I'd never want to live for months on winter tires in a place that has average lows in the upper 20s. That sounds painful. I'd go for those new DWS06 if I were in your shoes.
--Matt
I understand what you are saying.
Most of the winter tires over the years that I have used, I would agree.
The
Bridgestone WS-80 is an exception to that experience.
This may be unique to the 17" variant, but they are superb in the dry.
With the advantage of winter formulated rubber that does better in ice, slush.
I don't know the averages, but lows in the upper 20s are common here, highs in the low 40s as well.
When we do get storms, most often winter front moves up and down above us.
Rain changing to ice changing to snow is common.
On dry pavement, the WS-80 is the most "all-season like" winter tire I have ever used.
The WS-80s held their own in the bad stuff without being annoying on the good days.
I carry speed and love Gs (my passengers learn to use grab handles),
the WS-80 are every bit as good as a set of oe grade all-seasons.
He already has a summer set, he is going 17s, so why compromise on the rubber?
Anyway, we get a fair amount of fun stuff like this.