After one frightening day in the wake of a snow/hard freeze night last year in NJ on the stock SP8000 sport tires), I was convinced to lay down the coin for a set of Blizzak WS-50s this winter. Yeah, I know these aren't the sporty ones, but what the hey -- Eddie at TireRack recommended them in a "minus one" 195/60 15" size.

They were put on our MTM Avant this morning (after the ice storm) and my wife reports that they feel "boaty" compared to the SP8000s. Soft feeling, less responsive. The guy at the garage told her not to "sport around" with the Blizzaks -- that the soft tread would wear out in one season if pushed too hard. Just our 2¢.

I havene't driven the 22, but all of them suffer from poor handling. Great on ice though.

they are nowhere near "boaty", and well worth the extra $$ for the dry weather handling. To the touch, the rubber is very much like an all season (compared to the squishy squirmy nature of the multi-cell snows).

My wifes WS-50's (pretty sure they are the same as present number) are going into season 4. They have always felt like the proverbial jello in the dry, but this year hers handle dry roads better than I remember - not sure about snow and ice yet though she isnt complaining. This is probably the last winter she will use these (following 5 year rule of thumb) too bad as they are less than half worn.

Once the multicell compound has worn off they become all-season tires.. Better on dry, but not as good on snow/ice. This is probably what you are experiencing.

As with any tire there is a break in period that is needed, and esp given the softer nature of a winter tire you will notice that until the tire comes in to its own after that time.

I wasnt all that fond of m y MZ01s last year but noticed a dramatic improvement after about 400 miles of driving!

Thanks
Eddie

you actually like a "squishy" tire like the Blizzaks WS-50.

Okay, so I'm only 31. But I have to say after logging some seat time with the WS-50 this weekend, that I don't entirely mind them. I may even like them. They're much more compliant and quiet than the SP8000s.

Am I getting old or what. Taking suggestions on a summer tire to go on a 17" AEZ Radon. Keep in mind my comments above. I don't want my fillings rattled out.