I looked at Dunlop m3's but i would like to spend a little less if i could. I looked at the dunlop graspic ds-2's but i want strong wear throughout all of the tire not just 55%. I would love to look into nokians b/c i've read in the archives their wear tread is great compared to competitors.

I would love to spend like 60-75 bucks a tire. I'm looking to go 195/65/15 on oem wheels. Any recommendations would be great guys.

Thanks

Try Hankook Icebear W300's. Relatively cheap winter tire with an excellent rating.
Cheers.

Michelin X-Ice or Nokian RSi.

If you want a cheaper high performance winter tire, the Hankook wpg1.8qt recommended (Hankook W300) is indeed cheap. I don't have any personal experience with that tire yet, so can't comment on dry performance and snow/ice traction.

only because it starts out with 13/32's of an inch of tread...vs the standard 10/32 of normal snow tires

so basically the 55% of snow tire is actually closer to 80%

and you really shouldn't be using a snow tire that low anyways

The dry handling is pretty good. I have the 235-45-17 with has an XL load rating and a V speed rating. I drove them in the snow (2 weeks ago, the storm that closed I-70) over Loveland Pass, Eisenhower tunnel and Vail Pass with the chain law in effect (comm veh) and never had a problem. We stopped off several times and never had a problem with the on/off ramps. Traction was good on the hardpack, ice and the fresh snow. The only problem we had was when the snow got deep enough 12"+ i didn't have enough clearance and i was just plowing the snow. I was very impressed with the overall ability of the tire and for the denver area it works great.