We took tires from different price groups - from 2470 to 5150 rubles apiece. The latest model - Toyo Observe GSi‑6, rolled out on the market this season. There are two new items from last year: German Continental Viking Contact 7 and Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3. Updated last year of Russian production.
To be fair
We placed the tires in their places according to the points scored. And now let's see how economically profitable it is to buy certain tires. To do this, we compare the average price of each model with the so-called fair price - corresponding to the level of its consumer properties, that is, the number of points earned.
The best offer was Hankook Winter i*cept iZ² with a price 23% below the fair price. A little less (17%) will save Viatti. When buying Nordman RS2, Pirelli Ice Zero FR, Toyo Observe GSi‑6 or Triangle SnowLink PL01 tires, the benefit will be from 9 to 5%.
For the rest of the test participants will have to overpay. The minimum overpayment - 3% - awaits when buying Gislaved Soft * Frost 200 tires. The cost of Roadstone WinGuard ice, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 and Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 tires is 7-9% higher than fair. The rating is closed by two distinguished test participants - the winner ... and the loser. For the outsider Cachland CH-W2002, you will have to overpay 11%. He was not so cheap, how weak. But Continental VikingContact 7, the most expensive participant, is overpriced by 15%. If you want a quality and balanced product, be prepared to fork out.
Nokian Nordman RS2 is a mid-range winter friction tire with a directional tread pattern for passenger cars.
The model also has for crossovers and SUVs.
Nokian Nordman RS2 test by Finnish Moottori (2018)
In 2018 experts of the Finnish publication Moottori have tested the Nokian Nordman RS2 at size 205/55 R16 and compared it with seven similar mid-range and premium winter tyres.
Test results
The Nokian Nordman RS2 finished seventh on asphalt, eighth on snow and sixth on ice in the test.
The tire showed a very long braking distance on wet pavement and average on dry pavement. In the "winter disciplines" she also turned out to be mostly outsiders, but it's hard to call it a failure. Firstly, the results behind the leaders were not large: the difference with the leader in the braking distance on snow was only 0.3 meters, and on ice - 1.3 meters (at the same time, handling and acceleration were not bad). Secondly, it must be taken into account that Nordman is a middle-class tire, while its rivals were expensive tires of premium brands (except Hankook W616), which, as expected, showed better results.
| Discipline | Place | A comment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braking on wet pavement from 80km/h | 8 | Worst result. The braking distance is 6.2 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| 7 | The course time is 2.2 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | ||
| Handling on wet pavement | 6-7 | Subjective assessment of controllability - 7.5 points. | |
| Braking on dry pavement from 80km/h | 4 | The braking distance is 1.1 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Handling on dry pavement | 7-8 | One of the worst results. Subjective assessment of controllability - 7 points. | |
| Ice braking from 20km/h | 8 | Worst result. The braking distance is 1.3 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Acceleration on ice | 6 | Acceleration time to 25 km / h is 0.17 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Handling on ice | 5 | The time of passing the route is 5.8 seconds more than that of the leader of the test. | |
| Handling on ice | 5 | Subjective assessment of controllability - 5.5 points. | |
| Snow braking from 40km/h | 8 | Worst result. The braking distance is 0.3 meters longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Acceleration on snow | 8 | Worst result. Acceleration time to 30 km / h is 0.33 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Snow handling | 6 | The course time is 1.2 seconds longer than that of the test leader. | |
| Snow handling | 5-6 | Subjective assessment of controllability - 8 points. | |
| Noise | 8 | Worst result. Subjective assessment of the noise level - 8.5 points. | |
Where do we test and test tires for their safety: we are looking for answers about how short braking distances they provide on asphalt, snow and ice (the latter applies to winter tires), how well they hold the road in corners and turns, how they resist hydroplaning, etc. P. In a word, during the tests we get objective - obtained and measured with the help of instruments - data in meters, centimeters, kilometers per hour and even in seconds. Based on this data, we can get an accurate and complete picture of how safe and effective a particular tire is and how it differs from other tires that have passed the same tests and tests.
According to the results of comparative tests, Nokian tires are among the best. As our readers know, Nokian is an original Finnish tire manufacturer. However, since 2005, Nokian tires have been produced at their own factory in Vsevolozhsk (Leningrad region, Russia). Moreover, 80% of all tires of the Finnish brand are produced here, and only 20% of tires are born at an enterprise located in the Finnish town of Nokia. Therefore, for tests, we mainly come across Russian-made Nokian tires.
