The most affordable - Cordiant Snow Cross. Completely domestic (both development and manufacture) tire, upgraded last year. Another model of the last season is a little more expensive -.
Four more tires that can be called inexpensive by today's standards are the Nitto Therma Spike (the second brand of the Japanese company Toyo), the South Korean Kumho WinterCraft Ice, the popular Formula Ice (developed by Pirelli, and manufactured in Russia) and the popular Japanese Malaysian " assemblies »Toyo Observe G3 ‑ Ice.
From the representatives of the second echelon - new models with German and Finnish ancestry, but produced in Russia: Gislaved Nord Frost 200 with a tread copied from the first generation ContiIceContact, and Nordman 7 with a "face" Hakkapeliitta tires 7.
And finally, the leaders of our past: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic and Continental IceContact 2. And also a hot new product from Nokian - the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9.
Tires in the north
We have already conducted tests outside of Russia and we consider this very positive. This time we decided to go to the winter training ground. by Pirelli... It is located in the northern part of Sweden, in the province of Norrbotten, near the town of Elvsbün. Ice tracks are laid on the frozen lake Lilkorstresk (Small Krestovoye swamp), and snow runs along its shores.
At the beginning of February, the pre-run tires were delivered there, and at the end of the month we carried out all the snow and ice tests. The temperature during the tests ranged from -1 to -15 ºС, but at first the Swedish north made me very nervous. On the first day of our work, a warm atmospheric front came to the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia - and the air temperature rose to plus seven degrees! Snow and ice melted before our eyes. The locals said that they didn’t remember such warmth in February in their entire lives. Only on the third day, in the evening, did it freeze, the thawed lake ice got stronger again and a day later was already holding the car. Let's start testing on ice!
Saddle up a brand new hatchback Kia rio and refine our own "tools". This time, in all exercises, experts give an assessment not in whole points, but in half-point increments - for more correct results.
On thin ice
First, an assessment of the longitudinal adhesion properties. Using the VBOX device, we record the acceleration time from zero to 30 km / h and immediately after that we brake, determining the value from 30 to 5 km / h. The length of the "track" allows you to take four measurements in one direction. Then four more back - and calculate the average. We roll the base tire every three test ones; at the end of the measurements, we recalculate all the results taking into account how the results of the "stove" have changed.The best acceleration, 6.5 seconds, was shown by Rio on Continental tires, second on Nokian tires: 6.8 seconds. No one doubted that the tires with 185-186 studs would be ahead. However, Cordiant, Goodyear and Nordman are stepping on their heels with 110 studs each in 6.9 seconds. The longest acceleration - Kumho: 9.7 seconds.
In braking, Nokian outperforms Continental just a little - 16.4 meters against sixteen and a half, and the third result, 16.7 meters, shows Goodyear. The last one was again Kumho: 23.7 meters.
Pit at zero
The controllability is estimated on the track of a closed configuration. This "path" is about a kilometer long with bends of different radii and a long straight line. And the main thing is that the ice here is very slippery, polished by the wind. We carry out the assessment together, on each set of tires we ride three laps each, then we change.
Heck! Incredibly slippery! To change places, I literally had to crawl from one side to the other, without taking my hands off the car.
Nokian tires earned the highest score in this exercise: clear reactions and good steering information are complemented by a soft, predictable start of the car's sliding and stable grip regardless of the degree of slippage.
Rio behaved a little worse, shod in and Nitto. In the first case, I liked the good balance of longitudinal and lateral grip, an understandable moment of transition to sliding. The score was lowered slightly due to small delays in reactions. On Nitto, the car conquered with good handling even in sliding and a tight, "understandable" steering wheel at large angles of rotation. However, there were some small complaints about the information content of the steering wheel at small angles - in the initial phase of the turn. Shinniks call this effect hole in zero.
The lowest scores were reported by Gislaved, Goodyear and Formula. On these tires, the driver is forced to increase the steering angles, there are delays in reactions. In addition, the Rio on Gislaved tires slips for a long time in the corner, and then the grip is sharply restored, which provokes the whip effect - a sharp skid in the opposite direction.
Goodyear did not like the imbalance of the longitudinal and lateral clutch: the car holds the curve much worse than accelerates and brakes. On Formula - low information content "on the steering wheel" in the corners, which provokes twisting and subsequent skidding.
The ice circle is the most unpleasant exercise for the driver. It is necessary to grope for the maximum speed on the verge of sliding, show the best time (it is recorded by VBOX) and confirm it. In this case, you have to go in one direction, counterclockwise. With good grip, a decent lateral force rolls over the body and head - you constantly strain all the muscles. All the time you have to look from the "road" to the devices and back. After fifty circles, my head begins to spin.
The Continental and Nokian were the fastest on the lap - 19.9 seconds per full revolution. Only one tenth (20.0 s) lagged behind them Cordiant. Slowest tires - Kumho: best achievement - 22.5 seconds.
How many laps did you have to do on each set to get the best results and repeat them? Ten to fifteen! The only tires that required more attention and skill were Goodyear: the car shod in them always strove to slip into a skid, I had to cut 19 laps. And in total, taking into account the repeated races on the basic tires, our Rio had to wind up more than two hundred revolutions!
Moving on to snow procedures
Snow fell exactly the next day after the completion of all ice tests. It is easier to prepare a track for assessing handling than a plateau for measuring longitudinal grip. Therefore, we start with more creative and interesting work.
In one bend, the track lies on a hillside, therefore it has short, but rather steep ascents and descents. This is a "feature" of local tracks for assessing handling - most tire manufacturers use mostly flat tracks. The climbs and descents load and unload the suspension by altering the vertical forces acting on the wheels. It is especially interesting when the wheel is unloaded in a corner: downforce decreases, the tire starts to slip.
Fresh snow fell on the cold ice - and shifted as the car slid in corners. The result is a mixed coverage: in some places snow, in some places ice - real!
Here, in terms of handling, I liked the Nokian tires more than others: very soft but confident cat habits, predictable car behavior. Rio on these tires does not require the driver - he just turns. The top speed is limited by a gentle skid that helps to prescribe a turn, requiring little or no adjustment.
The experts presented the greatest claims to the next three participants. annoying with an unexpectedly arising skid with a sharp, unpredictable stall, long sliding and the same sharp recovery of adhesion, which provokes a "shooting" skid in the opposite direction. On Gislaved tires, the steering wheel becomes unpleasantly empty and uninformative - you have to turn it at excessively large angles, which leads to an unexpected sharp break into a skid and deep slips. I didn’t like the Kumho tires because of the noticeable delays in reactions, significant steering angles, long slips and deep skid on the arc, requiring the driver to make immediate adjustments.
Exercise "rearrangement" due to excessively soft snow was performed only partially - they were able to assess only the behavior of the machine during extreme maneuvering, and from determining maximum speed the successful execution of the maneuver was refused.
