X-ICE XI2 or Blizzak WS-60

[stevencyt]

So today it was kind snowing in Toronto, and it reminded me to get some winter tires, and now I have to choose between:

1. Michelin X-ICE XI2
2. Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60

They are both good winter tires with same price, I just can't decide which one to go with...
Please give me some advice or comment for these two tires

Thanks

[mrpeasle]

I tried some WS-50's on my parents Honda Civic a few years ago, I loved them. So I got a set of WS-60's for my subaru inpreza last year and I am not that impressed with them. They are not even close to the WS-50's.

With that said I ordered a set of Dunlop Graspics from Tirerack and they should be here tomorrow, for my Yaris HB.

I have no experience with the Michelins.

[refotsirk]

This will be our second season with the Dunlop Graspics and we
were totally sold on the choice we made to do it.
I tried to get stuck. Going up hill in 6 inches of snow and didn't even
spin. Ice control seemed excellent too.
Snow tires or not, the big evil is when you go onto plowed snowpack
that is higher than your space below your car. Tends to hang you up.
Nothing a snow tire can do for that. Thus. The shovel in the trunk.
For the cost of four steelies and snow tires, that ='s my deductable in
the worst case body shop scenario. So peace of mind.
I would check out the Dunlops too.
Kristoff

[battleversiontc]

ws 60 worked fine for me on my civic hatch during the winter

[edisonfire]

where are you buying them in T.O and how much? I'm looking for some, and I need the steel rims too..

[Dave]

Originally Posted by edisonfire

where are you buying them in T.O and how much? I'm looking for some, and I need the steel rims too..

I'm in the same situation. Bridgestone shops in the GTA had a 50% sale for the last half of October (read: now ended) but I missed out because I was moving apartments and didn't have the time to stop in.

If anyone knows of a good winter tire deal in Toronto, I'm very interested.

[06vitzRS]

I sell both of those tires in my shop, they're both great but the Nokian Hakka R out performs both and it's less expensive. http://www.nokiantyres.com/tyre?id=1...akkapeliitta+R

[evan]

Originally Posted by 06vitzRS

I sell both of those tires in my shop, they're both great but the Nokian Hakka R out performs both and it's less expensive. http://www.nokiantyres.com/tyre?id=1...akkapeliitta+R

Less expensive? I got a quote from a local Kaltire last week on those and they said it would be $169 plus tax per tire installed and balanced. That's for the stock size (185/60/15).

I'm wondering if we are getting gouged because there is nobody but Kaltire that sells Nokian in Saskatoon.

[firemachine69]

I have a set of Graspic DS-2's Superior to the stock Potenza's in every way.

[MUSKOKA800]

FYI,
Last Saturday's (Nov. 8) Toronto Star Wheels section had a review/article discussing all the current winter boots. The article may be archived at their website???

[stevencyt]

Hi all, thanks for the review, I just got WS-60 from a shop called IC Muffler in Scarborough, for 14 inch tire, $108 each. Now just waiting for the snow to come and see how these tires perform in winter.

[Dave]

So I have a sedan with 15" tires, and when I was calling around for quotes today, one of the dealers suggested going with 14" for winter tires to save some money. I imagine since the base Yarii come with 14" tires, this would be an acceptable match, but I'd never really considered the idea before. Anyone have any input on why this may or may not work?

And for the people in the Toronto area looking for a deal on winter tires, try calling Mazz Auto at Bloor St and Dundas West. They have 40% off Blizzak's right now. 416-536-4423.

[06vitzRS]

The 14" tires will be cheaper than 15" but you will have to get a second set of rims. I think 2 sets of tires and rims is a good idea but buying the extra rims will probably cost more than just going with 15's. All depends on how much you can/want to spend.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by 06vitzRS

The 14" tires will be cheaper than 15" but you will have to get a second set of rims. I think 2 sets of tires and rims is a good idea but buying the extra rims will probably cost more than just going with 15's. All depends on how much you can/want to spend.

Correct. Forgot to mention that I was looking at getting a second set of rims regardless of if I get 14" or 15" tires (with the rims sized to match the tires). I'm just wondering if the 14" tires will put my speedometer/odometer out of calibration at little bit?

[Bob_VT]

Had the Blizzaks mounted today on my steelies.

[evan]

Originally Posted by Dave

Correct. Forgot to mention that I was looking at getting a second set of rims regardless of if I get 14" or 15" tires (with the rims sized to match the tires). I'm just wondering if the 14" tires will put my speedometer/odometer out of calibration at little bit?

No, you can get a 14" tire that matches the height of your 15's.

[refotsirk]

For some reason that was what happened to us. Potenza tires on steel rims. got Graspic DS 2's and they are 14 ".
My tires are now spinning 3.3% faster. So When it says I am going 60, I am actually going about 55.5 mph.
Checked it with A GPS. so am looking forward to driving 55 when I am going 55.
But they kick arse on the slush, snow and ice, and with the extra deep treads, soften the ride nicely.

[evan]

My Yaris came with 15" steel wheels from factory and I just had winter tires put on them. I think I'll probably go one more summer on the stock tires, put the winters back on and then leave them on. I'll get some new aftermarket wheels the following spring. ...maybe. I might give in and get wheels this spring.