Finnish tires have always been renowned for their quality. So the tires immediately took the lead, showing the best results in 13 indicators out of 16 in the tests conducted by "Behind the Wheel". Compared to last year's Hakkapeliitta 7 wheels, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 has an almost 50% increase in the number of anti-skid studs, as well as a change in the pattern of their location on the tread, as a result of which no stud overlaps the adjacent one. In addition, the new cleat shape avoids excessive deflection of the cleat under load, ensuring maximum grip. Thanks to this, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires provide the opportunity to achieve the highest level of wheel grip both on ice and on snow. In addition, the Hakkapeliitta 8 offers excellent crossover flotation and easy handling on asphalt.
Another newcomer to the market from Finland is the tires that won in. These tires are based on an innovative rubber compound with an abundance of crystalline multi-faceted particles with a deep bedding layer, resulting in the quality of tire grip road surface does not decrease as the tread wears off. Nokian tires Hakkapeliitta R2 are perfect for the winter season, avoid unnecessary fuel consumption and provide a high acoustic comfort while driving. Of weak points Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 has average braking performance on open asphalt.
Tires are yet another highlight in the lineup of new products for the upcoming 2013-2014 winter season. These tires have been built virtually from scratch using a range of new design and manufacturing technologies that have taken tire quality to the next level. First of all, we note the use of new, overload-resistant Cross-Edge Pins with the function of self-cleaning of the sipes from snow and ice dust. The Blizzak Spike-01 also features a new cross-groove tread pattern with wider intersections, and added shoulder grooves to enhance the off-road performance of the tire.
The tires are no less technologically advanced, although they belong to the class of non-studded winter tires. To create them, an improved Multi-Cell Compound rubber compound was applied, and the tread was developed using a new generation of design software... Blizzak VRX tires were primarily designed as effective means anti-snow, and therefore the tread received two specialized patterns - an arrow-shaped one for uniform traction with the road and a specially shaped cross grooves that provide a firm grip on snow-covered surfaces. Both patterns are located asymmetrically in relation to each other, which significantly increases efficiency off-road qualities Blizzak VRX tires.
The tires (which "for some reason" did not take part in the testing "Behind the Wheel") are one of the few specially designed for harsh and frosty winter conditions with roads constantly covered with ice or snow. The new shape of the studs, as well as their improved retention, allow for reliable grip on the road both on snow and on rolling ice. In addition, Michelin X-Ice North 3 tires perfectly resist possible car drifts without negatively affecting handling and directional stability. The third generation of these tires combines many new Michelin innovations (the Smart Stud System includes a new thermosetting rubber compound in the tread of ThermoActive Tread Compound, as well as Ice Powder Remover technology and Michelin tapered stud). The result is a 10% reduction in braking distance on ice and a 25% improvement in stud retention ... but the stronger sidewall in the new generation Michelin X-Ice North provides greater safety for longer periods.
Another spiked novelty of the 2013-2014 season is. This rubber features an all-new Pirelli Dual Stud technology, featuring a long, double tungsten carbide core, a flat outer surface to prevent premature wear, and a wide multi-directional base at the base of the stud to optimize load distribution and reduce mobility. The spike of Pirelli Ice Zero tires has a bi-directional "double claw" shape that allows it to more effectively "bite" into the icy road surface, providing a high level of cross-country ability even in dense and high snow layer.
The new tires are designed to provide unrivaled grip on icy roads and effective braking on snowy surfaces. Their new lightweight aluminum studs with a high-strength hex core and a reinforced base are excellent for handling overloads and providing the necessary level of traction when driving on snowy roads. Formula Ice winter tires have a more frequent stud pattern than a standard winter tire, which gives the new tire better performance in terms of emergency braking on a winter road. The new directional tread pattern with wide lateral grooves and a bi-directional center rib provides excellent handling on any surface, as well as quick removal of snow or water from the contact area of \u200b\u200bthe tire with the road.
We conclude our review of the new products for the upcoming winter season with Swedish tires, designed in cooperation with the German company Continental and positioned as premium tires. It is curious that in the Nord Frost 100 tires, the developers were forced not to increase, but to reduce the number of studs due to the new requirements of the European Union. As a result, the advanced technology for the production of "three-beam" spikes "Tikka Spikes" with a reinforced base structure was born. In addition, the arrangement of the studs on the tread and their orientation relative to each other has changed. As a result, the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 tires demonstrate simply impressive braking performance on snow or ice covered roads, as well as provide excellent maneuverability and directional stability of the car in winter road conditions. True, we note that you will have to pay for this with slightly increased fuel consumption. The tread pattern of the Nord Frost 100 tires has also undergone a significant transformation: the central rib with oblique grooves is made of a harder rubber compound, which guarantees stability on the road, and the side zones are equipped with a large number of specially shaped diagonal grooves for more efficient removal of wet snow.
So, with a list of the main novelties of winter tires for the 2013/2014 season on russian market we got to know each other, now it's time to decide on the rating based on the results of in-depth testing conducted by the specialists of the magazine "Behind the Wheel". We will not go into technical details and talk about testing methods, you can independently familiarize yourself with these data in the September issue of the magazine "Behind the Wheel". We will give the final rating, dividing it separately into studded and non-studded tires (tires R14 175/65 were tested).
The best studded winter tires 2013-2014 (according to the results of the "Behind the Wheel" tests):
- Continental ContiIceContact
- Michelin X-Ice North 2
- Gislaved NordFrost 100
- Nordman 4
- Kama Euro 519 *
- Cordiant Polar 2
- Amtel Nordmaster ST
* New winter tires Kama Euro 519 have been tested outside the official classification, as they represent an experimental batch of tires from a well-known russian manufacturer and, at the time of testing, were not yet available for retail sale.
