studded tires

[98outbackpdx]

so i am finally going to pony up and buy some studded tires at the beginning of November (November 1 is legal for studs).
i am currently looking at the General Altimax Arctic.
from what i can find they are an old Gislaved tires (Swedish).
does anyone have and experience with these?
If i can get the Hankook Ipikes studded for the same price or close to it i will probably get the ipikes because i have experience with them.
i would like some feedback from people who have or have used the General Atlimax Arctics.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findTireDetail.do?c=2&rcz=97080&ar=70&rf=true&rd=15&rc=ORPINT&cs=205&dVeh=dVeh&tc=GENSQ1&yr=1998&pc=26122&cf=false&vid=006485&sw=false

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Altimax+Arctic&partnum=07QR5AMAXA&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

tire rack has more reviews of the tire.

the local Subaru dealer can install 4 Generals for $460 with studs and installed.

Americas Tire will beat their price and do $450, but i have to drive to Portland.

[B's Legacy Wagon]

I didnt actually purchase those yet but when i researched them last year, it was a close contest between the michilin ice-x and the blizzack's and then the general altimax. i believe the general altimax are the best in my opinion and read alot of great stuff about them.
i was also thinking about going studless for the slush here in portland, i read that sometimes the studs actually decrease stopping in some instances and that sipeing should be good for the extra traction. Also i think both those prices are fair,but would consider the warenty type stuff. americas tire is all over and may help if you where far way and need tire help, compared to what will the local dealer be able to offer for tire replacement etc.

[98outbackpdx]

I didnt actually purchase those yet but when i researched them last year, it was a close contest between the michilin ice-x and the blizzack's and then the general altimax. i believe the general altimax are the best in my opinion and read alot of great stuff about them.
i was also thinking about going studless for the slush here in portland, i read that sometimes the studs actually decrease stopping in some instances and that sipeing should be good for the extra traction. Also i think both those prices are fair,but would consider the warenty type stuff. americas tire is all over and may help if you where far way and need tire help, compared to what will the local dealer be able to offer for tire replacement etc.

with the local dealer i will not have to wait in line to get the tires on, plus with Americas tire i would have to buy the warranty that i do not have the extra money for. i have heard that the Blizzaks get bad when worn down. i drive through the gorge quite a bit so i want the studs. i have heard good things with the x-ice but i am not sold on the stud less tires.

[Wiscon_Mark]

X-ice owner here: I'm very happy with the winter performance of my tires. Great treadwear too - I've had 'em for roughly 40k and they still have plenty of life left.

Studded will always perform better, but they're such a hassle (when to put on, take off, etc) and sound terrible on pavement.

Ideally, you have a dedicated winter vehicle with studded tires to drive during bad storms, etc.

[B's Legacy Wagon]

yeah i read alot listning to reviews and it did say the blizzaks dont last as long and a big selling point on tires is the road noise. the gorge is a good place to get studds for and mt hood. how much more was it for the warenty? so hey keep us updated on what you get. and how you like the generals.

[98outbackpdx]

Studded will always perform better, but they're such a hassle (when to put on, take off, etc) and sound terrible on pavement.

i actually like the sound of the studded tires, it gives me more confidence when driving in bad weather. in Oregon it is November 1 to April 1 for the studded tires. i run all seasons and have chains so if it is out of season i can always chain up.


yeah i read alot listning to reviews and it did say the blizzaks dont last as long and a big selling point on tires is the road noise. the gorge is a good place to get studds for and mt hood. how much more was it for the warenty? so hey keep us updated on what you get. and how you like the generals.

it is an extra $60 for all 4 tires so it brings the listed OTR price at $550 ($490 without warranty) on Americas tire website.
yes i will try to get them first week in November i will try to have them on by November 5 (hopefully). i will defiantly give updates.

[ScaryFatKidGT]

I looked on tire rack and they have some videos and the Blizzaks did better than studded winterfoces or altimax arctics i don't remember.

Blizzaks are made for ultimate winter traction I went with Continental extremewintercontacts because they had almost as much grip but are not quite as soft and last a little longer.

[subie/legacy]

I just might run my studded tires this winter. Not sure what brand they are, i'm sure nothing special but newer tread.
I've always ran all seasons in winter. My current A/S are starting to get tired, so it gives me an excuse to try my winter setup.

[d1giPhux]

Just bought a set of the general altimax arctics today. they are great tires in the winter! I know this because family members have them.. and they were SICK in deep snow. DONT get them studded though, unless you live somewhere with LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of ice. Just get them without the studs.. they are sick. Picked up a set for $400 today. Tire rack has them now for $93/each. Bring them somewhere that will price match tirerack's price.

Good luck man! And like i said.. don't get studs. They make things MORE slippery unless your driving on solid ice, which i seriously doubt you are. And they also make your winter tires LESS useful. Meaning, when it starts to get warm, you will need to take them off right away. Some states will even give you tickets for it.

Here is a review video from tirerack:

http://www.tirerack.com/videos/index.jsp?video=47

[98outbackpdx]

Just bought a set of the general altimax arctics today. they are great tires in the winter! I know this because family members have them.. and they were SICK in deep snow. DONT get them studded though, unless you live somewhere with LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of ice. Just get them without the studs.. they are sick. Picked up a set for $400 today. Tire rack has them now for $93/each. Bring them somewhere that will price match tirerack's price.

Good luck man! And like i said.. don't get studs. They make things MORE slippery unless your driving on solid ice, which i seriously doubt you are. And they also make your winter tires LESS useful. Meaning, when it starts to get warm, you will need to take them off right away. Some states will even give you tickets for it.

Here is a review video from tirerack:

http://www.tirerack.com/videos/index.jsp?video=47

the town i live in when they plow they plow it down to packed snow and ice, and Oregon does not use salt. i am going to be driving up and down the Columbia River Gorge this winter. It can become a real mess during winter with ice and snow. in Oregon, studded tires are from November 1 to March 31. i can get the Generals installed for $460 and that is the best i can get without having to drive 1 hour to Portland to get them for $450 installed, plus i can make an appointment at the dealer.

[d1giPhux]

At 6+ inches of fresh snow currently on the ground testing the tires out. THEY ROCK! In fact.. they KICK ASS. Cant wait till we get a couple feet during winter to test them out better. Who knows.. might have a foot by tomorrow.

Braking distance is better then firestone winterforce tires which i had last season. Predictability is great. Hell.. it feels like I'm not even driving on snow.

Downed cars I saw while out driving: City plow truck (i kid you not), some type of other large truck that smashed through a guard rail and over the edge of a hill. This was at the end of a steep hill with a turn. Guess their truck just couldnt make it. Might go back outside and see if I can find people to help, its always fun :lol:

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Yeah the winterforces are good for snow and rally-x cuz of there aggressive tread but they don't do very well on ice

[Baddog]

There is a place called A&M Tire Company. If you called and talked to Michael and told him the price Americas Tire gave you. He will beat it. Or the cheapest price you find. Not kidding 1/2 mile away from Americas tire.

Can tell him Jason, who ordered the MB Weapons sent you.

[98outbackpdx]

i found a place on Craigslist that is at the CARR Subaru loaction in beaverton that has them for $350 studded or unstudded installed.