It is better to take care of choosing winter tires in the summer, when prices have not yet risen. Deciding on a tire brand is not easy, because every tire manufacturer claims that its products are the best. Let's look at several tests of winter tires and, based on the ratings, try to determine the best studded model in terms of price/quality ratio.
Review of winter tires from Autoreview
At the end of 2015, the online publication Autoreview tested 11 sets of winter tires with a dimension of 205/55 R16 at a snow test site. The test results were published in the following table:
Options | Impact on Overall Score | Continental | Cordiant | Dunlop | Gislaved | Goodyear | Hankook | Maxxis | Nokian | Nordman | Pirelli | Toyo |
Ice | 40% | |||||||||||
Braking properties | 15% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
Accelerating dynamics | 10% | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 7 |
Transverse adhesion properties | 5% | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Handling (lap time) | 5% | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
Control reliability | 5% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
Snow | 25% | |||||||||||
Braking properties | 10% | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Accelerating dynamics | 5% | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
Handling (lap time) | 5% | 8 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 4 |
Control reliability | 5% | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
Patency | 10% | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 |
Wet asphalt | 10% | |||||||||||
Braking properties | 10% | 9 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Dry asphalt | 5% | |||||||||||
Braking properties | 5% | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 |
Comfort | 10% | |||||||||||
Acoustic comfort | 5% | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
Smooth ride | 5% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Overall rating | 100% | 8,75 | 8,20 | 8,05 | 7,80 | 8,65 | 8,45 | 7,40 | 8,95 | 7,95 | 8,50 | 7,05 |
Explanation of the models in the rating “ best winter tires with studs ”:
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
- Continental IceContact 2
- Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic
- Pirelli Ice Zero
- Hankook Winter i*Pike RS Plus
- Cordiant Snow Cross
- Dunlop Ice Touch
- Nokian Nordman 5
- Gislaved Nord*Frost 100
- Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3
- Toyo Observe G3-Ice
In addition to the grip properties of tires on different surfaces, car owners are concerned about acoustic comfort. Based on these requests, a rating of “ the quietest studded tires ” was compiled:
- Gislaved Nord*Frost 100
- Cordiant Snow Cross, Dunlop Ice Touch, Toyo Observe G3-ice
- Continental Icecontact 2, Goodyear Ultragrip Ice Arctic, Hankook Winter i*pike RS Plus, Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3, Nokian Nordman 5
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Pirelli Zero
Let's summarize the rating:
All of the winter tires listed are the best in their classes for winter. The rating was compiled primarily based on owner surveys, reviews on forums, and a general comparison of characteristics.
If you want to buy the best winter tires, consider all of the options listed. If they are included in our rating, then they deserve attention and, even more so, purchase.
If you are careful when choosing winter tires, be sure to read the reviews. This list of reviews about winter tires will be constantly updated.
Winter tire rating from ZaRulem
At the end of 2015, another well-known publication, ZaRulem, presented its results of tests of studded tires to the general public. In total, 11 sets of R14 tires took part in the tests.
In this test, the quietest winter tires are:
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
- Continental Contiecocontact 2
- Nokian Nordman 5
Based on the data presented, you can make a rating of winter tires in terms of price/quality ratio :
Place | Model | Price, r | Place in Autoreview tests | Place in ZaRulem tests |
1 | Avatyre Freeze | 1770 | 10 | |
2 | Cordiant Snow Cross | 2000 | 6 | 9 |
3 | Pirelli Formula Ice | 2140 | 4 | |
4 | Sava Eskimo Stud | 2135 | 5 | |
5 | Aeolus Ice Challenger | 2140 | 11 | |
6 | Toyo Observe G3-Ice | 2310 | 11 | 8 |
7 | Nokian Nordman 5 | 2415 | 8 | 3 |
8 | Yokohama Ice Guard IG55 | 2590 | 7 | |
9 | Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 | 2960 | 6 | |
10 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 3960 | 1 | 1 |
11 | Continental Contiecocontact 2 | 3940 | 1 |
Now, based on the data presented, it will be much easier to make the right choice. We have highlighted the TOP 3 in price/quality ratio.
Which is better to use new or used?
On various driving forums, both new and used models appear equally often in the ratings of winter tires. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
New wheels are:
- quality assurance;
- long service life;
- long-term operation without repair.
But their price sometimes makes tires from major manufacturers inaccessible. Which tires to choose – new or used?
In the ranking of the cheapest winter tires, used options lead the way. They:
- available;
- are offered in large quantities.