The best studless winter tires 2013-2014 (based on the "Behind the Wheel" tests):
- Michelin x-ice 3
- Continental CVC 5
- Nordman RS
- Bridgestone Bizzak Revo GZ
- Pirelli Winter IceControl
- Cordiant Winter Drive
- Yokohama iceGUARD IG50
In conclusion, we would like to remind you once again that you can find detailed information about the testing methods and the exact results of this rating of winter tires in the September issue of the magazine "Za Rulem".
The car market offers huge assortment tires, it is very difficult to choose the best ones. Therefore, to simplify the choice of motorists, independent experts draw up ratings of winter tires, they indicate the advantages and disadvantages of tires of various brands.
In the winter season, drivers have a question: "to stud or not to stud tires?" Studded products are designed for a harsh winter, provide normal stability of the car when driving on ice or deep snow. Non-studded tires are not only suitable for driving on icy or snow-covered roads, they can be used on dry or wet road surfaces. There is an alternative option - these are the so-called "Velcro", they have a large sipe of the tread blocks, this design, in the absence of studs, ensures the stability of the car on snow or ice. Which of these tires is better depends on the driver's preferences and vehicle operating conditions.
When choosing tires for the winter on your own, use the ratings of winter tires, when they are compiled by independent experts, the following characteristics of tires of various brands are taken into account:
- braking distance of a car on a dry, snow-covered, slushy, ice-covered road;
- maximum vehicle acceleration;
- fuel consumption;
- rubber noise;
- driving comfort.
Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of rubber of different brands allows us to determine the leaders in the production of quality tires.
Leaders and outsiders of budget classes of studded tires
First place
Sava Eskimo Stud BusThe tires are designed for extreme winter conditions, occupying a leading position among models of budget tire classes. It contains a silicon-containing polymer that provides elastic properties of products at a sufficiently low ambient temperature.
Benefits:
- low noise;
- stability of the machine on ice, snow, dry and wet asphalt;
- average course stability.
Disadvantages: average handling, course stability when testing on a wet road surface.
Second place
Tire Matador MP30 Sibir Ice 2 The tires are designed in compliance with international standards and taking into account the peculiarities of the Russian climate. The rubber composition provides elasticity, resistance of products to low-temperature operating conditions.
Advantages:
- wear resistance;
- low weight thanks to the use of aluminum spikes;
- good acceleration on winter roads;
- small braking distance on wet and dry road surfaces;
- average grip on ice and snow.
Disadvantages:
- average course stability and handling on ice-covered roads;
- noisy.
Third place
Tire Cordiant Snow Cross These tires are designed for the harsh Russian winters. The wear resistance of products is ensured by the presence of silicon in the rubber composition. These tires proved to be excellent when driving on packed snow, even surpassed the middle class tires in some parameters.
Advantages:
- medium braking on the road covered with ice;
- good acceleration on packed snow and icy road surface;
- average exchange rate stability among the test participants.
Disadvantages:
- not the shortest braking on dry and wet asphalt surfaces;
- the studs protrude strongly, creating additional noise while driving;
- increased fuel consumption when moving the car at high speeds;
- there is a chance of getting stuck while driving on loose snow.
Fourth place
Rubber Kama Euro 519 Structurally, tires consist of two layers of rubber. One makes the studs resistant to falling out, the other makes the tires elastic at very low temperatures.
Benefits:
- fast braking on snow and dry asphalt;
- average cross-country ability on winter roads;
Disadvantages:
- increased braking on icy roads and wet asphalt;
- tires react slowly to steering commands;
- low stability on snowy, icy roads.
Fifth place
Tire Viatti Brina Nordico V-522 The products have an asymmetric tread pattern for traction on the road surface. The outer part of the tread ensures the stability of the machine when cornering.
Benefits:
- good course stability of the car on a road covered with snow;
- elasticity.
Disadvantages:
- for all types of testing, tires have shown low results;
- increased braking on any kind of road surface;
- a small patch of rubber contact with the surface when driving on ice.
Leaders and outsiders of the middle class of studded tires
First place
Tires Hankook W419 iPike RS These tires have a unique rubber compound that provides increased rubber elasticity at fairly low temperatures. Silicon, which is part of the rubber, increases the wear resistance of the products.
Advantages:
- good braking performance on winter roads;
- excellent adhesion of tires to the road surface when driving on rolled snow or a road covered with a shallow snow layer;
- ensure the vehicle's course stability when driving on asphalt;
- help to reduce fuel consumption;
- high wear resistance.
Disadvantages:
- poor maneuverability while driving on slush or road surface covered with snow porridge;
- unpredictability of tires when performing maneuvers on dry asphalt;
- not the quietest rubber.
Second place
Tires Gislaved Nord Frost 200 The rubber was developed by a Swedish company using new technologies. The improvement in the performance of these tires when testing on a snowy road is provided by a large number of small tread blocks. The tread lamellae have a different design, providing greater grip of the rubber with the road surface.
Benefits:
- provide confident movement of the car on a snow-covered or snow-covered road;
- good braking performance on asphalt;
- tires practically do not make noise;
Disadvantages:
- tires react to steering commands with a slight delay;
- poor handling on icy tracks.
Third place
Tire Nordman 5 The tires are designed with a special protector that provides good grip tires with road surface. The design feature of the tread is the location in its central part of the longitudinal rib, which has edges in the form of zigzags - this improves the course stability of the car.