Here, as well as on the handling track, Nokian tires earned the most points thanks to the sharpest reactions, soft and predictable behavior and easy self-healing skid at top speed. Dunlop liked the least of all: on these tires, the Rio shows not only noticeable delays in reactions, but also an unstable, wide steering balance: from significant drift of the front axle at the first jerk of the steering wheel to skidding of the rear wheels when trying to stabilize the car in the change lane.
And here is a well-trodden snow straight - you can take measurements of the acceleration time and braking distance. As in similar ice exercises, we combine acceleration with deceleration, repeating the exercises eight to ten times. Moreover, the acceleration time from 0 to 40 km / h on snow was evaluated twice - with and without the TCS traction control system. Braking from 40 to 5 km / h - only with ABS.
So, acceleration is normal, when TCS prevents the tires from slipping. Best results with Continental, Goodyear and Nokian tires. On them, the Rio is gaining 40 km / h in exactly six seconds. Kumho has the worst performance. Like on the ice, they accelerate slowly, losing over 11% to the leaders.
Disconnect the electronic collar and repeat the measurements. It turns out faster! Goodyear holds the leading position: 40 km / h from a standstill are subdued in 5.2 seconds. Acceleration is only one-tenth longer on Continental and Nokian tires. Kumho tires show the most modest result in this mode.
Braking is won by the leading pair - Continental and Nokian, showing the same result: 14.8 meters. At the closing this time - relatives Nitto and Toyo.
Final exercises - assessment of directional stability on a snow-covered track and cross-country ability in deep snow. At high speed, the Rio is the best at following the set course and most clearly rebuilt, shod in Nokian. In addition, we note the high information content of the steering: the driver drives the car in a straight line intuitively, without concentrating.
The worst marks were given to four participants. Rio gets unpleasant steering on Cordiant and Gislaved tires during lane changes rear axle turning into a skid. Attempting to correct course on Dunlop and Kumho tires is fraught with skidding, requiring immediate action, even with soft lane changes.
More confident than others in rowing Goodyear tires - on them Rio is ready to conquer any snowdrift. But on Kumho and Toyo tires, you can only ride a good ride. Getting under way in the snow is daunting: the slightest slip - and the wheels slip, digging deeper and deeper.
What's with the thorns?
We were pleasantly surprised. On all tires, after running-in, the spikes protruded above the tread within reasonable limits. The maximum is 1.41 mm for the Cordiant, the minimum is less than 0.9 mm for the Formula, Gislaved and Nokian tires. Only the Nokian has 185 studs on each tire, while the Formula and Gislaved have only 110. And this number with such a small protrusion is clearly not enough to provide good grip on ice.
As a reminder, the regulated stud protrusion on new tires is no more than 1.2 mm. We know from experience that after running in, this value can increase to 1.3–1.4 mm.
It is gratifying that tire manufacturers have stopped abusing the increased stud protrusion. After all, strongly protruding spikes "saw" the asphalt, on which deep ruts appear. And for the first time during our tests, not a single tire lost a single spike, confirming the postulate that the reliability of the retention of the spikes in the rubber is inversely proportional to the amount of their protrusion. The less you stick out, the harder you sit!
On the asphalt
In Togliatti, at the AVTOVAZ test site, we again had to wait for the weather. Dry roads and calm weather are the conditions for reliable rolling resistance results. The asphalt part of the tests could be performed only in the first half of May. I had to work at night to keep within the admissible winter tires temperature + 5… + 7 ºC.
The procedure for evaluating the economy is the same as in the case of p. We start by warming them up, making a full circle along the high-speed ring (10 km) at a speed of 110–120 km / h. Along the way, we estimate how much the car deviates from the set course under the influence of external forces (side wind, slope), and also smoothly maneuver, simulating a soft detour around an obstacle or changing lane for overtaking. At the same time, the tester carefully monitors the reactions and behavior of the car, and also evaluates how convenient and understandable (read: safe) it is to drive it. The wider the "zero" and the greater the steering wheel turning angles, to which the car does not react, and the lower the information content (the rate of increase in steering effort with increasing steering angle), the worse the assessment.
Experts gave the highest mark for exchange rate stability Formula tires Ice: some summer tires will envy the clarity of course holding and the responses of the car they are wearing! The complete opposite is Dunlop tires. The main disadvantages in the behavior of the car on these tires: wide "zero", empty steering wheel, delays in reactions when adjusting the course.
After a circle around the ring on a two-kilometer straight line, we estimate the amount of run-out from the maximum permitted "urban" and "suburban" speeds. Measurements are carried out in opposite directions, we repeat from three to five times, depending on the results obtained. At the same time, the driver gains impressions of the noise and smoothness of the ride at different speeds. The greenest, that is, the most economical ones, were the Nokian tires.
Before changing tires, the Rio makes a lap on service roads with cracks and cracks to determine the comfort rating. We found the quietest tires Gislaved, Toyo and Nitto, and the softest - Continental and Nokian.
The next exercise is to measure the stopping distance on a dry surface and on a wet surface. The initial braking speeds for winter tires are reduced compared to summer ones by 20 km / h - up to 80 km / h on a dry road and up to 60 km / h on a wet one. Better than others when braking on wet asphalt looked Continental tires, dry - Nokian. The weakest results were with Nitto, regardless of the condition of the pavement, and on dry asphalt, Cordiant was the Nitto company.
Summarizing
The new tires won the test with the highest score (936) Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9... The second place with a total of 914 points took Continental IceContact 2... We categorize both tires as excellent and recommend to drivers of all skill levels.
On the third step of our pedestal - Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic, who earned 898 total points, just two points short of the excellent tire title. Its element is unclean winter roads and even virgin snow.
The fourth position with 888 points is occupied by Nordman seventh generation. Very good tires for the Russian winter, will give confidence in any conditions.
All of the tires listed are ranked in our table according to the price ranking. Or they have a price that is adequate to the characteristics and properties, which, in fact, are one and the same. And starting from the fifth place, small distortions begin in one direction or another.
For example, Cordiant Snow Cross earned 871 points, which allowed him to gain a foothold in the "very good tires" category and take the fifth line in the final test result. They will not give up on any road, unless they require a long distance on dry asphalt due to modest adhesion properties, and also unhurried movement on a snowy road. You can buy them for 2500 rubles apiece.
Tires scoring 852 points (sixth place) open the category of good tires. Decent product with averages across nearly all disciplines. Not without weaknesses, among which are modest lateral grip on ice, poor directional stability on a snowy road and asphalt, and a low level of comfort. But it is sold for the same money as the Cordiant Snow Cross: the price is 2550 rubles.
Even more expensive tires are located on the seventh and eighth steps - Toyo Observe G3 ‑ Ice and Nitto Therma Spike, practically brothers both "by blood" and by properties. They scored 847 points each and settled in the good tires category. Liked the low noise level. The Toyo brand is well known in our market, and Nitto appeared quite recently, therefore it is a little cheaper.
