The Blizzak Has The REP, But Do They STILL Deserve The Crown As BEST In Snow And Ice?

Tonight is one of those nights in the New York Tri-state region where you know it's going to go down in history. The temperatures continue to drop and it's getting downright bone chilling tonight.

As I write this, a major paper factory is up in flames nearby. The firefighters didn't have a shot. Between the wind gusts and reality that the "real feel" temps are in the negative single digits, it's a tough night. Hopefully, no one gets hurt.

This polar vortex has brought forward some concerns. Namely, which snow tires are best in breed?

For years, the Bridgestone Blizzaks have been considered the king of the snow tires. However, like all things, technology has evolved and all-new products have hit the market. What about the Pirelli Sottozero? Or, how about the Michelin X-ICE?

What say you, Spies? WHICH snow tires are you trusting when the going gets tough this winter season?

Read Article

vdiv - 1/31/2019 12:04:20 AM

+3 Boost

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
https://www.nokiantires.com/winter-tires/nokian-hakkapeliitta-r3/

qwertyfla1 - 1/31/2019 7:35:23 AM

+1 Boost

I'm a Michelin man myself X-Ice and a second set of summer feet. The Michelins have saved me from a few would be accidents over the years whereas drivers behind me couldn't avoid the pile up in front of me as I was able to quickly dart around the mayhem. Yes you pay a premium but they ride better, wear better and grip better but I find they dry rot fast too but that's a non issue with me as I drive 50K/year.

Nokia make great tires too at a fraction of the Michelin cost but I've never had great luck with Bridgestones or Pirellis.

MDarringer - 1/31/2019 8:03:40 AM

-1 Boost

"I'm a Michelin man myself..." LOL You have an obese belly?

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/31/2019 9:18:39 AM

+4 Boost

Nokian Rotiiva AT Plus.

leftfootbrake - 1/31/2019 10:56:42 AM

+3 Boost

From my experience, the performance of Blizzaks (non SUV models) drops off drastically into the 3rd season (average mileage) of use. I have a set on an MDX that are still performing well into their 6th season (~20K miles).

I was fairly impressed with the X-Ice 3's that I ran for 2 winters. Right now, I am on a used set of General Arctic Altimax (came with a set a wheels I bought). They're not quite as good as the X-Ice, but not that far off and a much better value.

I've never had the opportunity to try Hakka's, but always wanted to.

malba2367 - 1/31/2019 6:59:39 PM

+1 Boost

Blizzaks always are the best in snow performance on tire rack tests. 3 seasons is not bad out a set of winter tires...the snow performance of all winter tires starts to decline pretty significantly when you get to 6/32nds tread.