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Which tire is better - studded or non-studded?



Car owners always have to choose the make and model of winter tires. By the beginning of the season, we traditionally present the results of testing snow tires. Winter tires "fought" for leadership beyond the Arctic Circle. Among the competitors – eleven non-studded and eleven studded tires of different brands of the dimension 205/55 R16. Test results are very interesting. Studded tires starting to perform better and better on the asphalt, and non-studded, ie friction tires behaved well not only in the snow, but performed better on the ice as well. So, who was the leader in this year?

Studded Tires

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5
Rating: 9.0
From Nokian tire in the test performed is the familiar model Hakkapeliitta 5, which this season have improved. The efforts of the developers have focused primarily on reducing noise than suffering before restyling version. As a result, the fifth generation Hakkapeliitta become a leader in the class of studded tires. Coupling properties of this model as an excellent on snow and ice, ie, it is suitable for driving in the most severe winter conditions. True, the characteristics of the tires on the asphalt medium. For abrupt maneuvers it soft, and even on the asphalt of its behavior could be better. But this did not prevent the company Nokian Tyres to establish new standards for traction in the class of studded snow tires.



Michelin X-Ice North
Rating: 8.9
Company Michelin has not become a winner, as last year, but did not consider themselves defeated. Her model X-Ice North remains excellent tire for all types of winter roads. She is good on the ice, which behaves predictably and does not make much strain. The snow, the model is a little behind the leader. But it also provides ease of management on the winter road, although it is not suitable for sporting drive, requiring precise "answer" during sharp maneuvers. On asphalt X-Ice North behaves with confidence and is one of the most "quiet" studded tires. In general, X-Ice North Michelin - a worthy choice for the winter.



Continental ContiWinterViking 2
Rating: 8.4
Products Continental for several years remains in the list of top tire. Do not change the situation and this year, but two of its competitors are beginning to go forward with improved traction on ice and snow. However, ContiWinterViking 2 remains a good winter tire, which is due to a balance of properties and good responsiveness when maneuvering provides ease of control on snow and ice. Complaints about this product is only when driving on winter roads broken. But on the pavement, as the wet and dry, ContiWinterViking 2 - one of the best studded tires. Noise is heard while driving course, but the cabin is not particularly felt.



Gislaved Nord Frost 5
Rating: 8.4
Brand Gislaved acquired Concern Continental, so the product of these two brands are manufactured in the same factories in Germany. Not surprisingly, the winter tires of the stamps in the final table received the same rating. Gislaved Nord Frost 5 tenaciously clings to the ice, combining within the coupling properties of calm behavior and good handling. The snow, it is also good, although because of the increased obedience steering may surprises. However, different coupling properties can constantly monitor the car. But on dry pavement, these properties can be lost more quickly than the driver expects, especially during extreme maneuvers.



Goodyear Ultra Grip Extreme
Rating: 8.3
The Company has granted to test a completely new model Ultra Grip Extreme. Results are generally good, although for the new items he could be better. Coupling properties of ice are good, but the two leaders Extreme inferior. The snow tires also not leading, but the main advantage of the new products from Goodyear - behavior while driving, which combine the sensitivity of control and stability. New shows good traction characteristics on the asphalt, and when driving through the slush was the best. On dry pavement problems may occur during sharp maneuvers - in very difficult situations coupling properties can lose both the front and rear wheels. The new model will be a good choice for winter roads, especially in the changeable weather.



Vredestein Icetrac
Rating: 8.3
Vredestein Tires occupied good positions, located near the competition leaders. Icetrac testers presented a whole bunch of emotions. On the ice, the tire is effective, showing good traction characteristics in different situations. This model can be attributed to the tires with a sports-oriented, which differ with improved responsiveness while working the wheel. The snow traction characteristics worse than the leaders. This tire is able to behave unpredictably. At slush characteristics as the average. But on the asphalt Icetrac was the best. Unfortunately, the tire hit the list of the most noisy. But while its creators have demonstrated that you can still give equally good winter tire traction characteristics and on the ice, and on the pavement.