The ninth and tenth places are shared by and, who earned 841 points. These tires still fall into the good category. Gislaved, smoother in terms of objective indicators, "failed" in handling and directional stability on the snow. The Formula has slightly unbalanced characteristics: it is weak in longitudinal grip on ice, but it behaves more confidently on asphalt, is close to the best results in dry braking and provides a clear course hold. But the difference in prices is noticeable: Formula is three hundred rubles cheaper, so a set of four will save more than a thousand. However, there is one technical nuance that unites both tires: the protrusion of the studs is insufficient - less than a millimeter after the tests. We believe there was a failure during the installation of the spikes.
Seven or eight years ago, together with Continental, we investigated and obtained the following pattern: one tenth of their performance is equivalent to three percent of the stopping distance on ice. Increasing the protrusion of "studs" to 1.2 mm allowed by the law on new tires will allow Gislaved and Formula to improve longitudinal grip by about 10% - this is where the hidden reserves are hidden!
On the eleventh line - tires Kumho wintercraft ice who scored 803 points. It is rather weak for modern spikes, but it is natural, since in most exercises these tires show modest results. Given their not the lowest price, they can hardly be called a bargain.
Count your money
In our diagram, the tires tested are ranked from left to right in ascending order of price, and the height of the bars corresponds to the number of points scored. Small columns at the bottom of the diagram show the ratio of quality and price and show how many points a tire is gaining for every thousand rubles given for it.
If you put the price at the forefront and scrupulously calculate each ruble, pay attention to another group of columns: the more points a tire earned for every thousand rubles of the price, the more profitable the purchase! The rating is headed by tires Cordiant Snow Cross, and the test leader Hakkapeliitta 9 comes in last place - expensive tires! Kumho WinterCraft Ice tires are in the middle, which is why many people buy them.
By comparing all our test results and prices, you will be able to make the right choice. Have a good trip!
Test results
| 11th place | 9-10 place | 9-10 place | 7-8 place |
|
| brand, model | ||||
| Country of manufacture | Korea | Russia | Russia | Malaysia |
| Load and speed index | ||||
| 9,1–10,0 | 9,2–9,4 | 9,1–9,7 | 8,5–8,9 |
|
| 61–62 | 55–56 | 60–61 |
||
| Number of spikes, pcs. | ||||
| 1,35 | 0,93 | 0,93 | 1,43 |
|
| Tire weight, kg | ||||
| 2800 | 3140 | 2850 | 2900 |
|
| Quality / price * | 0,29 | 0,27 | 0,30 | 0,29 |
| The amount of points awarded | 803 | 841 | 841 | 847 |
| pros | Satisfactory grip on asphalt. Stable handling on the "Russian road" | Satisfactory handling during extreme maneuvering and cross-country ability. Least noisy | Better road holding and good braking on asphalt. Comprehensible handling for extreme snow maneuvers | Satisfactory handling and directional stability. Low internal noise |
| Minuses | Poor grip on ice. Weakest acceleration on snow. Difficult handling during extreme maneuvering on snow and directional stability. Notes on handling on ice. Limited cross-country ability. Low level of comfort | Low efficiency at high speed. Difficult handling on ice and directional stability. Notes on handling on the "Russian road" | Poor longitudinal grip and difficult handling on ice. Notes on road holding on snow. Noisy. Low level of ride comfort | Weakest braking performance on snow. High fuel consumption at a speed of 90 km / h. Mediocre cross-country ability. Hard |
* Obtained by dividing the total points by the retail price. The higher the score, the more profitable the purchase.
| 7-8 place | 6th place | 5th place | 4th place |
|
| brand, model | ||||
| Country of manufacture | Malaysia | Thailand | Russia | Russia |
| Load and speed index | ||||
| Depth of the pattern in width, mm | 8,9–9,1 | 9,1–9,4 | 9,8–10,1 | 9,2–9,4 |
| Shore hardness of rubber, unit | 61–62 | 59–61 | 56–57 | 52–53 |
| Number of spikes, pcs. | ||||
| Protrusion of spikes after tests, mm | 1,21 | 1,32 | 1,51 | 1,17 |
| Tire weight, kg | ||||
| Average price in online stores at the time of preparation of the material, rubles. | 2710 | 2550 | 2500 | 3200 |
| Quality / price * | 0,31 | 0,33 | 0,35 | 0,28 |
| The amount of points awarded | 847 | 852 | 871 | 888 |
| pros | Clear handling. Good cross-country ability. Good directional stability in the snow. Least noisy | Clear handling on the "Russian road". Attractive price | Good grip on ice. Confident cross-country ability in deep snow | High braking properties on snow. Confident acceleration on ice. Low consumption fuel. Reliable handling. Stable directional stability on snow. Good cross-country ability |
| Minuses | Lowest braking performance on snow and asphalt. Low efficiency at high speed. Notes on directional stability on asphalt and ride smoothness | Low lateral grip on ice. High fuel consumption. Difficult directional stability on snow, problematic - on asphalt. Notes on handling during extreme maneuvering on snow. The toughest and noisiest | Poor braking on dry asphalt. Low efficiency. Complex exchange rate stability. Remarks about handling on the "Russian road". Very noisy. Harsh |
Owners of crossovers, especially four-wheel drive, often belong to seasonal shift regular summer tires for winter without enthusiasm. After all, almost all native tires are marked with the M + S index, which de jure allows them to be used in winter. The main thing is that the residual tread depth is at least 4 mm (otherwise - a fine of 500 rubles). But you need to understand that the M + S marking does not oblige the manufacturer to anything! Marking does not require any tests or certificates confirming the suitability of tires for winter, and therefore more and more often it can be seen on frankly summer, and "asphalt" tires, which incidentally speaks of the devaluation of not only the letter S (snow, "snow"), but also M (mud). So we are not looking at the letters, but at the tread, and if we do not see many small slits-lamellas, then we conclude: it is dangerous to ride on such ones in winter. Better yet, when the sidewall has the “Snowflake” mark in the form of three mountain peaks with a snowflake - these models really passed the exam on a snow track. The participants in our test are all marked with the following markings: these are 14 kits with spikes and nine without them.
The test program is standard, all the tracks of the White Hell test site near the Finnish town of Ivalo are well known to us - and most importantly, to be lucky with the weather. Almost lucky: there was no snowfall, although the temperature danced from 5 to 23 degrees of frost, so its influence had to be taken into account when conducting additional races on "reference" tires. But the measurements of the longitudinal dynamics took place in a closed hangar with a more stable temperature.
This is where the embarrassment happened with Nokian tires, and with a model that has been produced for several years. In both acceleration and braking, the non-studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUVs yielded not only to principal competitors, but even to the tires of their own "second line" - the Nordman RS2 SUV tires! Nokian testers working in the neighborhood were alarmed, they themselves repeated the measurements ... An official investigation showed that the failed tires were produced at a plant near St. Petersburg at the end of 2016, more precisely in the 48th week. Then there was a failure in the technological cycle. They did not share the details with us (apparently, there were deviations either in the duration or in the temperature of vulcanization), but we were assured that the defective batch did not go on sale. Although outwardly everything is in order, and even the hardness of the tread rubber is the same as on tires produced in the 41st week of 2016 (their results were taken into account), but the difference in grip properties on ice reaches eight percent.
