The repro tires out there are mixed quality in my humble opinion. I've owned and ridden balloon tires ( mainly original rubber/some repop) for 30+ years. John's chains seem to be the best repro's so far, and I've ridden lots on them.
The repro Typhoons are a decent tire in my opinion ( and genuine Schwinn licensed by Dan, a rock solid guy/ asset to the hobby), but the size in "girth" falls a bit short from the originals. I've been running the Coker Tycoons for a couple of years ( lots of miles) and they are in fact "checking/spider cracks" on the sidewalls. That happens with any new tires no matter where they are made/China comes to mind being the worst. (They don't use the same quality materials used back in the "day").The cushion ride ( albeit harder to pedal) is a feeling I can compare to a nicely broken in pair of jeans, runners,vintage car or m/c ride, or a riding an original bike, opposed to a repop. It's all relative to your taste and needs.
The Tycoons still ride nicely, and I trust them so far. They are quite "beefy" and of course take a higher pressure, like all the repro's. If you ride lots, you appreciate the "roll factor" of higher pressure tires and more security from a blowout. That said, I have ridden, owned/own, and still ride original tires on occasion.
(Again, my opinion only) Generally a bike with Patina deserves a set of correct original tires with equal wear, even if it's just for display, then repops for the long ride If you choose. A resto looks best with NOS correct original rubber, but supply and price are usually a factor. I think it's a shame to spend lots of time and $$ on any vintage project ( car, m/c, bicycle, etc.) then "skimp" or "drop the ball" on the tires or rims. I see some KILLER vintage cars, bikes etc. that look incredible, but have "lame" rims or dirty, incorrect tires, incorrect period whitewalls/redwalls, no walls.
Many of us have opted for lots of the modern FAT rubber that is available now for our ballooners, or solid rubber for the early projects/rides. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal taste. I mean the hobby is about having fun and enjoying our rides/displays. Exchanging opinions, ideas, pictures, advice and humour on the CABE just adds to the fun. Ride on...