Although the question of the profitability of such an acquisition remains open - the average service life of rubber does not exceed 4 seasons. And old owners are interested in hiding the real life of the tires. Their safety is also questionable.
Even the best and most expensive winter tires with studs, after being used, acquire the following characteristics:
- worn out tread;
- fallen thorns.
Therefore, experts recommend that car owners purchase new tires. And only use used options as an emergency and short-term measure.
Reviews and tests of tires 2017-2018
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Identical tires in different tests are marked with the same color. Autoreview
conducted a test of 14 models of studded tires size 215/65 R16. The results are presented in the table (link to the test under the video):
№ | Name | Price, r | Points |
1 | Nokian hakkapeliitta 9 suv | 7800 | 8.8 |
2 | Gislaved nord frost 200 | 4850 | 8.35 |
3 | Hankook winter i*pike rs plus | 4750 | 8.35 |
4 | Pirelli ice zero | 5150 | 8.35 |
5 | Cordiant snow cross | 3700 | 8.15 |
6 | Nokian nordman 7 suv | 5050 | 8.15 |
7 | Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic | 4900 | 8.1 |
8 | Michelin x-ice north 3 | 5150 | 7.8 |
9 | Bfgoodrich g-force stud | 4350 | 7.75 |
10 | Formula ice | 4500 | 7.7 |
11 | Toyo observe g3-ice | 4500 | 7.7 |
12 | Viatti bosco nordico v-523 | 3900 | 7.35 |
13 | Yokohama ice guard ig55 | 4500 | 7.0 |
14 | Nexen winguard winspike wh62 | 4200 | 6.9 |
Behind the wheel
conducted a test of 11 models of studded tires 185/65 R15 for budget cars (link to test).
№ | Name | Points |
1 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 | 936 |
2 | Continental IceContact 2 | 914 |
3 | Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic | 898 |
4 | Nordman 7 | 888 |
5 | Cordiant Snow Cross (PW-2) | 871 |
6 | Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02 | 852 |
7-8 | Nitto Therma Spike (NTSPK-B02) | 847 |
7-8 | Toyo Observe G3-Ice (OBG3S-B02) | 847 |
9-10 | Formula Ice | 841 |
9-10 | Gislaved Nord Frost 200 | 841 |
11 | Kumho WinterCraft Ice (Wi31) | 803 |
Auto.mail.ru
tested 8 studded tires. The rating is as follows:
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
— 4800 rubles - Pirelli Ice Zero
— 3400 rubles - Nokian Nordman 7
— 3300 rubles - Michelin X-ice North 3
— 3600 rubles - Gislaved Nord Frost 200
- 3200 rubles - Bridgestone Blizzak SP-02 — 3600 rubles
- Hankook Winter i'Pike RS
— 3200 rubles - Yokohama iceGuard Stud iG55
— 3200 rubles
NH9 - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9, PIZ - Pirelli Ice Zero, NN7 - Nokian Nordman 7, MXIN3 - Michelin X-Ice North 3, GNF200 - Gislaved Nord Frost 200, BBS02 - Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02, HWi'PRS - Hankook Winter i' Pike RS, YiG55 – Yokohama iceGuard Stud iG55
Weight Factor | NH9 | PIZ | NN7 | MXIN3 | GNF200 | BBS02 | HWi'PRS | YiG55 | |
Ice | |||||||||
Braking | 0,15 | 100,0 | 78,4 | 80,8 | 79,8 | 76,1 | 81,1 | 64,7 | 51,3 |
Overclocking | 0,05 | 100,0 | 93,6 | 96,9 | 87,7 | 86,4 | 100,0 | 79,6 | 61,3 |
Total grip properties (lap time) | 0,05 | 100,0 | 68,1 | 65,6 | 63,3 | 55,3 | 50,3 | 58,5 | 52,4 |
Transverse clutch | 0,05 | 100,0 | 91,3 | 88,6 | 91,7 | 82,3 | 80,5 | 83,0 | 78,6 |
Ice stability | 0,05 | 100 | 90 | 90 | 70 | 60 | 80 | 60 | 60 |