After measurements in the hangar, we get out into the growing frost - and once again we notice that as the temperature drops friction tires begin to catch up and even overtake the "spikes". At minus twenty, the ice becomes so hard that the spikes cannot scratch it, and the tread rubber on most studded tires is harder - in the cold the friction tires are more elastic, they have a larger overall length of the sipes.
We, I repeat, take into account the changing conditions and adjust the results, but if all tests were carried out in a light frost, the friction tires would roll back to the bottom lines of the protocols.
Handling tests were carried out on the ice of the polar lake Tammijärvi
And in the snow, frost plays into the hands of friction models: while maintaining the elasticity of the tread, they better cling to the snow shagreen.
This time, the estimates of the passability were supported by instrumental measurements - the acceleration time in deep snow with the traction control system... It is curious that they topped and closed the rating Russian tires: the best - Cordiant, and the most helpless on the virgin soil - Viatti tires produced by the Nizhnekamsk tire plant.
The asphalt part of the tests is especially relevant for residents of large cities, in which the streets are cleared of snow and ice for most of the winter.
The final part of the tests is already in April, on "summer" surfaces. And along the way, we note that this time there were no tires littering with spikes.
At the top of the final ranking are the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV tires. Expected result: if the model of the previous generation regularly won in our tests, then the new one, and even with two types of studs, easily outperformed the competitors.
Expensive? Then we carefully look at the points, the main advantages and disadvantages of other tires - and choose the best option for your pocket. And yet we avoid buying outsider tires - such savings are fraught with incomparably high costs.
Studded tire rating
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (55 standard sizes are available from 215/65 R16 to 315/40 R21) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,9 |
| 9,8 | |
| 49 | |
| Number of thorns | 172 |
| 1,05/1,54 | |
| Manufacturer country | Finland |
Hakkapeliitta index 9 is a novelty of the season: here for the first time two types of cleats were used. Those in the middle part of the tread have transversely oriented carbide inserts: they are responsible for longitudinal grip properties, and at the edges above the tread there are such trefoils that work effectively in turns. And this is not a marketing gimmick: an unequivocal superiority over competitors both on the handling track and in braking on ice. And in other types of winter tests, the tires are at height. On asphalt, the grip is moderate, and the main problem is noise at speeds from 70 to 90 km / h.
The best tires for tough winter conditions!
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (2 standard sizes 205/55 R16 and 215/65 R16 are available) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Number of thorns | 170 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,52/1,47 |
| Manufacturer country | South Korea |
This year, Hankook officially opened its polar test site in Ivalo, Finland: the tracks and testing approaches are very similar to those used by the company. Nokian Tires... This also applies to the peculiarities of the tires themselves: the number of sprockets-stars was increased, which ensured decent test results on ice. But in deep snow, the tires do not shine, as well as on the asphalt, and besides, they make a lot of noise. But it is easy for them to forgive: the Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + tires are one and a half times cheaper than the Finnish novelty.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (91 standard sizes available from 175/70 R14 to 275/40 R22) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,4 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 54 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,03/1,25 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The tires produced in Voronezh are laced with powerful brace spikes - and they work gorgeous on ice during acceleration and braking. But in corners there are sharp breaks in sliding, so without a stabilization system, you have to be on the lookout. But - a good balance of grip properties on slippery roads and on asphalt, and therefore they can be safely recommended for winter operation in large cities. If you do not make high demands on acoustic comfort.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (75 standard sizes are available from 155/70 R13 to 275/40 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,6 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 54 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,37/1,41 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The tires are manufactured at the Russian Continental plant near Kaluga. The Gislaved brand is owned by Continental - and the Nord * Frost 200 mimics the asymmetrical tread pattern of the first generation ContiIceContact tires, but with simpler studs and no thermochemical retention. However, they also work well - especially in the lateral direction.
In general, these are well-balanced tires for use in large cities and beyond.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (37 standard sizes are available from 155/70 R13 to 225/55 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,9 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 54 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,63/1,62 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Tires are produced at Yaroslavl tire factory and the tread pattern suspiciously resemble the Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tires, which even became a reason for legal dispute. But the Cordiant company managed to justify itself - and to increase production volumes, including by expanding the range of dimensions. Decent tires for their money, but they do not like asphalt roads: they do not hold very well, and rolling is accompanied by a loud and unpleasant rumble of the tread. Tires are not for the city.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (42 standard sizes are available from 205/70 R15 to 275/50 R22) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 12,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 57 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,08/1,16 |
| Manufacturer country | Finland |
Nordman tires are Nokian Tires' second line, and the production uses molds from outdated Nokian tires. New for the Nordman 7 SUV season is the reincarnation of the Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, which was produced from 2010 to 2017. Quite good grip on ice and snow, and on asphalt even better than the current "parent" model. Including in terms of acoustic comfort: there are fewer spikes.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (38 standard sizes are available from 175/65 R15 to 245/45 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 10,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,26/1,39 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
The model was introduced in 2012 and has not yet received a replacement. On ice, the tires work well in the longitudinal direction, but when cornering, they suddenly break into sliding. On the snow, including on the virgin soil, everything is much better. But on the pavement, the aggressive pattern generates an obsessive low-frequency rumble already from 30 km / h.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (58 standard sizes are available from 175/65 R14 to 265/40 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,3 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,3 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Number of thorns | 104 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,05/1,09 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Michelin continues to bend the line with X-Ice North 3 tire European rules studs: no more than 50 studs per running meter of tread. And the spikes themselves are simple, round in cross section. This led to an unimportant hold on the ice. The picture is better on rolled snow, but getting out of the snow is a problem: the tread is to blame.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (23 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 245/45 R17) | |
| Speed index | Q (160 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,2 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 51 |
| Number of thorns | 100 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,87/1,06 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
BFGoodrich tires are Michelin's "second line", they are produced at the same plant in Davydovo near Moscow as Michelin X-Ice North 3 tires. But the tread is its own, original. It's a pity that there are also few pimples, they are round, overly sunken - and as a result mediocre behavior on the ice.
The situation is better on snow, including virgin soil. And even better - on asphalt, although you need to remember that the permissible speed is 160 km / h, although studded competitors have 190.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (35 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 265/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,9 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Number of thorns | 130 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,85/0,94 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Formula is Pirelli's second line. In last year's tests on Lada Vesta, the tires took fifth place, but now the indicators are more modest. Especially on ice. Even after running-in, the protrusion of the studs above the tread surface is less than a millimeter (last year we recorded 1.1 mm on new tires). On rolled snow, the results are better, although we do not recommend climbing into snowdrifts. On the asphalt they are excellent.
Not bad a budget option tires for urban use.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (122 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 285/45 R22) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 12,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,5 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 55 |
| Number of thorns | 125 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 1,18/1,37 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
For many, the Made in Japan brand is a quality mark. But with the winter Toyo tires Something went wrong. It seems that the studs are not simple - with cruciform inserts, and the studding is of high quality, but the grip properties are moderate on ice, as well as on snow. However, the car's response to driving is well balanced.
