Michelin X-Ice Xi2

**audirs** · 10-14-2008 01:13 PM

anyone have any comments/reviews about these? they seem good. looking to get winter tires for a winter beater civic hatchback.

how do they compare to Blizzak ws60's?

im not familiar with Nokian, are they any good, how would they compare to the xi-2s?

i know the Michelin Xi2's are fairly new, so not sure that anyone has had much winter exposure to them

thanks in advance!

**audirs** · 10-14-2008 02:35 PM

also looking at Gislaved Nordfrost 5. heard alot of good things about those

**Doc@tirerack** · 10-14-2008 05:55 PM

XI2 are brand new, I haven't had the chance to drive on them (we rent out a hockey rink for a week) The "old" X Ice came in 3rd last year for ice traction behind the Dunlop Graspic DS2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 (winner). I'm sure that our test results were not the reason for the new model, but our expectation is that the new tire should be as good as the Bridgestones (at least).

**audirs** · 10-15-2008 12:10 PM

thanks doc

**04blackout** · 11-05-2009 07:20 PM

Doc,

Any update?

**Ryan_T** · 11-06-2009 12:14 AM

I got the X-Ice2 for this winter. It was raining when I got them. As soon as I started driving, immediately felt something different in the car. The past month or so has been wet around here, and not once did I feel slippy. In fact, it feels like the car is mounted to the road. There are curves on my daily commute that made my back end slide with the Eagle LS-2 during 15-20C in the wet, but now (4-10C), same/wetter conditions and I can take the turn just as fast without losing it.

I have noticed the ESP light come on more often now, though. But that's a good thing. This means the XI2 actually 'talks' to the computer and allows proper response, whereas the LS-2 simply lost grip without warning when pushed to the limit.

Lets hope it handles just as well in the ice/snow. We had 10 minutes of snow today, but the sun came in and took it all back afterwards. All 4 seasons in 1 hour. Gotta love Canada.

**Doc@tirerack** · 11-06-2009 11:27 AM

Customer feedback has been excellent, and the tire has developed a reputation for being about the best handling tire in the category. It still handles like a snow tire, just not as bad as most (if that makes sense). If deep snow and ice are the primary concern, the Michelin will be the best choice with the least amount of "vague" handling issues. Tires like the Pilot Alpin and the Dunlop Winter Sport will handle better when the roads are clear, but will lack the better traction in ice and heavier snow for reference.

$ 70 rebate off a set of four Michelins ends November 15th !!!!!!!!

**chairlift** · 11-08-2009 06:40 PM

Just had the Bridgestone WS-60's put on my B8 on Friday, haven't had any bad weather yet but they seem like they will be great, for the price they are definitely worth it