Looking for some feedback on which winter rubber to pick up

I'm leaning towards either Blizzaks or Michelin:

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero 107H XL
GoodYear Ultra Grip Winter 107T XL
Dunlop Winter MAXX SJ8 107R XL
Yokohama Geolander IG51V 107T XL
Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2 107S XL
Pirelli Winter Carving Edge 107T XL
Toyo Observe GSi5 100T
Michelin Xi2 Latitude 107T
Dunlop Winter Sport 3D 107H XL

I used to buy strictly winter performance tires like Dunlop 3D and Michellin Pilots but I don't have my German toys anymore.

I really want something that is not too loud.

Thanks!

 

If you can find them, I'd recommend Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV. Great tire for our winters. Extremely popular in Europe.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...=016074&cs=235

Second choice would be the Michelin X-ice.

 

I've just installed 17" Michelin XI2's on my RX. I had installed these on my wife's 2013 Venza and they are very quiet. I had Blizzaks on my previous SUV (Acura MDX) and although they were excellent in the snow, they were noisy.
The Michelins won't be quite as good in deeper snow. Both Bridgestone and Michelin have a mail-in $75 coupon special until Dec 15th.
The Nokian's are very good tires, but are more expensive.

This APA article is a good summary of available wither tires. http://www.apa.ca/wintertire_reviews.asp

Jim
__________________________________________________________________________
2015 RX350 F Sport
1970 Superbird 440-6bbl, auto
1969 Barracuda 340-4bbl, auto,fb,Formula S
1969 Barracuda 318-2bbl, auto, convertible (conversion I/P to 6.1L Hemi, 5 speed OD Passon tranny and RMS suspension)
2015 BMW K1600GTL

 

thanks a lot for your feedback viper and RW.

 

Just booked an appointment for a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV 235/55/19

Very excited!

 

Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV: my 2nd set, excellent tires!

 

Great to hear that many are happy with these.

I also got a great price, $1360 installed for 235/55/19 and free tire storage for my all seasons.

 

I have been using Michelin X-Ice Xi2 on my RX. I was really pleased with the Xi line and had them on multiple vehicles. In fact, I'm planning to buy X-Ice Xi3 for my S4.

 

I've been using Nokian Hakkas for years and absolutely love them. Extremely popular in Vermont.

 

The newest Car and Driver did a winter tire test and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta was their top rated tire!

 

We went with downsized Yokohama iceguards. The price of those mounted on dedicated rims in the 17 inch size was $878 including the tire warranty. SInce I swap the tires back and forth myself there are no other costs each year.

I have found that snow tires are so much better than all season that it does not matter that much between brands. Noise and treadlife are the biggest things I notice.

 

Snowy mind if I ask which 17 in rim you have? And your tire size on 17 in rim?

 

It was one of the lower cost alloy rims on discount tire direct. I think it was called the Rage R5. It looks pretty close to the oem rim. The tires they suggested that we got are 235 65 R17.

I have yet to install since it has been so warm here of late. I might install this weekend or wait another week.

 

Did you do a test-fit to make sure these clear calipers?

 

I don't know whether I should get 17x7 or 17x7.5 wheel?