crimsonlizard

My first post. I'd appreciate some advice on new tires for my 03 Forester X 5 speed. I was ready to go with the Assurance Triple Treds but my local tire shop would not install them because they are not H-rated. They suggested installing 225-60-16s - rather than the 215s - because the 225s are H-rated. But, another shop I talked to disagreed. I called TireRack -- they recommended not using directional treads at all on an AWD and said I could go as low as a T-rated tire. My questions are: Do I need an H-rated tire on this car? Can/should I go with 225s instead of 215s? Any thoughts on the Triple Treds? Most reviews - including some comments on this site - seem favorable. The other tires I am considering are: Bridgestone Potenza 009s, Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S, and Yokohama AVID TRZ. This is basicly a commuting care. I live in South Dakota - summers are hot, winters are cold with (sometimes) heavy snow. Safety and performance are my first concerns - ride is not a big issue. Thanks in advance.