Preview: Michelin X-Ice Xi3

[rage2]

Update - Review has been posted: http://www.beyond.ca/review-michelin-x-ice-xi3-driving-impressions/12491.html

So, Michelin is updating their X-Ice Xi2, and debuting their Xi3 tomorrow. Got the invite for the event in Quebec, will be checking out the launch party tonight, and throwing some cars around the ice track in the morning.

Here's the preview and the press release: http://www.beyond.ca/preview-michelin-x-ice-xi3/12477.html

And of course, a few quick pics:

http://www.beyond.ca/wp-content/uploads/michelin-x-ice-xi3-preview3.jpg

http://www.beyond.ca/wp-content/uploads/michelin-x-ice-xi3-preview1.jpg

http://www.beyond.ca/wp-content/uploads/michelin-x-ice-xi3-preview2.jpg

[max_boost]

Nice. Baller.

What's the speed rating of Xi3? T? Same as Xi2.

I had the Xi2's and thought they were OK. 1010 tires customer reviews didn't have them rated that well 3.7/5

[zipdoa]

Wow! running a car forum has its advantages...

I assume, like the Xi2's, these are non-studdable?

60k treadwear warranty on Xi3's is impressive.

[bourge73]

I thought that looked like you in that Red Mazda! Go Rage!

[rage2]

Some pics from tonight:

http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/01.jpg

http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/02.jpg

http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/03.jpg

http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/04.jpg

http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/05.jpg

http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/06.jpg

[rage2]

Originally posted by max_boost
What's the speed rating of Xi3? T? Same as Xi2.
T and H.


Originally posted by zipdoa
I assume, like the Xi2's, these are non-studdable?
I believe so, ya.

[boarderfatty]

D you have any detailed shots of the new tread design? I would really like to see what the changes made were. Hopefully they are stepping up their game big with this product.

[xnvy]

That looks like a blast! Can't wait for the review.

Originally posted by rage2
Some pics from tonight:
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/01.jpg I'm still confused as to WTF is going on in this pic.

[lilmira]

It looks like a scene from the commercial when the tire-man throws out winter tires to save the car going out of control.

http://www.michelin.ca/

There you go.

[xnvy]

Ahh... That makes a lot more sense. Thank You :thumbsup:

[rage2]

Originally posted by boarderfatty
D you have any detailed shots of the new tread design? I would really like to see what the changes made were. Hopefully they are stepping up their game big with this product.
I do. You'll have to wait till tmr though. :)

[Sentry]

Not really a fan of these. They sell like hotcakes at work though, more than any other snow tire.

I prefer the Toyo Observe G02 or Bstone Blizzaks.

Even the cheapo Goodyear Nordics are pretty good although they have lots of tread noise on pavement.

[colsankey]

How do you sell more of these tires than any other when they haven't been released yet, via preorders?

[Idiot Stick]

He probably meant the old Xi2's.

I need to get some new winter tires for my Celica, perhaps I'l get a set of these Xi3's for next winter

[Sentry]

Originally posted by colsankey
How do you sell more of these tires than any other when they haven't been released yet, via preorders?
Xice 2, duh

[TunerF1]

Its great to see manufacturers putting alot of R&D into winter tires. The market for these grows every year. The Xi2 gives great ice traction so we are excited for the new PA and Xi models!

[boarderfatty]

Originally posted by Sentry
Not really a fan of these. They sell like hotcakes at work though, more than any other snow tire.

I prefer the Toyo Observe G02 or Bstone Blizzaks.

Even the cheapo Goodyear Nordics are pretty good although they have lots of tread noise on pavement.

Very true, the XI2 imo is a very over rated and expensive tire for what it is. I think it is better suited for a more temperate climate, but it still doesn't change the fact that they still sell like mad.

Personally I really like the new Blizzak WS70 for a winter tire. The new Goodyear Ultragrip Ice WRT is pretty nice as well, especially in dry performance.

Because of Sizing availability right now I run the Dunlop Wintersport 3D, by far the best winter performance tire imo.

I think Dunlop's in general are one of the best bang for the buck winter tires. Made in Japan, with a great rubber compound at a more than affordable price when compared to the XI2 or WS70

[rage2]

bump, updated with full review! http://www.beyond.ca/review-michelin-x-ice-xi3-driving-impressions/12491.html


Originally posted by boarderfatty
D you have any detailed shots of the new tread design? I would really like to see what the changes made were. Hopefully they are stepping up their game big with this product.
I'll do you one better. 3 different brands, each tire showing the tread pattern difference when new, vs 4/32nd tread depth.

