Well after a number of replies and research I found the ideal cables for the snow, but can't find them in my area. Everyone I've talked to would have to order them, 8-10 days and the cheapest price is $75 plus tax. Anyone out there know of any deals from mailoprder places?
Thanks Josh

I got my SSC cable chains from Pep Boys a couple of years ago for $40. Give them a try.

I got my Z-chains (cables) at the local Firestone dealership around the corner a couple of days ago. (Discount Tires is also a listed dealer) Those are MUCH easier to install than ANY set of cables/chains I have EVER owned. I got the Shur grip Z, which was the ONLY choice they had and it was $70. I asked for the "new" 2004 model,as noted on the SSC website...the guy just looked at me like I was crazy and said they had what they had...Oh well, I didn't feel like searching around, and they are AWESOME easy to install. And hopefully I will never need them anyway, although i am heading up to canada for about 700 miles of driving between xmas and new years and wanted to be sure to have them...just in case.

I've used the Z-chains and they are really nice. But my old set was a pain in the buttocks to carry around. They don't fold down like other chains. Are they still like that? Mine came in big round cases.

When you folks chain up, do you only use two on the front? My other AWD vehicle, I was always told you needed to chain all four tires, so I did. But buying two sets is indeed spendy.

my Z cables came in a tiny little plastic box, complete with the tensioning band and room for a thin pair of gloves. Installation is actually intuitive...a first for car chains...although it still doesn't hurt to do a practice installation.

The element owners manual says to put 'em on the front wheels only. Which I am holding to. I am sure all 4 would be better, but I hope to never NEED to install them anyway, only point to them for the State Patrol as required.

So where can I find some 2004 Z-Chains? My Pep Boys has the old styles, I want the 2004 chains as I got 18s on my Element and the new style won't scuff up my wheels.

i bought mine from tirechains.com

i bought mine from tirechains.com

I don't think those are the 2004 Z-chains though.

you're right. i got the diamond tire chain.

it is super easy to install (no rolling needed)
http://www.tirechain.com/car_chaininstallationinstruction.htm

they worked great when i was up in the sierras earlier.

you're right. i got the diamond tire chain.

it is super easy to install (no rolling needed)
http://www.tirechain.com/car_chaininstallationinstruction.htm

they worked great when i was up in the sierras earlier.

I'm sure they work great but they may be too big for my tire/wheel set-up. I've got wide 18s that almost scrub during turns. The 2004 z-chains look to be low profile enough not to get any scrubbing.

I bought the Z shur grip CABLES by SCC.
http://www.scc-chain.com/Pages%20Traction/Traction%20products/sz.html
If you don't have clearance for THESE, you probably shouldn't be driving in snow with those tires anyway..............
These were the ONLY ones available at the local Firestone dealer, which was the designated distributor in my area. I had to trust the dealership on the sizing, which is always a bit scarey.

Of course chains always work better than cables for extreme and icey conditions, but I bought mine more for the state patrol blockades than any plans to actually use them.

GIJoes (regional sports and auto chain) carries several SCC models. See the Isicle Creek thread in off-road for a picture of how their low profile link chains (Whitestar) fit behind a soft shoulder 225/70/16 tire. I chose this link model because one size was supposed to fit the whole range of tires I'm likely to use on the Element. Cables had a different part number for each tire size.

If we get more snow this week I'll have to give them a road test.

paulj

These look interesting. I am not sure if they work better than chains. However they do look easier to install. They are a bit pricy though.

http://www.spikes-spiders.com/