Need to make a choice today: Live in MPLS, drive >10K/yr (maybe because i don't drive in the snow... ) work commute to subburbs 90% highway, ~15mi These are going on stock 17" rims The internet is full of peole talking about these, what would you chose or even better yet, what did you chose? Please do not suggest any other brand, model or size -- this is what i have to pick through today. for reference, i'm coming from all-season potenzas, which are pretty much worthless if there is any sort of snow on the ground. thanks
Neither. Michelin X-ice or Continental Extreme Winter Contact. Fine. Fine. Between those two, I'd go with the WS70.
WS70s had better deep snow traction than the LM60s. I didn't really like the LM60s for the price ($20-$30 more per tire). I would go WS70.
I had the LM60's on my IS300. They were decent. Never got stuck in snow, did well on ice and slush. Then I put on Continental Extreme Winter Contacts and realized what a snow tire should be.
Well it worked out with my original choice of WS70's ... They're in after a 2 week wait and are getting put on the car. Thanks guys for taking the time to post. My commute home tonight will be much better than my morning one.
Well it worked out with my original choice of WS70's ... They're in after a 2 week wait and are getting put on the car. My commute home tonight will be much better than my morning one.
I put some X-ices on, I'm not sure I'm that impressed with them. Good on ice, as their name suggests they should be, but I don't think the sideways holding is very good in snow, especially this greasy not-quite slush stuff. Like maybe the tread is too fine, they fill up and don't clean out. My wife's AWD Vibe has some type of all-seasons on it with a coarser tread, and it seems better in those conditions. But, it's also an automatic with about half the power of my STI so that could certainly be affecting my perception. I might try something different next time though. I'd be interested to hear someone else's opinion who has the X-ices. I'm sure no snow tire is going to make the car drive like it's on dry pavement in this junk.
I'm running Xi-3's after coming from WS60, WS70 and Michelin Alpin PA3's. The Xi-3's definitely struggle more than the blizzaks in wet, slushy snow like we've seen a few times this year. I got surprised during the first big storm where it was all slush. Sliding around corners at 5 mph. I thought the tires were crap, but it turns out they're just particularly weak on that specific surface. Lateral bite is noticeably less, as in it takes longer to bite with the clutch in while sliding. Overall they are very competent and I have no real complaints. Taking the Mrs' Forester out in no-seasons puts any questions I have about performance to bed. This stuff is particularly nasty for traction management. The Blizzaks would eat this up, but only for the first season or two... In "dry" snow they do just fine. Gravel is fine. They get it done. Would recommend on basis of performance, not so sure when you take price into consideration.
days like today is when these tires have paid off already... sure they're expensive and the lifetime is still TBD, but i'm very happy with my choice. unless the other options offer something really drastic or these wear out in 1-2seasons i'll probably keep sticking to them.
My Michelin X-Ice3 kicked butt today, too. I'm getting a little more sliding than I expected, kinda like SurlyOldManMN. I'm hoping these last longer than the Blizzaks I've used (and loved) previously.
I'm finding using a LITTLE more power than I normally would is yielding good results. The lateral traction leaves some to be desired and does not inspire confidence that it's going to straighten out with a dab of throttle. But... try it. I can dig a little harder than I expected.
I was in Mexico and missed this snow... I was actually slightly bummed that I didn't get to drive in it, as ridiculous as that sounds. But then I drank more margaritas and got over it
With these tires specifically... Turns out they're considerably better than the PA3's if I use throttle steer. They just have a different balance of competencies. I assumed since they don't slow me down much sideways that there wouldn't be much traction there otherwise. I assumed incorrectly.
from driving in the snow perspective it's , you're right. from how much i'm goddamn sick of showeling this snow and just in general the snow it's
Yesterday it was all fun and games until I roosted by an unmarked cop during the snowstorm. Now I owe the City of Saint Paul money . Stupid orange Chargers.
I mean I went around him with my wheels spinning, leaving a roost of snow in the air. I'm sure I didn't really, it's just how I imagined it.
Took the parkway home from S minneapolis last night. Not plowed and snow drifts around the lakes. Continentals did good work!
