Topic: W300 IceBear or the Kumho KW17?

[99 Silver]

Which is the better winter tire for a miata 195/55/15 H rated - the W300 IceBear or the Kumho KW17?

Jerry
Kitchener ON

[tc.xmen]

Didn't you already start a thread on the W300 for your Miata??
Why are you repeating yourself?   

[99 Silver]

I am repeating myself becuase I am trying to get a response from Morty. 

I private messaged him with that question but he didn't respond.  I'm hoping he will see this.

Jerry
Kitchener, ON

[mrthompson]

Patience, grasshoppah.   

[99 Silver]

I know patience is required, but I live in a snow belt and I know what is coming!

A miata on high performance rubber is useless in winter conditions.

Jerry

[subiedubiedo]

Don't mean to jump the gun on Morty, but I've been doing some research for my Subaru Legacy Wagon, and these were both at the top of my list.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one.. they are practically the same price and are excellent value compared to the Michelins and Bridgestones. I doubt Morty will pick one over the other, but I could be wrong...
 
Actually, I just had my KW17s installed this morning, and although it is a balmy 16C in Toronto, they feel great. Can't wait to test them in the snow!!

I would just pick one and don't second guess yourself. I am sure you will be happy with either one.

[99 Silver]

subiedubiedo:

Where did you buy your tires?

Jerry

[subiedubiedo]

I checked the Kumho canadian website for dealers in my area. I had it done by OK Tires in West Toronto. I did a quick search and there are a few OK Tire dealers in Kitchener.

Good luck!!

[kwuke]

Which is the better winter tire for a miata 195/55/15 H rated - the W300 IceBear or the Kumho KW17?

Jerry
Kitchener ON

when you ask better , what is it you are trying to ask.....think about this...do you want all out better snow performance? (get a nokian, blizzak, x-ice, snowech etc...)

or do you want great dry traction in cold weather with very good snow performance....get either kumho or hankook


you are comparing 2 tires that are probably meant to be compared to one another, both are compromises, neither is an all out snow tire, and even if both were all out assault on snow , neither would allow you to drive in snow the way you might drive on dry pavement. so bear this in mind, and knowing this you have nothing to lose to go to a snow tire, sorry for the ramble...but i always think in terms of would you rather drive on a summer tire in the winter???

one more thing, and i may be in error on this part...but i don't believe the kumho is an "ice" tire  even though it bears the severe snow symbol....but the hankook is....good luck

[morty]

Apologies...I am a flake and missed your PM. OK you have my attention!

Both are great tires. We have customers running both and hi marks from just about everyone. The Hankook is a lttle less expenisve and seems to be wearing a lot better. We have a number of customers doing the Nokian WR and running the W300 year round with good results (not recommeded, but can be done).

Bottom line is cant go wrong with either tire....and back to sleep I go 

[99 Silver]

Thanks Morty.  Is the new baby keeping you up?

Jerry

[morty]

Thanks for asking Baby is getting better and huge, but now work has taken over and cant seem to get everything done. Blah, blah...I know we all have the same problem, so will just shut up.

[millenia]

I concur with Kwuke's comments on W300. I drove to Washington last January from Ottawa. Between Philadephia and Washington I ran into a snow storm and I felt the W3000 did not handle greatly as a snow tire. I did not feel totally safe as the car was skidding quite a lot. It handled icy roads better for some reason. I felt comfortable driving with them in Ottawa where we get a lot of snow, which gets cleared up quickly and efficently by the city's crew. Of course the fact that they were V rated (on my Mazda Millenia 215/55/R16) would also diminish their traction in winter conditions. For city  driving - no concerns - i would recommend them highly. Good handling, quiet ride and moderate to good traction. And Great value for money.

I have ordered the Viking Snowtech for my Mazda 6 and will report on them in due course.

[morty]

Keep in mind you have to drive within a tires limits. I was at Big White last Christmas and the W300 equipped car was parked for 3 days while it continued to snow. It was buried. Got in and drove away no problem. Trick is not too heavy on the brake or gas. Smooth. Is there better winter performace available? Yes, with a Q or T-rated tire. However, in the city the performance winter is a nice balance. If you expect to drive as normal you will find slipping with any winter tire.