lots of factors and parameters in tire performance and all of us want AT tires to excel at everything, i sure do. we are spoiled for selection and tire tech is better than ever. seems in the AT category there are tires that tilt towards better off road performance and durability (Toyo Open Country AT3) and ones that tilt towards on road performance, comfort, control, and some in rain, or snow. it's a lot to ask. all are decent, but it's relative to the competition of course. personally, i read these forums, but do a lot of research looking at tire testing sites and retailers like Tire Rack, Kal Tire (Cda), Tyre Reviews (UK) and some Aussie ones. i want to see objective, instrumented testing results, as well as professional drivers on test tracks impressions. then i look at what i want specifically, and what is available locally. i know not everyone agrees with tire test results but hey, we can't all ride back to back models of tires on our trucks, in local conditions, so i see no other way to judge.
anyhow, i landed on a set of Sumitomo Encounter AT's (both by local recommendation, and by test results) and at about 20k miles they have been excellent. they are of the mild AT version, and they tested out being top tier in rain (stopping, lateral grip), decent off road (i'm not mudding or doing anything extreme when i'm off road), good in the snow, quiet and mid pack in on road feel and control (the most subjective category). they are good in snow with the 3PMS and an all around great tire so far. Sumitomo is the parent company of Falken, and i've read similar results to the Wildpeak line, with a slightly more off road tilt with a bit more rumble, but that tire is usually near the top of most tests as well. the closest to the Encounter in both looks and test results is the Goodyear AT Adventure.