Best Winter Tire/Value on Group Buy

[gherikill]

Trying to decide which tire to order from SImply tire on the Massier Winter Trie group buy thread.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=639602

Thought I would start a new thread on the different tires he offers and what is best.

From his pm the tires availble as a package are.

Semperit Speed Grip 670.00
Hankook W409 iPike 710.00
Bridgestone Winterforce $730.00
Gislaved Nordfrost 5 $810.00
Michelin X-Ice2 $900.00



I do about 70/30 hwy and city driving. I am currently leaning toward the Bridgestone Winterforces.

What do you think are the best tire/value of the bunch?

[Rekognize]

Nordfrost 5 and iPike

What size are you buying?

[hi-tech]

these are terrible prices

[gherikill]

I'm getting 225 60 16s with steelies in the prices.

[new_vr]

these are terrible prices

Do you have any recommendations of where to go?

[gq_fuzion]

I'm getting 225 60 16s with steelies in the prices.

why are you getting such a wide tire for winter???
for winter, you want a thinner tire to cut through the snow better

[Rekognize]

why are you getting such a wide tire for winter???
for winter, you want a thinner tire to cut through the snow better

+1 get like a 205/75R15! :D

http://www.ajdesigner.com/fl_tire/tire.php

[gherikill]

+1 get like a 205/75R15! :D

http://www.ajdesigner.com/fl_tire/tire.php

225 60 16 is the size recommended for my car (Impala). All of the cabs use it and they don't seem to have a problem driving on the worst nights of the winter.

I don't want my speedometer reading wrong.

[Rekognize]

Is that size already downsized? So stock is 17"?

You should downsize by 1" when buying winters... and compensate by adding more sidewall to keep the same rolling radius.

my .02

[Debonair]

I'm strongly considering the Semperit Speed Grip myself.

[BartBandy]

From a combination of what I know and the pics, I'd recommend the Gislaved (have them) or the Hankook (heard some good things about them, and the "christmas tree" tread pattern is a copy of similar tread patterns from Gislaved, Nokian and Pirelli - all very successful)

The prices look decent, but shop around. Try Steelcase Tires in Toronto, for example. What I do like is they are using hub-centric rims. Insist on that, wherever you go. In lieu of hib-centric rims, centering rings will work well if you get cheap alloys. You can't expect hub-centric alloy wheels.

[jimsmith]

im getting Semperit Speed Grip 195 65 r15 on hub centric steel rims mounted and balanced from tires 23 in missisauga for $540 tax inc.:lol:

[hOrnizuka]

which one should I go?

$600 hankook w300
or
$690 gislaved nordfrost 5

these are for 17" tire only.

[Rekognize]

nordfrost 5

[Rekognize]

im getting Semperit Speed Grip 195 65 r15 on hub centric steel rims mounted and balanced from tires 23 in missisauga for $540 tax inc.:lol:

lol...

You could've gone with the hankook w411 for only $20 more from the groupbuy

:lol: :lol: :lol:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7458036&postcount=2

[hotweiss]

The X-Ice 2's, might be a little more expensive, but they last 70% longer than a regular winter tire.

[mohitk]

Some advice for me too - I need a set that would work best on the highways. I do about 50KM each day on the 401 and have to get tires that would be stable enough at highway speeds - especially when the highway is dry.

Allan suggested Hankook W300 and Semperit with more emphasis on Semperit. Price is a bit of a concern but I could splurge on a tire if it makes things safer.

[mohitk]

The X-Ice 2's, might be a little more expensive, but they last 70% longer than a regular winter tire.

How is X-Ice2 on the dry highway? Will it last this long even there?

[torontomatrix]

Hi Allen: I have a 2006 Matrix xr
Was looking for Semperits and wheels and wondering if you've got any clearout deals on all-seasons (falkens maybe) that I could save on if I bought them now as a package with the snows rather than in spring.
Thanks for organizing this.

[mohitk]

Just found this list from tire23:

http://torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=27883

If the prices are taxes in, could be better than the ones in the group buy - I am not sure if those are with or without taxes.

[hOrnizuka]

Nordfrost 5 is a better tire BUT more EXPENSIVE! Damn so hard to decide.

[hotweiss]

How is X-Ice2 on the dry highway? Will it last this long even there?

There are no reviews of the X-Ice 2 out yet, but they did add a stiff center tread for better stability. There's also the Bridgestone WS-60 which has gotten great reviews. The plus with that tire is that after the tread wears down to a level where it's no use to you in the snow, a new layer of tread is exposed that is meant to be used for summer driving.

It's a tough choice as with all-season/summer tires your safety performance at normal speeds is sufficient with almost any tire. With winter tires, there is no magic bullet and there is a great deal of variation between the different tire manufacturers when it comes to safety in different conditions.