On the asphalt - far from best comfort and adhesion properties.
The joy is the low price, which is quite consistent with the quality of the tires.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (19 standard sizes available from 205/70 R15 to 265/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,5 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,3 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 59 |
| Number of thorns | 120 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,93/1,03 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
Under the "Italian" name - tires produced in Nizhnekamsk using off-take technology. The design and production technology is the product of an engineering firm managed by one of the former top managers of Continental. However, the grip on ice and snow is mediocre, and most of all upset that winter tires, "developed by European specialists specifically for Russian roads," were helpless in deep snow. They are also noisy and tough. Not an option - even given the low price.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (96 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 275/50 R22) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 12,1 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 53 |
| Number of thorns | 128 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,57/0,73 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
One could immediately assume that the ice test of the Yokohama Ice Guard 55 tires will fail. Instead of the prescribed 1.2 mm, the spikes protrude by an average of 0.57 mm - and do not work. And the buyer is counting on Japanese quality - even though the tires are produced in Lipetsk.
There are also complaints about the tread: on packed snow - the maximum braking distance, and on virgin soil - the worst traction ability. For Russian conditions, other tires are needed, and they already exist: this season, sales of the new Yokohama IG65 model with an increased number of "curly" studs begin. More details about new tires - in one of the next issues of Autoreview.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (38 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 235/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,7 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9,4 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 61 |
| Number of thorns | 128 |
| Protrusion of studs before / after tests, mm | 0,79/1,0 |
| Manufacturer country | South Korea |
Interestingly, duplicated in the name win - is it from the word "win" or from the word "winter"? For example, wintry ("cold", "inhospitable") or winch ("winch") are better suited. What winter or victory can we talk about when studded tires are inferior to most friction tires on ice, and on the Nexen handling track they are the slowest in the overall standings? The tread rubber is clearly not designed to withstand low temperatures, as evidenced by its increased hardness.
Of the positive emotions, only a relatively quiet (for tires with spikes) rolling remains.
Non-studded tire rating
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (61 sizes available from 205/70 R15 to 295/40 R21) | |
| Speed index | R (170 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,4 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 53 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The SUV-indexed off-road tires have sidewalls reinforced with aramid fiber, which is reminiscent of the Aramid Sidewalls brand. So there should be no problems with impact resistance, in contrast to the "passenger" tires of the same name.
In severe frost, Nokian friction tires provide excellent grip on ice, behave well on snow, and small claims appear only on asphalt.
Excellent winter tires for use both in the city and outside.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (97 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 275/45 R20) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,9 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 52 |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
Leapfrog. The year before last, we liked ContiVikingContact 6 tires on asphalt, but they did not work well on ice, last year the situation changed to the opposite, this year it is better again on asphalt ... The dimensions, of course, are different, but the reason must be sought in the composition of the rubber compound : The tread rubber on the ContiVikingContact 6 was noticeably softer last year.
We are now taking into account the latest version of these tires from late 2016 production. Not ideal on ice and snow (especially deep), but great on asphalt.
Good winter tires for urban use. And the most comfortable ones!
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (57 standard sizes are available from 175/70 R13 to 255/45 R19) | |
| Speed index | S (180 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,7 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8,6 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 46 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
Since studs are illegal in Japan, local manufacturers focus on friction winter tires. So we will consider it natural that
Lightweight tires with soft, quiet rolling. But at the same time - an imbalance of "winter" grip properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and abrupt breakdowns in sliding, it seems, are provoked by the sidewalls that are soft for a heavy crossover. Indeed, in the Goodyear range of winter tires there is a model specifically for crossovers and SUVs - UltraGrip Ice SUV, but these tires are not available in the size 215/65 R16. However, if the car is equipped with a stabilization system, then Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 tires are a good choice.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (16 standard sizes are available from 215/65 R16 to 255/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | R (170 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 11,2 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 56 |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
The tread pattern is exactly the same as the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R tires, but the materials are simpler. Another option for extending the life cycle of molds. And - considering the price - a very good option. Moreover, in some disciplines, Nordman RS2 SUV tires are even preferable: braking distances on ice are shorter!
Quality tires for a reasonable price. On ice they are almost as good as the leaders among tires without studs, and on snow they have even better grip in the longitudinal direction. Although on the track the handling is harsh and in deep snow they row mediocre.
The grip properties on asphalt are above average, there are no problems with comfort either, which means that these tires are relevant for large cities.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (38 standard sizes are available from 155/65 R14 to 255/50 R19) | |
| Speed index | T (190 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 102 (850 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 10,6 |
| Tread depth, mm | 9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 51 |
| Manufacturer country | Slovakia |
The Gislaved brand continues to lose its authenticity. So the "new" Gislaved Soft * Frost 200 is nothing more than the ContiVikingContact tires of the previous, third generation. Fortunately, these are balanced tires - safe, comfortable, not very expensive - and therefore we safely recommend them for urban use, although an accidental arrival in a snowdrift can postpone the planned trip.
The Marshal brand belongs to the Korean company Kumho Tire, but these tires copy the Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta R tires in terms of the tread pattern and even the rare R speed index - and some sellers play on this similarity. By the way, on snow and on asphalt friction tires Marshal and Nokian are close, but on ice the loss of the copy is already obvious. They are also some of the noisiest and toughest friction tires around.
| Dimension | 215/65 R16 |
|---|---|
| (37 standard sizes are available from 175/65 R14 to 245/60 R18) | |
| Speed index | Q (160 km / h) |
| Lifting capacity index | 98 (750 kg) |
| Weight, kg | 12,4 |
| Tread depth, mm | 8,9 |
| Shore hardness of tread rubber, unit | 49 |
| Manufacturer country | Japan |
Winter Nitto tires(the brand belongs to the Toyo Tires company) appeared in Russia recently. The Therma Spike managed to please us with grip on ice, but lost the studs on asphalt more than anyone else. And friction tires Nitto Winter SN2 immediately signed their helplessness on the ice and in the snow. And all the more surprising is the failure of these tires even on asphalt.
Something is wrong with these Nitto ...
The choice of winter tires for a car is becoming more and more relevant as this cold season approaches. And each driver pays attention to this issue in his own way. So, some car owners begin to ask their friends, others re-read thematic publications in which you can find reviews of certain rubber models. Another effective method is an analysis of real reviews from other drivers posted on the network. It is he who allows you to conduct the most accurate research. With its help, today we will consider famous model Gislaved Nord Frost 200. The reviews, which will be analyzed at the end of the article, should be compared with the official characteristics provided by the manufacturer.
Brief information about the model and manufacturer
Speaking about the brand, it is worth mentioning that it is jointly owned by the German and Swedish concerns. This allows production professionals to join forces and share their experiences. The result of this close collaboration is quality products like the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 ID tires. Reviews about them confirm this fact. Every year more and more automobile rubber is produced, which continues to delight users with its reliability.
