Snow/Winter tires
11-20-2014, 01:58 PM
#1
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Car Info: 1999 2.5RS / 2004 Forester X
Snow/Winter tires
Recently got rid of my Khumo Ecsta ASX all seasons since they became useless in the snow after a few years. Rolling on RS2's atm so need something quick for winter.
Looking to purchase a set of dedicated snow/winter tires for my other set of stock RS 16" wheels.
Anyone want to recommend a brand/model/size? I know Blizzaks have been really popular for a lot of people.
Not sure the best size to shoot for atm (not going any wider than 215's due to strut clearance).
So... ?
205/50/16
205/55/16
215/50/16
215/55/16
Lmk, what you think!
Looking to purchase a set of dedicated snow/winter tires for my other set of stock RS 16" wheels.
Anyone want to recommend a brand/model/size? I know Blizzaks have been really popular for a lot of people.
Not sure the best size to shoot for atm (not going any wider than 215's due to strut clearance).
So... ?
205/50/16
205/55/16
215/50/16
215/55/16
Lmk, what you think!
11-20-2014, 02:01 PM
#2
Michelin X-Ice http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....odel=X-Ice+Xi3
general Altimax arctic http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Altimax+Arctic
I have X-Ice 2's on 04 wrx wheels for my forester
225-60-16
general Altimax arctic http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Altimax+Arctic
I have X-Ice 2's on 04 wrx wheels for my forester
225-60-16
Last edited by Rescuer; 11-20-2014 at 02:06 PM.
11-20-2014, 02:12 PM
#3
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Tall and skinny! Are you lowered? If you can fit it go taller!
Also I love my Blizzaks but have not driven my car on another snow tire so I can't compare it to anything.
Also I love my Blizzaks but have not driven my car on another snow tire so I can't compare it to anything.
11-20-2014, 02:17 PM
#4
also, buy them online. i bought mine from discounttiredirect, there is NO tax, FREE shipping, and also wait for promotional deals.
like right now there is $70 michelin discount/visa card on all tires Promotions - Discount Tire Direct , and $50 if you use their CC account
like right now there is $70 michelin discount/visa card on all tires Promotions - Discount Tire Direct , and $50 if you use their CC account
Last edited by Rescuer; 11-20-2014 at 02:22 PM.
11-20-2014, 02:44 PM
#6
General Altimax Arctic.
/thread
Ran them on my FXT for three winters. Great tires in the snow and they showed little signs of wear after hundreds of miles of Nevada/Utah dirt roads in the middle of summer (90+ degrees and 90mph bursts) too. Less expensive than Blizzaks and a bit harder compound which definitely helps when you're driving three hours on tarmac just to get to the snow. Don't get me wrong, Blizzaks are the ****, I just wouldn't want to run them all winter in the bay area.
-Brian
/thread
Ran them on my FXT for three winters. Great tires in the snow and they showed little signs of wear after hundreds of miles of Nevada/Utah dirt roads in the middle of summer (90+ degrees and 90mph bursts) too. Less expensive than Blizzaks and a bit harder compound which definitely helps when you're driving three hours on tarmac just to get to the snow. Don't get me wrong, Blizzaks are the ****, I just wouldn't want to run them all winter in the bay area.
-Brian
11-20-2014, 04:26 PM
#8
No problem. Happy to help.
FWIW, I ran Blizzaks on 15" forged STi BBS (JDM, thanks Gagan!) on the RS (pre 4/2 pot upgrade) and they were amazing in the snow. They were just too damn soft to run all winter in the bay. I swapped them on/off for trips to the snow.
-Brian
FWIW, I ran Blizzaks on 15" forged STi BBS (JDM, thanks Gagan!) on the RS (pre 4/2 pot upgrade) and they were amazing in the snow. They were just too damn soft to run all winter in the bay. I swapped them on/off for trips to the snow.
-Brian
11-20-2014, 04:47 PM
#9
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No problem. Happy to help.
FWIW, I ran Blizzaks on 15" forged STi BBS (JDM, thanks Gagan!) on the RS (pre 4/2 pot upgrade) and they were amazing in the snow. They were just too damn soft to run all winter in the bay. I swapped them on/off for trips to the snow.
