The sidewalls are THICK. This adds security and strength, BUT it also adds a lot of weight. Most Falkens are going to weigh several to as much as fifteen pounds more per tire than their direct competition in the same load rating. Ouch. That kills power, acceleration, fuel economy, braking, stock tire carriers
, and other things. But...if strong sidewalls is what you're after, the Falken has it.
They are almost silent on the road. I've owned dozens of tire brands and models and these are some of the most quiet I've ever had. They do tend to have a lot of squirm on the highway. They track to the left or right sometimes and feel a little "flighty". Otherwise they do pretty well in dry and wet road conditions. They pick up a lot of small rocks which get discharged on the road and go "DING" when they hit your rock rails. The tread smelled like cow poop when the tires were new...especially on a hot day. It stunk really bad.
The tread is DEEEEEP on these things in the center (a full 17/32nds) but when I measured the outer lugs, I found them to only be 9/32nds when brand new. Hmm.. so eventually the outer lugs are going to become a solid bar of rubber around the tire before the center tread wears down. Why would they do that?
Offroad they are miserable. Damp soil and grass covered soil they just sit and spin instantly. Mud...forget it. I suppose on the rocks they'd be great. Probably not bad on dry dirt. But here in the eastern U.S. they aren't a good all-around trail tire if you spend much time offroad. That's my opinion. I think this tire would be excellent out west in drier and rockier conditions. But here in the wet soil, creek beds, tree roots, vegetation-covered grounds, etc. they don't inspire confidence.
I'd give them 7/10 on the road because they are quiet and smooth, but squirmy and heavy. I'd give them 5/10 on the trail because they are just average for an all terrain tire. If you run rocks a lot I'd give them a higher than 5/10 rating due to the sidewalls. It is also the most inexpensive tire of it's type on the market currently, so for value I'd give them a 7/10. If they weren't so damned heavy I'd rate them higher for value...but gasoline is expensive.