Already at the start of production, when the brand was just beginning to gain momentum, it was clear with what responsibility the developers and manufacturers relate to the tasks assigned to them. The result was another model that fully met the expectations of the drivers.
So, it is intended for use in winter time years in regions with very different climates. Due to its versatility,according to the owners' reviews Gislaved Nord Frost 200 SUV, it can be applied asduring strong thaws, and at very low temperatures overboard. This attracts drivers as the weather can be very unpredictable and it is not possible to change tires all the time.
The model can be installed on vehicles of various types, ranging from compact sedans to powerful coupes and crossovers, as well as some modifications of light SUVs and minibuses. When developing it, not only experience was taken into account, but also the wishes of the drivers. This made it possible to make it the most suitable for their needs, in real operating conditions.
Special tread pattern
If you carefully consider the tread pattern, developed using both computer modeling and the designers' own experience, you will notice that it is absolutely different from the developments of other manufacturers. This is due to the application of an innovative approach to help make the rubber more controllable and responsive in all conditions prevailing overboard.
Such a "petal" arrangement of tread elements, as noted by the reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 XL, made it possible to create a large number of omnidirectional working edges, each of which can be used in a certain situation.
The asymmetric shape is used by many modern rubber manufacturers in order to improve the quality of grip on the track. Here it is also supplemented with completely new elements that combine the properties of several models at once. These are central tread blocks. Althoughthey do not represent a solid strip, and their midpoint is off-center,according to reviews about Gislaved Nord Frost 200 92T, these elements do a good job of maintaining directional stability.
An interesting point is the reduction in the size of each individual block compared to the standard solutions used for winter tire design. This approach made it possible to increase the number of elements themselves, and this led to an increase in the total length of the cutting edges. Their presence provides the best rowing performance when driving on an icy road surface. They also help the tire perform well on loose snow. Do not underestimate the role of additional lamellas formed due to the larger number of blocks. We will talk about them in more detail later.
In addition to the fact that there were more elements, they were able to get different directions of placement. As noted by the developers, this made it possible to increase the stability of the rubber on slippery road surfaces. Multidirectional slots allow you to more efficiently cope with tasks and loads arising during maneuvering.
Special structure of lamellas
In part, we discussed the issue of constructing a web of cuts on the surface of the tire, talking about the tread pattern. However, the manufacturer used some innovations that allowed to improve the tire and ultimately offer a very good product.
The point is that each of the tread blocks is not a monolithic structure. In fact, the elements are divided into many independent small pieces, on each of which, due to this separation, working edges are formed. This not only does not reduce the strength of the tire, as the reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 R14 emphasize, but also gives it the ability to show excellent results when driving on ice or snow.
A large number of small lamella slots allows you to effectively cope with water during thaws, which is necessary to combat the effect of aquaplaning. By separating the surface film of the water, the tire can confidently keep the car on the road, even if slippery ice remains at the bottom of the puddle. There are several thousand such slots in total. And although at first glance they are inconspicuous, it was their use that allowed the tire to stand out favorably against its competitors in the price category.
Larger lamella slots are designed to drain water and dirt from the contact patch of the working surface with road surface... Therefore, you can drive on a washed-out primer without worry during thaws. The tires are able to keep the car steerable even on such surfaces, which is confirmed by numerous reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 ID.
When driving on loose snow, the sipes also do not remain unused. They act as a temporary storage facility in which uncompressed snow from the contact patch is placed. After the wheel has rolled further, the cleaning process begins, in which, using elasticity and centrifugal force, the tire pushes the snow out of the slots. The cycle can be repeated endlessly.
The presence of thorns
Nowadays it is difficult to imagine rubber adapted for harsh conditions, on which there would be no spikes. And although some manufacturers manage to make fairly universal options, they often have significant drawbacks. Their list includes excessive softness during thaws, rapid wear, uncertain handling on clear ice, long stopping distance under unfavorable conditions. In order to avoid all this, it is recommended to immediately install studded tires.
In this model, spikes with a polygonal core are used. The thread is made in such a way that it does not wear out in the first few hundred kilometers. This allows the cleats to work with maximum efficiency for quite a long time. The landing nests are made of rubber compounds of several types with different elasticity. This made it possible to achieve secure fixation capable of holding the spike in place during strong repeated loads. This parameter in relation to spikes in the reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 p is emphasized by those who love an aggressive driving style and at the same time have a car with impressive engine power.
Thanks to installed thorns it was possible to reduce the braking distance on rolled snow and ice surfaces, which has a positive effect on the traffic safety factor. It should be noted that the model is quite new and meets all European requirements regarding the density of studs and their maximum number per tire. This suggests that there are not many of them, but for each of them the optimal location has been selected, in which the spike can work out as efficiently as possible.
Additional aspects to improve braking
However, studs alone are not enough for effective braking. This is especially noticeable on a clean asphalt surface, where the studs can, on the contrary, slip and increase the total braking distance. To prevent this from happening, the manufacturer has taken appropriate measures. They consist in a special arrangement of tread blocks in the shoulder areas.
So, each of the modules looks like a rectangle with a swept edge on one side. They are placed perpendicular to the movement. The slots between them have the same direction, which are rather deep and are designed to remove moisture from the contact patch. However, these sipes serve another important mission - they create working edges directed perpendicular to the movement. This allows, as noted by the reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 SUV tires, to increase both the braking and rowing characteristics of the tire. Therefore, if you have to ride on loose snow, there should be no problems, since the rubber is adapted to deal effectively with this problem.
Special rubber compound
It is worth mentioning that the manufacturer has taken an innovative approach to the development of a rubber compound formula used to make branded tires. The main task is to ensure the elasticity of rubber even at very low temperatures overboard, because it depends on this indicator whether it can maintain its dynamic and braking characteristics in natural use.
In order to make the rubber as efficient as possible, it was based on natural rubber extracted from the resin of a certain tree species. Thus, according to reviews of winter tires Gislaved Nord Frost 200, it turned out to achieve an acceptable level of elasticity. However, for a full-fledged creation of a tire, it would clearly not be enough. Therefore, various synthetic additives made from petroleum products are added to it. Well, so that all this can be mixed and reliably linked together, silicic acid is used. It helps to maintain elasticity, while at the same time increasing the strength of the rubber itself and its resistance to abrasion.
Damage protection
They did not leave aside the fact that any tire, even the best one in terms of characteristics, can be useless if it is easily damaged under adverse conditions that arise in the process of daily use. We are talking about all kinds of punctures, cuts and other delights, which can be encountered very unexpectedly.
To maximally protect your tires from similar problems, the manufacturer used a two-part mixture technology. This suggests that the tread itself is molded using one rubber - elastic and soft, and the tire itself - using a different formula that has greater rigidity, but at the same time is able to provide protection and resist damage.