Benefits:
- light spikes that reduce the weight of the product;
- good braking performance on snow-covered or ice-covered road surfaces;
- help to reduce fuel consumption.
Disadvantages:
- in comparison with competitors, controllability is not the highest;
- poor braking performance on dry asphalt surfaces;
- the weak side of the tread is often damaged;
- noisy.
Fourth place
Tire Yokohama IceGuard Stud IG55 Developed with a special tread design that provides good grip of the tires with the road surface. The studs are located along the surface of the product in such a way as to reduce the amount of noise while driving.
Advantages:
- a good indicator of course stability and controllability;
- spikes rarely fly out due to their deep planting in rubber;
- practically silent.
Disadvantages:
- the indicator of braking on an icy or snowy road is not the highest among competitors;
- poor permeability on a surface with icy tracks;
- average course stability while driving on asphalt road surface.
Fifth place
Tire Kumho WinterCraft ice WI31 The tire tread is covered with a large number of sipes to ensure a good adhesion of the tires to the road surface. The aramid fibers in the tires give them rigidity and serve as micropips.
Benefits:
- excellent performance when driving on dry and wet asphalt surfaces;
- deep-set studs reduce rubber noise;
- good performance on packed snow.
Disadvantages:
- weak braking on ice;
- slipping on snow gruel;
- low handling on a snowy road.
Conclusion
The ratings of winter tires determine the top-best manufacturers, allow you to choose the most suitable tire option for a specific car and its operating conditions. It should be borne in mind that the winner does not always match the characteristics of the vehicle operating conditions, and outsiders, in most cases, behave well when driving around the city.
Also consider the standard tire sizes recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and the matching tires and wheels. As a rule, it is possible to install discs with a larger diameter and rubber with a lower profile, for example, discs with a radius of R14 can be replaced with R15 or R16 by choosing the appropriate rubber.
In the USA, closer to the north of Detroit (about 300 miles from Detroit), various tests of winter, popular tires were carried out lineup 2013-2014 years. The ship brought 11 pairs of various winter tires - and six of them with spikes, and five without any spikes, in common use velcro. For subsequent tests, a standard Hyundai Sonata was used, the wheel sizes of which are 215/55 R17 (R16 in the factory version). During the tests, the driver of this car was the well-known racing driver Richard May, who previously tested winter tires for, SUVs and station wagons.
Read also:
Tires tested:
Out-of-competition tests:
Before testing, all tires were checked and weighed, and also checked the hardness of the rubber, compared the speed index and measured the entire outreach of the studs. We checked the strength and all seemingly unimportant parts of the tires, since the tests are not easy, and some are even very dangerous.
Testing was done on ice as this is the best way to test and evaluate braking distances and acceleration dynamics. Eight races were required for each test tire. The best test results, as you might have guessed, showed the studded tires! - This was expected by everyone and this did not surprise anyone, but the following indicators are truly amazing ...
Surprisingly and shockingly, the Yokohama and Hankook brands, when all testing conditions are considered, performed the worst. - After that, repeated testing was carried out, which showed that the brands should find their place in the last rows of the test result. - The results leave much to be desired ...
Some of the most popular tires in the Far East are Toyo and Dunlop. These tires do not have spikes, which are commonly called "Velcro". - However, during testing they did not show themselves with Velcro, and despite the fact that all tests took place at a temperature of minus 9 degrees, they simply did not have a chance.
Later, the next day of testing, when the thermometer showed only one degree above zero, and all tests for the tires of numb spikes were repeated. The tires slipped ... The best result was 34.7 meters, and on the last day of testing the results reached only 16-19 meters. The acceleration speed has doubled! The reason for such misunderstandings was water, which on the first day of testing was formed at the point of contact of tires with ice. Finally, Japanese technologies were able to really show themselves and an excellent result was obtained - which is really amazing! Dunlop tires performed well, while Toyo tires failed to perform better, even after repeated testing at 1 ° C.
It is also necessary to separately highlight the Michelin X-lсe 2 tires, which showed good results regardless of weather conditions. It is a versatile tire that is recommended for everyday driving today.
So, three test leaders who showed the best results: Nokian, Continental, Michelin. Unfortunately and even to a great surprise, the Michelin X-lсe 2 tires did not show the best result. Many were surprised by this, because they made a big bet. This led to the conclusion that these tires perform better in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. And the use of Michelin X-lсe 2 in the transverse direction is not recommended by many specialists and experts who also did not expect such results from this brand.
The track on which all the tests took place was periodically checked and some changes were made. It was easier and easier to determine the test results of snow tires. The snow cover was stable, the area was much larger, which is why each brand of tires had to carry out 12-14 runs. The best results have been shown by Michelin tires, which are considered to be among the best tires for snow. Studless X-Ice 2 turned out to be the best during acceleration. When braking, the best results were shown by studded tires X-lce Nоrth. Tests have shown that nothing depends on the spikes on the training ground!
The authors of the testing were amazed at the result of Sonata, which had automatic transmission programs and showed their results, which already spoke for themselves. It turned out that the tires run freely and quickly on the snow, and at the same time the driver gets great pleasure!
But the Continental ContilceContact and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tires proved to be indispensable for traction on icy and slippery roads.
Miсhelin tires have proven to be the best choice for urban, everyday driving, and have proven reliable handling.
Also, after all the tests, one more test was carried out on the loss of thorns. It turned out that not one brand lost a single one during the entire testing period, which actually amazed many journalists who watched the whole process.
This testing dispelled the myth that studded tires perform worse than non-studded tires on asphalt tracks.
