The winter tire Hankook iPike RS2, like the model of the previous generation, is designed for passenger cars. It is characterized by improved traction properties on slippery surfaces, braking efficiency, and reliability in difficult road conditions.
Redesigned tread pattern
The key difference between this tire and the first-generation iPike RS is the tread pattern. Its design remains symmetrical and directional, but the shape, size, and arrangement of the elements have changed significantly. The central part contains larger intersecting blocks. This noticeably optimizes the distribution of external load on the contact patch in this area, ensuring better stability of traction properties.
In the shoulder areas, the blocks, on the contrary, have decreased significantly in size, and their number has increased due to this. This solution improves the tread performance during longitudinal accelerations and also facilitates exit from a snow-covered rut.
Several types of lamellas
Like its predecessor, the tread of this tire contains several thousand so-called "3D-lamellas" - narrow slits with 3-axis oriented edges on the vertical walls. However, the shape and arrangement of these elements have been significantly changed. The lamellas in the central part are oriented at a more acute angle relative to the direction of movement. This noticeably increases the directional stability on slippery surfaces.
A significant part of the slits has a classic straight shape for such elements. These lamellas are located in the central part at a small angle. This solution improves the longitudinal traction properties on wet surfaces, not only forming high and long edges but also directing water into one of the nearby drainage grooves.
Optimized stud arrangement
The next important innovation is the stud arrangement scheme. The number of longitudinal rows formed by them is not 10, as before, but 12. The studs are located closer to the center of the tread, i.e., they are distributed more evenly over its entire area. This solution noticeably improves the stability of traction properties on icy surfaces.
Improved drainage groove performance
The tread pattern of the tire contains a large number of drainage grooves. A significant part of them is located at an acute angle, which allows using the rotation of the wheel to drain water and its mixture with snow. In the shoulder areas, at the intersection with transverse grooves, the tread has the ability to compact and retain snow, additionally enhancing traction.
Key features of Hankook W429 i Pike RS2
- optimized tread pattern with massive blocks in the central part, increasing the stability of traction properties;
- narrow shoulder blocks improve performance during longitudinal accelerations, facilitate exit from a rut;
- 12-row stud arrangement provides high efficiency on icy surfaces;
- improved performance of drainage grooves due to the arrangement of many of them at an acute angle.
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