-Brian
FWIW, I ran Blizzaks on 15" forged STi BBS (JDM, thanks Gagan!) on the RS (pre 4/2 pot upgrade) and they were amazing in the snow. They were just too damn soft to run all winter in the bay. I swapped them on/off for trips to the snow.
-Brian
11-20-2014, 05:11 PM
#10
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I ran 215/55-16 Blizzaks on my '02 SAAB 9-5 Aero Wagon, on a spare set of SAAB wheels, for a few months when I lived in Reno. The car usually had 225/45-17s. You could get them in the stock size, but I wanted them on a spare set and wanted a more proper size for a snow tire. They were nothing short of amazing in snow and ice, stopping was especially impressive.
I would never run these tires all summer long or for a long time on dry. I am not sure why one would do that. These are soft - almost foam-like tires. You can spin the tires and take a measurable amount off.
Lastly, if I ever type my opinion and then "/thread" in here, somebody slap me!!!
I would never run these tires all summer long or for a long time on dry. I am not sure why one would do that. These are soft - almost foam-like tires. You can spin the tires and take a measurable amount off.
Lastly, if I ever type my opinion and then "/thread" in here, somebody slap me!!!
11-20-2014, 06:02 PM
#11
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I've done a lot of winter driving and have tried many tires.
The blizzaks are amazing but soft compound as others have stated. Greatfor trips to the snow.
I've enjoyed the models of the Michelin x-ice as well. Perhaps the best balance of my top three. I left those on the outback from nov-april and switched to summer set and those things just lasted and lasted. Not as much ultimate grip as the blizzak but very progressive breakaway characteristics and better life...
My favorite? Nokian Hakkepelitas. F'n amazing tire.
Go tall as you can nd skinny. Pizza cutter styles will go for the miles.
The blizzaks are amazing but soft compound as others have stated. Greatfor trips to the snow.
I've enjoyed the models of the Michelin x-ice as well. Perhaps the best balance of my top three. I left those on the outback from nov-april and switched to summer set and those things just lasted and lasted. Not as much ultimate grip as the blizzak but very progressive breakaway characteristics and better life...
My favorite? Nokian Hakkepelitas. F'n amazing tire.
Go tall as you can nd skinny. Pizza cutter styles will go for the miles.
11-20-2014, 09:03 PM
#12
No problem. Happy to help.
FWIW, I ran Blizzaks on 15" forged STi BBS (JDM, thanks Gagan!) on the RS (pre 4/2 pot upgrade) and they were amazing in the snow. They were just too damn soft to run all winter in the bay. I swapped them on/off for trips to the snow.
-Brian
FWIW, I ran Blizzaks on 15" forged STi BBS (JDM, thanks Gagan!) on the RS (pre 4/2 pot upgrade) and they were amazing in the snow. They were just too damn soft to run all winter in the bay. I swapped them on/off for trips to the snow.
-Brian
11-20-2014, 11:39 PM
#13
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Based on some of the comments it sounds like id be better off going with 205/60/16 for my stock wheels. Ill have to take a closer look tmrw to make sure i can fit a 60 series tire under there... never tried that before.
11-21-2014, 04:25 AM
#14
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I like the extra protection of a tall sidewall for winter tires. You never know if that fluffy 4" pile of snow has a giant rock in it!
11-21-2014, 08:48 AM
#15
I ran 215/55-16 Blizzaks on my '02 SAAB 9-5 Aero Wagon, on a spare set of SAAB wheels, for a few months when I lived in Reno. The car usually had 225/45-17s. You could get them in the stock size, but I wanted them on a spare set and wanted a more proper size for a snow tire. They were nothing short of amazing in snow and ice, stopping was especially impressive.
I would never run these tires all summer long or for a long time on dry. I am not sure why one would do that. These are soft - almost foam-like tires. You can spin the tires and take a measurable amount off.
Lastly, if I ever type my opinion and then "/thread" in here, somebody slap me!!!
I would never run these tires all summer long or for a long time on dry. I am not sure why one would do that. These are soft - almost foam-like tires. You can spin the tires and take a measurable amount off.
Lastly, if I ever type my opinion and then "/thread" in here, somebody slap me!!!
-Brian