The last test was the slashplaning resistance. A special Volkswagen Transporter is involved in this test. The car must drive onto the asphalt covered with 3.5 cm thick snow, and accelerate until it loses absolute contact with a generally hard surface. In this test, only speed was important, and it was considered the speed of the beginning of the slash. Сontinentаl СntiViking Сontact 5 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 - showed best result in this testing. No one imagined that these two brands would be the most persistent in this test.
All tests were evaluated on a ten-point scale and here they are the test winners:
The best studded tires turned out to be the Nokian Hakkapeliittа 7 tires, with a very small gap the following tires lagged behind: Michelin X-lсe Nоrth 2 and Сontinentаl Сontinentаl СontilсeContact, which are almost also winners!
The best non-studded tires turned out to be CоntiVikingContact 5. Then comes the Nоkian Hаkkаpеliitta R, which is only 0.05 points behind the winner - CоntiVikingContact 5.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
- Winner of tests "Behind the wheel" and "Auto Review"
- New directional and symmetrical pattern
- New design and concept of Nokian Eco Stud 8.
- Noise on par with studless tires
Nokian Hakapelita 8 price in Moscow
R14 from 3700 rubR15 from 4400 rub
R16 from 6950 rub
R17 from 8900 rub
R18 from 11000 rub
Michelin X-Ice North XIN3 price in Moscow
R14 not supplied
R15 from 4600 rub
R16 from 5500 rub
R17 from 8900 rub
R18 from 9900 rub
Gislaved NordFrost 100 price in Moscow
Price in Moscow:
R14 from 2400 rub
R15 from 3000 rub
R16 from 4300 rub
R17 from 6500 rub
R18 from 8400 rub
Continental Conti4x4IceContact
Continental Conti4x4IceContact price in Moscow
R14 not supplied
R15 from 5500 rub
R16 from 6000 rub
R17 from 8400 rub
R18 from 9900 rub
Verzhinsky Alexander Anatolievich 394
And then winter suddenly crept up again. Many car owners are wondering again what tires they should install for this season. Where is the line between optimal ride quality and adequate, reasonable price... Let's talk about everything in order.
Naturally, not only car owners, but also rubber manufacturers thought about the coming winter. A huge number of new products will appear on store shelves. In order to make it easier for you to decide which one to choose, this review was written. In order for the opinion to be objective, this article is based on the tests of experts from the well-known magazine "Za Rulem".
Let's start with Finnish tires:
This rubber, as we all know, is famous for its quality and excellent behavior on winter roads.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tops the studded rubber rating. If we turn to the tests of the magazine "Behind the wheel", we will see that this tire confidently leads in 13 tests out of 16. How do they differ from previous generation? First, the number of spikes has been increased. Their number has increased by almost 50%. Secondly, their location on the bus itself has changed. Now they do not overlap for even better traction. Finally, the shape of the cleats has been redesigned to prevent excessive deflection and to extend the service life. Thanks to all these changes, the grip of the tire has been improved, both on ice surfaces and on snowy roads.
 |
Tire shop | 3 840 RUB | |
 |
kolesa-darom | 4 860 RUB | |
 |
Tire shop | 2 690 RUB |
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is another novelty that holds the first place among studless tires. The whole secret of the remarkable performance properties of this tire is in its composition. They are made from a rubber compound with the addition of crystalline polyhedral particles. Thanks to this composition, the quality of grip properties of this tire does not decrease as a result of tread wear. The advantages of this rubber can also be attributed to high acoustic comfort and reduced fuel consumption, compared to its "toothy" counterparts. Naturally, there are also disadvantages, for example, this tire shows slightly weaker results when braking on asphalt.
 |
Tires-Wheels | 9 943 RUB | |
 |
kolesa-darom | 5 980 RUB |
Japanese tires:
Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01. A prominent representative of Japanese winter tires. This tire was created using high technology. It is worth noting the innovative shape of the spikes. They were made cruciform, which made it possible to increase the threshold for overloads acting on the spikes. Also, the unique shape of the spikes helps to clean the slats from snow and ice dust. On the plus side, I would like to note the new tread pattern with cross and shoulder grooves, which adds off-road properties to the tire.
 |
Black tires | 5 750 RUB | |
 |
master-shina.ru | 6 500 RUB | |
 |
S-Shina | 5,030 RUB |
The Bridgestone Blizzak VRX is also one of the leading non-studded Japanese winter tires. An improved Multi-Cell Compound was used to create these tires. The protector was completely developed using the latest software. This rubber was designed mainly to combat snowy surfaces. It combines two completely different tread patterns. The first one is swept for uniform traction. The second is the cross grooves that provide a stable and firm grip on the snowy surface. Both patterns are implemented asymmetrically on the tire to effectively improve off-road properties.
 |
Black tires | 11 450 RUB | |
 |
kolesa-darom | 9 240 RUB | |
 |
Tires-Wheels | 11 795 RUB |
French tires:
The Michelin X-Ice North 3 is one of the few tires designed specifically for low temperatures and snowy ice surfaces. A special feature of this rubber is the new shape of the studs. It is she who provides excellent grip of the car with the road, both on snow and on rolled ice. This type of rubber has excellent skid resistance without negatively affecting handling. This tire combines an innovative smart spike design with a new thermosetting rubber compound. The result is a 10% shorter stopping distance and stronger stud retention. Also, the tire has a reinforced sidewall, which provides an increased level of safety and resistance to wear.
 |
kolesa-darom | 5 590 RUB | |
 |
kolesa-darom | 3 720 RUB | |
 |
Italian tires:
New for the 2013-2014 season is Pirelli Ice Zero. In the production of its product, Pirelli has applied a new rubber studding technology. All cleats are now supported by a double reinforced tungsten carbide core. Their base became wider, which had a positive effect on load distribution. In addition, the spike itself has acquired a bi-directional shape, which allows more successful contact with both ice cover and snow.
 |
The new Pirelli Formula Ice tires have been specially designed for excellent ice grip and superior braking performance on snow. The studs used in this tire differ from the usual ones in that they have a high-strength hex core and are made of aluminum. Thanks to this, they can easily cope with overloads. Also, the difference from other winter tires is the more frequent arrangement of studs, which has a positive effect on braking distance, acceleration dynamics and tire stability on any surfaces. If we add to all this a new tread pattern, which contributes to the effective removal of water and snow from the contact patch, then we get an almost perfect winter tire.
