Winter -> Blizzaks or Artic Alpin???
 

Hi everyone, I've been checking out the posts recently, and doing some other research, and I've narrowed my winter tire choices down to the Bridgestone Blizzak (probably the WS50) or the Michelin Artic Alpin. I still have to look at prices, but I'm wondering if folks have any suggestions based on experience with either of these two. My folks have always run Blizzaks, and they do grip wonderfully, but seem to wear a bit quicker. Where I live (Edmonton), the streets are usually cleared soon after a snowfall, but I often head out to the rockies for ski trips. From what I've been able to gather, the Blizzak may offer more grip, but the Alpin may be a bit better all around winter tire, especially where the streets are usually clear. Can anyone out there confirm this?

Also, what size would folks suggest? I initially thought of a bit wider tire if it would fit (perhaps a 205 or even 215), for the larger contact area. However, I've seen folks talking about perhaps a bit narrower tire (185) so that the tire moves through snow and slush with less resistance. Thoughts?

Thanks folks!

:-)

my folks have blizzaks on their thunderbird SC and like them a lot. the car gets very few miles though so experience with wear is limited. they grip well though.

i was looking at the arctic alpin's today at canadian tire. for 195/65/15 (maybe 185 i can't remember) it was $125 a tire.

i just don't think i'm going to be able to find the $600 bucks to snowshoe my car this year. i just had to give up my want for a sub too. oh well.

Hi Glex

Welcome to the board. Have you been over to the Western Canada section. We have the EPC (Edmonton Protege Club) forming and we are being sponsored by Jarman Mazda. Jim at Jarman is giving the club a discount on steel rims. Head on over to that section and have a look.

rims
 

does anyone know where we can get some cheap black rims? I know walmart currently sells some for 47-49 bucks.