Dunlop Graspic DS-2 Tire

Pros: Snow/Ice Grip, Quality Winter Tire for Low Price
Cons: Dry Pavement Handling, Road Noise

I put 4 of these on my Lexus IS300 for the winter after doing a good amount of research for my 215/45/R17 sized winter tires and after driving about 1000 miles on I-25 with some very icy parts and around town with some fresh snow conditions, I figured I ...

Pros: Great mid-priced snow tire.
Cons: None yet.

New tires for my SVT Focus

After owning a set of Pirelli 240 Snowsports (215/45R17) for two years (50,000kms), they finally wore down to its wear bars. I decided to go with a lower-priced tire. I was skeptical at first, since the Dunlop Graspic DS-2 is only Q-rated vs. the V-rated P240s.

But now with 3000 kilometres on the tires already, and enough snow having fallen in the past few weeks, they ride just as fine in the dry as they do in the snow and ice.

Ride noise is minimal. I'll know more later.

Although a bit "squishy" in the beginning, control is still manageable and predictable. In the snow, its serrated tread pattern bites into the snow like no other. On ice, just drive slow and you'll get through it. Stopping power is very secure.

I still wish for more snow so I can pass everyone with all-season tires. The tread gaps are large with plenty "mini-grooves" per tread block.

Make sure that your tire pressure is at its recommended setting. I have a feeling this tire will be sensitive to fluctuating temperatures that directly affect the tire pressure.

Pros: Aggressive Tread Design - Cuts Deep in Snow
Cons: Lacking Sidewall Reinforcement

My OEM's on the '05 Vibe (205/55 16) Continentals didn't last me long. Facing winter just around the corner, I thought prudent of the idea of getting snow tires. Michelin's are way too expensive, and Wal-Mart brand (Ulyses??) don't have an aggressive enough pattern.

Dunlop Graspic appeared to be a decent middle-of-the-road tire, and my experience so far (5000 KM) is such that they have exceeded my expectations.

Wet grip is exceptional, tread is deep and has a very good rubber compound - car sticks to road like chewing-gum to shoe-soles.

Handling is squishy partly due to a VERY flat footprint, whereas the sidewalls aren't as rigid so to provide a stiff turning capability.

Overall - a recommended tire, for anyone wishing to travel safely in winter (Snow or Ice).

Pros: Grip grip grip.... in the end, thats what you buy them for.
Cons: Road noise, multiple wheel balancing appointments req'd.

I find these tires to be very effective when driving in anything Mother Nature has thrown at me... I however now know what it means by a "singing" tire. It is a trade-off for the driver to have incredible winter handling and piece of mind when driving in most winter conditions to have the occasional road noise, however prepare for the extreme noise produced, in the event that the surface of the highway becomes dry. It is my first pair of winter tires and I am impressed at the sport feel you receive with the Graspic but my ears can’t wait to switch them up for my summers. In all a 8 out of 10 rating.