I have put the AS3 to the test in the dry and they are indeed amazing for an all season but I absolutely realize they are a very fine 3 season that might be OK in a pinch with an experienced driver, I would not buy them for use in a hard core winter area.
According to my buddy, tire shop manager, in Utah, the AS3 will wear a great deal longer, when taken care of that is, than the lower cost alternatives that are a better, thus softer, in the winter tire, some as much as half real life expectancy, that means the price difference is really not there, if you can use the AS3 for your needs that is.
My goal here is to point out things that may not be considered by some.
The tires you get should be what does the best for you and fits your budget but should always be good tires and have the proper tread depth for the times you are needing them to do their job well, they are the most important safety device, besides yourself, you can put on your car.
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I am looking at all the alternatives and though I love the AS3 I keep thinking about going down to 15's for my street setup as love the 15x9, 225 track setup I have and my wife does as well. I would run 15x8 and 205's most likely, same wheels, best tires made, it would be the AS3 but not made in that size.
For a more serious winter setup I would run very good high performance winter tires in probably a 15x7, 195 package or possibly narrower tire, I would want the max grip possible and sometimes that means narrower tires.