OK - I'm lovin' my Cooper S Clubman and looking for winter/snow treads. I have 17" Pace wheels as my winter rims (summer tires are on R112s), and will likely stick to the stock size of 205/45R17.

I'm also leaning toward RFTs as I don't really want to have to mess around with sealant, etc. or tire changes when it's cold.

So, with these criteria, my choices are basically:

A) Pirelli Winter SnowSport 240 RFT (84V)
B) Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT (84V)
C) Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT (84H)

I haven't found any direct comparisons between these two (three) tires for their intended purpose. Any direct experience out there on NAM with both?

Is one tire better suited to a "particular type of winter" e.g. dry, fluffy snow vs. ice vs. wet slush? Here in Alberta, we can get big dumps of snow, then after a good "Chinook" wind (think: Santa Ana's) we could have days/weeks of dry but cold conditions.

How about the speed rating on the Blizzaks? Does a "H" rated tire behave that differently than a "V" rated tire (in winter)?

My thanks in advance!!!

 

I've used both, albeit on a different car (Audi A4 Quattro). I would say that the SnowSports are a better dry winter tire than the LM-25s, but in the icy conditions, the Blizzaks were a bit better for traction. On my MCS, I use SnowSports 240s. I live in Vancouver, so we don't get too much snow, but it does get icy on some occasions and we don't have too many snow plows when it does snow. In Alberta, I'd lean to the Blizzaks.

 

Good assesment!

I think between Blizzak LM25's - the 2 diffrent speed ratings wouldn't affect your grip in snow and ice, Its more an effect change to cornering in dry. weather.

H rated rides better
V rated handles better

Alex

 

I'd forgotten to stay up-to-date with this thread for a while - thanks for you responses guys!!