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Old 10-25-2008, 05:21 AM   #151
deafgoose
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I ordered a set of Blizzak WS60 from Tire Rack and could not be any happier with them!



order number?
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Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-27-2008 at 03:39 PM.
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Old 10-25-2008, 05:57 PM   #152
captainEJ
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Year: 2008
make: Subaru
Model: impreza wagon
location: Sandpoint, ID
tires only or winter package: winter package

I live up at a ski resort for the winter so I drive in a lot of snow. Also I'm wondering if 215/55/16 tires will fit in place of my 205/55/16 setup? I have a buddy who's selling a set of basically brand new studded tires and rims off his Forester for cheap.

while not the best choice in sizes the 215's should clear

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 08:31 AM.
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Old 10-25-2008, 07:33 PM   #153
bcWRX-02
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Year: 2002
Make: Subaru
Model: WRX sedan
Location: interior B.C. Canada
Tires only or winter package: Tires only

On stock 16" rims. Looking for a high performance winter tire, I do lots of driving up to ski mountains in deeper dry snow, but also highway commuting through wetter snow/slush, so looking for a good balance of performance and traction in both sets of conditions. Thanks!

The Blizzak LM series offer great snow and ice traction but, the Winter Sport 3D fro mDunlop is a more balanced tire

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 08:32 AM.
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Old 10-25-2008, 09:20 PM   #154
stevelim
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Year: 2007
Make: Subaru
Model: Impreza Wagon
Location: Seattle, WA
Tires only or winter package: Winter package

Hi Luke,
Great thread! Short work commute (when we drive), otherwise 1-2 trips/week for skiing and a few longer trips to BC and Bend, OR each season. I've been looking at the Blizzak WS-60s and the Michelin X-Ice XI2s with steel wheels in OE size but open to other suggestions.

I checked out the links that you have in the sticky but there isn't one for packages? can i just order through the tires link?
Thanks,
Steve

knowing the highway / wet driving to ski resorts from the city I would lean heavily towards the X-Ice XI2

use this Link

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-27-2008 at 05:19 PM.
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Old 10-26-2008, 06:07 PM   #155
eastcoast boarder
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Year: 2008
Make: Subaru
Model: impreza wagon
Location: Dutchess County, NY
Tires only or 16" tire and wheel package

In your area I would strongly recommend the Blizzak WS60. Team them up with a set of SPrt Edtion D5 wheels and you'll be all set. You do however need to think about the TPMS system and is you want an additonal set of sensors for the new wheels which will add about $200.00 to the package costs

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 08:42 AM.
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Old 10-27-2008, 11:10 AM   #156
Quik265
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I havn't read much of anything on the Pilot Alpin PA3's but they have one of the best ratings on all websites at close to 5/5 for most independant reviews, and they cost more then most which HAS to mean something,.. sertiously whats the verdict? anyone running them. I have a set of UK17's that i need to put winter rubber. It gets really cold here but with the AWD i want a tire that will handle awesome on the dry roads and willing to sacrifice some snow and ice traction to do it. What is hands down the best overall everything performance winter tire?? and do the PA3's belong in that catagory?

the PA3's do belong in the discussion but, from what you said I would advise you to look at the Pirelli SottoZero

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 08:43 AM.
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Old 10-27-2008, 11:47 AM   #157
BrujaHa
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year: 2008
make: Subaru
model: Impreza WRX STI
location: Columbus, OH
tires only or winter package: Tires only for stock non bbs wheels. Will be keeping these as dedicated winter wheels/tires.

Luke, I was planning on ordering the Blizzak LM25's in 225/45/18. Guy at the dealership suggested this size to save a few dollars and keep the speedometer accurate. Will they even fit? Also, my commute is mostly back/side roads, and a few trips to Snowshoe are in the future.