As for myself, I went with Nokians as it drops down to -30 here. For that reason alone I had an accident thanks to the fact that my all-season tires locked up at 8 km/h. At that speed the collision was still big enough to cause $1200 worth of damage. Might as well put the money into the tires, as maybe next time the speed might be greater and a life might be involved.

[plip630]

Just found this list from tire23:

http://torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=27883

If the prices are taxes in, could be better than the ones in the group buy - I am not sure if those are with or without taxes.


yes i called them and all is inclusive taxes, mounting and balancing and it also says on the thread. just make sure when call them about that you saw on the toronto mazda 3 car club.

[cruzer24]

There are no reviews of the X-Ice 2 out yet, but they did add a stiff center tread for better stability. There's also the Bridgestone WS-60 which has gotten great reviews. The plus with that tire is that after the tread wears down to a level where it's no use to you in the snow, a new layer of tread is exposed that is meant to be used for summer driving.

It's a tough choice as with all-season/summer tires your safety performance at normal speeds is sufficient with almost any tire. With winter tires, there is no magic bullet and there is a great deal of variation between the different tire manufacturers when it comes to safety in different conditions.

As for myself, I went with Nokians as it drops down to -30 here. For that reason alone I had an accident thanks to the fact that my all-season tires locked up at 8 km/h. At that speed the collision was still big enough to cause $1200 worth of damage. Might as well put the money into the tires, as maybe next time the speed might be greater and a life might be involved.

Wow that's good to know about the WS-60's. This is my first time purchasing winter tires, and i'm looking between the X-Ice 2's and the WS-60's. I can get them for very close in price at the dealership, but i'm still unsure. Any additional insight with these 2 tires?

[Menace]

Really? Do you have any facts? X-Ice 2 is way too expensive. I used to have Michelin winter tires on my old 1.6 EL, but I chose Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 this time around because of its cost. Hankook W411 for wife's 2009 Corolla.

The X-Ice 2's, might be a little more expensive, but they last 70% longer than a regular winter tire.

[Debonair]

Hankook 411 or Semperit Speed Grip? Which is the better buy? They are only 20 dollars apart.

[ELT]

yes i called them and all is inclusive taxes, mounting and balancing and it also says on the thread. just make sure when call them about that you saw on the toronto mazda 3 car club.

I've pm-ed Allen, and he said there will be taxes on top..

[hOrnizuka]

does that mean Tire23 is actually cheaper?

[EscaBoi]

Looks more expensive to me, the prices posted by Tires23 is just the tires only price + $180-$200 for steelies.

[Jucius Maximus]

these are terrible prices

Those prices include OEM steel wheels and tire bags.

[Jucius Maximus]

does that mean Tire23 is actually cheaper?

It depends on what you want. Allen's prices also include Toyo tire bags.

Once you factor everything in, I think Simply Tire and Tires23 come out to be about even. I am going to ST though because I know for sure it will be OEM wheels.

[hotweiss]

Wow that's good to know about the WS-60's. This is my first time purchasing winter tires, and i'm looking between the X-Ice 2's and the WS-60's. I can get them for very close in price at the dealership, but i'm still unsure. Any additional insight with these 2 tires?

Considering that you live in Winterpeg, I'd look at the Nokian Hakka R's - perfect for Winnipeg weather. They are ultra-low resistance tires so you'll save a half a liter per 100 kilometers and they pretty much are the best winter tires you can get - but mind you they are not so nice on wet and dry pavement. If you feel a Hakka R and another brand to compare, you'll see how soft the Hakka's are.

This should help you make a decision:

http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=97

The Nokian R's are not reviewed as they were just released this year, but they should be the best winter tires you could get; just because the tires they are replacing (RSi) were pretty much the best extreme winter tires.

[D-3vil]

It depends on what you want. Allen's prices also include Toyo tire bags.

Once you factor everything in, I think Simply Tire and Tires23 come out to be about even. I am going to ST though because I know for sure it will be OEM wheels.

Are these bags anything more than just regular plastic tire bags (of the garbage bag variety)? Last set I bought (from a different place mind you) came with these, they're nothing special.

On the other hand, if these are actual tire bags (like the kind Canadian Tire sells), the deal just got hotter.

[Jucius Maximus]

Are these bags anything more than just regular plastic tire bags (of the garbage bag variety)? Last set I bought (from a different place mind you) came with these, they're nothing special.

On the other hand, if these are actual tire bags (like the kind Canadian Tire sells), the deal just got hotter.

I am assuming that they are the "real" tire bags, but you should send allen a PM to confirm.

[p110232]

Are these bags anything more than just regular plastic tire bags (of the garbage bag variety)? Last set I bought (from a different place mind you) came with these, they're nothing special.

On the other hand, if these are actual tire bags (like the kind Canadian Tire sells), the deal just got hotter.

you mean like this?
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/intekguy/X3/IceBear1.jpg

[D-3vil]

you mean like this?
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/intekguy/X3/IceBear1.jpg

yup, those are exactly the ones I was afraid would be included...

