Topic: 205/60-16 for AWD Subaru Legacy: Toyo, Gislaved... or General?

[psg]

Hi all,

Looking to put tires on winter alloys on my Legacy in Rimouski QC, where the winter starts in November-December and the winter tires stay on until May.  Lots of snow, fairly cold temperatures down to -20C and an icy driveway.

Currently looking at:

General Altimax Arctic $129
Gislaved Nord Frost 5  $139
Toyo - Observe GSi-5  $159

I would not have considered General to be in the same league as the others, but apparently it's Consumer Report's 2009 second baest rated winter tire, so i am forced to reevaluate my old biases.

Thanks!

[Sir Osis of Liver]

General

[sailor723]

From everything I've read.....General (as good or better than the others and less money)

[psg]

Thanks guys!

[acck]

psg,

I was in similar boat as you were, but i didn't consider toyo ($$) cost too much. Many tire shop recommend

General Altimax Artic, Hankook Ipike 409, Falken EPZ. Falken is make in Japan. But after seeing the tire, I didn't take that as i believe there is not enough sipes. I did more researech in Japan with Chrome translation, they were making Dunlop Graspic DS3 from the same facility. But when I look at the DS3 rating it is not that great so I cross that out. I have Hankook w409 on my crv already and they are great in the last 2 winters 10.5/32 left still after 16k km. I decided to take a stab on General as they were $50 cheaper. So far, dry handling is preditable. Wet is great, nothing for ice or snow yet to compare with Ipike but I believe it will have better grip than Ipkie as their sipes are more than I pike.

acck

[psg]

The prices in my initial post were from pmctire.  I went to my favorite local dealer, expecting to be quoted much more.  Here's what I got:

Michelin Xi2 $780 (- $70 mail-in rebate = $710)
Toyo GSi-5  $765 (- $60 mail-in rebate = $705)
BF Goodrich KSi   $650 (- $50 mail-in rebate = $600)
General Altimax  $625

These prices include install+balance and taxes, so they are actually better than pmctire's prices.  I am getting 16-inch alloy wheels for $110 + taxes, but including nuts and rings, so about the same as pmctire here.

With a $85 difference between the top-rated Michelin and the very-good General, it's a tough call between the two.  The Michelin might be better long-term (I tend to keep my tires for a long time) and for the highway...

[rrocket]

We're going on a 3rd year of our Xice2, and they still look as new.  Amazing tire wear...

[davidy]

The prices in my initial post were from pmctire.  I went to my favorite local dealer, expecting to be quoted much more.  Here's what I got:

Michelin Xi2 $780 (- $70 mail-in rebate = $710)
Toyo GSi-5  $765 (- $60 mail-in rebate = $705)
BF Goodrich KSi   $650 (- $50 mail-in rebate = $600)
General Altimax  $625

These prices include install+balance and taxes, so they are actually better than pmctire's prices.  I am getting 16-inch alloy wheels for $110 + taxes, but including nuts and rings, so about the same as pmctire here.

With a $85 difference between the top-rated Michelin and the very-good General, it's a tough call between the two.  The Michelin might be better long-term (I tend to keep my tires for a long time) and for the highway...

I have the General Altimax Arctics.....very happy with my purchase after one season. Tire depth is 12/32nds. It's less on the Xi2 (10.5/32nds). Xi2 have been reported to not do well in wet, slushy snow....like those experienced in the Pacific Northwest or the Vancouver area. The Generals are not perfect (no winter tire is perfect in all winter conditions), but have had no real complaints other than they are a bit noisy (probably due to studs) and the ride can be somewhat squishy at times. Last winter, I can count on one hand the number of times the tires "slipped".

Dave

[rrocket]

I have the General Altimax Arctics.....very happy with my purchase after one season. Tire depth is 12/32nds. It's less on the Xi2 (10.5/32nds). Xi2 have been reported to not do well in wet, slushy snow....like those experienced in the Pacific Northwest or the Vancouver area. T

Dave

I've had no such issues in slushy, wet snow here in the banana belt.  Though it does look like the OP is from somewhere in Quebec.

[psg]

I have the General Altimax Arctics.....very happy with my purchase after one season. Tire depth is 12/32nds. It's less on the Xi2 (10.5/32nds). Xi2 have been reported to not do well in wet, slushy snow....like those experienced in the Pacific Northwest or the Vancouver area. T

Dave

I've had no such issues in slushy, wet snow here in the banana belt.  Though it does look like the OP is from somewhere in Quebec.

Yeah... Rimouski QC, 600 km down the St. Lawrence from Montreal, where the winter starts in November-December and the winter tires stay on until May.  Lots of snow, fairly cold temperatures down to -20C and an icy driveway.  Not too much slush here I suppose.  Sounds like I can't really go wrong with either of them.  Tirerack give the Michelin a very good rating on wear, but a notch below for traction on ice and deep snow.  Seems to be great on dry roads.  I guess my AWD will compensate for a lot in traction at low speed on ice, so a dry-highway tire might be best for me.

[davidy]

See 2nd post on the differences between the two (and others): http://forums.redflagdeals.com/ct-general-altimax-arctic-winder-tires-30-off-935577/

Dave