need help selecting winter tires for 2007 GS

[specialk321]

I had a 1997 626 and ran 185/70/R14 Hakkapelitta RSi's. Amazing amazing amazing winter tire! Incredible grip in ice, snow, slush - even with an aggressive driving style, I didn't even know it was winter most days!

Got my "new" 2007 3 sedan last year and put on 205/55/R16 Hakka R's for the winter. Slide all over the place! Kal Tire has agreed to take the tires back, but I don't know what to pick now. Kal is not offering any help. Lots of opinions out there, mostly from people who have never run winters before (no surprise that they have better traction than their all seasons!). Have looked at the Consumer Reports and Tire Rack comparisons, but not all tires are tested, and I'm not really sure what their test criteria entails. Would prefer to hear from real Mazda 3 drivers!

All city driving, high kms, spirited driver, MUST HAVE FABULOUS GRIP. Will be mounting the tires on my 16" wheels. Help help!

[aris]

I got Goodyear nordic and never had a problem ... My sister inlaw has Hankook ipikes 409 and no problems either

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Hankook iPike409's. Or, Ghislaved Nordfrost 5.

[sarujo]

+1

Allen's crew at Simply Tire just put on a set of these are they are wonderful. Much quieter than the OEM factory rubber, and does not feel like I am driving around on mush.

Maybe it's time to try another tire shop.


Ghislaved Nordfrost 5.

[bluemazda3]

just put on my Toyo Observe G02 Plus.. lets see how they do!

[S.F.W.]

The Gislaved NF5 are a great winter traction tire. I ran them for two seasons, and was impressed. A little soft for my taste, but if you are looking for great grip, a great option.

[dhlwtu]

Blizzaks allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the way. Just put the new WS70's on my 06 GT sport and I can't wait for the snow :) I have ran the WS60's on my other car for the past 3 winters and I'm in love. So that's why I went with them again for my Mazda. BTW my brother has a 2005 TL and he's ran Blizzaks for the past 3 winters and swears by them as well.

We are both very spirited drivers. Only negative is the $$$$. But you get what you pay for.

[specialk321]

the iPike's and NordFrost 5 are both studdable tires... are you running them with or without studs? My parking garage won't allow studded tires.

just ran across a review of Continental ExtremeWinterContact, and they were rated #2 after Hakka RSi's. Anyone have an opinion on these?

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

the iPike's and NordFrost 5 are both studdable tires... are you running them with or without studs? My parking garage won't allow studded tires.

just ran across a review of Continental ExtremeWinterContact, and they were rated #2 after Hakka RSi's. Anyone have an opinion on these?

Running them without studs. I don't believe we are legally allowed to run studded tires in Toronto and the GTA, but I could be wrong. The iPikes and Nordfrosts really don't need studs.

As for Blizzaks, you do indeed get what you pay for. You get the name Blizzak written on the outside of the tire for all that extra money.

[M&D Executive Auto]

I had a 1997 626 and ran 185/70/R14 Hakkapelitta RSi's. Amazing amazing amazing winter tire! Incredible grip in ice, snow, slush - even with an aggressive driving style, I didn't even know it was winter most days!

Got my "new" 2007 3 sedan last year and put on 205/55/R16 Hakka R's for the winter. Slide all over the place! Kal Tire has agreed to take the tires back, but I don't know what to pick now. Kal is not offering any help. Lots of opinions out there, mostly from people who have never run winters before (no surprise that they have better traction than their all seasons!). Have looked at the Consumer Reports and Tire Rack comparisons, but not all tires are tested, and I'm not really sure what their test criteria entails. Would prefer to hear from real Mazda 3 drivers!

All city driving, high kms, spirited driver, MUST HAVE FABULOUS GRIP. Will be mounting the tires on my 16" wheels. Help help!

The Hakka's are not a cheap tire, and since you will be doing more city driving stop and go in the slush and freezing thawing of the slush. I would recommend the Michelin X-ice2 tire, they are the best on ice and in slushy freezing/thawing conditions and will perform ok in deep snow (I did say just ok to all the people that are going to say X-Ice are no good in snow)
But if you are going to be in the city you would not be disappointed with that tire, and it's problaby around the price of the Hakka's you bought.

[bman13]

General Tire Altimax Arctic are great tires.

[gotak]

Running them without studs. I don't believe we are legally allowed to run studded tires in Toronto and the GTA, but I could be wrong. The iPikes and Nordfrosts really don't need studs.

As for Blizzaks, you do indeed get what you pay for. You get the name Blizzak written on the outside of the tire for all that extra money.

We aren't allowed in GTA and southern ontario. You need to be north a ways before they allow studs. Which always had me wondering what people up north do if they want to come to the GTA over winter...

[azn_outlaw]

I would suggest:

federal himalaya series snow tires or Kumho I*Zen Wis (KW19)

[dhlwtu]

Running them without studs. I don't believe we are legally allowed to run studded tires in Toronto and the GTA, but I could be wrong. The iPikes and Nordfrosts really don't need studs.

As for Blizzaks, you do indeed get what you pay for. You get the name Blizzak written on the outside of the tire for all that extra money.

Wow, what a low blow. He asked for opinions and I gave mine! I didn't make fun of your iPikes or Nosefrosts did I.

[dhlwtu]

Now that the childish insults are done my best advice to you and anyone is go to tirerack.com and see what people are saying. Narrow your choice down to 2 tires and read the reviews on the site.

Every Tom, Dick and FN' Harry has there "opinion" on what you should get. You are the driver and you know your driving style do your research and bite the bullet. That being said I still love my Blizzaks :chuckle!

[Trinidad]

I can vouch for the Hankook iPike 409's as well. Bought them last year and I really liked them, found them to be great in just about any condition.

[S.F.W.]

ok, I think the OP has received plenty of suggestions. We also have many other winter tire threads the OP can read for feedback. Until the OP comes back with more questions, there is nothing else to discuss.