A place |
Name |
Feature Rating |
1 | Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419 | Better stability and throughput at an affordable price. |
2 | Sava Eskimo STUD | Low cost |
3 | Gislaved NordFrost 200 | User selection |
4 | Nokian Tires Nordman 7 | High wear resistance |
1 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 | The best ratio of price and quality |
2 | Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic | Selection of users. Excellent stability |
3 | Pirelli Ice Zero | The most wear-resistant |
4 | Michelin X-Ice North 4 | The fastest winter tire. Low noise |
1 | Toyo Observe GSi-5 HP | The best grip on the winter road |
2 | Yokohama Ice Guard IG30 | Popular cheap stickies |
3 | Maxxis SP02 Arctic Trekker | Good stability on a dry track. Low noise |
4 | Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 | Best price |
1 | Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2 | The quietest |
2 | Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ | The best behavior on the "bad" road (snow, ice, mud) |
3 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 | Excellent cross |
4 | Continental ContiViking Contact 6 | The most reliable grip |
1 | Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 | The best indicator on braking |
2 | Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 | The optimum ratio of price and quality |
3 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV | Low noise tires. Some of the best-selling in the line "Nokian" |
4 | Pirelli Scorpion Winter | The best choice for urban crossovers |
See also:
Winter tires for the car play an important role in driving safety. Difficult road conditions and negative temperatures require special characteristics of rubber - it should be soft, not dub in the cold, the protector should be well removed from the contact patch excess moisture and snow, and for stability on icy road sections need spikes.
The review presents the best tires for winter, which can be purchased on the domestic market. The rating is based on the feedback of the owners, the declared characteristics of the product and the opinions of car maintenance specialists who have extensive experience working with tires from different manufacturers. For the convenience of the reader, the information was fragmented into several of the most sought-after groups. The average price was calculated based on the cost of tires with a diameter of R 15, with the exception of the latter category. For SUVs and crossovers, price proposals for tires with a seating size of R 16 were taken into account.
Best cheap winter studded tires
In the category are reliable and inexpensive studs with studded tread, which are very popular among car owners.
4 Nokian Tires Nordman 7
A country: Finland
Average price: 3330 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
Tires of this brand are designed for the Russian winter and practically have no negative reviews, with the exception of acoustic characteristics. Like all studded tires, the Nokian Tires Nordman 7 is very noisy, especially on asphalt. When properly run-in, the level of sound irritation decreases and becomes quite tolerable. In addition, the performance of this budget tires are at a height (this is a complete analog of the legendary Xakka 7). Rubber is very soft, and on the winter road shows excellent stability and handling.
The directional arrow-shaped protector provides high sensitivity of the steering wheel, and the anchor-type spikes perfectly hold the car on ice. Operation in the offseason at a positive temperature is fraught with tearing up the hillocks in front of steel rods (so-called bear paws) because of too soft rubber. For the same reason, the tire has a slightly weak sidewall, which is easily damaged by hitting a large pothole at a speed with sharp edges. At the same time, tread wear due to composite components occurs rather slowly - even with intensive use of a tire, 4 or more seasons can serve, and careful driving on bare asphalt will help to maintain the integrity and spinning of this rubber.
3 Gislaved NordFrost 200
A 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. Winter studded tires designed to operate in harsh weather conditions and is great for most regions of our country. Appearing at the end of 2016 for sale, these tires instantly became popular with many owners. Unlike the previous model, the NordFrost 200 has a directional asymmetric tread that resembles one of the first ContiIceContact tires.
The reinforced outer part stabilizes the position of the tires in turns and improves road holding on the winter road. The tread pattern also reduces aquaplaning, successfully removing large amounts of fluid or snow porridge from the contact patch. In the reviews of the owners of high marks awarded thorns, having several faces (looks like a truncated star). They literally “bite” on the ice, making driving and braking on difficult areas much more efficient than many competing counterparts.
