The combination of a large (although no longer record-breaking) number of studs and a thoughtfully designed directional tread pattern collectively provide excellent traction properties and great handling of the X-ice North 4 on snow and ice. This put Michelin tires in first place, which was not hindered by the high price and rather modest results for a top model on a wet road.
Known as the first studded tyres to be homologated for the Lamborghini Urus, the Pirelli Scorpion Ice Zero 2 tyres are suitable not only for off-road driving but also for urban use. This is made possible by the powerful studs, which guarantee safe grip and excellent handling on "white" roads, as well as the tread pattern, which excellently resists aquaplaning.
The similarity between the two models from Hankook and Nokian lies not only in their excellent traction properties on ice and snow, but also in their high noise level.
At the same time, the Hankook W429A has the best of all studded tires' passability on deep snow and the first result on the handling track, although they have only 164 studs, while, for example, the Michelin XlN4 has as many as 269 per tire! Another reason to think about whether the number of studs is overestimated. Another important advantage of Hankook is an adequate price. As a disadvantage, one can consider the average level of traction properties on a wet road. Hankook Winter i*Pike X are recommended for use primarily where road cleaning is not a major concern.
In loose snow "fluff" Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV tires lose to their competitors, however, when turning on ice, thanks to the studs (albeit few in number, there are only 136 of them) of two types, they show the highest class. They resist aquaplaning well and brake quite efficiently on a wet surface. Their extremely high price is disappointing.
The second-line Pirelli tires outperformed their "senior brother" Scorpion Ice Zero 2 on the ice handling track. The Formula Ice has an advantage on snowy terrain as well! The traction properties on wet pavement are the best among all studded tires in the test, which will undoubtedly be appreciated by metropolitan residents. The only definite drawback is the moderate traction properties on ice.
Nordman 7 SUV are tires released by Nokian using previous generation Hakkapeliitta molds with simpler materials, which explains the more modest characteristics of the Nordman 7 SUV compared to the Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV. However, overall, the Nordman tires are quite an attractive offer in terms of price to quality ratio.
Compared to a new set, the Nordman 7 SUV with a mileage of 10,000 km showed that the tread pattern, which plays an important role on snow, is most susceptible to degradation.
The results of the Gislaved Nord*Frost 200 in 2020 are quite disappointing. On ice with 130 anti-skid studs, they were weaker than all friction models, and on the handling track, they caused constant rear axle skidding of the Arkana. Whether it was the optimization of the rubber compound or the quality of the studding, no one dares to say.
In deep snow, the asymmetric tread works moderately, but on a rolled surface, Gislaved tires brake faster than all others. One of the quietest studded tires on the market.
The braking efficiency of the Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer on ice leaves much to be desired. On the handling track, the tires showed a delayed reaction, although against the background of predictable and obedient behavior. It's difficult to get out of snowdrifts on them. Definitely not an option for black ice.
