Who wants a great winter tire for a KILLER price
 

General Tire Altimax Arctic Tire - 215/45R17 87Q BSW

only $80 and from what I was just told from a guy in North star they are the best snow tire he has ever had.... and the price is amazing!!

link

[url]http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_09540488000P?vName=Automotive&cName=Tires&sName=All%20Tires&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a&aff=Y&origin=prod[/url]

and from tire rack

[url]http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=General&model=Altimax+Arctic[/url]

look at how well they do in the snow!

Funny, I was just looking for new tires today and talked to SwisherKing, he has those and said they're really great. Don't know if he works at N* tho. Tempted to get them, but then I think I would need to switch in the summer... which is not tempting. Yes, I'm that lazy. :)

Hmm, where are they selling that size for $80? I only see $130 from Sears. And can't even find that size at TireRack.

tire rack has them for $105

[QUOTE=lickwid;2772266]Hmm, where are they selling that size for $80? I only see $130 from Sears. And can't even find that size at TireRack.[/QUOTE]

What size do you need? Tirerack has 205/50R17s for $91. [url]http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=General&model=Altimax+Arctic&partnum=05QR7AMAXA[/url]

215.55.16's are $79 a tire.

[QUOTE=04caliwrx;2772269]tire rack has them for $105[/QUOTE]

Probably sold due to recent storm... :sad:

what size do you guys recommend for my 04 bbs i think i have 215 kdws on them right now but does it make a difference when its a snow tire????

[QUOTE=Hyphycaliber;2772286]what size do you guys recommend for my 04 bbs i think i have 215 kdws on them right now but does it make a difference when its a snow tire????[/QUOTE]

I'd save that BBS & get 06+ stockers (17x7) w/ 205/50-17 (OEM size for 08 WRX) since 215/45-17 is not available in that particular model. ;)

[QUOTE=Fendyman;2772287]I'd save that BBS & get 06+ stockers (17x7) w/ 205/50-17 (OEM size for 08 WRX) since 215/45-17 is not available in that particular model. ;)[/QUOTE]

if worse comes to worse what can i work with just the bbs. Or whats the best possible option and they also might go on my brothers 03 wrx.

[QUOTE=Fendyman;2772287]I'd save that BBS & get 06+ stockers (17x7) w/ 205/50-17 (OEM size for 08 WRX) since 215/45-17 is not available in that particular model. ;)[/QUOTE]

It's a waste for 04 BBS for snow tires since they are pretty rare & valuable.

[QUOTE=Fendyman;2772291]It's a waste for 04 BBS for snow tires since they are pretty rare & valuable.[/QUOTE]

I guess but ive taken them up there multiple times never had any trouble and theres no more room in the garage for more wheels -__-

[QUOTE=Hyphycaliber;2772286]what size do you guys recommend for my 04 bbs i think i have 215 kdws on them right now but does it make a difference when its a snow tire????[/QUOTE]

215 is a good size for snow tire. No reason you should be running under 225 on the daily though... why'd you downsize?

[QUOTE=Hyphycaliber;2772286]what size do you guys recommend for my 04 bbs i think i have 215 kdws on them right now but does it make a difference when its a snow tire????[/QUOTE]

with snow you want smaller tires so for your sti wheels the 215's would work great!

[QUOTE=04caliwrx;2772299]with snow you want smaller tires so for your sti wheels the 215's would work great![/QUOTE]

thanks guys for all the help i'm definitely gonna pick these up el nino ftw =]

^ you reall;y can't go wrong wrong with these! and they also last!! people say they get about 25k out of them!!

[QUOTE=04caliwrx;2772367]^ you reall;y can't go wrong wrong with these! and they also last!! people say they get about 25k out of them!![/QUOTE]

Not if you drive around Bay Area w/ these... :nono:

^ u will still be fine, a guy i talked to said he keeps them on all winter and they do great

I picked these up a few months ago and have them mounted on my stock FXT wheels. Haven't had a chance to test them in the snow, but I can say they're pretty darn good on dirt. They're not quite as soft as the Blizzaks we have for the wife's '00 RS so they should in theory last a bit longer. I'm probably only going to mount them when I'm headed to Tahoe or if we're in for a long stretch of rain.

