Update 2015-2016 Winter tire OFFICIAL testing

The APA (Automobile Protection Agency) just released a fairly long and detailed list of winter tires for the 2015-2016 season. This is one of the few web-sites I really trust for unbiased testing information. Using the most standard size of 205/55/16 on compact cars, here are their conclusions:

TOP RATED:
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80          $189
Nokian Hakkapelitta R2               $209

VERY GOOD:
Continental WinterContact SI      $170
Gislaved Nord*Frost 100             $165
Michelin X-Ice Xi3                       $205
Pirelli Ice Zero FR                       $157
Toyo Observe GSi5                     $175

GOOD:
Dunlop Winter Maxx                    $159
General Altimax Arctic                $155
Hercules Avalanche R-G2            $149
Nokian Nordman 5                      $160
Pirelli Carving Edge                     $175
Vredestein SnowTrac 5                $N/A
Yokohama Ice Guard IG52c          $175

ACCEPTABLE:
BF Goodrich WinterSlalom KSI    $170
Firestone Winterforce                  $151
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter          $139
Hankook Winter i*Pike RS           $149
Toyo Observe G3 ICE                  $148

BELOW AVERAGE:
Hercules HSI-S                            $N/A
Nexen WinGuard 231                   $N/A
WestLake F606                           $105

AVOID:
Jinyu YW51 S                             $85
Weathermate HW501                  $N/A

I strongly suggest you follow this link to the APA for a full description of the pros and cons of the above tires. There is also another list called "budget priced" tires. http://www.apa.ca/wintertire_reviews.asp

The APA has also included a PERFORMANCE WINTER TIRE review section, follow this link: http://www.apa.ca/WinterTires2013-Performance.asp