Total ice | 0,35 | 35,00 | 28,91 | 29,17 | 27,61 | 25,62 | 27,70 | 23,76 | 20,31 |
Snow | |||||||||
Braking | 0,1 | 98,7 | 99,0 | 98,9 | 100,0 | 99,1 | 98,5 | 97,7 | 96,1 |
Overclocking | 0,03 | 98,3 | 100,0 | 98,5 | 94,5 | 99,2 | 96,9 | 95,6 | 96,7 |
Total grip properties (lap time) | 0,05 | 97,4 | 100,0 | 96,0 | 96,2 | 97,3 | 90,5 | 92,9 | 90,8 |
Snow stability | 0,03 | 100,0 | 95,0 | 90,0 | 75,0 | 65,0 | 70,0 | 60,0 | 55,0 |
Skid resistance | 0,02 | 100,0 | 100,0 | 90,0 | 95,0 | 70,0 | 75,0 | 80,0 | 65,0 |
Patency | 0,02 | 80,6 | 77,8 | 90,7 | 100,0 | 80,1 | 80,3 | 78,3 | 82,5 |
Total snow | 0,25 | 24,30 | 24,31 | 23,97 | 23,80 | 22,71 | 22,49 | 22,24 | 21,77 |
Wet asphalt | |||||||||
Braking | 0,12 | 100,0 | 96,6 | 92,1 | 94,8 | 99,0 | 91,9 | 95,5 | 91,1 |
Total grip properties (lap time) | 0,05 | 100,0 | 98,8 | 99,0 | 98,2 | 99,7 | 97,9 | 98,6 | 97,6 |
Stability on wet asphalt | 0,04 | 100,0 | 95,0 | 90,0 | 80,0 | 90,0 | 70,0 | 90,0 | 80,0 |
Total wet asphalt | 0,21 | 21,00 | 20,33 | 19,61 | 19,49 | 20,46 | 18,72 | 19,99 | 19,02 |
Dry asphalt | |||||||||
Braking | 0,1 | 99,3 | 98,9 | 94,7 | 96,1 | 95,7 | 95,0 | 95,0 | 100,0 |
Total dry asphalt | 0,1 | 9,93 | 9,89 | 9,47 | 9,61 | 9,57 | 9,50 | 9,50 | 10,00 |
Effort to pull out the spikes | 55,7 | 75,0 | 65,9 | 58,5 | 45,8 | 100,0 | 61,7 | 78,8 | |
Effort to pull out the spikes | 0,02 | 1,11 | 1,50 | 1,32 | 1,17 | 0,92 | 2,00 | 1,23 | 1,58 |
Smooth ride | 80 | 75 | 85 | 100 | 85 | 70 | 85 | 60 | |
Smooth ride | 0,03 | 2,4 | 2,25 | 2,55 | 3 | 2,55 | 2,1 | 2,55 | 1,8 |
Acoustic comfort | 50 | 45 | 65 | 85 | 95 | 50 | 100 | 65 | |
Acoustic comfort | 0,04 | 2 | 1,8 | 2,6 | 3,4 | 3,8 | 2 | 4 | 2,6 |
Total | 1,000 | 95,75 | 88,98 | 88,68 | 88,07 | 85,62 | 84,52 | 83,27 | 77,08 |
Place in the test | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Studs for Vesta and Solaris: test of good winter tires
Final rating
:
Name | Price, r | Autoreview | Behind the wheel | Auto.mail.ru | Average value |
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 | 7800 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Gislaved Nord Frost 200 | 4850 | 2 | 9-10 | 5 | 5,5 |
Hankook Winter I*Pike RS plus | 4750 | 3 | 7 | 5 | |
Pirelli Ice Zero | 5150 | 4 | 2 | 3 | |
Cordiant Snow Cross | 3700 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Nokian Nordman 7 | 5050 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4,3 |
Goodyear Ultragrip Ice Arctic | 4900 | 7 | 3 | 5 | |
Michelin X-Ice North 3 | 5150 | 8 | 4 | 6 | |
Bfgoodrich G-force Stud | 4350 | 9 | 9 | ||
Formula Ice | 4500 | 10 | 9-10 | 9,75 | |
Toyo Observe G3-ice | 4500 | 11 | 7-8 | 9,25 | |
Viatti Bosco Nordico v-523 | 3900 | 12 | 12 | ||
Yokohama Ice Guard IG55 | 4500 | 13 | 8 | 10,5 | |
Nexen Winguard Winspike WH62 | 4200 | 14 | 14 | ||
Continental IceContact 2 | 3600 | 2 | 2 | ||
Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02 | 2600 | 6 | 6 | ||
Nitto Therma Spike (NTSPK-B02) | 2600 | 7-8 | 7,5 | ||
Kumho WinterCraft Ice (Wi31) | 2800 | 11 | 11 | ||
Bridgestone Blizzak SP-02 | 3600 | 6 | 6 |
On early asphalt with Velcro
We conducted “black” tests at Nokian’s summer testing site in southern Finland. We were incredibly lucky - the winter in these places was stingy with snow and frost, which made it possible to begin testing in the first half of March. The air temperature during the tests ranged from +2°C to +6°C.
