Looking for recommendations on snow tires that are not Blizzaks. I picked up some WS60's (205/50R16) and Sport Edition wheels from Tire Rack (love that place!) last year. Tires slip really easy getting in to first and stopping power under firm (not hard) braking is confidence sapping (even in dry conditions). My '11 MCS (all stock) gets squirrely and/or ABS kicks in. Getting into 1st on snow is okay, but the car rides the snow before biting. I run Kuhmo 4X's the rest of the year and while I still get some of this, it is no where near this bad...the tires just like to slip slightly getting into first.

I've experimented a little with tire/air pressure and am pretty good about maintaining even pressures between sides.

This is the first time I've used Blizzaks and took them under recommendation and the fact that a lot of people like them. I've always used Alpins and been very happy with them, but they don't come in 16's.

Thoughts? I've always been a Michelin fanboy. Pricier, but I've always been happy. TIA

 

my first ever winter tires is a set of 205/70R-16 Dunlop Grandtrek SJ

they were $91 ea from tirerack

i am very impressed so far

scott

 

Tirerack set me up with a Winter Tire-wheel set where I downsized from my 17 inch wheels to 16s. I went with Sport Edition A7 wheels with Dunlop Sport 3D DSST RunFlats. They have a much better ride than the stock 17 inch runflats and hold the road extremely well for winters. Since I have a long commute, I wanted something that wasn't going to have as squirly a ride as the Blizzaks, although I'll be trading some of the deep snow traction. They have been great so far this winter but haven't tested them in anything more than a dusting of snow.

 

Thanks, guys. I'm currently debating between Michelin's Primacy Alpin PA3 & X-Ice Xi3 and General's Altimax Arctic. Unintentionally, these, or previous variants, top the consumer surveys at Tire Rack. Has anyone else had the issues I have with Blizzaks? Or is this just something that comes with the category of tire (studdable winter)? It tends to be wet & slushy more than snow covered around here. If the Altimax are good in wet conditions, they'd be a great bang for the buck. They're supposed to be great in snow and on ice. Otherwise, I'll suck it up and go with the Primacy Alpins (not sure what the difference is between the Primacy and regular Alpin).

 

General Altimax Arctic is decent(I put about 22k on mine). However, hands down THE BEST snow tires have to be Nokian Hakka R. There's not even a close second. I would not recommend the Blizzaks actually.

 

How are the Nokians in just wet weather (e.g. rain, light slush, etc...)? Interested in wheel slip getting into first as well as stopping. I've always been curious to try them.

 

I may have missed this earlier in the thread but were are you driving through on a regular basis? Or at least what kind of roads, climate, altitude. It might get some more tread compound-specific responses that you're looking for.

 

Tuned 220+ JCW and never had issues going in first(except when I'm flooring it obviously but that slips even on summer treads in dry conditions. I've driven in in blizzard conditions and wet(melted snow) and haven't had issues. Although the temp has been low with wet roads. Warmer temperature would not do well with the nokians if its wet. Wisconsin had a freak 60 F day last winter and all the snow melted, making roads wet. The nokians did not do well then(not horrendous but irritatingly so). This is to be expected in any snow tire though.

 

Chicago. In the past, I had Alpins on my ZHP (when I had it) and they were great...even when we got 8" of snows dumped on us one morning. I drove to work happy as a clam with no problems even though most of the roads were not plowed. The MCS' driving dynamics are different, though, and the car is far lighter. My biggest issue is that w/ the Blizzaks, I have zero confidence in being able to stop under firm braking while it's wet out (even a damp road). For reference, I'm no boy racer and drive sane and defensive. Especially when it's crappy out.

 

We're in similar weather then. Just get the Nokians.

 

That is a commonly reported problem on the tire rack reviews of the blizzaks. If you're looking for best in deep snow, the alpine are likely the best bet.

 

I'm a bit surprised by this. I have WS70s on my MCS currently and they have great stopping capabilities in wet, dry, ice, and snow. I even have a BBK installed. We just got 6" of snow here this week, and they've been great so far. I had Continental ExtremeWinterContact tires on my last car for winter, and I can confidently say that these Blizzaks are better in every way.

--Matt

 

Thanks, guys. This might be a sign to finally look further into getting Nokians. I don't know how much longer I'll hold onto the MCS, though, so I don't know that dropping the coin for them is wise. Plus, I think I can only get them through a few Discount Tire stores around here (none of which are nearby).

Anyone have feedback for the Primacy Alpins, X-Ice XI3, or the Altimax?

While not a lot of data exists on the XI3 yet, it seems that maybe they've improved wet performance and fixed the lateral grip issue cited for the XI2. The Altimax seem to be a good tire as well.

Matt, I've heard the WS70 is improved over the WS60 I have. At this point, I'm not sure I'm willing to take that bet, though.

 

I am surprised about the comment about the WS-60s. We have them on our Justa with no problem...no concerns with braking or cornering. Of course there is a power difference from the S, so acceleration is not an issue either. These are on 15" wheels, could that make a difference?

I have the LM-60 RFTs on my S and really like them.

I have not driven the WS-60s in really warm weather (50+ deg), but the LM-60s on my S were just fine in those conditions.

 

The Altimax was decent. I had to use them in late fall before it was really cold enough and it never slipped. Whenever we had fresh powder, I could get the rear to break free but it was always a controlled amount of slide.(none of the crazy fish tailing) Frankly I got it cause I had it for a steal-80 per corner and there was some heresy that they shared the design of Nordic tires.