Conclusions:
And, finally, we present the test results of the automobile magazine "Za Rulem". Many tests were carried out, based on which the tires received rating points. In the end, the points were added up and the best tire was determined. For convenience, the results are divided into two main groups - the first is studded winter tires, the second is non-studded.
Group # 1:
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
2. Continental ContiIceContact
3. Michelin X-Ice North 2
4. Gislaved NordFrost 100
6. Kama Euro 519
7. Cordiant Polar 2
8. Amtel Nordmaster ST
Group # 2:
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
2. Michelin X-Ice 3
3. Continental CVC 5
5. Bridgestone Bizzak Revo GZ
6. Pirelli Winter IceControl
7. Cordiant Winter Drive
8. Yokohama iceGUARD IG50
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Winter car tires play an important role in driving safety. Complex road conditions and negative temperatures require special characteristics of rubber - it must be soft, not tan in the cold, the tread is good at removing excess moisture and snow from the contact patch, and spikes are needed for stability on icy road sections.
The review presents the most best tires for winter, which can be purchased on the domestic market. The rating is based on feedback from the owners, the declared characteristics of the product and the opinions of auto service specialists who have great experience work with tires of different manufacturers. For the convenience of the reader, the information has been divided into several of the most popular groups. The average price was calculated based on the cost of R 15 tires, excluding the last category. For SUVs and crossovers, price offers for tires with a landing size R 16 were taken into account.
Best inexpensive winter studded tires
4 Nokian Tires Nordman 7
High wear resistance
Country: Finland
Average price: 3330 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The tires of this brand are designed for the Russian winter and have practically no negative reviews, with the exception of acoustic characteristics. Like all studded tires, Nokian Tires Nordman 7 makes a lot of noise, especially on asphalt. With proper running-in, the level of sound irritation decreases and becomes quite bearable. In addition, the performance of this budget tire is excellent (it is a complete analogue of the legendary Xakka 7). The tires are very soft and show excellent stability and handling on winter roads.
The directional swept protector provides high steering sensitivity, and the anchor-type studs keep the car perfectly on the ice. Operation in the off-season at above-zero temperatures is fraught with tearing out the bumps in front of the steel rods (so-called bear paws) due to too soft rubber. For the same reason, the tire has a slightly weak sidewall, which is easy to damage if hit at speed in a large pothole with sharp edges. At the same time, tread wear due to composite components occurs rather slowly - even with intensive use, tires can last 4 or more seasons, and careful driving on bare asphalt will allow you to keep the integrity and studding of this rubber.
3 Gislaved NordFrost 200
User choice
Country: Sweden (produced in Russia)
Average price: 3813 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The tire manufacturer of this brand has direct access to the developments of the world leader Continental, which allowed the created products of the budget category to compete on equal terms with more expensive tires. Studded winter tires are designed for operation in harsh weather conditions and are excellent for most regions of our country. Appearing on sale at the end of 2016, these tires instantly became popular with many owners. Unlike its predecessor, the NordFrost 200 has a directional asymmetric tread pattern reminiscent of one of the first ContiIceContact tires.
The reinforced outer part stabilizes the tire position in corners and improves road holding on winter roads. The tread pattern also reduces aquaplaning, successfully removing a large amount of liquid or slush from the contact patch. In the reviews of the owners, high ratings were awarded to thorns with several faces (outwardly they look like a truncated star). They literally "bite" into the ice, making steering and braking on difficult terrain significantly more efficient than many competing counterparts.
2 Sava Eskimo STUD
Low cost
Country: Slovenia
Average price: 3185 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The ideal tire model for those looking for acceptable quality for favorable price... Sava Eskimo STUD cannot be called a top-end tire, but this is exactly the rare case when pro tests reflect the true essence of the tested sample. First, it is worth noting the external beauty - it is clear that the tread pattern was developed not without a creative look and creative thought. Secondly, good grip characteristics. Many car enthusiasts say that the tires are equally good on dry, snowy and even icy surfaces. Moreover, it is noted low interest loss of thorns, even after several seasons of use. There is deformation, but losses are minimal.
In fact, on bare asphalt the Sava Eskimo STUD does not behave so confidently, which is strikingly different from driving on a winter road covered with snow - when braking, they literally slip due to the studded tread. In addition, the noise level leaves much to be desired, and it is almost impossible to get used to the constant hum. Nevertheless, most owners in their reviews positively assess the performance of this rubber, and the affordable price more than compensates for the features of these tires.
