Just mounted my 215/55/17 Hankook iPike W409s and winter wheels.

The contrast between the road noise and ride harshness between it now and with summer shoes is night and day - it literally has approached Camry levels of serenity (or so it seems).

The difference is especially pronounced over broken pavement, where that bigger and softer sidewall just soaks up the worst ruts and heaved pavement.

 

and does that shock you?

beers

 

It does, to be honest. I had read a ton of snow tire reviews on Tirerack, Discount Tire, 1010 Tires, etc., before picking out a set, and the biggest complaint about them (it seemed to me) was that they were almost uniformly 'noisy.'

This is the first time I've ever used dedicated snow tires. I'm a noob.

 

Glad you posted this - it is something to remember - so any differences in the way the handling feels on dry pavement?

 

The handling is definitely not as sharp, and the steering isn't as precise on center. But the tires aren't 'squishy' feeling despite the softer sidewalls and meaty tread.

 

yeah, i remember last winter when i put my snows on. i have 225/50/17s. first time i went out i felt like my car became a bmw 7 series. (haha, not quite)

 

well for the most part winter tires are good becuase of how soft they are which gives for a smoother ride and quieter but if they are tooooo soft they will hum real nice.....looks like u got the perfect tire

 

I know I sound like a broken record, and maybe it was because I wasn't expecting a tire as good as a prestige brand, but the iPikes are amazing. I'd buy them again no questions asked.