as for those shopping for Winter Tires
Heres TireRAck Winter tire Comparison Charts
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...port%20Package
ex. a comparison between Blizak and Pilot Alpins
Blizzak overall rating is a notch above Alpins, its pretty good on heavy snow traction compared to Alpins but loses on Hydroplanning against Alpins
Its really a matter of choice, if you expect to use it in a heavier snow condition it will win against Alpins. However, since DC Metro is not like North Dakotas Winter snow, you may want a better ride quality, noise comfort and better thread wear, Alpins has a slight edge over Blizzaks rougher reported ride, due to its better heavy snow traction (see charts)
Its all a matter of tradeoffs. Whats good for the gander maybe not good for the goose.