BSBG

I have run studded Hakkas, non-studded Hakkas, Blizzak Mz01 (?) and most recently Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds on various AWD cars.

The studded Hakkas are unstoppable, but overkill for most. The Hakka RSI is really soft and squirmy, but great in the snow. The Blizzaks were amazing snow and ice tires. The WS M3s are great on dry pavement and fair in the snow. You can break them loose easily, but they can be reined in fairly well. They are definitely not the best deep snow tires, but you have to determine if you need that extra capability.

I just ordered a set of X Ice Xi2 from the Rack in 225/45 18 on Elbrus wheels. I decided, for me and my planned winter activities that I wanted a real snow tire not a performance winter this time around. The Conti snow tire seemed to be a better tire in the Tire Rack Arctic testing, but it is only available in 17" and I decided not to go that route even though there are a few wheels that are reported to fit.

You have to decide what your needs are and 'tire up' accordingly. There is no right answer for everyone.

GregB7S4

+1 on not getting too aggressive with snow tires unless you are driving on snow covered roads all winter. These aggressive snow tires (which usually carry R or Q speed ratings) are no fun on dry roads-they will make your car feel very unstable at high speeds and it will handle horribly. A set of V rated performance winter tires should be fine unless you live in a really rural area that gets lots of snow.

Songer

Those are both good choices. I live across Lake MI in Kalamazoo and like both of those tires. The LM-25 is a little better in snow, but somewhat mushy feeling on dry roads. The M3 handles better on dry roads, but didn't quite have the snow/ice grip of the LM-25. I live in an area where snow removal can take a while, so I'd call it even between the two. In Chicago I'd go with the M3.

Smith837

Thanks for the feedback. If I understand correctly, is the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D the replacement for the Winter Sport M3?

Songer

Think so. Sorry, too lazy to look up for sure. I believe I used the 3Ds last winter, but will need to get a new set of winter tires since the new hubs are different.

FWIW, my short list for the next set are:

Mich Pilot Alpin PA3
Pirelli Sottozero 240
Dunlop WS 3D

BSBG

Yes - they sold both for a while but the 3D is the "new and improved" M3.