Comparative tire tests are, after all, one thing, and tire performance in real use is another. We think so. Therefore, last fall, just before the start of the winter season, the editors of the site took two sets of winter tires for life tests and handed them over to their colleagues and friends for testing. We chose Nokian Nordman RS2 SUV and Nokian WR D4 tires in the popular size 16. The tires were shod respectively on Hyundai Tucson (front wheel drive) and Peugeot 308SW. Immediately, we note that the owners of these cars did not pay much attention to the brand of winter tires and usually deliberately bought what was cheaper. That's what we were counting on: to provide our fellow motorists with solid and efficient tires to find out what and how will change in their winter driving experience and feelings.
The market value of both tires does not go off scale. Nordman is Nokian's budget range of winter and summer tires. The Nokian Nordman RS2 SUV 215/65 R16 participating in the resource test will cost 170 rubles per wheel. For comparison, the domestic winter "Belshina" of the same size costs from 115 rubles per wheel.
Nokian WR D4 is a complete premium winter tire. The cost of such a tire in the amount of 205/55 R16 is 203 rubles - in principle, this is a normal price, quite at the level of premium competitors of European brands.
Both sets of tires were put on in early November and removed in mid-April.
resource tests.Nordman RS2 SUV
Tires Nokian Nordman RS2 SUV are winter tires of the Scandinavian type. They're "slugs". They are "hard winter tires". By the way, before the Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV winter tire appeared in the model range, the same tread pattern as on the Nordman RS2 SUV was used on Hakkapeliitta R SUV tires. In a word, the Nordman RS2 SUV has at least a tread from a Scandinavian-type premium winter tire. This means that the budget tire has inherited "sipe pumps" that improve grip on winter roads. Also, the Nordman tread has brake boosters in the tread blocks, which improve grip when braking, especially on snow.
In recent years, Belarusian winters have become warmer and wetter. But if snow falls, it falls in abundance and lies for weeks. It can be rightly noted that in Belarus a mild rainy European winter 2-3 times a season is replaced by a snowy and rather severe Scandinavian one.
The owner of a Hyundai Tucson considers snow flotation and the ability to hold an icy road to be the priority qualities of winter tires. He says that he does not like to “wave a shovel” in the yard and prefers to literally go ahead. But more on that later.
In the first weeks after the start of operation, the Hyundai Tucson driver noted a smooth ride and even reduced tire noise. That is, Nordman RS2 SUV tires turned out to be quieter and softer than summer tires. At the same time, as the driver notes, high directional stability and quick responses to the steering wheel have been preserved. According to him, he previously considered winter tires a compromise to be endured throughout the winter season and benefited when snow falls, covers roads and especially yards, which are usually difficult to clear.
Also, the experience of the owner of the Hyundai Tucson suggests that when driving on winter tires on highways, you need to especially carefully keep the distance to the car in front. There were cases when it was necessary not urgently, but quite sharply to slow down, and then winter tires on wet cold pavement or dry clean asphalt at significant negative temperatures began to slide quite early. ABS worked and stopped blocking the front wheels to skid just a third of the pedal travel. Shoeing his crossover in Nordman RS2 SUV tires, the Hyundai Tucson driver noted that braking became more efficient and more confident. He even deliberately braked urgently on a free road and noted that “the brakes have become better”, and the ABS “began to work like a summer”. That is, in the last phase of the brake pedal stroke. In short, the characteristics of the crossover have clearly changed for the better and safer with the installation of Nordman RS2 SUV tires.
In mid-December 2016, several times Minsk was covered with freezing rain, which glazed not only cars, but also roads, albeit literally for a couple of morning hours. The driver of the Hyundai Tucson that day did not even immediately decide to go by car to work. The cars skidded and moved very reluctantly. He decided to do a little test by checking the grip of his tires on the road. He is still under the impression that his crossover was driving on an icy road like on asphalt and without hesitation climbed the street where the shuttle bus was helplessly skidding. All in all, the Nordman RS2 SUV deserved another kudos for helping out a motorist in difficult weather.
In early January 2017, snow finally fell in Minsk. Moreover, immediately in the "Scandinavian" quantity. The owner of the crossover, shod in the Nordman RS2 SUV, noted the excellent cross-country ability both in fresh and packed snow. When, after a couple of days, the snow in the yards solidified thoroughly, forming ruts and potholes, the crossover retained the ability to drive confidently and climb snow bumps. At the same time, the car got out of the rut well and almost did not slip.