2 Sava Eskimo STUD
A country: Slovenia
Average price: 3185 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The ideal tire model for those who are looking for acceptable quality at a reasonable price. Sava Eskimo STUD can not be called a top tire, but this is the rare case when pro tests reflect the true nature of the sample being tested. 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 motorists say that tires are equally good on dry, snowy and even icy surfaces. Moreover, there is a low percentage of spike loss, even after several seasons of use. Deformation - is, however losses are minimum.
In fact, on bare asphalt, the Sava Eskimo STUD behaves not so confidently that it is very different from driving on a winter road covered with snow - when braking they literally slide because of the studded tread. In addition, the noise level leaves much to be desired, and getting used to the constant hum is almost impossible. Nevertheless, the majority of owners in their reviews positively evaluate 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 (sticky). Each type of tire has its advantages and disadvantages, which will be described in the following table:
Type of winter tires |
pros |
Minuses |
Studded |
+ Have a high cross + Compared with Velcro, less stopping distance and quick acceleration on slippery roads + Better grip with snowy and icy road surface + Less chance of drifts on snowy roads |
- Increased noise - High fuel consumption - At high negative temperatures lose efficiency - On clean tracks, spikes contribute to accelerated rubber wear. |
Not studded (Velcro) |
+ Soft, due to which the contact area of the wheel with the track increases + Dry road grip is better than studded tires. + Elastic - do not “freeze” at low negative temperatures + Low noise compared to studded + More economical in terms of fuel consumption |
- Grip on icy road is worse than studded - Controllability worsens and braking distance on wet roads increases during the thaw period |
1 Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419
A 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 tire, this model almost always receives high marks. Their elements are polished, icy and slippery snow-covered roads, the passage of which is ensured by the presence of spikes and a large area of contact between the wheel and the surface.On the other hand, a large number of sharp edges on the tread provides good permeability of loose deep snow, characteristic of off-road. Thus, the Hankook Winter i * Pike RS is a perfectly balanced and inexpensive tire, suitable for both urban roads and for unpaved country canvases.
In the reviews of the owners indicated an excessive noise level, which increases with increasing speed, but in the case of a 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 among the most worthy in the budget segment. Along with excellent maneuverability, tires exhibit low rolling resistance (economical) and do not wear out as fast as many expect from them. With a neat driving style, this shoe for a car will probably last 3-4 seasons, or even more.
The best winter studded tires: price-quality
The category has the best studded tires in the more expensive segment. Excellent performance characteristics, which demonstrated these models to their owners, suggest that they are definitely worth the stated amount.
4 Michelin X-Ice North 4
A country: France
Average price: 4340 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Michelin X-Ice North 4 was not in the top lines of the rating, but it is deservedly among the best studded tires. The performance of the tires is fairly balanced, and, despite the tread with spikes, the tires practically do not make noise during the movement. Demonstrating predictable behavior on the winter road, the novelty of last year is particularly distinguished by its stability on ice and when driving in a snow slush. Immunity to low temperatures has reached a new mark - the glass transition of the rubber mixture occurs at -65 ° C, which allows you to safely operate tires in the Far North.
Optimized tread and a record number of anti-skid studs (250!) Provide the best grip on the winter road. Steel rods have a special design that duplicates tips for rally tires, thereby achieving complete confidence in driving on slippery surfaces. In addition, in their reviews, the owners pay attention to high resistance to external factors (chemical stability to road chemicals and resistance to shock loads). Deep lamellas demonstrate the properties of velcro tires and create, together with spikes, the most reliable grip that is crucial for winter conditions.
3 Pirelli Ice Zero
A country: Italy
Average price: 3730 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The recognized leader among studded tires, the Pirelli Ice Zero, has absorbed all the best from previous fabulous models. Wide longitudinal and transverse grooves are designed specifically for effective removal of snow and snow porridge, so the tires "do not pick and choose" when driving on the road with such a surface. Thanks to the massive side blocks, tires have good tenacity and can effectively get out of the rut. All these are ideal characteristics for driving on dirt roads and off-road, which unambiguously hints about the priority of using Ice Zero.
