Topic: UPDATE XICE it is.... Help me pick 17 Inch Winter tires for the Focus

[SaskSpecV]

I love the WS70s, and if the 80s are an improvement,

It's probable that the WS80s are an improvement, but far from a guarantee.  I was REALLY happy with WS-50s, but was not very impressed with WS-60s (seemed to have poorer traction on ice).  I wasn't sure if I was going to back to Blizzaks when the WS-70s came out (thought I might try the X-Ice or ContiWinters). 

The guy from TireRack talked me back into the Blizzaks - he said that Bridgestone realized they went too far on maximizing snow traction with the WS-60s, at the expense of ice traction (compared to WS-50).  So they re-focused on ice traction for the WS-70s,  as they had on the previous WS-50.  Now this could all be a bunch of BS - but I'm certainly happier with the WS-70s than the 60s. 

Point is, "new and improved" is almost always "new", but not necessarily "improved"!  Nonetheless, I'll probably get WS-80s too when it comes time for new winter tires...

[Noto]

I agree, but reviews of the WS80s so far have not made that assertion:

http://tires.about.com/od/TireReviews/fl/Review-Bridgestone-Blizzak-WS80.htm

http://www.wheels.ca/car-reviews/preview-bridgestone-blizzak-ws80/

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=191
^^ this last review specifically gives data between the X-Ice3s and the WS80s.

*note: all reviews come from the same test that invited auto journalists to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

For fun, here's a very in-depth review made in Russia:
http://www.autoreview.ru/_archive/section/detail.php?ELEMENT_ID=132142&SECTION_ID=7441 (Google Translate it)

[dkaz]

Most Costco stores themselves have stopped the Bridgestone rebates and moved to Michelin. But you can still get Bridgestone rebates online til Oct 5, then the online Michelin rebate will start Oct 6. Keep in mind that Costco may tack another $30 installation rebate on top for the Michelins for the the first two weeks, much like they have done in the past.

[HeliDriver]

For fun, here's a very in-depth review made in Russia:
http://www.autoreview.ru/_archive/section/detail.php?ELEMENT_ID=132142&SECTION_ID=7441 (Google Translate it)

That tire in that test is something called a Blizzak Revo GZ. Not sure how it's related to the WS80, but the tread pattern looks different.

[Noto]

For fun, here's a very in-depth review made in Russia:
http://www.autoreview.ru/_archive/section/detail.php?ELEMENT_ID=132142&SECTION_ID=7441 (Google Translate it)

That tire in that test is something called a Blizzak Revo GZ. Not sure how it's related to the WS80, but the tread pattern looks different.

I said "for fun!"  I know it's not the same tire, but still seemed interesting.

[Flinter]

We have been running General Altimax Artic winter tires on our SX4 for the last 7 years (2 sets). While they are an older design, I think they're a very good tire for the money. CT has them in you size for approx. $160/each.

http://tires.canadiantire.ca/en/tires/winter-tires/product/0041724P/general-tire-altimax-arctic/0072180/

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/TireTestServlet?tireMakeModel=General_Altimax+Arctic_1

[Blueprint]

During our winter comparo last year, we had a Rolling chicane on our iced up race track: the Focus SE Powershift shod on Michelin Xice tires. The car had so little traction with these that the "driving aids" kept cutting back on everything.

Out of 12 cars, only Ford had Michelin winter tires, and it was by far the car with the least traction. The Dart with Goodyears was the one with most grip, but the many Blizzak-shod cars seem to offer the best overal experience.

My Dad tried Michelins too and returned them - they were that bad.

[BradT]

Gislaved Nordfrost 100?

[Noto]

During our winter comparo last year, we had a Rolling chicane on our iced up race track: the Focus SE Powershift shod on Michelin Xice tires. The car had so little traction with these that the "driving aids" kept cutting back on everything.

Out of 12 cars, only Ford had Michelin winter tires, and it was by far the car with the least traction. The Dart with Goodyears was the one with most grip, but the many Blizzak-shod cars seem to offer the best overal experience.

