Parada Spec-X or Firestone Destination ST or...

[CX9Zoom]

Debating between the Parada Spec-X, Firestone ST (check out the survey on tirerack), and Nitto NT420S. I've read great reviews about Paradas on this forum but i really like the look of the other two tires. Any suggestions?

 

[CX9DRVR]

Which one treads better in snow?

 

[ceric]

No Nitto at tirerack.com.
However, tirerack.com has been raising price on Spec-X (I bought mine at @159, now it is $174?!)
The Firestone is slightly cheaper, but the review is slightly off also.
I also would be careful about the total review mileage of 17k only for the Firestone ST. i.e. very few owners put in the reviews.
Look at Spec-X, it has the total review mileage of 30X more, and yet, it still gets better review.
If you keep track of tirerack.com like I did, most tires started off with pretty good review score, and
it gets worse as total review mileage accumulates. (i.e. more realistic)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=SSTAS

Even at $174, I would still go for Spec-X today.
How much is the Nitto?

 

[CX9Zoom]

Nitto is around $190 (for 255/50/20).
I see a CX-9 with 18" factory wheels and Firestones in my neighborhood. I will talk to the owner as soon as I have a chance. The Firestones look mean on CX-9.