First set of snows: Blizzak DM-V2 vs X-Ice Xi3

First set of 17" snow tires for my 2014 Forester XT (2nd winter in Twin Cities). I'm using TireRack and leaning toward either Blizzak DM-V2 $142 or Xice $153 with steel wheels and no sensors. Anyone got any input? I'm favoring the Xice. Thanks!

 

I had the older X-Ices on my MINI and those tires sucked pretty hard. Blizzaks were alright on my SJ FXT, but I'd definitely go Altimaxes or get real snows with Nokians.

 

Yea, either of those are going to be an excellent tire.

The Generals aren't quite as good, but fantastic for the money, and worlds better than the best all-season.

I ran a set of steel wheels for snow tires once (Worth mentioning they had about 150k miles on them when I got them, but OEM). They were ruined from road salt, rusty to the point of some seriously nasty leaks well before the tires were worn. Never again, alloys do corrode, but not nearly as badly. They're stronger, lighter and better looking, too.

 

We have the Michelins on our 2013 Escape. Great tire. Had the Generals on my mother-in-law's 2010 Escape...I hated them as they were very noisy on the highway. Just my opinion.

 

I have Blizzak WS80's on the RA. I would never buy anything else. Blizzak FTW!

 

I've had Goodyear Ultra Grips, Blizzaks, and now Nokians (Hakkapeliitta R2). I've been more than satisfied with all 3.

 

I suggest you try the new (to the US) Continental Viking Contact 7...looks like they are just a few bucks more for OEM sizing. They get great reviews, and so far have been great on the STi.

 

asking about tires is almost as bad as asking about oil change intervals

 

run them until you have engine failure since its inevitable anyway?

 

Do whatever you feel like as long as it is equal to or less than the manufacturer's recommendation.

 

It is true. Winter tires are a preference thing. I am sure either choice would be fine in the snow and perform much better than all seasons.

 

I put x-ice on my wife's car since we have more ice days than snow days. I have Blizzaks on my WRX since I got them cheap. They are OK. I have Generals on my Forester since I got a good deal on them. I've had Nitto snow tires in the past. Of all, I like the Generals for me... I like the X-ice's for the wife... and the Blizzaks are just fine on the WRX. FYI, I put the X-ices on the wife's new car again.

 

Thanks put the Xice's on - liked your advice.

 

Regardless of tire choice, I recommend putting a zip code in that is more than 40 miles from Tire Racks Roseville distribution center. Doing so will allow you to get a $40 discount for picking them up in Roseville. I just picked up a set of Xice3's last week. Love them so far.