Unmatched Pirelli Winters or Conti 830P's or Falken 439's?

[raviliousness]

Hi all,

winter tyre virgin here. Won't be doing more than weekend fun driving (prob no more than 3-4k miles this season) but want to be safe and still have some fun so I'm considering the following for my 04 3.0i, 18" 107's, from Oponeo or mytyres:

Fronts: Pirelli SottoZero S3 225/40/18 92 V XL
Rears: Pirelli SottoZero 255/35/18 94 V XL

OR

Fronts: Conti WinterContact TS 830P 225/40/18 92V XL
Rears: Conti WinterContact TS 830P 255/35/18 94V XL

Also considering the Falken 439's front and rear at 225/40/18 / 255/35/18 for alot less money - but the reviews seem a bit equivocal and I want to feel I can drive both safely but also with some enthusiasm, which is why I'm thinking of the Pirellis as an "investment" to last a few years...

What do you think? Are unmatched Pirelli's a bad idea, are the Conti's worth it if so?

I've also thought about the Vred Wintrac Extreme's too but can't find them in appropriate sizes unless I go for 225 on all 4 corners but with a bit of a stretch (no rim protection) for the rears...

Also - any recommended (and unrecommended) tyre fitters here in Reading or nearby?

Cheers!

 

[aquazi]

Having survived a few winters with just my summer vreds last winter i got some winter falkens.

Even budget winters will be better then the best summer tires. In reality how much winter/ extreme weather driving will you be doing?

I would personally save money and go falkens all around. last winter i overtook a stuck X1 on a hill in my Z4 with winter falkens.... So shows how much potential they have!

Also i wouldnt get them to mount and unmount tyres each year... Easier and prob cheaper in the long run to get a second set of wheels... So if you want to save more money could go for 17" wheels and tyres.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

 

[raviliousness]

Thanks Aquazi. Yes I guess the Falkens should do the job - it's not like we're planning on a trip to the Highlands any time soon or the Alps. Your overtaking story gives me confidence!

Not sure about forking out for another set of rims on top. Your summer 19's look the business as does your saphire beast, btw