Topic: Winters for Nissan Rogue? (Blizzak vs X-Ice Xi3)

[sailor723]

I vote for Blizzak WS70s, the X-Ice 3 doesn't seem to be worth the average 33% price premium to me.

Costco here is competitive with buying from the US. They sell 16" steel rims for $30 a piece too, if 16" works with your Rogue.

I've heard Costco has some good deals on tires but not having a membership it's a moot point for me.

I've got a Costco membership and you are welcome to get them through my card if you want.

Thanks Shane but it looks like Costco is higher than Tirerack in this case. If I'm reading the website right they will only install the same speed rating as OEM. In this case that's an "H" and the H rated  X-ice they show  is close to $250 installed. (no Blizzak shown as appropriate for Rogue SL)

[CanuckS2K]

I vote for Blizzak WS70s, the X-Ice 3 doesn't seem to be worth the average 33% price premium to me.

Costco here is competitive with buying from the US. They sell 16" steel rims for $30 a piece too, if 16" works with your Rogue.

I've heard Costco has some good deals on tires but not having a membership it's a moot point for me.

I've got a Costco membership and you are welcome to get them through my card if you want.

Thanks Shane but it looks like Costco is higher than Tirerack in this case. If I'm reading the website right they will only install the same speed rating as OEM. In this case that's an "H" and the H rated  X-ice they show  is close to $250 installed. (no Blizzak shown as appropriate for Rogue SL)

Graeme, I also get a 40% discount at Hunter Lake Tire as well.  I'm not sure what they carry for winter tires though.  Might be worth a call for you.  Or I can call them tomorrow if you want.

[dkaz]

They make exemptions for winter tires, but all-seasons and summers must meet or exceed OE.

[sailor723]

They make exemptions for winter tires, but all-seasons and summers must meet or exceed OE.

That makes more sense. Their website is kind of screwy. It won't let me browse tires by size only by vehicle and the only winter tire it shows for a Rogue SL is a "H" rated X-ice Xi3 

[normancw]

We've really put Blizzaks through their paces in my house, with sets of WS50, 60 and 70 all going on various cars.  The 70's are the best, BY FAR.

50: Great in snow, good on ice.  Okay longevity.
60: Very good on ice, not so much in snow.  Poor longevity.
70: Snow traction is back!  Ice traction is great.  The best Blizzak to date combining ice and snow traction.  Better longevity.

After a winter on the WS-70s on the Corolla, I didn't hesitate for a nanosecond to buy them this fall for the Forester.

That's good to know the 70s are an improvement.  I've had Blizzaks for years, but haven't tried the 70s yet - still have a winter or two left on 60s, which have been great for me.

[Julie]

I've had both X-Ice and Blizzaks.

Both have been very good for winter. I can't tell a difference, to be honest.

[dirtyjeffer]

That makes more sense. Their website is kind of screwy. It won't let me browse tires by size only by vehicle and the only winter tire it shows for a Rogue SL is a "H" rated X-ice Xi3 

you can browse costco's website by tire size...on the tire page, where you would click the drop downs to select your vehicle make/model, there is a small link in the bottom right of that little box to search by size...the next screen you need to accept, then you get new drop downs where you select size.

[dirtyjeffer]

That makes more sense. Their website is kind of screwy. It won't let me browse tires by size only by vehicle and the only winter tire it shows for a Rogue SL is a "H" rated X-ice Xi3 

searching for the better "minus size" would be the 215/70/16...XI2s are $200 each (so a set of 4 is $730 with rebate)...Bridgestone DM-V1s are $158 each (set of 4 is now $632 as i believe the rebates on these are done now)...if you want to keep the size you have now, 225/60/17 bring up XI3s at $230 each (set of 4 is $850) and WS70s are $165 each (set of 4 is $660).

[SeaBlueS4]

Just ordered Xice-3's for the wife's car (WRX wagon) yesterday. 205/55/R16's were $170 locally vs US$139 from Tirerack. With shipping, tax etc Tirerack is thus ~ $60 cheaper which I decided wasn't worth the drive down and lack of local return / support. Of course, if I could have stayed in the US for >48 hrs I'd save an additional ~$100 in taxes which may have changed my mind.

Previously had Dunlop WIntersports which lasted well (6 seasons), decided to go Xice this time as they are now H-rated which I prefer for cold, dry highway and are a newer tech than the Dunlops for ~ $20/ tire more.

Costco was ~ $30 more / tire than the local guy I'm using.

[sailor723]

Just to update....I ended up going with the Blizzak WS-70's in the stock 225/60/17 size for $127 ea from Tirerack. Shipping was around $65. I think it's probably a tossup between the Michelins and the Bridgestones but a couple of comments about the Xice being a little weaker in slush and wet snow pushed me towards the Blizzaks.

[dirtyjeffer]

Just to update....I ended up going with the Blizzak WS-70's in the stock 22/60/17 size for $127 ea from Tirerack. Shipping was around $65. I think it's probably a tossup between the Michelins and the Bridgestones but a couple of comments about the Xice being a little weaker in slush and wet snow pushed me towards the Blizzaks.

yea, i have XI2s on the one car, and i went with WS70s, but mainly because of my friend's recommendation...he has a set of each on his vehicles and said they are both great and that you wouldn't be unhappy with either...he said the WS70s were just as good, and were cheaper, so he recommended them...judging from reviews, both tires are great, and you really can't go wrong with either...likely a Coke and Pepsi thing.