funny you mention that Vice. I found the Forte tubes were too delicate/flimsy years ago and decided cheaping out on tubes was maybe not the best. So, I switched to the Michelin (which cuts against my frugal grain) and have never looked back. Punctures are one thing but I repair those although I admittedly have fewer with the Mich. The real issue is that the Forte consistently developed small leaks more frequently and required more pumping. This lead to the real, real issue which is that the valves on the Forte simply were not as durable even with gentle use and would break every so often. Not so with the Michelin. Yes, they cost more. However, I can go MANY more miles/hours on the Michelin w/ needing to pump, fix, or replace them. So that price actually is LESS expensive than the Forte in the long run. Counter intuitive maybe but it is what I found. Buying Forte cost me more money per mile and lots more time maintaining and fiddling with them.

Not saying that is the bible of Forte/Michelin but it was MY experience and I am quite happy sticking w/ the "more expensive" latter option.

Hey, BTW as an endnote if you are getting frequent stem issues at the attached base have you checked your wheel to see if it is also playing a part? Check for burrs that may be cutting it. Check for anything that might put undo pressure on the stem... I occasionally see folks who overly tighten the threaded ring on the stem which may pull the stem too hard and put too much strain on the attachment to the tube. Just something to consider although as posted my experience was that the Forte simply have somewhat subpar valve stem strength..