My Dad tried Michelins too and returned them - they were that bad.

I think the X-Ice 3s are going to be a huge improvement over the X-Ice 2s, which I have on my Corolla - I'm not impressed with them at all, to be honest.  I was, in the first season, but if there's even 1" of snow on the ground, or any amount of slush, they're just utterly useless.  The X-Ice 2s don't wear well, either, and on the 3rd season I found them to be no better than all-seasons (and they have very, very little mileage on them).

I think the X-Ice 3s could be a better tire, but it'll take some major looking-around to get over how I feel about the Xi2s.

I would feel more confident in my purchase with the WS80s.

[dkaz]

The Xi2 is more of an ice tire. Michelin strived to turn the Xi3 to an all round tire.

[Noto]

The Xi2 is more of an ice tire. Michelin strived to turn the Xi3 to an all round tire.

...and I strive to not get any more 'smites' on this board...yet, they climb by the hour.

I'm sure the Xi3 will be a better tire than the Xi2, which is universally accepted as crappy in snow (but great on ice).  That still doesn't change my opinion that the WS80s will likely be a better tire, or at the very least, a safer investment.

[dkaz]

...and I strive to not get any more 'smites' on this board...yet, they climb by the hour.

I'm sure the Xi3 will be a better tire than the Xi2, which is universally accepted as crappy in snow (but great on ice).  That still doesn't change my opinion that the WS80s will likely be a better tire, or at the very least, a safer investment.

They're all different. To me the Hakka R2 is the real all round winter tire, but I think the Xi3 and WS80 are also very good choices.

And I stopped caring about that applaud/smite count.

[random006]

Don't forget Yokohama.  I'm on my second set of tires for my Sorento and continue to be happy with them.  I found two candidates for your Focus:

• Ice Guard
• W.Drive

[Noto]

And I stopped caring about that applaud/smite count.

No can do - I think I have mommy issues.   

(just kidding, my mom is great!)

[dkaz]

Lol.

I can't speak for the newer Yokohama iceGuards but my old iG20s were fantastic.

[Noto]

I don't know about the Yokohamas...I have iG51vs on the RX400h and I don't find them to be "amazing."  I mean, infinitely better than the Xi2s on the Corolla, but far inferior than the WS70s on the Forester.  Of course, different cars, so difficult to say anything with certainty, but that is my impression, any way.

[Blueprint]

The Xi2 is more of an ice tire. Michelin strived to turn the Xi3 to an all round tire.

As I said, we were on a snow course that was mostly solid ice, and the Michelins were useless.

As an aside, the only car that was really a hoot to drive on ice was the all-wheel-drive Lancer. The Impreza wasn't interested in turning. Both had the same Blizzaks.

[HeliDriver]

The Xi2 is more of an ice tire. Michelin strived to turn the Xi3 to an all round tire.

As I said, we were on a snow course that was mostly solid ice, and the Michelins were useless.

As an aside, the only car that was really a hoot to drive on ice was the all-wheel-drive Lancer. The Impreza wasn't interested in turning. Both had the same Blizzaks.

I'm still not clear. The Xi3s were out last winter. Were you running those or  were you still on the Xi2s?

[rrocket]

I'll always vote Micheline Xice.  Thus far, has been the best all around winter tire we've used.  And the wear is excellent.

Although after reading this test I'd be really tempted to try the Conti Extreme Winter Contact

 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=180

[Noto]

I'll always vote Micheline Xice.  Thus far, has been the best all around winter tire we've used.  And the wear is excellent.

I may not be an expert by any means, but the Xi2s wowed me their first season and have done nothing but disappoint ever since.  I'm sure the Xi3s are far better, but I'm left with a sour taste that the Blizzaks haven't replicated - the WS80s get my vote.

Honestly, the Forester is a great winter driver to begin with, but the WS70s we have on it are now in their 4th season, and Lady Noto insisted on having them on from Halloween until May - so I would say they were 'abused', but still perform admirably after about 20,000km on them.