Originally Posted by amazinmets73
That goes against what I've been told about the tires. I was under the impression that they offered gatorskin-esque puncture protection, while maintaining a higher level of performance
Nope, someone told you incorrect information; here's some limited proof: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/continental-ultra-gatorskin-road-tire
The Gatorskin is a more rugged tire then the 4 Seasons, but even the Gatorskin is not as great as they make it sound, I know because I tried them, I have not tried the Gatorskin Hardshell but did hear they are closely related to the new All Condition Armadillo tire. I think, note I said I think, the Armadillo should last longer than the Hardshell as far as tread life is concern, again I haven't tried the newer version of the Armadillo but the old version lasted about 8,000 miles, most tires for me last about 5,000 to 6,000 tops IF the tire doesn't get destroyed along the way first, the Armadillos never got destroyed along the way. I use to live in the Mojave Desert of Calif USA, a little bugger of a thorn called a goathead thrived out there and would penetrate any tire I tried even a Gatorskin with a Mr Tuffy liner and using a Slime tube! Speaking of Slime tubes don't bother using them on road bikes, they won't seal leaks once the PSI goes above 70 and the presta valves were the worst made ones I've ever used. Also Mr Tuffy aren't so tough, there is a better liner on the market called the Panaracer FlatAway but it's a one time use liner and at a cost of $15 per tire it can get expensive, I only use them on the rear tire on my touring bike. Those FlatAway liners though I tried to push a tack through a small section and was unsuccessful! but the tack went easily through a Mr Tuffy, and cutting a FlatAway with scissors was extremely difficult but Mr Tuffy cut like butter. Back to the Goathead problem, the only tire that prevented ALL flats from goatheads as well as other junk was the Armadillo. I never had a tire that never got a flat till I got the Armadillo, I no longer use those tires because I no longer live where the streets are trashed with junk and goatheads so I don't mind an occasional flat, however if I was commuting I would use the Armadillo because a flat on the way to work could cost you your job if it happens too many times and/or the boss isn't understanding.
My touring bike uses 27" tires, Armadillo doesn't come in that size so I use a Panaracer Pasela TG which is another superb tire, relatively light and very puncture resistant (no flats yet) as well as it wears like iron. It's on that bike I use the Flataway liner on the rear tire because a flat while touring is a hassle with the panniers, rack, and fender to deal with along with the usual mechanicals on the side of the road.