I'm getting ready to replace the rubber on Subie Q, and would like some opinions. Trying to decide between either Hankook Zovac W401's [185/70] or iPike W409's [175/70], without studs. Which one performs better all around (wet/snow/or dry times) and which is quieter...

 

My wagon came with some pretty badly worn, studded (what was left of 'em) iPike 409's, and they sound like the Super Swampers my buddy had on his lifted 4Runner when driving on the highway lol. Rather loud. Plus kittens scrabbling across linoleum tile.

I worked in the tire industry for a while, and I would go with the I pikes out of the 2. They won't be so noisy without the studs

I love my I-pikes. I've had them on a few different cars throughout the last 4 winters, and they have been awesome. I've only gotten stuck due to my own stupidity. The wear has been good for snow tires, and they are pretty quite on my newer stuff (I have them on a 92 legacy and my mom has them on her 99 forester) I have studded, because we get a lot of ice up here, so the noise is kind of expected, but as far as studded snows go I don't find them that bad.

I run studded IPikes on one of my Imprezas. Sure they are a lil loud, but it's a nice trade for stupid awesome traction in the ice/snow. Well worth the money.

Can you get the ipikes in 185??? 185/70/R13 is really the proper size for a 4WD GL

 

I personally run blizzaks, but have heard good things about the ipikes

i run Firestone Winterforce on my XT6

 

Cheap, Grip in snow like you wont believe !

 

got all 4 of mine less than $300 shipped to my door.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Winterforce&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=77SR3FWF&tab=Sizes

Can you get the ipikes in 185??? 185/70/R13 is really the proper size for a 4WD GL

 

I personally run blizzaks, but have heard good things about the ipikes

 

No, I haven't found the iPikes in a 185, which is why I'm looking at the Zovaks.

 

As for those Winterforces..... only come in a 155 for 13 inch. Pizza cutters!

I am rather fond of Toyo Observe G-02s.

As for those Winterforces..... only come in a 155 for 13 inch. Pizza cutters!

 

They are available in 175/70-13 as well. Just not listed on Tirerack. Either call them up and see if they can get them or go somewhere else.

 

Though for all you know a 155 might actually be better. Narrower tires supposedly cut through snow better.

 

I had Winterforce's on my Festiva last winter. Car was unstoppable. I just picked up some Blizzak WS50's for my impreza. Barely used. Cant wait for snow now.

Just realized the Zovac's are 'uni-directional', which makes tire rotation easier and more economical. I think I'm sold

I can't wait for snow either now that I have a 4wd xt. We only really get a dusting one a year or so. But I still can't wait!

Where I live along the Rockies, we have a rather bizarre weather cycle during the winter. We'll get blasted with a blizzard, and then over the course of the next three days or so it'll get nice and warm and it'll all melt. Then repeat. All winter long :-p I've seen it go from a high for the day of -4F to being 50F+ by the end of that week. Love it.

Just realized the Zovac's are 'uni-directional', which makes tire rotation easier and more economical. I think I'm sold

The iPikes are uni-directional also. I have a set of 205/55-16s on my Impreza and I love them. I never found a need for studs, so they are studless. Only snow tire that might be better are the Hakkipollitta tires and they are now priced out of my range.

I've had the Zovacs for 3 years now, they stay on the car 6 months out of the year. They're quiet and awesome and cheap. Recommended.