In five and a half months of operation in the winter season 2016/2017, Nordman RS2 SUV tires covered 7340 km. Mostly in Minsk and on cleaned roads. The remaining tread depth indicators still show a figure eight.
Visually, the wear of the Nokian Nordman RS2 tread after the first season and 7300 km is visible only on the tires of the front axle: on the rather soft “Scandinavian” rubber compound, the “blunting” of the edges of numerous sipes is noticeable.
But the tires on the rear axle look like new: there is even a “craquelure” in the shoulder area, indicating sufficient running in of the new Nokian Nordman RS2 winter tires.
resource tests.NokianWRD4
These tires complete the WR family, which also includes the WR D3, WR A3 and WR A4 tires. Curiously, WR D4s are available in seat sizes from 14 to 20 inches. That is, the choice of sizes for this model is wider than the WR D3 (these are offered in 13-inch sizes) and the WR A3 and WR A4 (these are also available in 21-inch sizes). WR D4 tires are designed for mild winters. However, as we know, the WR D4 outperforms its WR counterparts in tire comparison tests. What's more, the Nokian WR D4 is the world's first passenger car winter tire to reach the "A" wet grip level (according to the EU classification). That is, they are very effective both on ice and snow, and on wet pavement.
The Nokian WR D4 tire tread looks technologically advanced.
Nokian WR D4 look very impressive. “Some kind of high-tech,” this was the first impression of the owner of the Peugeot 308SW, “I have never seen anything like it before. And some Chinese or Koreans are unlikely to be able to copy something like that.
Impressions became more after changing the shoes of the car in these tires. The ride became smoother and a little more elastic. Such bipolar impressions were formed due to the fact that the WR D4 tires are light, and their carcass is very elastic, if not rigid. That is, the chassis of the car lost a couple of kilograms of unsprung masses, and at the same time, the “rubber ball effect” that inexpensive summer tires gave to the course disappeared.
In addition, the reactions to the steering wheel have improved and become sharper. The Peugeot 308SW driver noted that at roundabouts at high speeds, the reverse force on the steering wheel became clearer and more transparent.
Being a cool "European winter" tires Nokian WR D4 very tenaciously cling to dry, wet and even dirty asphalt. The driver of the Peugeot 308SW even tried to scorch in turns and barely achieved demolition, loss of traction or blinking of the ESP operation indicator. “On the other hand, he almost fell out of the seat due to the body roll of the car, and it became scary for the suspension: it is clearly weaker than these tires,” said the driver of the Peugeot 308SW.
And he also remembers the freezing rain in Minsk, which caused inconvenience to many in the early morning while driving to work. There were no problems. The car drove as usual, confidently and clearly. “Even though a lot of people had traction issues that morning,” recalls a Nokian WR D4 tire owner.
A couple of weeks of the "Scandinavian winter", when the temperature dropped below -25°C for several days, also went unnoticed. Our pilot even felt the WR D4 tread on purpose in severe frost and it seemed to him soft, as at zero temperature. "Eurozima" from Nokian did not sag and provided excellent cross-country ability both on frozen snow and on asphalt.
Judging by the wear indicator, over 9100 km the tread of the Nokian WR D4 tires has decreased by 1 mm.
During five and a half months of operation in the winter season 2016/2017, Nordman RS2 SUV tires covered 9124 km along the streets of Minsk and on long trips around Belarus. The tread looks fresh, but the “eight” is no longer visible on the wear indicator. That is, the tread has definitely become smaller by a millimeter.
In the next comparative test of winter tires of the popular "crossover" dimension 215/65 R16, 23 models converged - an absolute record for the mass character in the entire history of Autoreview tests! Not only did we manage to embrace the immensity, but along the way, we also stopped the shipment of one of the consignments of Nokian tires ...
