Goodyear NCT3s have always been

I dunno about NCT5's, I'll take your word for it.

In my experience, Yoko's ER series is okay... the GR series (a little more expensive) are ultra-quiet and kinda grippy.

Have been a Yoko boy ever since. Once went to Bridgestone Potenzas, but then Yokohama Advans give you a much wider choice of performance tires.