We begin asphalt tests by assessing the directional stability and behavior of the car during smooth maneuvering at a speed of 130 km/h.
The best were Goodyear and Pirelli. Their reactions are accurate, and their behavior is understandable and predictable. Sailun and Viatti have the worst ratings.
Both suffer from “sluggish” reactions and low information content. The main drawback of the Sailong is the car's tendency to skid when transitioning from one turn to another. These tires can play a cruel joke, throwing the car into the oncoming lane when completing an active overtaking. The main flaw of the Viatti is the car's slight yaw in a straight line. You have to constantly adjust the trajectory - on a long journey this quickly tires.
The best acoustic comfort is provided by Continental. Marshal, Pirelli, Sailun, Touo and Yokohama have increased noise. Although they cannot be called downright noisy. It is not for nothing that acceptable acoustic comfort is generally considered the strong point of Velcro.
The Continental once again excelled in its smooth ride. And the ones that roll harder than others, transmitting shocks and vibrations from road irregularities, are BFGoodrich, Touo and Yokohama.
At the end of the asphalt tests, we perform braking on wet (60-5 km/h) and dry (80-5 km/h) surfaces. Skoda stops most confidently on... non-qualified BFGoodrich tires. The stunning braking distance is almost a quarter shorter than that of the best of the test Sailuns. The Viatti brakes the weakest. Their result is twenty percent worse than Sailun.
On dry asphalt, the non-ranked BFGoodrich continues to dominate. But this time the gap from the main group, led by Continental, is less significant - only 3%. The worst of all is the Nexen, which gave up a tenth of the braking distance to the Conti.
Do not care!
Having completed the tests at the test site, we head to the laboratory to evaluate the efficiency of the tires. Instead of the usual road tests, we use a drum test bench. With its help, we determine the coefficient of rolling resistance (Ksk) at a speed of 80 km/h - in strict accordance with UNECE Regulation No. 117. Note that the change in fuel consumption is not directly dependent on rolling resistance, since it is just a part of the total forces opposing the movement of the car. According to our data, an increase in Ksk by 10-15% approximately corresponds to an increase in Octavia’s appetite by 0.1 l/100 km.
The most economical tires were Sailun and Nokian, while Nexen and Marshal rolled the worst. The difference in fuel consumption between the best and worst participants is small - about 0.2-0.3 l/100 km.
Asphalt range
On “black” roads, Goodyear takes the lead - on these tires the Octavia brakes excellently on wet asphalt and amazes with its clear “summer” directional stability at high speed.
Nokian takes second place, closely followed by Sailun - it is much better on asphalt than on snow or ice. Conti was only able to make it to fourth position, despite leading brakes on dry surfaces. In fifth place are Pirelli, their main trump card is a clear course, like Goodyear tires.
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Next come Touo, Napkook, Gislaved and Yokohama. Marshal rounds out the top ten. The second one is opened by Nordman with more or less average results. In twelfth place is Nexen with failed brakes on dry surfaces. Viatti is in last place, the brakes failed on wet asphalt.
The out-of-class BFGoodrich feels like a king on “black” surfaces, giving a head start to its fellow testers, who are more suited to snow and ice. Monolithic tread edges on asphalt work clearly better than those cut with a large number of sipes.
Reviews and tests of tires 2018-2019
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1. Driving
.
Test No. 1: The magazine's experts collected six sets of 15-inch tires from Western and Eastern manufacturers, size 195/65 R15. Link to tests.
Test No. 2: We tested popular “studs” for small crossovers (dimension 215/65 R16).
№ | Model | Price, r | Point |
1 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV | 7590 | 927 |
2 | Continental IceContact 2 SUV | 6220 | 908 |
3 | Yokohama iceGUARD iG65 | 4880 | 902 |
4 | Gislaved Nord*Frost 200 SUV | 5170 | 888 |
5-6 | Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic | 5180 | 879 |
5-6 | Nordman 7 SUV | 5260 | 879 |
7 | Michelin X-Ice North 3 | 5430 | 864 |
8 | Nexen Winguard WinSpike WH62 | 4200 | 796 |
2. Autoreview
. On the tracks of the Swedish Arctic Falls test site we had to test 22 sets of winter tires, but in the final protocol 21 models of size 205/55 R16 remained.
