Review of the Ikon Character Winter Lineup
The company Ikon Tyres is rebranding its mid-range lineup, and the tires under the Nordman brand, owned by the Finnish conglomerate Nokian Tyres, will be renamed to Ikon Character, and their size range will also be expanded.
Ikon emphasizes that the equipment, technologies, rubber compound recipes, and tread patterns have been preserved, meaning that in terms of consumer characteristics, Ikon Character and Nordman are identical, and the name "Character" "emphasizes the key properties of the lineup: safety, economy, durability, and resilience".
In the new season, five winter Ikon Character tires will be offered (tires under the name Ikon Nordman are also available), both studded and unstudded:
Ikon Character Ice 8 (analog - Ikon Nordman 8). A studded tire with a tread pattern from the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 model, introduced in 2013. Compared to the Hakkapeliitta 7, the number of studs has been increased, which, in combination with the optimized stud placement scheme, enhances traction on icy surfaces, and is also facilitated by the stud developed by Ikon with a larger number of sharp core edges.
The tires have a directed symmetrical tread pattern with an increased number of sipes (which, among other things, reduces heat, extending the life of the tires), while the 3D lamellas close under load, reducing block mobility and improving handling. In addition, the connected central sipes increase stability, and the open shoulder areas and increased groove depth help the tires quickly self-clean from snow and slush.
The lineup will include sizes with a diameter of 13-19 inches, and a version of Ikon Character Ice 8 SUV for crossovers and SUVs will also be available (size range: 15-19 inches).
Ikon Character Ice 7 SUV (analog - Ikon Nordman 7 SUV). Another studded model, and this time the tread pattern was taken from the legendary Hakkapeliitta 7, released back in 2009. The "bear claw" technology is used, i.e., under load, a special protrusion on the tread block keeps the stud in a vertical position, preventing it from tilting and stabilizing traction on icy roads. In addition, special cavities are located in front of the studs, which work as air shock absorbers (the "air claw" technology), softening the impact on the road surface and reducing vibrations and noise.
The tire has a directed tread pattern with beveled shoulder blades, which more effectively pushes the snow slush out of the contact patch, while the 3D lamellas improve performance on dry pavement.
Only the SUV version will be available (size range: 15-20 inches), and for owners of passenger cars, Ikon Nordman 7 tires are still offered (13-17 inches).
Ikon Character Snow 2 (analog - Ikon Nordman RS2). A friction tire with a design from the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R model, which entered the market in 2008. The tread blocks contain "pump" lamellas that pump water off the surface of ice or asphalt, increasing traction and safety, and "braking boosters" are located at the rear of the blocks, which reduce braking distances on snowy and icy surfaces.
The tread pattern is directed and includes numerous zigzag lamellas that enhance traction on slippery surfaces, and one of the features of the tire is reduced rolling resistance, allowing fuel consumption to be reduced.
The tires will be available in sizes 13-19 inches, and the Ikon Character Snow 2 SUV version will fit wheels with a diameter of 15-19 inches.
Ikon has already started preparing for the next summer season, and, for example, the Ikon Nordman SZ2 tire will be renamed to Ikon Character Ultra, and in 2025, the company will finally stop using the Nordman brand. As for Ikon's own developed tires, they will appear only in three years, since this process is quite lengthy.