Thanks

a little taller than I should run but would work with no issues

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-27-2008 at 03:41 PM.
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Old 10-27-2008, 03:35 PM   #158
Bajaulin
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year: 2006
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model: Impreza WRX Wagon
location: Buffalo, NY

Dunlop Winter Sport 3D on 16" steelies

Just wanted to confirm for people that the 16" steelies from Tire Rack do clear the 4-pot brakes on the WRX fine (stock wheels are 17"). I mounted mine over the weekend. I know it's been mentioned multiple times by Luke, but one extra vote of confidence can't hurt.

order number?
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Old 10-27-2008, 04:35 PM   #159
dan13
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year:2007
make:Subaru
model:WRX
location:Chicago
tires only or winter package:tires

Winters in Chicago can get pretty nasty and the surrounding suburbs around here are actually still low on salt from last year. There might be a couple days break during the winter that the snow turns to slush but for the most part its pretty bad. I cant really kill the wallet at this point but I dont want anything to cheap.

well considering everyting I think your best bet would be the Michelin X-Ice XI2. It's one of the softer tires in terms of impact on the wallet in the size your car needs and it will perform remarkably well in the snow and ice.

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 08:50 AM.
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Old 10-27-2008, 06:04 PM   #160
Fernown
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year:2008
make:Subaru
model: Forester XT with minimal mods but by next winter.. who knows?..lol
location: outside of Chicago
tires only ..

Dan13 summed up the weather and you guys have pretty much the same at your HQ. I am currently running Direzza Star Specs 245/45/17 on 17x8. I want to use the same wheels and swap tires. I do about 40 miles a day on the highway and usually 2 highway trips during the winter, one to Cleveland and one to Philly. I would say $$ is not an issue but it always is a little bit..lol. Willing to spend $$$ for something good.

Thanks! Great Idea!

the X-Ice XI2 would also be a good choice for you but get a 225/50-17 size

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 08:59 AM.
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Old 10-27-2008, 06:49 PM   #161
KA-T_240
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year:2002
make:Subaru
model: WRX
location: Fargo, ND with trips around MN and ND. maybe to the rockys in Montana.

Blizzak WS60 and you can go almost anywhere in almost any condition


year: 2005
make: infinit
model: G35 coupe, with factory 19s
location: Fargo, ND and Chicago on the holidays

I would run 17's on this car ... a set of 225/50-17 & 225/55-17 (either BLizzak WS60's or Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's) on some Sport Edition KV5 17" wheels. The tire decision needs to be based on usage ... if you can use the Subi when things get really nasty and relegate the G to conditions not quite so brutal the 3D's would make sense since they are a better handling tire but, if the G has to go no matter what the WS60's are the best choice. If you just want to put tires on the oE wheels the Blizzak LM25 is the only option

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 09:16 AM.
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Old 10-27-2008, 08:18 PM   #162
Aunti
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Year: 2007
Make: Subaru
Model: Wrx Sedan
Location: Chester County PA

Roads don't usually get too bad but when it snows they definatley stay snow covered for a while as I take a lot of backroads. Was thinking a snow performance tire that does well in both snow and dry conditions. Also using stock wheels was leaning towards Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D any opinions.

makes sense to me

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 09:47 AM.
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Old 10-27-2008, 11:03 PM   #163
eh1525
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eh1525 View Post
Dear Luke,

I went to discount tire today to see how much the Pirelli sottozero tires were, and they had to go to thetirerack.com to even find them. Then they called someone at the rack and that someone told them that Pirelli wasn’t even making the sottozero this season, and they were not available. The only tire Pirelli is making for the winter is the "winter carving edge" and they are like... 1xx per tire.

So my question is what the heck?

-Ethan

205/55-16 Pirelli Winter 210 SottoZero
TTR part # 055HR6210SZXL
Pirelli Vendor Item#: 1558400
status: instock
cost: $130.00 each
Total: $520.00 (before tax and shipping)

so, what was Discount trying to sell/switch you into ?