IN owners of crossovers, especially all-wheel drive ones, are often not enthusiastic about the seasonal change of standard summer tires to winter ones. After all, almost all native tires are marked with the M + S index, which de jure allows you to drive them in winter. The main thing is that the residual tread depth should be at least 4 mm (otherwise - 500 rubles fine). But you need to understand that the M + S marking absolutely does not oblige the manufacturer to anything! For marking, no tests or certificates are required confirming the suitability of tires for winter, and therefore, more and more often it can be seen on frankly summer, moreover, “asphalt” tires, which incidentally indicates the devaluation of not only the letter S (snow, “snow”), but also M (mud, "mud"). So we don’t look at the letters, but at the tread, and if we don’t see a lot of small slots-lamellas, then we conclude: it’s dangerous to ride on such in winter. And even better, when there is a “Snowflake” brand on the sidewall in the form of three mountain peaks with a snowflake - these models really are. The participants in our test are all with this marking: these are 14 sets with spikes and nine without.
The test program is standard, all the tracks of the White Hell test site near the Finnish town of Ivalo are well known to us - and most importantly, to be lucky with the weather. Almost lucky: there was no snowfall, although the temperature danced from 5 to 23 degrees of frost, so its influence had to be taken into account by conducting additional races on the "reference" tires. But the measurements of the longitudinal dynamics took place in a closed hangar with a more stable temperature.
This is where the embarrassment happened with Nokian tires, and with a model that has been produced for more than a year. Both in acceleration and in braking, the studless Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV lost not only to its principal competitors, but even to the tires of its own "second line" - Nordman RS2 SUV tires! Nokian testers working in the neighborhood were alarmed, they repeated the measurements themselves ... An internal investigation showed that the failed tires were produced at a plant near St. Petersburg at the end of 2016, more precisely on the 48th week. Then there was a failure in the technological cycle. They did not share details with us (apparently, there were deviations either in the duration or in the temperature of vulcanization), but they assured that the defective batch did not go on sale. Although on the outside everything is in order, and even the hardness of the tread rubber is the same as on the tires released in the 41st week of 2016 (their results were taken into account), but the difference in grip on ice reaches eight percent.
After measurements in the hangar, we get out into the freezing cold - and once again we notice that as the temperature drops, the friction tires begin to catch up and even overtake the spikes. At minus twenty, the ice becomes so hard that the studs cannot scratch it, and the tread rubber of most studded tires is harder - in the cold, friction tires are more elastic, they have a longer total length of slots-lamellae.
We, again, take into account changing conditions and adjust the results, but if all tests were carried out in light frost, friction tires would roll back to the bottom lines of the protocols.
Handling tests were carried out on the ice of the polar lake Tammijärvi
And in the snow, frost plays into the hands of friction models: while maintaining the elasticity of the tread, they better cling to the snow shagreen.
This time it was possible to support the cross-country ability assessments with instrumental measurements - acceleration time in deep snow with the traction control system turned off. It is curious that Russian tires topped and closed the rating: the best are Cordiant, and the most helpless in the virgin lands are Viatti tires manufactured by the Nizhnekamsk Tire Plant.
Well, we had to come to Sweden twice. The first time we sat for a week, skated the entire test program on snow and ice. And then, already in April, on roads that had just cleared of ice, they measured the braking distance on wet and dry pavement - and assessed the acoustic comfort and smoothness of the ride. Well, then, using the traditional system of translating results into points, they summed up the results.
The main surprise in the studded standings is not the victory of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tires. But the very high results of Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2 tires: according to the results of tests on winter surfaces, they are the best! In order not to get into trouble, we decided to arrange a test for them. We waited until August, bought a set of tires in Moscow, on a plane - and to Germany. And there, at the Contidrom training ground, there is a closed ice track, where winter tires are tested all year round. A series of measurements paired with the test winners, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tires (we also bought them and ran them in Moscow in August so that the tires were “with the same story”), and ... If in winter the Hankook studs provided by the Koreans slowed down on ice better, than Nokian, moreover, by five percent, the situation with commercial tires has changed exactly the opposite: Nokian is better at braking by as much as eight percent! Despite the fact that after running in, the average protrusion of the studs for Nokian and Hankook tires turned out to be approximately the same - 1.4 mm.
Of course, we can talk about a different quality of ice or that we were only able to buy a Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2 with a different load index (91 instead of 94). But neither one nor the other could radically change the braking properties on ice. That is why we put a red mark on the Hankook Winter i * Pike RS2 tires: commercial tires are not as good as those that took an honorable third place in our rating. By the way, there are no questions for Nokian: a set of Hakkapeliitta 9 tires produced at the Russian plant demonstrated the same properties on ice as the Finnish-made tires that we tested in March.
