I lost, wife won.... new Michelin snows for her
 

2008 Lexus IS250 AWD

I had Blizzaks on her car for about six seasons.... they got noisy...... she got mad ..... I got... well nothing..... Now she has four Michelin X Ice Xi3 tires and is happy... now I am getting.... it.

Blizzaks are interesting snow tires... I had them on my Boxster S before too. They are really amazing in the snow and last forever if you can tolerate the noise and squishy handling. New, they are mostly quiet but not really. When they wear, I guess the rubber compound transitions to a harder layer and they get really noisy.... like really noisy. Some have told me that the tire is worn out when this happens and requires replacement at this time.... however there still is plenty of tread and will easily pass inspection. WIth the Blizzaks, her IS250 with full-time all wheel drive will go through anything..... and corner.... and stop! Just amazing to me actually, so I am very interested in how these Michelins perform against them. I know one significant difference: the Michelins are quiet thank goodness.

I have Michelin Alpins on my 2009 C2s and I like them but from looking at the tread, the X ice should be better in the snow.... The Alpins are more performance-oriented for us Porsche owners.

I have noted before that I have pretty much given up looking for the perfect tire at a perfect price... I just write the check and get Michelins now as I have never been disappointed with a Michelin product.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

Happy wife...well you know!

Nokians are what I used to run on all my bmw and for all around performance I don’t think there is a better winter tire out there. Of course you better bring your check book because they are more expensive than most Michelin’s. I have blizzak on my cayenne now (from previous owner) haven’t had a chance to test in deep snow but light stuff they did a great job. Corners a bit squishy and the noise is a bit loud but so far not bad at all.

I've been a big fan of Michelin tires for a loooong time. I put them on all my vehicles from VW's, BMW's, SUV's and my 911.

My wife prefers Michelin tires, who am I to argue. Congrats on getting outta the doghouse and into the penthouse.
T

If all it takes is a set of tires I now know what I'm getting my wife for Christmas. Thanks Bruce.

Well...... let me know how that goes when she is bragging to her friends about new tires........ I predict a dry spell...

There are two issues when dealing with navigating from the dry to the wet...... 1) alleviating the latest issue, and 2) predicting the next one.

While this may seem insurmountable, particularly for #2, men do have a support system... we meet every Friday night in a place called "the bar". CU there.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

A solid competitor for the Michelin Pilot SS and PS4. I had the previous versions and really liked them.

I love my Michelin Alpin PA2s in 18s. But they are getting old and I don't see replacement anywhere in 235/265. Some choices for 255/35. Great part about Nokians that they are great even at half tread and very soft even at -20C.

I've had X-Ice 2 & 3 on my wife's cars, currently on a 2018 Pacifica for the first season. They seem decent. I have Alpins on my DD A6, those seem to drive well and better than the Xi. However that could be because of AWD. I've also had Blizzaks years ago, I remember them being really good!