The eternal question is which winter tires are better - studded or not studded (Velcro). Each type of tire has its own pros and cons, which the following table will tell you about:
|
Type of winter tires |
||
|
Studded |
Have increased cross-country ability Shorter braking distances and faster acceleration on slippery roads compared to Velcro Better grip on snowy and icy road surfaces Less chance of drifts on snowy roads |
Increased noise High fuel consumption At high negative temperatures, they lose efficiency On clean tracks, the studs contribute to accelerated rubber wear |
|
Not spiked (Velcro) |
Soft, due to which the contact area of \u200b\u200bthe wheel with the track increases Better dry grip than studded tires Elastic - do not "freeze" at low negative temperatures Low noise compared to studded More economical in terms of fuel consumption |
Icy grip is worse than studded Reduced handling and increased braking distance on wet roads during the thaw |
1 Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419
Better stability and flotation for affordable price
Country: South Korea
Average price: 3320 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Despite the initial skepticism of domestic motorists regarding the consumer characteristics of the Hankook Winter i * Pike RS, after the first experience of using the tires of this model they almost always receive high marks. Their element is cleared, icy and slippery snow-covered roads, the passage of which is ensured by the presence of spikes and a large contact area of \u200b\u200bthe wheel with the surface. On the other hand, the large number of sharp edges on the tread provides good flotation of the loose deep snow, typical for off-road. Thus, the Hankook Winter i * Pike RS is perfectly balanced and inexpensive tire, suitable both for city roads and for unpaved country roads.
The owners' reviews indicate an excessive noise level, which increases with increasing speed, but in the case of proper running in, acoustic vibrations will not be very annoying. At the same time, almost all users are satisfied with the behavior of rubber in winter conditions, and believe that tires are one of the most worthy in the budget segment. Along with excellent flotation, the tires exhibit low rolling resistance (economical) and do not wear out as quickly as many might expect. With a careful driving style, these shoes for cars will probably last 3-4 seasons, or even longer.
The best winter studded tires: price-quality
The category contains the best studded tires of the more expensive segment. Excellent performance characteristics, which demonstrated these models to their owners, make it possible to assert that all of them are definitely worth the stated amounts.
4 Michelin X-Ice North 4
The fastest winter tire. Low noise level
Country: France
Average price: 4340 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The Michelin X-Ice North 4 did not make it to the top of the rankings, but deservedly ranks among the best studded tires. Tire performance is reasonably balanced, and despite the spiked tread, the tires are virtually silent while driving. Demonstrating predictable behavior on the winter road, last year's novelty is particularly distinguished by its stability on ice and when driving on snow slush. Immunity to low temperatures has reached a new mark - the glass transition of the rubber compound occurs at -65 ° C, which allows the tires to be safely operated in the Far North.
The optimized tread pattern and record number of non-slip studs (250!) Provide the best grip on winter roads. Steel rods are specially designed to duplicate rally tire lugs for complete confidence in handling slippery surface... In addition, in their reviews, the owners pay attention to the high resistance to external factors (chemical stability to road reagents and resistance to shock loads). The deep sipes demonstrate the properties of Velcro tires and together with the studs create the most reliable grip, which is crucial for winter conditions.
3 Pirelli Ice Zero
The most wear-resistant
Country: Italy
Average price: 3730 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The recognized leader among studded tires, Pirelli Ice Zero, has absorbed all the best from the previous enchanting models. Wide longitudinal and transverse grooves are designed specifically for efficient removal of snow and slush, so the tires do not "pick and choose" when driving on roads with such a surface. Thanks to the massive side blocks, the tires have good grip and are able to effectively get out of the rut. All this - ideal characteristics for driving on dirt roads and off-road, which unequivocally hints about the priority of using Ice Zero.
The only visible drawback is the stiffness of the rubber - largely because of this component, a lot of noise appears when driving, as well as a slight instability on clean dry asphalt. Despite this, the drivers liked the immunity to possible external damage - hitting potholes with sharp edges at speed will not have fatal consequences for the tire. In addition, the slow tread wear will allow the Pirelli Ice Zero tires to operate for a long time, provided the owner observes the rules for storing rubber in the off-season.
2 Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic
User choice. Excellent stability
Country: USA
Average price: 3869 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
One of best types rubber for a harsh winter. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic has been designed with the realities of arctic weather conditions in mind, which is fully reflected in its capabilities. The feeling of movement control is close to ideal, without unpleasant surprises in the form of unforeseen drifts either on snow-covered or icy tracks. The braking speed is also not bad - from 40 kilometers per hour the braking distance on bare ice is about 27-30 meters. Alas, Ice Arctic does not behave as well on urban asphalt as in off-road conditions. The handling is still stable, but you have to steer when cornering to balance and prevent the car from skidding.
Despite this, there are a lot of positive ratings in the reviews of the owners, which allows us to consider this winter tires one of the best. The presence of composite impurities in the composition of raw materials used for the production of tires ensures a long service life, which does not affect the degree of tire softness at all. This characteristic overlaps many times possible drawbacks, which, against the background of an openly dumping price, do not even have the slightest significance.
1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
The best ratio of price and quality
Country: Finland
Average price: 5096 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The undisputed market leader in studded winter tires impresses with its ability to keep the car on the road. Whether it's snow, ice or slush under the wheels, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tires offer the best handling and shortest braking distances on ice. Location additional row spikes closer to the outer edge allows you to confidently enter turns - despite the fact that it is winter outside, the car on this rubber behaves the same as in summer.
The directional tread, studded with two different types of steel tips, has been redesigned and demonstrates better directional stability. Until now, this technology has been used exclusively on sports tires and was not available to the average consumer. In the reviews, the owners express their sincere satisfaction with the new properties of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 rubber, which was able to demonstrate incredible performance on winter surfaces. Plus, modern design seat studs provide a comfortable noise level. The use of the new Green ElastoProof raw material base guarantees the elasticity of the rubber at low temperatures and demonstrates high tear resistance.