And we generally removed the Russian Cordiant Snow Cross 2 tires from the rating: the pre-production tires turned out to be of too low quality. When braking on ice - the worst result! But the model of the current generation Snow Cross looked quite decent in our past tests. Tire manufacturers from Cordiant, while conducting their own tests in parallel with us, also fixed problems on the ice - and, in order not to lose their reputation, they postponed the launch of mass production of the Snow Cross 2 tire model for at least a year. According to preliminary information, the suppliers of raw materials to the Omsk Tire Plant, where tires of the Snow Cross series are produced, are to blame. They decided to launch only four 14-inch sizes for sale - there seems to be no problem with them.
Winter tire rating 2018-2019
So, in the class of studded tires, the Finnish tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 once again win. Cool tires, but expensive - and designed primarily for suburban use. After all, the Continental IceContact 2 and Gislaved Nord*Frost 200, which took second and fourth places with a minimum gap, behave better on asphalt.
Well, among non-studded tires, the new Continental VikingContact 7 model is at the top of the ranking, but Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, Pirelli Ice Zero FR and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires are quite a bit behind. And again, when choosing tires, consider your habitat. If you never leave the streets of large cities, pay more attention to asphalt indicators. And if you mainly have to drive through snowy and icy areas - for purely winter properties.
Toyo Obsreve GSi-5
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (123 sizes from 175/70 R13 to 275/40 R22) | |
| Speed index | Q (160 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10 |
| 54 | |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
If you believe the press releases, the rubber of these tires is mixed with particles of walnut shells and absorbent in the form of soot from burnt bamboo ... But on ice, the grip is mediocre: in corners, the sliding is stretched and poorly controlled. In the snow, the Toyo tires provide effective deceleration and paddling well with slippage, but they are tricky to slide on. On wet pavement - disastrous braking. And the comfort level is low. We do not recommend.
Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (50 sizes from 175/70 R13 to 255/40 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 9,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 56 |
| Manufacturer country | South Korea |
Winter i*cept iZ2 tires are new from Hankook, but unlike the studded Winter i*Pike RS2, they performed more than modestly. Both on ice and on packed snow there are not enough longitudinal grip properties - thanks at least that the handle is better in corners. On asphalt, the tires are moderately comfortable, but again slippery. Given the success of Hankook's latest summer tires, we can expect a lot more from this model!
Bridgestone Blizzak VRX
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (57 sizes from 175/70 R13 to 255/45 R19) | |
| Speed index | S (180 km/h) |
| Load index | 91 (615 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 9,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 53 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
Friction tires Bridgestone on the background of European models are modest. In theory, the microporous tread rubber should remove moisture from the ice surface, thereby increasing the coefficient of grip. However, in practice, grip on ice is clearly not enough. On rolled snow the situation is better. But if you leave a snowdrift with slippage, then the Blizzak VRX is a poor helper. But on asphalt, these tires work perfectly: on a dry surface, the braking distance is minimal! So, we recommend them for large cities, albeit with some reservations.
Yokohama iceGuard iG60
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (113 sizes from 135/80 R13 to 245/40 R20) | |
| Speed index | Q (160 km/h) |
| Load index | 91 (615 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 54 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
The iceGuard iG60 friction clutches are a new model. The asymmetric tread, traditional for Japanese tires, demonstrates an average level of grip on ice, but at the same time provides a good balance in corners: there is no obvious tendency to drift or skid. On the snow, we were pleased with the traction of the tires. But the grip on asphalt is not enough - especially on wet. So the Yokohama iceGuard iG60 tires are more suitable for the outback than for large cities. And the prices are not deterred.
Nokian Nordman RS2
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (26 sizes from 155/70 R13 to 225/55 R17) | |
| Speed index | R (170 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 8,7 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 55 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The materials are slightly simpler than those of Nokian, the tread pattern is borrowed from the previous Hakkapeliitta R model. But in the final rating, the Nordman RS2 was only slightly behind the “head” Hakkapeliitta R3 model. Both on ice and on snow - clear reactions, predicted slips. On pavement, grip is slightly worse than Nokian, and bumps are felt more clearly. But the price is one and a half times lower!
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (68 sizes from 175/65 R14 to 245/35 R21) | |
| Speed index | R (170 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 8,3 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 54 |
| Manufacturer country | Finland |
Tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 work smartly on ice - when slowing down, you can even hear the characteristic rustling of the rubber edges clinging to the micro-roughness of the surface. On acceleration and braking - the best results among friction clutches! But on rolled snow, the indicators are more modest. And on asphalt, Nokian tires are inferior to the leaders both in terms of grip and comfort. So the recommendation is traditional for Nokian models: they are designed primarily for suburban use.