Nokian WR:
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/08.jpg

Michelin Xi3:
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/09.jpg

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/10.jpg


Originally posted by boarderfatty
Personally I really like the new Blizzak WS70 for a winter tire. The new Goodyear Ultragrip Ice WRT is pretty nice as well, especially in dry performance.
Check out the full review, I was able to try those tires out back to back against the Xi3. Disappointed I wasn't able to try the Xi3 vs WS70 with new tread depths... Michelin probably didn't want testers to see how close the WS70 is.

[Mibz]

EDIT: I didn't read the full review :P

Still, it's a shame they didn't do a proper "new tire" comparison. I would have definitely liked to see how the Nokian R's did.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by Mibz
EDIT: I didn't read the full review :P

Still, it's a shame they didn't do a proper "new tire" comparison. I would have definitely liked to see how the Nokian R's did.

Brand new Nokians probably would have owned Michelin and they couldn't let that happen!!! lol

[Mibz]

Yeah, you'd be lucky to get 60,000km out of them though. I don't recall seeing prices on the Xi3s either so, who knows, they might be a better deal.

Ah well, I've got 4WD so this isn't relevant to my interests anyway :P

[tirebob]

Originally posted by rage2
bump, updated with full review! http://www.beyond.ca/review-michelin-x-ice-xi3-driving-impressions/12491.html


I'll do you one better. 3 different brands, each tire showing the tread pattern difference when new, vs 4/32nd tread depth.

Nokian WR:
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/08.jpg

Michelin Xi3:
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/09.jpg

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70
http://www.virgeweb.com/rage2/michelin-xi3/10.jpg



Check out the full review, I was able to try those tires out back to back against the Xi3. Disappointed I wasn't able to try the Xi3 vs WS70 with new tread depths... Michelin probably didn't want testers to see how close the WS70 is.


I have been on many, multiple manufacturer set up ride and drives for all variety of brands, models and types. While it is very cool to be able to get hands on experience, it is pretty much a guarantee that whatever the manufacturer that sets up the tests, their own tires always seem to come out on top of the pack no matter what...

Testing, especially in situations that tires see, is very subjective to things such as temperature, vehicle model, driver style, etc etc etc, where as if you were were change one aspect of the test (say lower or higher temps, or heavier vehicle, or RWD vs FWD or any multitude of variables), the results could be completely opposite what they were the previous test day...

While these tires are no doubt a premium quality product, it would be interesting to see multiple long term testing vs other premium brands in multiple situations covering the same tests injecting many or the multiple variables...

And in regards to mileage warranties, good luck to anyone who tries to take advantage of that. Manufacturers will credit you for wear not received NOT based on the cost you paid for the tire, but on a predetermined list price less a token percentage, and almost NOBODY sold you that tire for even close to that cost, so even if you have a claim, you could frequently just buy new tires cheaper than warrantying them, and that is if you can get around a ton of other ridiculous requirements to show your tires were maintained correctly etc... Please don't count on these warranties being a genuine benefit to you the consumer...

[rage2]

Originally posted by tirebob
I have been on many, multiple manufacturer set up ride and drives for all variety of brands, models and types. While it is very cool to be able to get hands on experience, it is pretty much a guarantee that whatever the manufacturer that sets up the tests, their own tires always seem to come out on top of the pack no matter what...
Agreed, hence my comments (although worded nicely) on the avoidance of real competitors in the new tire test.

[boarderfatty]

Originally posted by rage2
bump, updated with full review!

Check out the full review, I was able to try those tires out back to back against the Xi3. Disappointed I wasn't able to try the Xi3 vs WS70 with new tread depths... Michelin probably didn't want testers to see how close the WS70 is.

I really wish they would have let you compare them new to new WS70's, Ultragrip Ice WRT's (not just ultragrip's) and the Hakka R's. Personally I care about how they perform new, not at the end of their life, I have no problem spending money more regularly on a better winter tire that doesn't last as long.

I think it is a bit of a joke that they tested them against the Toyo and Conti new. If they have to pick from the bottom of the barrel for new tires to compare to then I don't know that I will have confidence in these.

[That.Guy.S30]

I'm a huge Nokian fan. Can you tell me why they brought in the Hakka R and the WR as well? The WR is a all weather tire, unfair to pit it against winters IMO.

[rage2]

The all weather tire was just to show how big of a gap there was to all seasons vs winter tires. I was talking to an engineer about how huge of a debate it is on beyond on a yearly basis lol

Anyways, here are some short video clips from the event.

zrZVctOhnCE

vNfuoTvMB0s

My ice drifting skillz:
2TgWwedasVQ

[rusich]

Soooo, in the end whats the best winter tire for a Calgary commuter?