Best inexpensive winter Velcro tires (non-studded)
This category presents the best Velcro tires for winter. Distinctive feature These models have a budget cost that favorably emphasizes the performance characteristics of the tires, making them the most requested and popular among urban motorists.
4 Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2
Best price
Country: China
Average price: 2750 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.4
It is surprising that the Chinese non-studded velcro tire has the most affordable price, while demonstrating the characteristics of more expensive European analogues. Moreover, with an increase in the landing size, the difference in cost becomes simply enormous and can reach several times. At the same time, judging by the feedback from the owners, the Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 demonstrates excellent handling on a winter road and effective braking on snow. Without studs, behavior on ice is predictably dangerous, so for a driver who chooses the right speed limit, this will not be an unpleasant discovery.
While maintaining an affordable price, rubber manufacturers used the experience of leading European brands. Aggressive directional tread design with clear shoulder separation provides stable handling and informative steering, while the block architecture provides excellent acceleration dynamics. At the same time, the rubber compound does not tan and retains its elasticity in severe frosts.
3 Maxxis SP02 Arctic Trekker
Good stability on dry roads. Low noise
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 2795 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.4
Low-cost friction tires from a Chinese manufacturer, used by both motorsport enthusiasts and ordinary warriors. Not to say that in terms of quality they are comparable to the more famous brand models, but the performance is quite good. First of all, the durability is worth noting. Tires calmly roll back two or three winter seasons, after which they safely leave for a well-deserved rest.
They are harsh, which does not have a very good effect during severe frosts - the rubber literally “dubs” and the grip deteriorates. But down to -25 ° C, it feels good - you can't go sweepingly on ice, but handling is good on snow-covered and clean tracks. Bottom line: The Maxxis SP02 Arctic Trekker is a decent and affordable tire that can replace most brand designs without compromising performance car. In addition, they are quite quiet and for urban conditions are considered one of the most attractive options among budget proposals.
2 Yokohama Ice Guard IG30
Popular inexpensive Velcro
Country: Japan
Average price: 3550 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
A very popular set of tires, the production of which is spread over a huge territory. This fact is the main problem of this particular model. Russian car enthusiasts complain about the semblance of a game of "Russian roulette" - if you get an original Japanese set, you are lucky. In other cases, one should just hope for the best. Judging by the original, the Ice Guard IG30 combines excellent handling and cross-country ability on snowy tracks, as well as a comfortable ride in city conditions. On the ice, confidence in driving does not arise, but scolding Velcro for this is the last thing.
Despite this erratic behavior in owner reviews, the tire is predominantly rated with positive side... An attractive price and low noise level play an important role in the popularity of rubber in the domestic market, which is not the least important when operating in urban conditions. In addition, the Yokohama Ice Guard IG30 holds the winter road well on high speed and wears out slowly - with a careful driving style, it lasts for more than 5-6 seasons (with proper storage).
1 Toyo Observe GSi-5 HP
Better winter grip
Country: Japan
Average price: 3400 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0
Among the budgetary studless rubber Toyo Observe GSi-5 HP stands out for its high wear resistance and low noise level. Designed for harsh operating conditions, the tire performs well on icy or snow-covered roads, and retains reliable grip in icy, melted slurry or on wet asphalt. Confident maneuvering is provided by a directional tread with multiple stiffening ribs, which provide excellent acceleration and braking dynamics in winter conditions.
The performance of these velcro tires on ice has been appreciated by most owners. In their reviews, many also highlight excellent directional stability, and a short braking distance for slippery road thanks to deep lamellas made using different technologies. The alternation of soft and hard blocks in the tread pattern also favorably distinguishes Toyo Observe GSi-5 HP tires, increasing the contact area of \u200b\u200bthe rubber with the road when maneuvering.
The best winter velcro tires (non-studded): price - quality
For trips around the winter city, tires from this category are perfect for those owners for whom the cost of a tire is of secondary importance. Velcro tires with the best quality / price ratio are presented in this part of our ranking.
4 Continental ContiViking Contact 6
The most secure grip
Country: Germany
Average price: 4975 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Non studded rubber from renowned manufacturer did not appear at the top of the rating only because of its price, which lacks democracy a little. The tires are ideal for the winter road, and although they are Velcro, they are effective both in the city and on the highway. Reliable grip in corners is provided by a pronounced shoulder zone, made according to a block scheme, which, with increasing loads, engages all new tread blocks, increasing the contact area with the road.
The inner part of the working surface is responsible not only for directional stability, but also for efficient passage on loose snow. Here, the lamellas are much stiffer, and the evacuation channels are equipped with bridges to prevent sticking under excessive loads. In the reviews, the owners note excellent braking parameters on bare ice - a huge number of lamellas do their job, a little, of course, yielding to studded counterparts.
3 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
Excellent cross-country ability
Country: Finland
Average price: 3800 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
A unique friction tire, which features a tread configuration and a special rubber composition. Indeed, the Finnish company used a new technology for the production of the tire material - Nokian Cryo Crystall - the main innovation of which is the introduction of diamond-like solid crystals into the composition, which improve grip on the road surface. This is especially well felt on ice - the car confidently picks up speed and decelerates, while not experiencing instability and without losing control. However, there is one factor holding back consumers from buying these tires in R 18 and larger sizes - the high cost, which is, however, fully justified by production costs.
For mid-range car owners, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 does not stand out from its closest competitors apart from its performance. In numerous reviews of drivers who have tested this rubber on ice, there is one remark - quickly getting used to reliable grip in winter, many users forget that the tires are not studded. As a result, excessive requirements for braking distance on icy road sections, however, this does not apply to the disadvantages of rubber.
