I got x-ice 4 couple years ago and have been really happy
I'm approaching 38K miles on my stock tires (2019) and looking at either Wildpeaks or Michelin Defenders. I'm leaning more towards the defenders because most of my miles will be highway, near max load. The wild peaks sure look great but I've run Michelin Defenders on other vehicles, including in snow, and have no complaints.
I like the X-Ice snow more than Blizzaks because they drive more confidently on pavement and they're much quieter.
I got the Michelin X-ice Snow here in the Colorado Rockies. They work great.
I run the X-Ice on my Allroad. Nice tire, but I don’t drive them hard on dry pavement for obvious reasons.
I just picked up a set of Continental Viking contacts. Previously I had Michellin X-Ice and they were solid.
I don't drive the Miata in the rain much, but the couple times I have, the grip has been excellent. The only time I've unintentionally broke traction on these tires is when I was going downhill into a decreasing radius turn and hit a patch of gravel.
Overall, I really like the new wheel and tires, but I wouldn't say it's all upside either. The Michelins are just that much quieter and more comfortable (Granted the previous tires were nearing the end of their life, but they were always loud). I listen to the stereo 5-6 clicks lower than I used to as well. The grip is also far higher, and putting my right foot down mid corner no longer induces instant oversteer and spinning tires. It just hooks up and goes. It's still fun, but it definitely has changed the character of the car a fair bit. It's much more serious, and while I enjoy the added grip, there's certainly something to be said for what has been lost. On the bright side, when winter hits I'll get to have some more low(er) traction fun when I put the stock wheels back on.
I had the AS3+ on my MK7 and loved them. Car handled like it was on rails. The snow performance was not amazing. I just replaced them with the new AS4 and the turn in and handling doesn’t feel as crisp. It’s more mushy than the old version.
I totally agree with ALL your comments about the stock Michelins. It is a shame VW but such a crappy tire on such a fine car. The HXMX4 is one of the lowest rated all season tires based on user reviews at Tire Rack. I was really happy to send the Michelins to the recycling bin...
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