In order to complement this effect, some reinforced modifications of the model use a strong cord located almost everywhere, right down to the sidewalls of the tire. Sidewall protection is also excellent. As the reviews on the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 rubber note, you will have to try very hard to break the side part against the reinforcement sticking out of the curb stone or a sharp piece of ice protruding from the edge of the track. Thanks to this approach, the risk of hernias was also reduced, which was also perceived positively during the first tests conducted by the professional driver community.
Selection of standard sizes
The manufacturer made sure that almost every driver who wants to put this rubber model on his car has such an opportunity. For this, tires with an inner diameter of 13 to 19 inches are constantly produced. This matches most sedans, from budget to premium. Some minibuses, SUVs and crossovers also fall into this category. Before purchasing rubber for such a car, make sure that not only the standard size is the same, but also weight load as well as the speed index.
The standard sizes differ not only in the width of the working surface and the height of the profile, but also in the speed indices. Therefore, when choosing, be guided not only by the cost and reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 SUV, but also by your preferences. Then you can find exactly what you and your car need.
Positive aspects of the model based on feedback
It's time to analyze in detail the reviews of the owners of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 about this model, left by experienced drivers with numerous experience. They often compare rubber with other options provided by competitors, and their experience allows them to do this as efficiently as possible, which means that it is their opinion that can put an end to the final decision - whether or not to buy this model for themselves.
Drivers have tested the rubber in real field conditions in different regions, and highlighted the following points in the reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 tires as the main positive aspects:
Confident directional stability. Rubber is able to hold onto the track, in whatever condition it is. Drivers note that they can fully rely on it even at high speeds on highways and autobahns.
Effective braking. Regardless of the road surface, according to reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200, winter tires are able to effectively and quickly stop the car, which can be useful in case of a need for sudden emergency braking.
Obedient in management. Good quality of adhesion to the road surface allows the driver to drive the car without any problems, without fear that at some point the rubber will let down and the car will become an uncontrollable car.
Acceptable cost. Compared to competitors, tires have a very democratic price and can be purchased for installation even on budget cars by those who cannot immediately pay a large sum for a set.
Low noise level. Despite the presence of metal in the form of spikes, even when driving on bare asphalt, acoustic effects that can annoy the driver and passengers are practically not felt.
Balanced from the factory. Apparently, at the exit, the rubber undergoes very careful control, which allows us to screen out samples that do not have sufficient balance. After installation on disks, as the reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 SUV show, when balancing, conceived weights are not installed at all, or are mounted in very small quantities.
Reliable spike attachment. If the rubber has been run-in properly, it is unlikely that you will need to install additional studs to replace the lost ones, since they simply do not fall out, which is a positive indicator and reduces maintenance costs. Over time, they can be replaced due to wear and tear, but this choice remains with the driver.
High wear resistance and strength... Along with strong studs, rubber performs well in terms of abrasion and damage resistance. Many in their reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 say that it is capable of passing several seasons with active use and a fairly long distance traveled.
Copes well with snow and snow porridge. The large number of sipes and the omnidirectional running edges allow the tire to achieve excellent rowing characteristics and easily overcome loose surfaces, whether it is rough snow or simple primer.
Pleasant rut behavior. According to information from the owners' reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200, this rubber is able to easily obey maneuvering when driving inside a track, and helps the driver to leave it and go back to overtake, change lanes or turn.
As you can see, the model has a rather impressive list of advantages, against the background of which all its disadvantages fade. But still, they are worth mentioning so that later you will not be disappointed in your purchase.
Negative points in rubber reviews
Among the minuses most often noticed by drivers in reviews of Gislaved Nord Frost 200 tires, there are only a few that can be considered more or less critical. For example, some drivers complain that at temperatures overboard above +5 degrees, the tire becomes too soft, which leads to yaw on the road as a result of deterioration of performance in relation to directional stability. During severe frosts, it is more difficult for rubber to cope with snow porridge, especially if the frost came suddenly and the air is already frozen, and the snow on the road is not yet.
During the break-in, as noted by many drivers in reviews of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200, there is a noticeable hum, which should not be scared - after the first couple of hundred kilometers it will practically disappear and stop annoying. Some drivers noted a tendency to aquaplaning, but this may be due to specific weather conditions, since others did not face such a problem.
Output
Rubber is optimal solution for those who want to receive universal option in one bottle. She is able to cope with a wide variety of weather conditions, and always comes out victorious in such battles. The list of advantages, formed on the basis of reviews about Gislaved Nord Frost 200, is quite large, but there are much fewer disadvantages than competitors, who often offer their product even more expensive. In view of this, if you are willing to pay, it is recommended that you purchase just such a kit for yourself - it will give you pleasure and a sense of security during winter trips, no matter how far they are, and you will not worry. once again before leaving in bad weather.
Exactly along with the beginning of the winter season, which this year came unusually early, we got a set of winter studded tires Gislaved Nord Frost 200 for the test.
The Swedish brand Gislaved, owned by the German tire auto giant Continental AG for more than a quarter of a century, is familiar to Russian motorists firsthand. Indeed, even at the beginning of the 2000s, Gislaved was almost the only company whose mid-price winter tires competed almost on equal terms with premium Nokian tires, which traditionally occupy first places in various tests and ratings.
Access to the resources and technologies of the largest tire manufacturer in Europe allowed Gislaved to quickly take a strong position in the tire market, where the Swedes are especially successful in the segment of tires intended for countries with a harsh winter climate, including Russia.
For the test, we took tires in the popular 195/65 R15 dimension, which is used by most golf-class car owners.
One of the novelties prepared by Gislaved for the winter season 2016-2017 is the Nord Frost 200 studded winter tire, which is produced for our market at the Continental plant in Kaluga. Unlike three previous generations the Nord Frost series, featuring a symmetrical tread pattern, the new 200th model received an asymmetric directional tread pattern. This strategy is not surprising, as this pattern has successfully proven itself in the construction of the first generation ContiIceContact tire, which won many comparison tests.
The outer tread area not only provides stability in turns, but is also responsible for directional stability and handling. The partially swept midfoot tread pattern helps drain water and slush out of the contact patch, while the interior of the projector provides traction on a variety of surfaces and resists aquaplaning.
Externally distinguish the tread pattern of the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 and the first generation Continental ContiIceContact tires.
The Finnish company Tikka, also part of the Continental concern, is engaged in the production of studs for the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 tire. Called the Eco Tri-Star, the innovative new cleat features a truncated truncated cogwheel design with increased number of gripping edges and edges, which, in turn, improve grip at any load vector. In addition, the Nord Frost 200 features significantly more studs than previous models for improved acceleration and braking performance on ice.
For the test we got tires in the popular dimension 195/65 R15, the average price of which in Russian online stores is about 5500 rubles apiece. Unfortunately, we do not have special measuring instruments to conduct a detailed study, as some authoritative publications do, so we will just share our impressions.
I say right away that even with our harsh winters, I am not only not a supporter, but more opposed to the use of studded tires in the city, when most of the time you have to move on asphalt. In such conditions, friction tires have a number of indisputable advantages, including low noise level, better grip on asphalt and a smooth ride.