The only visible drawback is the stiffness of the rubber - largely due to this component when driving there is a lot of noise, as well as a slight instability on clean, dry asphalt. Despite this, the drivers came across the liking of immunity to possible external damage - hitting the holes with sharp edges at speed would not have fatal consequences for the tire. In addition, the slow wear of the tread will allow the Pirelli Ice Zero tires to be used for a long time, provided the owner observes the rules for storing rubber in the off-season.
2 Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic
A country: USA
Average price: 3869 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
One of the best types of rubber for a harsh winter.Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic was developed taking into account the realities of the arctic weather conditions, which fully affected its capabilities. The feeling of control of the movement is close to perfect, without unpleasant surprises in the form of unforeseen drifts on snowy or icy roads. The braking speed is also not bad - from 40 kilometers per hour the stopping distance on bare ice is about 27-30 meters. Alas, on the urban asphalt Ice Arctic behaves not so great as in off-road conditions. Handling is still stable, but cornering you have to tax to catch the balance and do not let the car in a small skid.
Despite this, in the reviews of the owners there is a lot of positive ratings, which allows us to consider this winter rubber as one of the best. The presence of composite impurities in the composition of the raw materials used for the production of tires ensures a long service life that does not at all affect the degree of softness of tires. This characteristic repeatedly overlaps the possible disadvantages that, against the background of frankly dumping prices, are not even the slightest value.
1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
A country: Finland
Average price: 5096 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The undisputed market leader in studded winter tires is striking in its ability to keep a car on the road. Whether snow, ice or slush under the wheels, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tires provide better handling and demonstrate the shortest stopping distance on ice. The location of an additional row of spikes closer to the outer edge allows you to confidently enter the turns - despite the fact that it is winter outside, the car on this rubber behaves the same way as in summer.
A directional tread studded with two different types of steel lugs has received a new pattern and demonstrates the best 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 efficiency on the winter surface. In addition, the modern design of the spikes seat provides a comfortable level of noise. The use of the new raw material basis Green ElastoProof ensures the preservation of the elasticity of rubber at low temperatures and demonstrates high resistance to tearing.
Best cheap winter velcro tires (non-studded)
This category contains the best velcro tires for winter. A distinctive feature of these models is the budget cost, which favorably emphasizes the performance of tires, making them the most popular and popular among urban motorists.
4 Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2
A country: China
Average price: 2750 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.4
Surprisingly, the Chinese non-studded velcro tire has the most affordable price, while demonstrating the characteristics of more expensive European counterparts. Moreover, with an increase in the size of the landing, the cost difference becomes simply huge and can reach several times. At the same time, judging by the reviews of the owners, Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 demonstrates excellent handling on the winter road and effective braking on the snow. Without spikes, behavior on ice is predictably dangerous, so for a driver who chooses the speed limit correctly, this will not be an unpleasant discovery.
Having kept an affordable price, rubber manufacturers used the experience of leading European brands. Aggressive directional tread design with a clear separation of the shoulder areas provides a stable behavior and informative steering, and the block architecture gives excellent acceleration dynamics. At the same time, the rubber mixture does not tan and retains its elasticity during severe frosts.
3 Maxxis SP02 Arctic Trekker
A country: Taiwan
Average price: 2795 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.4
Low-cost friction tires from the Chinese manufacturer, used by both motorsport enthusiasts and ordinary warriors.Not to say that in terms of quality, they are comparable with the more well-known brand samples, but the operational characteristics are very good. First of all, it is worth noting durability. Tires calmly roll back two or three winter seasons, after which they safely retire.
They are harsh, which doesn’t have a good effect during hard frosts - the tires literally "dubeet" and grip deteriorates. But it feels good up to -25 ° C - you can’t sweep the ice over the ice, but on snowy and clear roads the handling is good. As a result: the Maxxis SP02 Arctic Trekker is a good and affordable tire model that can replace most brand-name samples without compromising vehicle performance. In addition, they are fairly quiet and for urban conditions are considered one of the most attractive options among the budget proposals.
2 Yokohama Ice Guard IG30
A 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 motorists complain about the similarity of the game of "Russian roulette" - if you get the original, Japanese kit, you are lucky. In other cases, you should just hope for the best. Judging by the original, the Ice Guard IG30 combines excellent handling and cross-country performance on snowy sections of roads, as well as a comfortable ride in the city. There is no confidence in driving on the ice, but blaming “stickies” for this is the last thing.