Prelli Ice Zero FR
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (30 sizes from 175/65 R14 to 245/50 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 8,8 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 48 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
It is gratifying that Pirelli's Russian factories do not save on raw materials: Ice Zero FR, produced in Voronezh, made a worthy competition to the class leaders. Both on ice and on snow - good traction, but, unfortunately, sharp breakdowns in sliding in corners. Sports character! And on the pavement, everything is worthy: Pirelli tires share the title of the quietest in our test with Continental friction tires.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (29 sizes from 185/60 R15 to 245/45 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 8,7 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 55 |
| Manufacturer country | Poland |
Three years ago, we recognized these tires as the best friction tires (AR #18, 2015). And now they are excellent on the ice: on a winding track they lost only to four studded models! On snow, the directional tread performs well in the longitudinal direction, but behaves slightly worse in corners. But Goodyear is great on asphalt! But in general - another worthy option for winter tires, appropriate both in the city and beyond.
Continental VicingContact 7
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (109 sizes from 155/65 R14 to 295/40 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 9,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 50 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
The pattern of the directional tread in a neat rhombus looks beautiful and works perfectly. Yes, ice results are slightly worse than those of the main competitors. But what a chic balance between performance on ice, on snow and on asphalt! Not a single puncture in the results. So, these tires are ideal for city winter operation. We especially recommend them to connoisseurs of comfort: the softest and quietest tires in our test.
GT Radial Ice Pro 3
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (17 sizes from 175/70 R14 to 225/55 R17) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 63 |
| Number of spikes | 128 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 1,12/1,27 |
| Manufacturer country | China |
Giti Tire, headquartered in Singapore, is one of the world's top dozen tire manufacturers. The main factories of the company are located in China, but tires under the Giti and GT Radial brands are also developed in Germany and the USA. However, IcePro 3 studded tires are the last century of the tire industry. The tread is as if welded from summer grades of rubber: it does not cling to ice and snow at all. And it’s scary to drive along the handling track: the loss to the test leaders from a kilometer reached 24 seconds!
Firestone Ice Cruiser 7
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (19 sizes from 175/70 R13 to 235/65 R17) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 91 (615 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 60 |
| Number of spikes | 115 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 0,83/1,02 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 tires are a replica of the budget 2010 Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 tires manufactured in Ulyanovsk. It is clear that they do not have enough stars from the winter skies: poor grip on slippery surfaces requires extremely careful driving - especially in corners. On many tires without studs you feel more confident!
On asphalt, the situation is somewhat better. But in general, we do not recommend.
Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (16 sizes from 175/70 R14 to 265/55 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 91 (615 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 56 |
| Number of spikes | 115 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 1,09/1,19 |
| Manufacturer country | Malaysia |
The novelty of Toyo Tires seems to have a modern tread pattern, and studs with a figured core, and the rubber contains crushed walnut shells. But something nuts do not help: grip on ice is mediocre, it is not easy to make the car turn. In the snow, the situation is about the same.
But you can ride on asphalt on these tires: the grip is good and there is less noise compared to other spikes.
Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (43 sizes from 175/70 R13 to 245/50 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 91 (615 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 61 |
| Number of spikes | 115 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 1,25/1,62 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
A feature of Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 tires is a noticeable increase in spike offset as they are run in and tested. At the end of the tests, some towered over the tread by 1.8 mm! But they held on tight - not a single empty hole even after a series of braking "to the floor" on dry pavement. The main driving advantage is the chic braking properties on ice. However, there are no achievements in the rest of the winter disciplines, and on the handling tracks there is a constant struggle with the drifts of the front axle. And on asphalt, the grip properties and comfort indicators, alas, leave much to be desired.
Yokohama iceGuard iG65
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (29 sizes from 205/55 R16 to 285/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 53 |
| Number of spikes | 172 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 0,68/0,94 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The new Yokohama iceGuard iG65 studded tires were developed by Japanese tire manufacturers in cooperation with specialists from the Arctic Falls test site. There is progress, but the protrusion of the spikes is not enough, and the characteristics are poorly balanced. For example, Golf on these tires accelerates well on ice, but slows down very mediocrely. And in the corners it rides like a rear-wheel drive car - all the time in a skid!
