Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 comments?

[Mooresy]

I know there're lots of posts on winter tires, but nothing I've found specifically on the Alpin PA3's.

I'm seriously considering the Alpin PA3's (205/55/R16 on steelies). I want a performance winter tire, rather than a true "snow" tire.

Anyone running on these? If so, what do you think of 'em?

How much? (just the tires, I have the steelies already)

Was thinking of having them delivered to one of those warehouse places in Niagara Falls, NY, if the price works out.

[BMWWW]

Why 'performance' winter tire?

Just a heads up, when driving at the limit in winter, all your inputs when correcting have to be 100% precise. Otherwise, say hello to mishaps. Driving smart (like on the snow covered center lane vs black-iceed lanes) will also trump tire choice.

Both the Civic and the 6 are running Xice2's, and both have been unstoppable. I've driven the 6 through e.v.e.r.y single big storm the past 3 Christmas/New Years, and get better traction than all cars that I've seen in trouble/from a standstill at the light. They're pricey, but for the confidence that you will eventually gain, they really are worth the premium. The 'big storm' that all the news outlets are warning people to stay in doesn't really apply once you gain that confidence.

My $0.02. Costco gets decent price for them as well.

[Mooresy]

[QUOTE=BMWWW;843710]Why 'performance' winter tire?QUOTE]

I've driven on "snow" tires, "winter" tires, and all-seasons over the (many) years, from Saskatchewan and Labrador winters, to southern Ontario winters, and as much as I agree that nothing beats snow tires on actual snow-covered roads, I cringe at how horrible they are on plowed and sanded southern Ontario roads and highways. Last year I had snow tires on my MS3 and hated driving on them, especially cornering. Sure we get storms, and on those days I tip-toe around / leave early / stay home regardless of what tires I have on, but the majority of my winter driving is on relatively clean, plowed and salted roads. So, I'm looking for more confidence for the majority of the time.

Performance winter tire is the right category for me. I *think* the Alpin PA3's are the right tire in that category, but I would like some feedback on that particular tire.

[sip]

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/chads-742-on-performance-tires-and-wheels/michelin-pilot-alpin-pa3-or-michelin-x-ice-xi2

[sip]

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/michelin-pilot-alpin-pa3-page-4

[Mooresy]

I hope I'm not being too blunt, but I've done a lot of reading about these and comparable tires online already, including those websites. What I'm looking for here on this forum is first-hand experience from other Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 owners with this particular tire.

If you have or had a set of Alpin PA3's on your mazda, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks!

[pacmann33]

All I get from "performance" winter tire is a less effective winter tire. Not my cup 'o tea. I haven't heard of anyone running these particular tires on their Mazda on this forum, but many use the Xice2's.

Good luck!

[Sales 101]

I have them. Got a killer deal last winter for $400. Came off a Bmw that was totaled in a multi car collision. They had just been put on the car. I was shopping for a used set to save a few bucks since I just got my new car. Previous 3 cars I have always had Blizzaks and very happy with them. Read reports designed for Sport sedans, larger bmw, lexus etc. So for the price and I have a larger Sonata now what the heck!

They handle extremely well as an all season does on dry, excellent on wet and very quite. With this tire you don't loose anything from changing over your all seasons.

PA is $200 more for a set over Blizzack so I will keep an eye on the wear of these and compare to the blizzaks as the blizzacks never made it more the 3 seasons.

You live in Hamilton it's closer to Simlpy tire than the drive and time to get over the border.

I replaced my OEM this summer and Allans price was CHEAPER with dollar at par. One stop shop for install and warranty. Good luck.

[shu5892001]

PA3 is pretty good, I have them for winter. Never had 1 single problem in snow and on those dry winter days you can still attack a corner with total confidence. I sold my ipikes for these, snow traction was not sacrificed and it feels like a summer tire when driving spiritedly on dry roads, the down side is the premium price. Also I had these tires in 215/45/17, if that matters..