DeanChaTT

Hi all,

I have read lots of posts about multi-cell winter tires, but not many about "harder" snow tires. Here is some background info...

I am a transplant to southwest Virginia, from western NY (Rochester and Albany). In the past (on other vehicles) I have run Cooper multi-cell snow tires, WeatherMaster fully studded snows (still the best for hard ice, I feel), and various other snow tires.

Here in SW VA the roads are clear 95% of the time and when it does snow we seem to have slushy roads more than truly snowy roads. A "big storm" here is 4 inches of snow (snow removal is pretty slow though) so deep snow is not much of a concern. I do not think the soft, multi-cell snow tires are the best choice for me because of the dry condition perfromance and wear issues. I need some traction for occasional slush, light snow, some icing, (and an holiday trip back north to NY).

I have seen great write-up of the Dunlop M2s and the Nokian NRWs. Which would fit my needs best? What about Pirellis and Michelins (is the Pilot Alpin a "harder" tire?) and Bridgestones (is there a harder Blizzak?)??

Thanks for any and all help!
Dean

rollerskate

I agree with your evaluation, as far as it goes. if you're talking Nokian, then NRW sounds like the best fit. haven't used the others, so can't comment much except to agree about the drawbacks of the faster-wearing snows. I guess the advantages of "softer" tires like the Blizzaks apply mostly to icy roads, which can still happen in most places, but if you're balancing the equation, you can probably do without that if the roads are dry much of the time, as they are in many urban areas. good luck.

GuilTTy

I'm very happy w/ M2s (NJ).