I put on a set of Altimax Arctics 2 weeks ago. First snow was 8 inches of wet/solid/slush mix. Car felt amazing. Took it for a test drive right away, roads werent even plowed yet. It felt so attached to the road, like there was no snow. I went from stock hankooks to these- huge difference. Cant say anything bought road noise-didnt notice any, but then again i always have the radio on.

 

Having an AWD car does not negate the necessity of having snow tires in winter conditions. Having AWD just helps you on the take off; it does not make a difference in staying on the road in a corner or stopping.

 

^^^
agree. awd is good till you wanna stop. Last winter my antilock brakes were kicking in a lot.

 

I'm on my second season with ContiExtremeWinter Contacs. I have 9/32" on the last year's rears and 10/32" on the fronts. The 35X is like a tank in the snow, unstoppable when you want to go and very controlable stopping. BTW my wifes WS-50 Blizzacks have 8/32" left beginning the 6th season. Also an excellent snow tire.