-Brian

[QUOTE=Hyphycaliber;2772292]I guess but ive taken them up there multiple times never had any trouble and theres no more room in the garage for more wheels -__-[/QUOTE]

i'll take the 04 BBS off your hands if you want... ;)


seriously. i'll buy them from you.

better than these for $60?

[IMG]http://www.evosoul.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/fs_winterforce_ci2_l.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=kYLEMtnCRUZr;2772543]better than these for $60?

[IMG]http://www.evosoul.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/fs_winterforce_ci2_l.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Firestone Winterforce? Where did you see those for $60? I have been thinking about getting a set of those.

[url]http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Firestone&model=Winterforce[/url]

60'ish for 16"

Ultimately, I decided on the Generals. From the reviews I read, the Winterforce's compound was a bit softer and tended to not last as long.

And for reference:


[IMG]http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/general/ge_altimax_arctic_ci2_l.jpg[/IMG]


-Brian

[QUOTE=JourdanWithaU;2772563]Firestone Winterforce? Where did you see those for $60? I have been thinking about getting a set of those.[/QUOTE]


I have also heard really good things about those, but I have also heard that they don't last that long

bump for all this rain!

I was just looking at these tires lol! I am eventually going to get some new ones but im not running 215/45/17... but those are cheap and nice tires.

I have used both on my Mom's '95 Legacy wagon and the General's are by far the better tire, for instance the ABS doesn't come on as often compared to the Winterforce's.

^ great to know info!! thanks

I was looking for those Hancooks on tirerack and didnt find them in the size i wanted. Was skeptical about getting the Generals a couple weeks ago, but its a solid now.

I will be buying these by next week...I usually print out the pricing from tire rack and make American Tires price match -10% then add there standard labor on top.

[QUOTE=ScoobySon;2774040]I was looking for those Hancooks on tirerack and didnt find them in the size i wanted. Was skeptical about getting the Generals a couple weeks ago, but its a solid now.

I will be buying these by next week...I usually print out the pricing from tire rack and make American Tires price match -10% then add there standard labor on top.[/QUOTE]

Wait, they do price match MINUS 10%?! Dayumn, just got new tires today and they price matched but did not -10%. Maybe cuz I didn't know/ ask for it. :( Oh well, next time.
Picked up the Michelin Pilot Sport AS Plus. They've been pretty solid on the 5 mile drive home from the tire shop :lol: :p

[QUOTE=ScoobySon;2774040]I was looking for those Hancooks on tirerack and didnt find them in the size i wanted. Was skeptical about getting the Generals a couple weeks ago, but its a solid now.

I will be buying these by next week...I usually print out the pricing from tire rack and make American Tires price match -10% then add there standard labor on top.[/QUOTE]

so you got the tires?

[QUOTE=04caliwrx;2774539]so you got the tires?[/QUOTE]

not yet, soon though, also looking at the new ContiExtremes

^ they are good but cost a lot

yea, plus i see a bunch of 02-04 OEM rims I might snag to put the winter set on. not sure yet

I put them on my 04 wagon (205/55R16 stockers) as per everybody's review on here and went to Kirkwood this past weekend. The tires were great even with the 6ft of fresh snow on the mountain. No slipping, flew right by chain control, much more confidence and control with these tires than the all-season tires I had on before (Kumho ASX). Traction on wet pavement was excellent and they were a lot quieter than I expected on the freeway. Tahoe folks would think you're a local. Excellent value for the cost IMO -> set of 4 was $385 shipped + tax off TireRack. Thanks for the recommendation 04CaliWrx, I definitely would recommend it to others.

While these will work great in Tahoe for ski season, what are they like when you're in the warm winter weather of the bay area?

Are they noisy as hell and the dry conditions rip up the studs/treads?