Pirelli Winter Carving Edge
Rating: 7.9
Pirelli was on the border between the leaders and laggards tire tests. Its properties as grip on the ice and the snow is worse in comparison with the top brands. She has a sporty character, and it allows us not to be afraid of speed, but because of the increased "obedience" steering, especially on snow can present surprises. On rough roads Winter Carving Edge behaves unstable, but provides high accuracy control in resetting. In the wet and dry pavement tire behaves better than the snow and ice, allowing the driver to easily control the situation. But the noise of product Pirelli an outsider.



Bridgestone Noranza 2
Rating: 7.7
Winter tire from this company clearly outdated. Good results in tests of previous years remained in the past. On the ice coupling properties Noranza 2 very well, which provides ease of management. But when they lose traction quickly regain control of the vehicle fails. The snow Bridgestone loses due to a lack of good coupling properties in the longitudinal direction. But in the transverse direction of tire works well in providing good controllability. On rough roads Noranza 2 is unstable, and when changing lanes on dry pavement rather slow. Besides the tire quite noisy. The average results in all kinds of tests correspond to the situation in the final table.



Hankook I * Pike
Rating: 7.7
Company Hankook does not apply to expensive premium brands now. So blame the bus I * Pike for the lack of excellent traction both on the ice and snow is hardly worth - you just need to drive more carefully. When driving may suddenly start sliding. On dry pavement tire a little better, but can also start to slip, but rather tough and in most situations behaves logically. Hankook has received the highest mark for driving on slush. At the broken roads of winter tire does not provide good stability. The low estimate, this model has received and for the increased noise.



Barum Norpolaris
Rating: 6.8
Company Barum in tests of winter tires last years presented a number of surprises, challenging the more expensive competitors. This year's production of this brand again surprised, but, unfortunately, unpleasant. Obviously, this happened because of changes in production technology or strategy. Tenacity of the tread and studs on the ice is much weaker than the leaders. The snow Norpolaris far behind as during acceleration and braking. Due to poor traction on winter surfaces to ride with caution. Barum and bad in mud, and on the pavement. Good properties of tire shown only when braking on wet asphalt.



Kingstar W411
Rating: 6.3
Chinese product Kingstar completes rating list studded tires. This tire was the worst in almost all kinds of tests. Obviously, its developers are the real tests to forget, or would find that riding on their tires as the winter cover and on the asphalt - this extreme. Kingstar provides neither a normal stability or controllability. Normally, only the inhibitory properties of the ice and on the pavement. Even experienced drivers find it very difficult to drive the car without good tires. In terms of tire noise, too, an outsider. With such performance data on winter tires are best used in schools driving skills on the lessons of winter driving.

Non-studded (friction) Tires

Continental ContiVikingContact
Rating: 7.8
Continental ContiVikingContact testers were surprised by the fact that its coupling properties are very close to studded tires - outsiders test. The greatest achievement of product Continental - the balance of characteristics. It is very difficult to create friction winter tire with good traction on ice, and on the pavement. Continental engineers managed to do it. On the ice tire behaves predictably and sensibly. Tenacity remains within certain limits, although the occurrence of sliding back car obedience is much more complicated than in the case of studded tires. The snow ContiVikingContact easily and accurately controlled wheel. A similar summary and on the asphalt, except for the stopping distance, where she showed the result is average.



Gislaved Soft Frost 2
Rating: 7.8
Winter tire Gislaved overall received the same evaluation as non-studded Continental. But Soft Frost 2 is more suited for ice and snow, rather than asphalt and snow slush. On the ice this product one of the best, but in the snow - the absolute leader. Soft Frost 2 in any situation which results in good governance and sustainability. Although asphalt tire shows delayed reaction to the administration, and on steep slopes can be surprises. Another plus - this model is very quiet. This non-studded tire can be the best option for those who avoid spikes.



Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi
Rating: 7.4
Nokian Tyres Company, until recently, been invincible on non-studded tire traction on ice. And despite the fact that its competitors are bypassed, it is still good as on the ice and snow. This tire without any surprises provides a calm and precise control of the vehicle. Even if you exceed the speed limit, RSi allows you to control the situation. There arises the claims to the bus and while riding on dirt, and the level of noise is among the most "quiet". Problems may arise on the pavement, especially wet. Here, the braking distance big. On the dry road during sharp maneuvers tire can slip. Third place in the tough competition - a good result.



