Vredestein Wintracs...are they worth the $400 price differential???

Hi all....

I am getting my M3 ready for winter and was just about to purchase Blizzak WS70s when I ran across a review for Vredesteins. They seem to have rave reviews in Europe and make a very good product. Called EuroTire and they have Wintracs in stock in the size I want (225/45/18)....challenge is that they are approximately $400 more than a set of Blizzak WS70s (which I've used in the past and love).

My question to the collective forum is...based upon your experience, are they worth the extra money...either in longevity or in snow performance? I've heard Blizzak studless are only good for 2 to 3 seasons, Wintracs for 3.

If it helps, I spend 70% of my time on dry or snowdusted roads in Boston (with a couple of blizzards and nasty days thrown in)...the other 30% commuting to my VT ski house which is at the end of a 2 mile, dirt/ice, often unplowed uphill (fun, fun)....

Thanks in advance....

PS...please don't tell me to not drive the car in the winter...that ship has sailed....