Snow tire fitment, quick question

[Taka Mizutani]

Load rating doesn't necessarily make the sidewalls stiff enough to avoid
damage from potholes, though.

I'm running XL-rated snows (225/45R17 97V Nokian WR) on the R and the
sidewalls are noticeably softer than the OEM 235/45R17 97Y rated Pirelli P
Zero Rosso.

I haven't had any issues with bent wheels due to tire choice- my cars run in
the Northeast all the time and although I try to avoid potholes, I do hit
them from time to time and there are spots where I drive where the pavement
is so broken that it is impossible to avoid.

Actually, I think I have more issues with bent wheels with ultra stiff
sidewalls- the sidewalls don't yield, so the wheels take more impact. Falken
RT-615 don't help in this regard.

Taka