Surprisingly, they are not too loud. These are the first 'snow' tires I've had on this car so compared to my all-season tires they are slightly louder. My buddy's Grand Cherokee has BFGoodrich All-terrains (not really a good comparison) but those make much, much more tire noise than these. The constant droning noise isn't really there in these tires. At about 80 mph on I80 not really noticeable. I've had them for about 1800 miles so not really sure how they would do during summer. You can get them studded but they do just fine without (as long as you stay on the roads that get plowed regularly). Theres lots of meat on these treads and I figure I can get at least 3-4 winters out of them. Had them on there for the big rains we had last week, and they did great. The dry traction isn't bad but I probably wouldn't have them on all year. For an inexpensive winter tire, they're perfect.

Geez, do people in the Bay really need snow tires? Umm, it doesn't actually snow here ...

[QUOTE=Silverpike;2798475]Geez, do people in the Bay really need snow tires? Umm, it doesn't actually snow here ...[/QUOTE]

we go to tahoe all the time so we do need them..

[QUOTE=04caliwrx;2798529]we go to tahoe all the time so we do need them..[/QUOTE]

It's sad that you even have to explain this.

I bought theses Tire for RallyX they kick ass BUT! Tire rack says the Discontinued the 215/45/17 size.... I destroyed one so now i'm screwed. GRRRRRR

[QUOTE=Silverpike;2798475]Geez, do people in the Bay really need snow tires? Umm, it doesn't actually snow here ...[/QUOTE]

You do if you want to make it up to Kirkwood on Highway 88 when it's snowing. I try to get up to Tahoe twice a month and yes, it really is needed when you go that often. Way worth it.

[QUOTE=silver bullett1;2799252]You do if you want to make it up to Kirkwood on Highway 88 when it's snowing. I try to get up to Tahoe twice a month and yes, it really is needed when you go that often. Way worth it.[/QUOTE]

true that!!

Ended up buying 16" steelies with blizzaks (80-90% tread left) off an i-club member a little after xmas. Drove to South Lake 3 times and Tahoe Donner once since then.

The first three trips had no snow or ice on the ground on the way up and down, but the last trip up, 3/13, arrived at the chain checkpoint at 8:00am on the 50 before Sierra at Tahoe. Waited in a line of ~6 cars with tons of others installing chains on the side of the road. There was a Subaru Outback two cars ahead of my 09 WRX and when the guy went down the line he fingered both Subies and waved us through, without checking the tires. The sign said 4wd w/ chains only then another smaller sign below, snow tires ok.

Proceeded following the Outback and in about 300 feet, snow and ice. I was so excited being my first time on the snow with my subie. I can go on and describe the experience in detail, but in short, had the most fun time I have ever had in my car EVER. There was no one coming the other direction for at least 20 mins and got to pitch the rear end a bunch of times to discover how well these cars handle on the snow. Jaw dropping experience.

It's that time again. Going to buy the Generals unless someone has something new to suggest.

General Altimax Arctics FTW! You'll be super happy. Great snow/winter tire for the price.

-Brian

^ yep, that might be my next tire! I just really like the DWS because they also do great on the dry fun summer roads.

What do you guys think about buying 4-5 year old tires with about 50% tread left on them for a snow tire?

I read that most tires only last up for about 6 years before you should replace them..but as a dedicated snow tire to only be used when going up tahoe, how does that affect the "6 year life"?

[url]http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11[/url]

General Altimax Arctics or SP Winter Sport 3D?

EDIT:
nvm guys. if you have 6/32 or less on your winter tires, they should be replaced since they aren't providing a "bite" anymore during snowy conditions.