2 Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ
Better behavior on bad roads (snow, ice, mud)
Country: Japan
Average price: 4310 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
Inexpensive tires from a Japanese brand, ideal for driving in adverse weather conditions. The Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ performs excellently on icy, snowy and muddy trails. High efficiency of movement largely depends on the number and size of grooves that drain snow and water from under the tire, as well as its microporosity.
The latter, along with the special, soft, rubber composition plays a very important role in the durability of the kit, since the abrasion of the layer leads to the formation of new open pores. The high quality of workmanship is also supported by an attractive price for users. This is one of the best stickies on the wide domestic market. This quality and reliability has been appreciated by many owners. Almost unanimously in the reviews left bridgestone tires Blizzak Revo GZ are considered the best choice. The efficiency of the behavior on the winter road and the long service life are a good reason for such a popularity for choosing.
1 Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2
The quietest
Country: USA
Average price: 3950 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The line of Ultra Grip tires from the American concern Goodyear is famous not only for its magnificent studded models. Ice 2 is a phenomenal velcro, suitable for all weather conditions of the Russian winter. The greatest strength of these tires is the urban road surface. It doesn't matter whether it is snowy, icy or perfectly dry, Ice 2 feels great everywhere. Acceleration from a snowy "mush" (worse only from ice) does not require much effort, as well as braking.
Tires perfectly hold the road, do not contribute to driving from side to side and the occurrence of unforeseen drifts. And in terms of noise, everything is fine too - soft rubber gives a large area of \u200b\u200bcontact with the asphalt surface, and therefore the noise is leveled to very small values. This feature and amazing obedience in management, judging by the reviews, like the owners goodyear rubber Ultra Grip Ice 2 is the most. During operation in completely different conditions, including climatic ones, no obvious deficiencies were found in these tires.
Best winter tires for an SUV (crossover)
Winter crossover tires have to take into account the weight and power of these vehicles, which is why the reinforced sidewall is the hallmark of all SUV tires. The category presents the best models for winter use.
4 Pirelli Scorpion Winter
The best choice for urban crossovers
Country: Italy
Average price: 10,090 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Italian crossover Velcro tires are among the quietest crossover tires, and are designed for warm winters or big metropolitan conditions. The directional tread pattern, densely dotted with multidirectional sipes, provides really good grip on loose snow, in a slush, and even tries to stay on ice. The latter is quite feasible with the optimal choice speed mode... The non-studded tread on bare asphalt (a common thing in urban conditions in winter) behaves perfectly - it is quiet and provides effective braking.
Owners leaving reviews are generally happy with the behavior Pirelli scorpion Winter - rubber is durable and with careful use it will last a long time without damage. In terms of driving performance, this is an excellent choice for the city or southern regions, with relatively warm European winters. It was not originally designed for operation in conditions with “waist-deep snowdrifts”.
3 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV
Low noise tires. One of the best-selling in the Nokian line
Country: Finland
Average price: 11,740 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Despite the release of an updated model (Hakka 9), it is too early to write off this rubber. It is hardly possible to find a more suitable "shoe" for a crossover, which is used exclusively for its intended purpose. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV tires have taken the place of some of the most best models for SUVs, and they are unlikely to give up this title for a good few years. There are many remarkable things in them. Firstly, the craftsmen from Nokian re-thought the concept of studding, carefully reworking the flange and placing a so-called "pillow" under it, due to which the base of the stud is completely immersed in the rubber profile, leaving only the central composite rod on the surface.
Secondly, they changed the composition of the rubber, made it coarser for better grip on ice and snow. All this splendor has a decent price, but it is worth it to get it. The wear resistance and low noise level (which is an amazing feature for studded tires) have provided additional benefits that off-road vehicle owners pay no less attention to. Despite the high cost, users who have tested rubber on the job confidently declare that these tires are worth their money.
2 Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02
The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: Japan
Average price: 7220 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The inexpensive Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 tires have earned extremely high ratings from users. This attribute of SUVs is ideally suited to fulfill their assigned role, for which the Japanese manufacturer should be given credit. Wide grooves and massive diamond-shaped blocks provide excellent snow evacuation from under the wheel, and reinforced studs cut perfectly into the ice, thereby increasing grip and handling on straight road sections.
The central part of the tread, made in the form of alternating wedges, is responsible for the smooth entry into bends. The only significant drawback of the model is the noise, which, nevertheless, is inherent in all studded tires. Owners are impressed by the effective grip on any winter surface. In the reviews, many deservedly consider the Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 one of the best crossover studded tires, allowing you to enjoy high-speed driving on a winter road.
1 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Best braking performance
Country: Japan
Average price: 8455 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Surprising fact: The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 friction tire (Velcro) has one of the best braking performance on crushed snow. Moreover, it confidently keeps the trajectory on the icy track, does not wobble and deviates very weakly from the given direction even with fast acceleration. This is facilitated by the original "two-section" tread pattern, conventionally divided into central and lateral parts, separated from each other by wide radial grooves. The chevron run of the side blocks ensures the already good removal of snow and moisture from the contact area, and the irregular position of those in the center has a positive effect on the stability of SUVs when entering corners.
Low cost and good performance make this tire model a profitable purchase. In addition, the tread feature demonstrates good cross-country ability on difficult road sections. Many owners are attracted by the high strength of the sidewall and slow wear - the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 has served SUV owners for a long time. The qualities listed above, judging by the reviews, are considered the most outstanding characteristics of these tires, which practically do not have any weaknesses.
