That tyre rubber does make a difference and I did not realise how much. I always use Mich ProRace tyres but feeling a bit of a miser I bought Mich Lithions as a cheaper version. They ought to call them Lethalions in the wet as grip goes out the back door. There is a reason why certain tyres are popular--They work. Grip is good- Life is good unless you go for some that have really good grip and puncture resistance is not bad.