Let me add my vote for the Artic Alpine. I got my set at Costco, though I don't remember what I paid, I know it was about the best deal around. I wasn't expecting much from them, as I have a 4x4 for winter driving with All Season Mud & Snow rated tires, and I generally put my 300E away in the winter and only drive it when absolutely necessary in the snow. Well, this season is different, and I drove the benz a lot more when we had snow earlier this month.

The Artic Alpines impressed me with their traction on snow, sleet, ice and freezing rain conditions I've had so far this season. Of course the freezing rain was the worst, and I drive very cautiously, conservatively and slowly whenever the traction is limited.

Mostly the snow tires (on the stock 15" wheels) get put on just before thanksgiving, and off in the spring, with about half to 3/4 the miles put on them on dry or wet pavement and 30-50 degree temperatures. Drove on them down to SOCAL last christmas and was very pleased with their on road manors. They are a pretty good road tire, and handled high-speed highway travel very well. They haven't really worn down much either.

Bottom line is for a 'studless' design, I am very happy with them. In March they will probably come off and my 16" 3-season tires will go back on, but maybe not, as they don't have to come off even after the studded snow tire removal deadline that my state has on April 1st. No hurry.

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On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who at the dawn of victory, sat down to wait, and waiting -- died