I understand that you say not to penny pinch...but my MileStars were chinese made and they lasted me (bought my TT in 2009) for 4 years before I did have a tire blow..fortunately, it didn't do much damage excpet to the underbelly which I just need to patch with some Tyvex tape. Everyone says you need to look a replacing your tires every 4-5 years anyway...so I guess that's where I'm struggling...I don't think there's a tire out there that gurantees a no blow out. I've read people having to replace their Maxxis in 2 years as well...so that's what I struggle with...paying twice as much for what some will say a peace of mind...not sure how much peace I would have should one of the Maxxis blow after I spend twice as much for them? Not questioning their quality as it seems to be the tire of choice...but most don't even give the other tires a chance before they swap them out.