Toyman2k

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    Just pulled a set out of the back and looks almost identical to the MS2. I like the slightly better load# as I trailer my 19ft boat everywhere. and the 800 rating vs 720 shows they should last a tad longer.
     
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  15. Dec 5, 2015 at 1:17 PM
    #15
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This is hardly worth mentioning, but I did notice some of the dimensions of the Defender vs MS2 vary by 1/10" in certain sizes (according to tire rack values). Won't matter to most, but might matter to someone where tight tolerances are a concern. When guys say "it just barely rubs in full lock in reverse", I suppose a tenth of an inch could make a difference.
     
  16. Dec 5, 2015 at 1:31 PM
    #16
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well, I think I've made my decision. I'm gonna go with the 70 like you.
     

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