I had to replace my rear Avon yesterday after picking up a nail over the w'end. I initially thought I'd have maybe another 500-1000 kms left on it but when I got to the tyre shop it was clearly well and truly dead. Total of 6,500kms out of it, which is 1,700kms better than I got from any Metz.
The Avon was great handling and I firmly believe it to be a far superior tyre to the Metz both in terms of wear and grip, albeit a bit sqirmy in the wet. One thing really struck me when it came off the rim - how thin it was. Admitedly no tread left but it pushed in like a balloon. No wonder it punctured, and I was able to plug it, so easily.
Have replaced it with a Bridgestone 240-55. The higher profile and ballsy treat give it a great look and I've already noticed that it rides softer because of the deper sidewalls. Also the difference in the speedo is apparent with the two needles now closer to parallel in 3rd rather than 4th with the 50 profile. It's a great shape too with what appears to be a wider contact patch and sort of "corners" - as opposed to the gentle curve of the Metz and Avon. The tread is deeper in the middle than the sides. I'll post my opinions re handling once I've given it a bit of workout.
Price was $408 fitted (while I waited - about 25mins). Metz and Avon here are around $430.