Hard rubber was necessary for Conscious, and it is typically less expensive. I fasten it to the roof of my Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the ensuing mayhem is followed by my pleasure in driving the vehicle to its physical limits. When I'm in a rush, I frequently pull over to the side of the road at curbs for no other reason than to slow down. Hard rubber does give slightly when pressed against these curbs, but it does not allow hernias to pop out. The tires perform admirably on the mud, as well as in cleared areas of the woodland and on dry pavement. The rubber should have a longer lifespan because it doesn't change when it first snows, but it does alter when the temperature drops below minus seven or minus eight degrees stable. Doesn't smell like wear. In a nutshell, for the price, this product has a very impressive collection of qualities.