The rubber is a very pliable material. With a noise level that is completely tolerable, and one that is, at the very least, perceptually softer than that of the Hankook Optima, Yokogama 91/95, or Continental. It is meaningless to make comparisons with the winter ones. The traction and handling at speeds greater than 110 need to be evaluated, and the wear resistance will become apparent with time.