[quote=tirerack.com]If snow-covered roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 6/32" of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. You need more tread depth in snow because your tires need to compress the snow in their grooves and release it as they roll. If there isn't sufficient tread depth, the "bites" of snow your tires can take on each revolution will be reduced to "nibbles," and your vehicle's traction and mobility will be sacrificed. Because tread depth is such an important element for snow traction, winter tires usually start with noticeably deeper tread depths than typical All-Season or summer tires. Some winter tires even have a second series of "wear bars" molded in their tread pattern indicating approximately 6/32" remaining tread depth to warn you when your tires no longer meet the desired tread depth.[/quote]

[QUOTE=04caliwrx;2970897]^ yep, that might be my next tire! I just really like the DWS because they also do great on the dry fun summer roads.[/QUOTE]

I know you're amped on the DWS, but a tire that is fun on dry roads is not capable of being that good on snow, unless you like sliding around a lot and destroying tires :). I'm not trying to be an ass, but that's just my experience with true snow tires.

-Brian

[QUOTE=eastbaysubaru;2971058]I know you're amped on the DWS, but a tire that is fun on dry roads is not capable of being that good on snow, unless you like sliding around a lot and destroying tires :). I'm not trying to be an ass, but that's just my experience with true snow tires.

-Brian[/QUOTE]

I would say you are correct, but thisa look at this

click on the review on the dws (all season tire)

[url]http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS&partnum=44WR7ECDWS&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes[/url]

now the Blizzak LM-60

[url]http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Blizzak+LM-60&partnum=345HR7LM60XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes[/url]

not mush of a difference in the snow/ice/water and the dws tread life is just crazy! I go to lake tahoe every every and have been in 10" plus inches in snow with both tires and I can tell you that I don't really feel any difference.

Well we'll just have to wait and see. I recommended the DWS to my brother for his '08 Outback XT based on your experiences/recommendation. He can't afford to get two sets of tires so I thought this would be a good compromise since he's up in Tahoe a bunch throughout the winter.

I prefer having dedicated snow tires myself, but to each their own :D

-Brian

I have a set of these on my stock rims for winter only. They are amazing!!

[QUOTE=wakeskatemike;2971186]I have a set of these on my stock rims for winter only. They are amazing!![/QUOTE]

which?

these tires look legit i must say, also hella good deal

[QUOTE=subymobbin303;2971462]these tires look legit i must say, also hella good deal[/QUOTE]

Yep! The price is the reason I tried them last year!

beacuse it's winter and people can't use the search function lol


bump!

going to buy a set tomorrow mounted on some steelies. the 205/55/16 tires are $86 right now on tirerack.

I've never used a dedicated snow tire. Nothing but all seasons, the RE92's, ES100 (not too smart on my part) and ecsta asx. The only problem I had was the first year I had my car, abs kicked on, replaced the brakes with wilwoods and haven't had a problem yet.

Also, just picked up a set of conti extreme contact dsw, first impressions are that I love them. Far quieter than the stock tires that came on my wife's legacy. Can't wait to try them out in some snow

I had the pleasure of driving my brother's '08 Outback XT in Tahoe over the Thanksgiving holiday with the newly mounted ContiExtreme DWS'. While they were by far the best all season's I've used in the snow, they weren't as good as any of the dedicated snow tires I've used in the past (Blizzak LM-22, Michelin Alpin PA2 and the General Altimax Arctic). The General's have been the best value snow tire by far and I'd recommend them to anyone that spends a fair amount of weekends in Tahoe.

-Brian

Glad you liked the DWS's, u are right not a snow tire but about as close as u can!!

i think i wanna get me some DWSssss! I'll be headed up to tahoe for X-Mas. Anyone happen to know a car rental companies that have Subies?

[QUOTE=eastbaysubaru;2984795]I had the pleasure of driving my brother's '08 Outback XT in Tahoe over the Thanksgiving holiday with the newly mounted ContiExtreme DWS'. While they were by far the best all season's I've used in the snow, they weren't as good as any of the dedicated snow tires I've used in the past (Blizzak LM-22, Michelin Alpin PA2 and the General Altimax Arctic). The General's have been the best value snow tire by far and I'd recommend them to anyone that spends a fair amount of weekends in Tahoe.

-Brian[/QUOTE]

I've been looking at the general artimax, since I have an extra set of wheels that will need new tires soon. How are these on the drive to Tahoe? I'm sure they're great in the snow, but I'm wondering how the drive to the snow is, since thats the longest part lol. The cheapest I could find was $312+shipping for the set, if I were to use a slightly bigger size at 205/60/r16Can anybody tell me why tirerack will say a 15 inch tire will fit our cars?

