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Winter tires and rims: what is best for skiers?

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TRASHY.
Posts: 736 - Karma: 356
I am driving to the mountains almost every weekend to go skiing, and the weather can be very unpredictable (Alberta winter conditions). I ran steelies last winter and they were fine other than trying to take them off after 7 months of winter, now i'm thinking of using alloys this time around.

Does anyone have experience running alloys during the winter months?
What's the best winter tire between michelin X-ice, bridgestone blizzak, and nokian hakk?
16 or 17inch? Does it really make a noticeable difference?

I have asked around at some tires shops for advice, but I just thought advice from fellow skiers who make multiple trips to the mountains would help with my final choice!

Thanks :)
Oct 1 2013 1:00PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
I run Mastercraft Courser MSRs because they're waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper than Hakks and 90% of the tire. No complaints whatsoever.

If you've got the dough though, don't be afraid to invest in good snows- you'll be glad you did when the shit hits the fan.

As for wheels, lighter is generally better but steels are totally fine. Go with whatever fits your budget and def spend the money on the tires and not the rims/wheels.
Oct 1 2013 1:05PM
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limedakine
Posts: 48 - Karma: 298
I live in MT and I usually run blizzak tires on mine. There's a couple of good youtube videos where they did tire testing on an ice rink, maybe check that out.
Oct 1 2013 1:11PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
Some of this:

Click for larger image

On the back of the wheel where it mates with the hub will make them pop off no issue come spring. The stuff will not wash away and it will hold up the the heat of the rotor with no issues. White lithium works as well but I've always just used this as I have it handy from brake jobs.

As for size, a 16" will likely be cheaper than a 17" snowtire. Just check to make sure your car can downsize without brake clearance issues. Snow tires are recommended to go a touch narrower too as it helps keep from "hydroplaning" on the snow. Less surface area means it will sink in more.
Oct 1 2013 1:11PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
What vehicle are they going on?
Oct 1 2013 1:11PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
As for tire brand, I've used Winterforce tires for years now. They are cheap compared to others and have never failed to perform for me.
Oct 1 2013 1:13PM
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TRASHY.
Posts: 736 - Karma: 356
05 mazda 3
Oct 1 2013 1:17PM
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
blizzak
Oct 1 2013 1:18PM
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liftedresearcher
Posts: 1140 - Karma: 1,774
i run nokian hakka 7 on steelies. ive had them for 2 winters now on my VW rabbit and have put over 20000 km on them. i absolutely swear by them. they have gotten me through some of the sketchiest driving conditions around. they have helped so much when the QE 2 turns to a complete ice rink and when its completely puking in rogers pass.

they are a little more pricey but totally worth it.
Oct 1 2013 1:23PM
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CarrotSteeze
Posts: 147 - Karma: 105
After taking a winter ice driving course in Steamboat this winter, and then using Blizzak tires on my car i can say blizzak all the way, they are expensive but they will grip the road harder, and longer than any other tires ive seen, they are worth it :D
Oct 1 2013 1:28PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 36696 - Karma: 110,719
My parents got me some sweet Goodyear wrangler snow tires for my nitro. I found myself just driving through huge snow drifts for the hell of it. Never got stuck.
Oct 1 2013 1:36PM
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
Every vehicle I've ran winter tires have been steelies in the winter, aloys in the summer and never had an issue getting them off. Like said before, little lithium grease.

And keep to a smaller rim, 15s will be cheaper and make for a smother ride having more sidewall.
Oct 1 2013 2:27PM
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Stainr
Posts: 1186 - Karma: -1,150
ws70
Oct 1 2013 2:36PM
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SKI.ING
Posts: 2695 - Karma: 2,535
How far are you driving from?
Oct 1 2013 2:44PM
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TRASHY.
Posts: 736 - Karma: 356
Ranges from 400 km-1200km.
The usual weekend trip is either a one or two day trip to jasper/sunshine/etc. which is 400 one way.
Oct 1 2013 3:09PM
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TRASHY.
Posts: 736 - Karma: 356
My alloys in the summer come off fine, its my steelie rear wheels in the winter that rust right onto my car
Oct 1 2013 3:10PM
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JAHBRADOR
Posts: 3002 - Karma: 16,941
Oh hey there. How are things?
Oct 1 2013 3:17PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
A little lube on the hub surface where the wheel mates it will take care of that easily.
Oct 1 2013 3:18PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
Get Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded tires.

You don't just entire a new league of grip, you become the grip.
Oct 1 2013 3:34PM
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