So, this year, I banked big and bought the test-winning studded tires from Nokian (Hakapeliita 8). And let me tell you, I don't think I'm going back to studless tires ever, unless studded tires suddenly become illegal here.
- The grip and handling-ability on ice is unmatched. Everyone who sais that studless tires have come such a long way that there almost isn't a difference anymore has never tried a studded tire and should shut up. Especially the difference in brake-ability on ice is huge. Studded tires outperform studless in any icy-condition, that is for sure and any other claim is wrong. these tires really have given me confidence that no other studless tire has before.
Nokian's I've just put on the Hakk R2s for this winter. I was running WRG2s which I was thoroughly impressed with.
Car and Driver tested several studless snows and Nokian killed the competition
I have a set of 16" rims on order that will be getting Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 winter tires (205/55R16). They'll be getting installed at the end of October, after the car arrives.
I replaced them with Nokian Z-lines and I am loving it (cheaper too!)
I'm currently running Nokian eTyer02's A/S <700/AA Rating> on the stock 17''s. With regard to our marvelous New England weather (CT) in the winter- It's either going to be (Bridgestone)Blizzacks, (Nokian) Hakkapeliittas, or (Gislaved) NordFrosts. All on my stock wheels. I used to be a huge Goodyear and Continental Fan. Things changed. Getting older with two in college I sharpen my pencils often to get the absolute best while keeping as much $ in my pocket.
Everybody has their favorites based on dynamic values i.e., cost, grab & release, noise, and/or life of tire. I just completed a modified Cannonball Run with my daughter on her Spring Break from college. Near the end of our 2,300 mile run we arrived one night in Niagara Falls with 34 degrees and slick rain. When we left the following day we cruised south to NYC via Wyoming County NY which was 78 degrees and sunny. We made it to NYC a day later in pouring rain. My Nokian enTyers were superb! Quiet, all weather dominance, and (Subjectively) a slow wear rate. The OEM Continentals had a firmer sidewall and turned in great fuel mileage but the Nokians earned my loyalty with how quiet they are.
Interesting, still doesent change the fact that Nokian makes insane winter-tires, studded or not. Their lifespan is not as good as other brands, but when they're new, damn do they stick well.
All I know is the Hakkapeliitta R2s on my Volvo grip harder than the Michelin all seasons that were on it when I bought the thing in ALL conditions, even in the dry. They're significantly less responsive, but I mean they're winter tires, with those massive gaps between the tread blocks they're gonna feel a bit squidgy. IDGAF what the CEOs are doing, it's still a damn good tire. I got through every bit of snow I attempted that wasn't higher than my actual ground clearance, they're fucking great.
I can echo the feelings of the dry pavement handling, coming around a corner with a bit of enthusiasm you can feel the car start to slide around. I'm sure once the snow and ice come the trade-off will be justified, but fairly unnerving in the dry to say the least.
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