But after the first kilometers on Gislaved studs, I am ready to admit that the Nord Frost 200 tires are really very quiet. At first, you get the feeling that you are not riding on thorns, but on a regular winter Velcro... Especially the reduction in background noise is noticeable in comparison with the studded tires of one well-known manufacturer, which were on our experimental Ford focus previously.
The Eco Tri-Star cleat design more effectively removes crumb snow at the moment the spike contacts the ice.
Having covered all of Moscow with snow at the beginning of November, winter did not take long, therefore, in order to feel all the advantages of winter tires, we no longer needed to wait for the December frosts, however, on the first days after the installation of Gislaved, we still managed to find good weather together with a low noise level, the tires were pleased with adequate reactions and predictable behavior on dry roads. On Nord Frost 200 tires, the car does not slip off the trajectory in harmless corners, as is often the case with many studded tires. In addition, the Ford Focus firmly clings to the road during acceleration and braking.
In all the same exercises - acceleration, braking, taxiing at speed - the tires work well both in snow conditions and on ice. Thanks to the asymmetrical pattern, the tread performs well in both directions. At the same time, tires with a directional tread are slightly better at removing water from the contact patch, therefore, it is preferable when there is slush and snow porridge on the roads. Therefore, in such conditions, Gislaved Nord Frost 200 behaves a little less confidently.
Finally, one cannot fail to note the successful design of the spikes, which effectively bite into the ice, regardless of the motion vector. This is facilitated by a special design that allows for more efficient removal of ice crumbs from the contact area of the tread block with the road, providing a more dense interaction of the hard-alloy insert of the tire with the surface.
Gislaved Nord Frost 200 is offered in a wide range of sizes from 13 "to 20". The average price of a 195/65 R15 tire is 5500 rubles.
Summarizing the first acquaintance with the new Gislaved Nord Frost 200 tires, we can say that the Swedes have a very worthy product. Among the advantages of this tire, I would like to note the low noise level, confident grip on dry asphalt and decent performance on snow and ice. Despite the fact that the tire design uses the technologies applied by Continental several years ago, and in measurements at the test site, the Nord Frost 200 tire is likely to be slightly inferior to the latest models from Nokian, Miсhelin or the same Continental, given the cost of the tire from "Gislaved", in terms of price-quality ratio, it is one of the best, which in the current economic realities can mean much more newfangled technological developments.
The Swedish brand Gislaved, owned by the German tire auto giant Continental AG for more than a quarter of a century, is familiar to Russian motorists firsthand. Indeed, even at the beginning of the 2000s, Gislaved was almost the only company whose mid-price winter tires competed almost on equal terms with premium Nokian tires, which traditionally occupy first places in various tests and ratings.
Access to the resources and technologies of Continental, Europe's largest tire manufacturer, has allowed Gislaved to quickly gain a strong position in the tire market, where the Swedes are especially successful in the segment of tires intended for countries with a harsh winter climate, including Russia.
For the test, we took tires in the popular 195/65 R15 dimension, which is used by most golf-class car owners.
One of the novelties prepared by Gislaved for the winter season 2016-2017 is the Nord Frost 200 studded winter tire, which is produced for our market at the Continental plant in Kaluga. Unlike the three previous generations of the Nord Frost series, characterized by a symmetrical tread pattern, the new 200 model received an asymmetrical directional tread pattern. This strategy is not surprising, as this pattern has successfully proven itself in the construction of the first generation ContiIceContact tire, which won many comparison tests.
The outer tread area not only provides stability in turns, but is also responsible for directional stability and handling. The partially swept midfoot tread pattern helps drain water and slush out of the contact patch, while the interior of the projector provides traction on a variety of surfaces and resists aquaplaning.
Externally, it is almost impossible to distinguish the tread pattern between the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 and the first generation Continental ContiIceContact tires.
The Finnish company Tikka, also part of the Continental concern, is engaged in the production of studs for the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 tire. Called the Eco Tri-Star, the innovative new cleat features a truncated truncated cogwheel design with increased number of gripping edges and edges, which, in turn, improve grip at any load vector. In addition, the Nord Frost 200 features significantly more studs than previous models for improved acceleration and braking performance on ice.
For the test we got tires in the popular dimension 195/65 R15, the average price of which in Russian online stores is about 5500 rubles apiece. Unfortunately, we do not have special measuring instruments to conduct a detailed study, as some authoritative publications do, so we will just share our impressions.
I say right away that even with our harsh winters, I am not only not a supporter, but more opposed to the use of studded tires in the city, when most of the time you have to move on asphalt. In such conditions, friction tires have a number of indisputable advantages, including low noise level, better grip on asphalt and a smooth ride. But after the first kilometers on Gislaved studs, I am ready to admit that the Nord Frost 200 tires are really very quiet. At first, you get the feeling that you are not riding on thorns, but on the usual winter Velcro. The noise reduction is especially noticeable in comparison with the studded tires of one well-known manufacturer, which were on our experimental Ford Focus earlier.
The Eco Tri-Star cleat design more effectively removes crumb snow at the moment the spike contacts the ice.
Having covered all of Moscow with snow at the beginning of November, winter did not take long, therefore, in order to feel all the advantages of winter tires, we no longer needed to wait for the December frosts, however, on the first days after the installation of Gislaved, we still managed to find good weather together with a low noise level, the tires were pleased with adequate reactions and predictable behavior on dry roads. On Nord Frost 200 tires, the car does not slip off the trajectory in harmless corners, as is often the case with many studded tires. In addition, the Ford Focus firmly clings to the road during acceleration and braking.
In all the same exercises - acceleration, braking, taxiing at speed - the tires work well both in snow conditions and on ice. Thanks to asymmetrical pattern the protector works well in both directions. At the same time, tires with a directional tread are slightly better at removing water from the contact patch, therefore, it is preferable when there is slush and snow porridge on the roads. Therefore, in such conditions, Gislaved Nord Frost 200 behaves a little less confidently.
Finally, one cannot fail to note the successful design of the spikes, which effectively bite into the ice, regardless of the motion vector. This is facilitated by a special design, which allows for more efficient removal of ice chips from the contact area of the tread block with the road, providing a tighter interaction of the hard-alloy spike insert with the surface.
Gislaved Nord Frost 200 is offered in a wide range of sizes from 13 "to 20". The average price of a 195/65 R15 tire is 5500 rubles.
Summarizing the first acquaintance with the new Gislaved Nord Frost 200 tires, we can say that the Swedes have a very worthy product. Among the advantages of this tire, I would like to note the low noise level, confident grip on dry asphalt and decent performance on snow and ice. Despite the fact that the tire design uses the technologies applied by Continental several years ago, and in measurements at the test site, the Nord Frost 200 tire is likely to be slightly inferior to the latest models from Nokian, Miсhelin or the same Continental, given the cost of the tire from "Gislaved", in terms of price-quality ratio, it is one of the best, which in the current economic realities can mean much more newfangled technological developments.