№ | Model | Price, r | Point |
1 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 | 8 000 | 8,95 |
2 | Continental IceContact 2 | 6 200 | 8,90 |
3 | Gislaved Nord Frost 200 | 4 700 | 8,75 |
4 | Nokian Nordman 7 | 4 850 | 8,40 |
5 | Goodyear Ultragrip Ice Arctic | 5 100 | 8,35 |
6 | Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer | 4 500 | 7,20 |
7 | Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 | 4 300 | 7,05 |
8 | GT Radial IcePro 3 | 4 150 | 6,45 |
3. Survey.
The TOP 5 brands of winter tires were determined as part of the new study “AUTOSTAT OMNIBUS – 2022.” More than 3 thousand car owners participated in the survey. When forming the sample, quotas were taken into account by gender (no more than 25% of female car owners), as well as by the characteristics of “vehicle age” and “geography of respondents’ residence.”
- "KAMA" (10.6%),
- Cordiant (10.4%),
- Bridgestone (10.3%),
- Nokian Tires (10.1%),
- Michelin (8.9%).
In general, these 5 brands accounted for half of the questionnaires from the total sample.
Final table
:
Model | Price, r | AR position | Position “Behind the Wheel” No. 1 | Position “Behind the Wheel” No. 2 |
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 | 8 000 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Continental IceContact 2 | 6 200 | 2 | 2-3 | 2 |
Gislaved Nord Frost 200 | 4 700 | 3 | 7 | 4 |
Nokian Nordman 7 | 4 850 | 4 | 6 | 5-6 |
Goodyear Ultragrip Ice Arctic | 5 100 | 5 | 5 | 5-6 |
Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer | 4 500 | 6 | 9 | — |
Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 | 4 300 | 7 | 12 | — |
GT Radial IcePro 3 | 4 150 | 8 | 11 | — |
Yokohama iceGUARD iG65 | 4 880 | — | — | 3 |
Michelin X-Ice North 3 | 5 430 | — | — | 7 |
Nexen Winguard WinSpike WH62 | 4 200 | — | — | 8 |
Rolling resistance
The test to determine the value of rolling resistance was carried out on a stand according to the ISO 28580 standard: the tires were subjected to a load of 80% of the maximum permissible, the internal pressure was 2.5 bar. The difference in tire results was small. Still, all the tires in this test are fairly new models, and their rolling ease indicator is included in the “European label”. That is, when creating these tires, attention was paid to the level of rolling resistance.
The easiest tires to roll are Michelin CrossClimate, Continental WinterContact TS 860, Matador MP 62 All Weather Evo and others. The highest level of rolling resistance is found in Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 2 and Nexen Winguard Snow'G WH2 tires.
Reviews and tests of tires 2019-2020
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1.
The magazine "Behind the Wheel" tested tires with dimensions 205/55 R16. Experts note that this has never happened in their tire tests. Fantastic gap between leaders and outsiders. The results were published in the October journal.
№ | Name | Point | Price, r |
1 | Michelin X-ice North 4 | 929 | 5760 |
2 | Continental Icecontact 3 | 912 | 6260 |
3 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 | 907 | 7150 |
4 | Hankook Winter i*pike RS2 | 905 | 4840 |
5 | Yokohama Ice Guard IG65 | 860 | 4860 |
6 | Nordman 7 | 857 | 4890 |
7 | Gislaved Nord Frost 200 | 853 | 4890 |
8 | Toyo Observe Ice-freezer | 803 | 4550 |
9 | Viatti Brina Nordico | 771 | 3650 |
10 | Roadstone Winguard Winspike | 755 | 3990 |
11 | Tunga Nordway 2 | 723 | 3680 |
12 | Sailun Ice Blazer WST3 | 722 | 3390 |
Full comparison table (in PDF):
2.
In the Yandex.Market study, experts used data on user transitions to online stores from January 1 to October 13, 2022.
TOP most popular winter tires:
- Kama-505 175/70 R13 82T
- Nokian Tires Nordman 5 185/65 R15 92T
- Nokian Tires Nordman 5 195/65 R15 95T
- Nokian Tires Nordman 7 185/65 R15 92T
- Michelin X—Ice North 4 185/65 R15 92T
- Nokian Tires Nordman 5 205/55 R16 94T
- Michelin X—Ice North 4 205/55 R16 94T
- Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 205/55 R16 94T
- Nokian Tires Nordman 5 175/65 R14 86T
Tire reviews and tests 2020-2021
1.
drom.ru focused not on the “tops,” but on those models that, based on the results of comparative tests and driver reviews, have proven themselves to be close to the optimum in price and quality (we are, of course, talking about models for harsh winters).