Despite this unsustainable behavior in the reviews of the owners of the tire is mainly evaluated on the positive side. Not the last role in the popularity of rubber in the domestic market is played by an attractive price and low noise level, which, when operating in the city, is not the last value. In addition, Yokohama Ice Guard IG30 keeps the winter road at high speed well and wears out slowly - with a neat way of driving it lasts more than 5-6 seasons (with proper storage).
1 Toyo Observe GSi-5 HP
A country: Japan
Average price: 3400 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
Among the budget non-studded rubber, the Toyo Observe GSi-5 HP stands out for its high wear resistance and low noise. Designed for harsh operating conditions, the tire behaves well on icy or snowy roads, and in icy melted porridge or on wet asphalt, it maintains a good grip. Confident maneuvering provides directional tread with many stiffeners, which provide excellent acceleration and deceleration dynamics in winter conditions.
The effectiveness of these velcro tires on ice was enjoyed by most owners. In their reviews, many also distinguish excellent road holding, and a short stopping distance on a slippery road due to deep lamellae made using different technologies. The alternation of soft and hard blocks in the tread pattern also favorably distinguishes the Toyo Observe GSi-5 HP tires, increasing the contact area of the rubber with the road when maneuvering.
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 ratio of quality and price are presented in this part of our rating.
4 Continental ContiViking Contact 6
A country: Germany
Average price: 4975 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Non-studded tires from a well-known manufacturer did not appear at the top of the rating just because of its price, which is a little lacking in democracy. Tires are ideal for winter roads, and, despite the fact that they are sticky, they are effective both in the city and on the highway. Reliable grip in corners provides a pronounced shoulder area, made according to the block scheme, which, with increasing loads, involves all new tread strips, increasing the contact area with the road.
The inner part of the working surface is responsible not only for directional stability, but also for the effective passage through the loose snow. Here, the lamellae are much tougher, and the evacuation channels are equipped with jumpers to prevent sticking under excessive loads. In the reviews, the owners point out excellent braking parameters on bare ice - a huge number of lamellae does its job, a little, of course, yielding studded counterparts.
3 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
A country: Finland
Average price: 3800 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Unique friction tire, a feature of which is the tread configuration and special rubber composition. Indeed, the Finnish company used a new technology for manufacturing the tire material - Nokian Cryo Crystall - the main innovation of which is the introduction of diamond-like solid crystals that improve adhesion to the road surface. This is especially well felt in icy conditions - the car confidently picks up speed and slows down, without experiencing instability and without losing control. However, there is one factor deterring consumers from buying these tires in sizes of R 18 and more - the high cost, which, however, is fully justified by production costs.
For owners of middle class cars Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 does not stand out among the closest competitors, except for their performance. In the numerous reviews of drivers who have experienced this rubber on ice, there is one remark - quickly getting used to reliable grip in winter, many users forget that the tires are non-studded. As a result, there are excessive demands on the braking distance on icy road sections, but this is by no means a disadvantage of rubber.
2 Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ
A country: Japan
Average price: 4310 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
Cheap tires from a Japanese brand, ideal for driving in adverse weather conditions. Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ shows excellent results when driving on icy, snowy and muddy tracks. The high efficiency of the movement largely depends on the number and size of the grooves that divert snow and water from under the tire, as well as its microporosity.
The latter, along with a special, soft, rubber compound, plays a very important role in the durability of using the kit, since abrasion of the layer leads to the formation of new open pores. The high quality of performance is also supported by an attractive price for users. This is one of the best velcro on the wide domestic market. Such quality and reliability have been appreciated by many owners. Almost unanimously in the reviews left, the Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ tires are considered the best choice. Efficiency behavior on the winter road and a long service life are a good reason for determining such popularity for choice.