A hankook tire. I walked out.. haha
Like i said no idea what I was talking about. I think im going to try and find something cheeper...
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Old 10-28-2008, 06:27 AM   #164
Bajaulin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bajaulin View Post
year: 2006
make: Subaru
model: Impreza WRX Wagon
location: Buffalo, NY

Dunlop Winter Sport 3D on 16" steelies

Just wanted to confirm for people that the 16" steelies from Tire Rack do clear the 4-pot brakes on the WRX fine (stock wheels are 17"). I mounted mine over the weekend. I know it's been mentioned multiple times by Luke, but one extra vote of confidence can't hurt.

order number?
6835036

cool, just wanted to make sure it was coded for NASIOC credit which it is

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 09:18 AM.
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Old 10-28-2008, 02:29 PM   #165
UllSang
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Luke: tirerack.com says that 16 inch wheels dont fit for the 09's? Is that a mistake?

'09 what because if it is an '09 WRX the site does list 16" wheels for the car

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 09:27 AM.
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Old 10-29-2008, 06:44 AM   #166
MattPersman
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Luke, 2 things

1. order number 6893016 you need credit for that, ordered it last night for my wife's VW, the link on this page does not work to get to tirerack

the order was coded for NASIOC credit and you inputting my name ensured it would be

2. I want to get a package for my WRX, but quite frankly the wheel selection is a little thin. how come the "other guys" show so many more wheels fitting the WRX than Tire Rack? I mean there are pages after pages a nice looking wheels for very good prices. And some are ones you guys carry but do not list for WRX. but all they have is the Yokahama W Drive tire on the site.

those other guys will be more than happy to set you up with wheels with a 35mm offset which is much too low for a proper fit on a Subaru

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 10-29-2008 at 09:21 AM.
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Old 10-29-2008, 09:38 AM   #167
shew
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What are you thoughts on the General Altimax Arctic?

I looked at them on the tire rack website and they seem to be getting good reviews.

BTW,

Year: 2004
Make: Subaru
Model: Impreza WRX
Location: BFE, WV

I drive a lot of twisties and need good traction wet and dry. I also need something that's going to be good in mud and slush. 225/45/17

Thanks for all the help!

well, the mud and slush comments make me think the Altimax Arctic would be a good choice however the "twisties" comments make me think maybe not .... take a look at the Winter Carving from Pirelli but, noticing that the Generals are much more wallet friendly so, if you can contain yourself on the twisties they will save you a good deal of $$$ and they aren't horrible

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 11-03-2008 at 02:25 PM.
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Old 10-29-2008, 09:44 PM   #168
Usher
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Year: 2002
Make: Subaru
Model: WRX wagon
Location: Lansing, MI
tires only or winter package: winter package

I am looking for tires for winter rallycross and ice autocross events (could be anything from bare ice to several inches of snow). I'm pretty sure Iwant to go with a Blizzak WS60, but I'm not sure on size. Is there any performance advantage with moving down to a 15" wheel with a 195/65R15 or 205/60R15 size versus the stock 205/55R16?

if I'm doing that I am doing it with the 205/55-16 Blizzak WS60's

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 11-03-2008 at 02:26 PM.
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Old 10-30-2008, 12:46 AM   #169
Bbc84
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dan13 View Post
year:2007
make:Subaru
model:WRX
location:Chicago
tires only or winter package:tires

Winters in Chicago can get pretty nasty and the surrounding suburbs around here are actually still low on salt from last year. There might be a couple days break during the winter that the snow turns to slush but for the most part its pretty bad. I cant really kill the wallet at this point but I dont want anything to cheap.

well considering everyting I think your best bet would be the Michelin X-Ice XI2. It's one of the softer tires in terms of impact on the wallet in the size your car needs and it will perform remarkably well in the snow and ice.
Pretty much the same area as dan13, after your recomendation, Im 80% sure about getting the X-Ice XI2 for my 08 legacy gt.

What size would you recomend for my OEM 17x7 rims (OEM tires are 215/45/17) I was thinking about 205/50/17 XI2s?

215/45-17

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 11-03-2008 at 02:31 PM.
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Old 10-30-2008, 01:55 AM   #170
Aderks
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Hey Im new to Subaru's and I just bought a 2009 Subaru WRX 265... These only come with a summer tire and i live in Saskatchewan, Canada where ill NEED a winter tire.