[url]http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Altimax+Arctic&partnum=055QR6AMAXA&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Subaru&autoYear=2003&autoModel=Impreza%20WRX%20Sedan&autoModClar=[/url]

Look at other tires & pricing and it will list 205/60R15 @ $66.00 (ea.) as an applicable size for a 03 wrx sedan...???

bump from the dead. How are these tires doing for you guys? I am looking to buy some of them so Im curious as to how they have held up for you all.

I too am a tahoe weekender from the bay area :lol:

^ I just sold sold mine with 20k on them and they were holding up great! I now have Blizaks because I go up in the worst of worst storms! but a huge bump for the dws tires and the great price they are!

which blizaks? cost??

^ the LM and I got them for 300 for all 4

My experience having driven Blizzaks, Altimax Arctics, and the DWSs (as well as the Michelin Alpin PA2) is as follows:

[B]Blizzaks[/B] - Great tires if you put them on for the trip to Tahoe and take them off when you get back. They're just too soft to drive on bay area roads throughout the whole winter, IMHO. They squirm and slide quite a bit and wear like hell on dry roads.

[B]Altimax Arctics[/B] - Excellent for bay area Tahoe heads. I HIGHLY recommend this tire as a tire you can rock all winter. They're not as soft of a compound as the Blizzaks and handle the dry/wet/no snow roads of the bay area winter much better than the Blizzaks. It's pretty damn good on dirt too if that matters to you.

[B]DWSs[/B] - Good winter tire for a couple of trips to the snow per year. I wouldn't want them for the big dumps or any deep snow as the treads aren't as deep as the other two tires mentioned. They're pretty good in the snow for an all season, but I wouldn't recommend them if you want to be first on the hill after a HUGE dump.

I'm sure people will debunk my opinion as it is just that, opinion. I have, on the other hand, had my fair share of snow driving experience having lived in Colorado for five years so take it for what it's worth.

-Brian

I have the Altimax Arctics, and they did great last year. I had Blizzak WS 60's before that, and many other winter tires before that. They are very similar to the blizzaks in the deep stuff and ice. On the dry they are a bit squishier than the blizzaks. I like them, and would buy them again (in fact I am probably going to pick up a set for the GF) for a dedicated winter set since I live up here and run them for about half the year or so. I definitely did like the blizzaks, but for me the difference between the two weren't worth the extra $ that they charge for them.

[QUOTE=eastbaysubaru;3145277]My experience having driven Blizzaks, Altimax Arctics, and the DWSs (as well as the Michelin Alpin PA2) is as follows:

[B]Blizzaks[/B] - Great tires if you put them on for the trip to Tahoe and take them off when you get back. They're just too soft to drive on bay area roads throughout the whole winter, IMHO. They squirm and slide quite a bit and wear like hell on dry roads.

[B]Altimax Arctics[/B] - Excellent for bay area Tahoe heads. I HIGHLY recommend this tire as a tire you can rock all winter. They're not as soft of a compound as the Blizzaks and handle the dry/wet/no snow roads of the bay area winter much better than the Blizzaks. It's pretty damn good on dirt too if that matters to you.

[B]DWSs[/B] - Good winter tire for a couple of trips to the snow per year. I wouldn't want them for the big dumps or any deep snow as the treads aren't as deep as the other two tires mentioned. They're pretty good in the snow for an all season, but I wouldn't recommend them if you want to be first on the hill after a HUGE dump.

I'm sure people will debunk my opinion as it is just that, opinion. I have, on the other hand, had my fair share of snow driving experience having lived in Colorado for five years so take it for what it's worth.

-Brian[/QUOTE]

Great review! I agree with just about all of it. I have never used the DWS, so don't know about those. I think it depends on which Blizzaks you use as well. For me the altimax's felt softer, but it is hard to remember as I was comparing worn WS60s to new Altimaxs's. You may be right though, as the wear on the Altimax's does seem to be a bit better than the blizzaks.