Bridgestone
Rating: 7.3
Non-studded Bridgestone tire well made in all kinds of tests. Features Blizzak Nordic WN-01 reasonably balanced - nothing lead, but not seriously loses. On the ice and snow makes it easy to control the border loss coupling properties. If you started skidding, return the car handling is a breeze. Bridgestone tire provides good stability on rough roads. But asphalt for Blizzak Nordic WN-01 - is not her element. Manageability is not very good, and coupling properties of the medium. There can be claims to the product Bridgestone in terms of noise. Although it is quieter than studded tires, but louder than mates.



Dunlop Graspic
Rating: 7.1
The greatest emphasis in the development of Dunlop tires put on the coupling properties of the ice. That was its main advantage. Tenacity on the ice is so good that Dunlop can challenge even some studded tires. But for success at the winter avtopoligone not enough. On a snow tire was almost the worst, especially in extreme situations. Range of tenacity is very small, a tire begins to slip suddenly and adjust with the path is very difficult. But in the snowy slush Graspic behave decently. And good management ensures the model and on dry pavement. Buying this bus, we should not forget about the imbalance of its characteristics.



Michelin X-Ice
Rating: 7.0
In the category of products non-studded tires Michelin has been in the middle. Reason - Model X-Ice is obsolete. Traction tire is not enough for all types of winter roads. On the ice and snow Michelin behaves well until the moment when the driver begins to brake, accelerate rapidly or sharply maneuver. Slipping is followed very quickly, and to restore control over the machine requires time and space. Good one - with the X-Ice-controlled car and slide the rear wheels is rare. On the pavement the tire shows slow reaction. In the mud it is also not as effective as leaders. The result - the average position in the final table.



Toyo Garit G4
Rating: 6.8
Japanese Toyo showed good performance in the snow. Stopping small, manageable competitive rates. But on the ice turns into a lack of traction problems, especially the sudden sliding. The situation is similar to asphalt. In critical situations, a firm contact with the road may be lost too easily, and regain control of the machine is not so simple. Garit G4 - very quiet tire, but its inhibitory properties on wet coating is unacceptable.



Vredestein Nord-Trac
Rating: 6.9
Neshipovannaya tire under the brand Vredestein not seem good results. Coupling properties in the severest winter conditions, it is not particularly outstanding. Braking distance on ice big, and drive the car with these tires is difficult, because it is itself unpredictable. Accuracy control bus provides, but may start suddenly slip. At the snow situation is slightly better - the stopping distance at the level of competition, and drive the car easier. On asphalt tire quiet and in different types of tests are well managed. But this winter, unfortunately, not enough. With this bus will require caution, especially on ice.



Kumho Ice Power KW 21
Rating: 6.7
Kumho Tire on the results proved in the end of the list in almost all ice tests. Ice Power KW 21 is not well kept in the ice, so drive the car hard. Nevertheless, the bus is not portraying the sudden surprises. The snow, this visitor from Korea behaves better - good stops and accelerates the car, but in case of slip control of the situation difficult. Asphalt tire Kumho also something not like it, so at this coverage, it slows down and not well managed.



Yokohama Ice Guard ic20
Rating: 6.6
Another Japanese tire - Yokohama beyond the Arctic Circle brilliant results not shown. Some potential it has shown only on the snowy roads of where her tenacity in the longitudinal direction was at an acceptable level. However, good brakes and accelerates the winter road is not enough, you must still ensure the handling and stability, but here there is nothing to boast of. On the ice Ice Guard ic20 noticeably losing many of its competitors. The same is true in tests on the asphalt. Only low noise and good behavior while driving on slush turned out at a decent level.



Pirelli Icestorm
Rating: 6.2
A surprise for all was that the Pirelli tire showed no positive qualities. Unfortunately, the winter product from the famous European manufacturer was the worst in tests non-studded tires. In many respects Icestorm worse than others as on the ice and snow, and on the asphalt. Only on dry asphalt with good handling and accurate response, it can help the driver.