[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.