But like you said, it is all opinion!

Thanks a lot guys! Looks like I'm getting altimaxs' soon!

I highly recommend the Altimax's! I have used the same set for two winters now, going on my third and still have a solid 12mm on them. I live just where the snow stops and drive the summit every weekend so these tires see mileage. I can pass trucks in a downpour of snow and never break traction. To snow drift is almost difficult with these.

I used to use Cooper's snow tires (blanking on the name at the moment), bought these 3 winters ago and haven't looked back. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

[QUOTE=eastbaysubaru;3145277]My experience having driven Blizzaks, Altimax Arctics, and the DWSs (as well as the Michelin Alpin PA2) is as follows:

[B]Blizzaks[/B] - Great tires if you put them on for the trip to Tahoe and take them off when you get back. They're just too soft to drive on bay area roads throughout the whole winter, IMHO. They squirm and slide quite a bit and wear like hell on dry roads.

[B]Altimax Arctics[/B] - Excellent for bay area Tahoe heads. I HIGHLY recommend this tire as a tire you can rock all winter. They're not as soft of a compound as the Blizzaks and handle the dry/wet/no snow roads of the bay area winter much better than the Blizzaks. It's pretty damn good on dirt too if that matters to you.

[B]DWSs[/B] - Good winter tire for a couple of trips to the snow per year. I wouldn't want them for the big dumps or any deep snow as the treads aren't as deep as the other two tires mentioned. They're pretty good in the snow for an all season, but I wouldn't recommend them if you want to be first on the hill after a HUGE dump.

I'm sure people will debunk my opinion as it is just that, opinion. I have, on the other hand, had my fair share of snow driving experience having lived in Colorado for five years so take it for what it's worth.

-Brian[/QUOTE]

Thanks for this! I will be picking up some dedicated snow tires next week as I am going to be living in the Reno area when I get back from Sweden. Was thinking about the Blizzaks mostly because I have heard good things. Plan on putting them on next week and probably running them until April/May. FWD, so I need the traction (for my SAAB 9-5).

BTW - I see a lot of Continental snow tires over here, but they are usually on studded tires by 12/1 so not sure what they move to at that point.

[QUOTE=JAC Wagon;3145233]bump from the dead. How are these tires doing for you guys? I am looking to buy some of them so Im curious as to how they have held up for you all.

I too am a tahoe weekender from the bay area :lol:[/QUOTE]

BUY my setup! they've got TONS of life left! the white stuff is starting to fall! i won't be going up too much this season someone put these to use...
[url]https://www.i-club.com/forums/norcal-classifieds-96/stuff-fs-sf-211391/[/url]


[QUOTE=burnyou2;3145458]I highly recommend the Altimax's! I have used the same set for two winters now, going on my third and still have a solid 12mm on them. I live just where the snow stops and drive the summit every weekend so these tires see mileage. I can pass trucks in a downpour of snow and never break traction. To snow drift is almost difficult with these.

I used to use Cooper's snow tires (blanking on the name at the moment), bought these 3 winters ago and haven't looked back. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!![/QUOTE]

WORD!!!

[ATTACH]118305[/ATTACH]

Ive seen your posts on the craigs and sooo tempted to buy...these look great

did anyone really need winter tires this year? I did not put mine on at all and had no problems! I hope next year it will snow so much they will be on all winter haha

Is it possible to use winter tires for some rally-X?

Definitely. It's not ideal as the sidewalls are usually fairly soft, but the tread design is great for grip.

-Brian

Awesome! thanks for answering.

Last question, is the atilmax the cheapest A/S tires you can get for some MY02 stockies?

Very likely. I really don't think you can go wrong with them. Hell, I drove over 200 miles of dirt on these in 90+ degree Utah heat and they didn't show any signs of wear.

-Brian

the only bad thing i see with snow tires is the amount in sidewall flex but if you of on stock springs you will flex and roll anyways lol