Model | Advantages | Flaws |
Continental Ice Contact 3 | Reliable grip and controllability on slippery surfaces, confident maneuverability. | Deformation and loss of spikes with a rubber body are possible. |
Cordiant Snow Cross 2 | Good longitudinal traction properties, maneuverability, low price. | Increased noise, possibly unstable workmanship. |
Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03 | A good balance of grip and handling properties, confident cross-country ability, there is a separate line for SUVs. | |
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic | Reliable longitudinal grip on slippery roads, excellent cross-country ability, there is a line for SUVs. | Low comfort, not the best handling characteristics. |
Gislaved Nord Frost 200 | Grip properties on ice are average, good maneuverability, comfortable. | Rapid loss of spines is possible. |
Hankook Winter I*Pike RS2 | Grippy on slippery surfaces, good maneuverability, comfortable, economical. | Sidewalls are not very strong. |
Michelin X-Ice North 2 | Reliable grip and controllability, excellent cross-country ability, wear resistance. | For this period, there is a limited size range (but the most “popular” versions). |
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | Good balance of grip on ice and snow, economical, there is a separate line for SUVs. | Noisy, not the most durable stud fastening. |
Pirelli Ice Zero | Reliable traction and controllability on slippery surfaces, cross-country ability. | Increased noise, not the most durable sidewalls. |
Sava Eskimo Stud | Good grip and handling on wet and slushy asphalt, economical. | Low comfort, not the most durable stud fit. |
2.
Autoreview has published a rating of 15 sets of winter tires for the 2020/2021 season. Among them are 9 sets of studded ones. This is how the rating came about:
- Michelin X-ice North 4 – 9 points
- Pirelli Scorpion Ice Zero 2 - 8.9 points
- Hankook Winter I*Pike X – 8.75 points
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV – 8.75 points
- Formula Ice - 8.6 points
- Nokian Nordman 7 SUV - 8.15 points
- Gislaved Nord Frost 200 – 7.8 points
- Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer - 7.5 points
- Nokian Nordman 7 used - 6.15 points
Summary
If we continue and compare high-quality studded tires with friction tires in the inexpensive segment for 2500–3000 rubles, the latter will not even have an advantage on dry asphalt. The dynamics are clear as is, so we will do without unnecessary numbers.
That's why it's important.
Tread properties and rubber quality affect test results much more than tire type.
This is the main thing you need to understand before the next time you get into an argument about what is better for winter in the city - “studded” or “non-studded”. Even if you spend 98% of your time on clean asphalt, no one has canceled the remaining 2%. Entering a neighborhood where the snow is never cleared, heavy snowfall, icy conditions, going on a dirt road, a trip out of town—these are situations where the advantages of “studded tires” can be very significant and will help you avoid an accident.
It is better to approach the choice between studded and non-studded tires objectively, without emotions and stereotypes. The position “it doesn’t make noise and doesn’t skid on a flat road, that means it’s good” is also not the best adviser. The main thing is not how the tires will behave 99.9% of the time in normal use. The main thing is how they will behave in the remaining 0.1% of extreme situations. On the road, the cost can be someone's life or health.
You can contact us if you need help in selecting tires before studding. We’ll help you choose the type of tire and stud option that’s right for your vehicle, in your conditions and taking into account your driving style. We have been engaged in wholesale and retail studding of winter tires since 1995. During this time, our specialists have probably handled all the well-known brands and models of tires - both popular and little-known.
We hope that this “review of reviews” will help you critically approach information, forums and stereotypes, trusting and cross-checking personal judgments - after all, everyone can have their own point of view and priorities.
Take care of yourself and trust your safety only to professionals!
Write to WhatsApp - I am personally ready to answer your questions about tucking
Tire reviews and tests 2021-2022
1. “Behind the Wheel”
compared eight studs for crossovers with dimensions 205/55 R16. At the same time, we found out which winter tires you can save on when purchasing, without compromising their driving performance.
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10p – 929 points
- Michelin X-Ice North 4 - 925 points
- Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2 – 900 points
- Nordman 8 - 890 points
- Formula Ice - 843 points
- Yokohama IceGuard IG65 - 837 points
- Goodyear UltraGrip 600 - 810 points
- Tigar Ice - 807 points
Detailed table with tire tests: To download files you need to log in to the site
What tires do you consider good and of high quality? Leave your reviews and recommendations, and take part in surveys.