[Matryx]

I'm also having a hard time choosing between the Hankook W411 and the Semperit Speed Grip.

Hankook 411 or Semperit Speed Grip? Which is the better buy? They are only 20 dollars apart.

[Gnus]

The prices on tire23 do NOT include steel wheels and tire bags, even though the bags are the ones posted above so SimplyTire is the better deal.

I've been searching around a bit and the group buy we have on RFD is a pretty damn good deal and for those that say otherwise, find me a place cheaper. If we get more people, there will be bigger discounts as well.

[Debonair]

I'm also having a hard time choosing between the Hankook W411 and the Semperit Speed Grip.

Anyone else want to help us?? :)

[Rekognize]

I'd go with the Hankook

my .02

[Menace]

I was like you being undecided. I eventually went with Hankook after I spoke to Allen.

Anyone else want to help us?? :)

[cruzer24]

Considering that you live in Winterpeg, I'd look at the Nokian Hakka R's - perfect for Winnipeg weather. They are ultra-low resistance tires so you'll save a half a liter per 100 kilometers and they pretty much are the best winter tires you can get - but mind you they are not so nice on wet and dry pavement. If you feel a Hakka R and another brand to compare, you'll see how soft the Hakka's are.

This should help you make a decision:

http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=97

The Nokian R's are not reviewed as they were just released this year, but they should be the best winter tires you could get; just because the tires they are replacing (RSi) were pretty much the best extreme winter tires.

Thanks! I do a lot of highway driving which is usually wet/dry roads, but i'll take a look at that site.

Thanks again!

[hotweiss]

Thanks! I do a lot of highway driving which is usually wet/dry roads, but i'll take a look at that site.

Thanks again!

This might also help:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=W&VT=C

[ES_Revenge]

Those prices include OEM steel wheels and tire bags.
Doesn't seem to be exactly OEM wheels, but rather wheels that fit like OEM rather than a multi-pattern wheel or one with a different hub size where rings would be used (i.e. they're not using universal-fit wheels).

I highly doubt they are going to get you original Honda wheels for a Honda, GM wheels for a GM, Toyota wheels for a... and for every manufacturer out there. Sounds more like they're just using wheels with the proper bolt pattern, offset, and hub size for your car.

[D-3vil]

Stupid question... is anyone aware of any differences between OEM steel wheels and aftermarket steel wheels? Would there be a significant difference in mass / rigidity / etc?

Honda quoted me $87/rim (original Honda steel rim), while Tires23 is at $45/rim (aftermarket, with matching bore / offset). Prices are after taxes.

[ES_Revenge]

Stupid question... is anyone aware of any differences between OEM steel wheels and aftermarket steel wheels? Would there be a significant difference in mass / rigidity / etc?

Honda quoted me $87/rim (original Honda steel rim), while Tires23 is at $45/rim (aftermarket, with matching bore / offset). Prices are after taxes.
For a steel wheel I actually wouldn't worry about it at all. I was just saying that (above) to clarify because I don't think they are actually using actual OEM wheels, but just OEM-fit wheels.

As you state there's a bit of a price difference so that's why I was saying it.

I think it's hard to mess up a steel wheel so I wouldn't worry about getting the aftermarket ones.

On the other hand the Honda wheel may be made somewhere like USA or Japan, the aftermarket may be made in China. (Of course who's to say the Honda wheel isn't made in China either, lol.)

Another thing to consider is that the price "Honda" gave you, I'm assuming that's a dealership? Dealership prices are usually inflated and it's possible to get geniuine/OE parts cheaper, which may close the price difference gap.

Again though it's just a steel wheel, I wouldn't be worried I'd just get whatever is cheaper. :)

[Menace]

I have the $40/rim from Costco on my 10 years old Acura 1.6 EL for years. No problem there.


Honda quoted me $87/rim (original Honda steel rim), while Tires23 is at $45/rim (aftermarket, with matching bore / offset). Prices are after taxes.

[p110232]

I'm also having a hard time choosing between the Hankook W411 and the Semperit Speed Grip.

This comparison might just help. It shows the difference between conventional sipe design and the semperit sipe design.
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/semperit/automobil/themen/pkw_reifen/winter/speed_grip/details/tech_details_en.html
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/de/semperit/automobil/themen/pkw_reifen/winter/speed_grip/download/tech_02_de.swf

[gherikill]

Allen recomeneded that I go with the Hankook W411 for a heavier car. The problem is I can't find the W411s on the Hankook website. Are they a different model # because they are made under Kingstar? If so anyone know the equivalent Hankook product #?

[Genblue]

Make sure that your check your prices. I found the group buy to be only marginally (<$15) cheaper than buying from Tires23 in Mississauga (even if you include the GB discount).

I'm sure that the GB prices will vary by make and the manufacturer of the tires.