Just got the first snow up here in Chicago, about 3-4 inches, with 5-6 inches coming tommorrow. Been hearing good things about the Bridgestone Blizzaks, and I needed snow tires, so I had Discount Tire put four on my IS350($1067.00, with the tire pressure monitors). The difference is like night and day. On the way up to Discount I was slipping and sliding like crazy. It was pretty bad, especially pulling in or out of a gas station for example, with those downslopes. I didn't neccessarily want to go with Bridgestone's again, since I can't stand the road noise on my Potenzas, but I heard these were soft tires.
After I had them installed I noticed right away the grip on the road, and how quiet the ride became. I recommend them to anyone doing winter driving, especially with a rear-wheel drive 350. They really do a good job in snow and sleet, and they should last for a good 3 seasons.
The other thing I noticed is these tires don't let my car pull to the right or left because of road crowning. My Bridgestone Potenzas will catch a spot on the road and pull my car to one direction. That and the road noise is annoying with Potenzas.
But the Blizzaks are really nice for the winter.
Does anyone know of a good, softer summer tire that make the ride more comfortable? Michelin's maybe?