But on asphalt, these tires are one of the best! Including acoustic comfort. In the city, the best thing is if your car has a stabilization system.
Pirelli Ice Zero
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (45 sizes from 175/65 R14 to 275/35 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 9,1 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 56 |
| Number of spikes | 130 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 0,83/1,09 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Russian-made Pirelli Ice Zero tires this season did not perform as confidently as a year ago (AR No. 17, 2017). The reason for this may be not so high-quality studding: many spikes protruded above the tread by less than a millimeter before running in. And after the break-in, these tires lacked aggression on ice - especially in corners.
In the snow the situation is better. But on asphalt, the main problem of Pirelli Ice Zero tires is a low-frequency rumble in the speed range of 60-100 km / h.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (37 sizes from 175/65 R15 to 245/45 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 9,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 55 |
| Number of spikes | 130 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 1,11/1,34 |
| Manufacturer country | Poland |
Once again, we couldn't wait for the generational change of the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic tires introduced in 2012. Instead, Goodyear UltraGrip 600 budget tires are introduced to the market, designed to play the role of a “second plan” model. And the aging flagship of the Goodyear winter line continues to delight us with its tractor performance on virgin soil, excellent traction on packed snow. But the handling performance - especially on ice - is still rather weak, and the characteristic rumble of the tread poisons life when driving on asphalt.
Nokian Nordman 7
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (34 sizes from 155/80 R13 to 235/55 R17) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 9,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 58 |
| Number of spikes | 128 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 1,04/1,2 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Nordman 7 tires are the "second life" of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tires. They are produced on the same equipment as Nokian tires, but from cheaper raw materials. On ice, Nordman 7 tires, having fewer spikes, are inferior to the test leaders, but they behave perfectly on snow - they row even better on loose powder than Hakkapeliitta 9. But on asphalt they work mediocrely.
A good option for affordable studded tires for suburban use. By the way, Nordman tires are covered by a warranty: in case of unintentional damage, the dealer will provide the same tire at half price.
Gislaved Nord*Frost 200
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (75 sizes from 155/70 R13 to 275/40 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 54 |
| Number of spikes | 130 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 0,8/1,1 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
Copying the tread of the first generation ContiIceContact tyres, the Gislaved Nord*Frost 200 tires are the perfect urban studs: they are quiet enough in the toothy class and have a good balance of ice and asphalt traction. At the same time, on snow, Gislaved tires are one of the best. Reasonable (read - inexpensive) version of winter tires not only for urban, but also for suburban operation.
Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (28 sizes from 175/70 R13 to 255/40 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 8,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 54 |
| Number of spikes | 189 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 1,2/1,4 |
| Manufacturer country | South Korea |
Pre-series samples of the new Hankook RS2 tires, which we tested even before the start of official sales, left behind Continental and Nokian in terms of snow and ice - at a price one and a half times less! Unfortunately, additional testing of the Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2 commercial tires dispelled the myth of their magical properties. So for now we will refrain from recommendations - we will wait for the manufacturer's explanation and the results of the next tests, in which Hankook tires purchased through a retail network will take part.
Continental Ice Contact 2
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (78 sizes from 155/70 R13 to 245/35 R21) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,3 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 51 |
| Number of spikes | 190 |
| Protrusion of spikes, mm | 1,1/1,3 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
On ice, the Continental IceContact 2 tires provide the shortest stopping distance, but on the winding Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9, you can go faster. But on asphalt, Continental tires are quieter, and the spikes in them have additional fixation - none of the competing companies can yet master the unique technology of hot vulcanization. Given the price of the tire, IceContact 2 is a great choice! And the third generation of this model is on the way: next year, new IceContact 3 tires with rubber stud housings will go into production.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
| Dimension | 205/55R16 |
|---|---|
| (54 sizes from 175/65 R14 to 275/35 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km/h) |
| Load index | 94 (670 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 8,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, units | 53 |
| Number of spikes | 190 |
| Protrusion of spikes*, mm | 1,01/1,25 |
| Manufacturer country | Finland |
| * Before/after testing | |
Hakkapeliitta 9 with a tread equipped with two types of studs works great on ice and snow - but on asphalt it gives the car sluggish steering responses and increased noise. So Hakkapeliitta is still not the best fit for the citizens. But you should not pay attention to where Nokian tires are made - in Russia or Finland: both factories produce high quality tires, it has been verified. You can find out the best price for this tire in your city.
