i don't know man, i pushed my BLIZZAKS HARD this winter, and they perform great! even at high speeds. i drive like i stole it, all the time. really, ALL THE TIME. (i have the M45 laser jammer kit, and dash-installed valentine one)

and they still look the same as when i bought them. i have noticed very little wear, and have been driving on them 85% of the winter since end of october!

even had drag-races against my friends with their AWD setups(porsche carrera 4s, BMW335xi, G35xi) beat them all by the way....

if you live where the winter is harsh, all-season tires do 'work,' but all actual 'testing' of true-winter tires put them FAR ahead of the competition.

but i do understand being on a budget, and an all-season tire can be a much better deal.

hope i've been helpful!