I was really happy with the stock Bridgestones and averaged 18,000 miles on five sets, but decided to try the E4's. I have about 10,000 miles on them now and although they are wearing great, I have experienced similar "loss of traction" events as lloydmoore. I never experienced any of these issues in the 90,000 miles I put on Stones. I don't like the trade off and will go back to Bridgestones if these E4's ever wear out.