The parts guy at my dealership quoted me:

17" alloy rims and 225/45R17 Bridgestone Blizzaks for $1605+tax.. I thought that was crazy...

He said that a 16" steel rim would fit but he didn't give me the tire size that would fit it.. quote was $1124 +tax. Definetly a lot cheaper, but..

I might be able to get it cheaper somewhere else, should I go to a reputable tire shop or no? I heard there is tire sensors on my car. I dont want some dude that doesn't know much about my car to mess it up.

Im not sure if this is true, but I heard that putting wrong tire sizes can wreck the awd system? Can someone shed some light?

I'm leaning more towards the 16" steelies, but want to know the tire size so i can price it out. Any suggestions would be HELPED a ton!

Thanks

we sell the 16" steeleies with 205/55-16 Blizzak WS60's for $652.00 plus shipping (US) we can add sensors to them and still be under $850.00 give me a call about shipping, brokerage and taxes going into Canada

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 11-03-2008 at 02:35 PM.
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Old 10-30-2008, 10:43 AM   #171
Quik265
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from a fellow canadian, dont buy the steelies,.. it kills the look of your car for what, our winters are 6 months,.. trust me, you shelled out good money for the 265, dont skimp on an investment that you will have for the next 5 years,.. think about $500 over 5 years and it doesnt seem worth it,.. i wouldn't buy from the dealership, get a quote from 1010tires.com and then take it to a local shop, they'll match it, plus you can usually swing mount and balance/install for free,.. they have good deals on solid cheaper winters like the hankook icebear w300 and the blizzaks that have been highly reccomended in this forum, gl,..
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Old 10-30-2008, 02:14 PM   #172
dogfrndnew
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year:2004
make:Subaru
model:STi
location:St. Louis MO
tires only or winter package:winter package

I went to your site and you are suggesting the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3d. In the past I've always heard about Blizzaks. The crux of my problem is that St. Louis has a strange winter with about 4 months where it will be an average of ~20 overnight to ~50F in the daytime. There will be warm days at 65F and cold days at 10F here and there. We have a 5-10 snows each year lasting a couple days each. I have Nitto somethings on it now and they stink in any snow. Is the Dunlop what I need or will the wear down since they will see more rain and dry at these temps than snow? Thanks for your help.

I like the Dunlops ... for your area they are a very good fit especially if you spend time in the rural areas not just hanging out at Blue Berry Hill (and yes, Blue Berry Hill is the best bar in the country)

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 11-03-2008 at 02:38 PM.
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Old 10-30-2008, 02:46 PM   #173
Quik265
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^for the weather you're describing you might want to go with a performance all season as opposed to a performance winter as the majority of your driving seems to be above freezing and in the wet or slush if it snowed fresh,.. the blizzaks especially are for ice and snow so IMO not what you want especially on the STI, dunlops would be solid as they are V rated but i'm thinking an ultra high performance all season,... see what the expert says but thats my opinion...
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Old 10-31-2008, 01:29 PM   #174
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Are the Blizzak WS-60 's also good in rain? I will end up having more rain than snow/ICE but i want something that works well in 5" snow when we do get it.

I dont want all-seasons, but maybe the XICE lower profile would be better suited to me.


I think you would be better of with a tire which is not quite a WS60 since in your words you get more rain than snow and not quite a performance winter because you want to be able to deal with 5" of snow at times ... look at Pirellis Winter Carving

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 11-03-2008 at 02:41 PM.
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Old 10-31-2008, 03:26 PM   #175
Drew303
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year: 2008
make: Subaru
model: WRX
location: Denver, CO
tires only or winter package: Tires only

I dont really push my car too hard, just mainly a commuter car. Roads here are usually plowed pretty quickly, But I do drive 1 hour each way to pick up my daughter once a week, and I want the best grip available for a reasonable amount. I also take trips up to Wyoming, where the roads (and wind) can get pretty bad. I was thinking the Dunlop Winter Sport 3d's. Your thoughts?

winter wind = snow drifts so, I think you should look at the Michelin X-Ice XI2 ...

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 11-03-2008 at 02:43 PM.
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