1 Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2
A country: USA
Average price: 3950 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The Ultra Grip tire line from Goodyear, an American concern, is famous not only for its excellent studded models. Ice 2 is a phenomenal sticky stitch suitable for all weather conditions of the Russian winter. The strongest side of these tires is the urban roadbed. It doesn't matter whether it is snowy, icy or ideally dry - “Ice 2” feels great everywhere. Acceleration from the snow "porridge" (worse only from the ice) does not require much effort, as well as braking.
Tires perfectly keep the road, do not contribute to driving the car from side to side and the occurrence of unforeseen drifts. Yes, and in terms of noise, too, everything is fine - soft rubber gives a large area of contact with asphalt pavement, and therefore the noise is leveled to very small values. This feature and amazing obedience in the management, judging by the reviews, like the owners of Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2 rubber most of all. During operation in completely different conditions, including climatic conditions, no obvious deficiencies have been found for these tires.
Best winter tires for SUV (crossover)
Winter tires for crossovers should take into account the weight and power of these cars, so the hallmark of all SUV tires can be considered a reinforced side. The category presents the best models for winter use.
4 Pirelli Scorpion Winter
A country: Italy
Average price: 10090 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Italian velcro tires for crossovers are among the quietest tires for crossovers, and are designed for warm winters or conditions of a large metropolis. Directional tread design, densely dotted with multidirectional grooves-lamellas, provides a really good grip on loose snow, in snow slush, and even tries to stay on the ice. The latter is quite feasible with the optimal choice of speed. A studless tread on bare asphalt (a common thing for urban conditions in winter) behaves perfectly - it doesn't make noise and provides effective braking.
Owners, leaving reviews, are generally satisfied with the behavior of Pirelli Scorpion Winter - rubber is durable and, if used carefully, will last for a long time without damage. As for ride quality, this is an excellent choice for a city or southern regions, with a relatively warm European winter. For operation in conditions with “snowdust up to the belt,” it was not designed initially.
3 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV
A country: Finland
Average price: 11740 rub.
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 "shoes" for the crossover, which is used exclusively for its intended purpose. Tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV densely took the place of one of the best models for SUVs, and it is unlikely that they will give up this title in a good few years. Remarkable in them a lot. First, the masters from Nokian rethought the spike concept, carefully reworking the flange and placing a so-called “pillow” under it, due to which the spike base 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 more rough to provide better traction with ice and snow. All this magnificence has a decent price, but it is worth it to buy it. Resistance to wear and low noise (for tires with spikes is an amazing feature) provided additional benefits that SUV owners pay attention to not least. Despite the high cost, users who have experienced rubber in the business with confidence declare that these tires are worth the money.
2 Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02
A country: Japan
Average price: 7220 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
Cheap Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 tires have earned extremely high ratings from users. This attribute of SUVs is ideally suited for the role assigned to them, for which it is worth paying tribute to the Japanese manufacturer. Wide grooves and massive diamond-shaped blocks provide excellent removal of snow from under the wheel, and fortified spikes perfectly cut into the ice, thereby increasing the tenacity and controllability of the car on straight roads.
For a smooth entry into the turns meets the central part of the tread, made in the form of alternating wedges. The only significant drawback of the model is the noise, inherent, however, all studded tires. Owners are impressed by effective grip with any winter coating. In reviews, many deservedly consider Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 as one of the best studded tires for crossovers, allowing you to enjoy high-speed driving on a winter road.
1 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
A country: Japan
Average price: 8455 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
A surprising fact: the friction tire (sticky tape) from Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 has one of the best braking performance on a flattened snow cover. Moreover, it confidently holds the trajectory on the icy road, does not wag and very slightly deviates from the given direction, even with fast acceleration. This is facilitated by the original “two-piece” tread pattern, conventionally dividing into the central and side parts, separated from each other by wide radial grooves.Chevron sprint side blocks provides an already good removal of snow and moisture from the contact zone, and the erratic position of those in the center has a positive effect on the stability of SUVs when entering turns.
The low cost and good performance make this tire model a profitable acquisition. In addition, the tread feature demonstrates good throughput on difficult road sections. Many owners are attracted by the high strength of the sidewall and slow wear - the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 has long served the owners of off-road vehicles. The above qualities, judging by the reviews, are considered the most outstanding characteristics of these tires, with virtually no weaknesses.