Yeah, very good point. The APA link above is quite informative actually. A couple hundred bucks is no big deal, I really would prefer a tire that gives excellent winter performance and drives well on the inevitable dry roads as well..
Hakka R2 and Blizzak WS80 top rated… are the Blizzaks still fast wearing? Hakka 8 with studs… overkill for the south coast?
When I've thought about studded tires, I've mainly considered how often I'd actually need them as those are truly winter specific and wouldnt be suited to driving from March-May when the temps can fluctuate from 8-20c. If you have all seasons or non summer specific tires, no issue. I've noticed I've been putting my summer wheels on later and later each year. Back to studs, I'd also considered how effective higher grade/priced tires that can be studded are compared to lesser studdable tires. Since once they're studded, they're studded so would the higher priced tire setup be that much better (like a studded iPike vs a studded Michelin) than the lesser for non performace type applications.
The two tires you listed I wouldnt stud unless I had a long interior mountain pass trip planned and even then, I'd probably just invest in my first set of chains but no bikini. But in my case, I'm in a 3600lb awd 6speed, not saying the 6 speed helps but standard does for my previous comments about the clutch and neutral. And the weight if I keep the speed relative, keeps my tires planted. I have read both Goodyear and Bridgestone winters do wear fast while Nokians are the unnamed or non considered third place in the top three (Michelin, Pirelli and Nokian). But if the Blizzak's are what the Police cruisers use (If i'm not mistaken), then if the price is right…
Either way, I think everyones tires should be able to outperform the capabilities of their car, especially this time of year when you can go from wet pavement to slush to deep snow in one commute.
tirerack.com is where I compare my tires and also where I should've bought my latest set (didnt think I'd save that much with the exchange.. was wrong). Another tire to consider in your size would be the Michelin X-iceXi3 but non studdable ($75US per on tirerack) and if you need studdable tires, there's two more in your size in similar pricing. You can also go down to a 60 aspect ratio for a tiny bit more wheel clearance if you find a price thats marginally better.
edits: as for buying off tirerack, since youre on the island, factor in a ferry visit to Tsawessen to pick them up in Pt Roberts, point to point parcel service is literally 10 seconds after the border. With that, it still could be less than buying at a local tire shop.
protect tom mcdonald at all costs