Fulda Kristall Control HP2 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- TR Score
- 7.2/10
- Owners say
- 70% · 12
- TR Score
- 9.5/10
- Owners say
- 87% · 33
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 7 times and the Kristall Control HP2 not once. The Kristall Control HP2 resisted straight aquaplaning at a 1.6% higher speed; the Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 10.7% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 if you prioritize maximum safety, precision and low noise, drive frequently in mixed winter conditions, or value high mileage. Choose Fulda Kristall Control HP2 if budget is primary, you value aquaplaning security and comfort, and can accept longer braking distances and less sharp handling.
Where the Kristall Control HP2 is stronger
- Strong aquaplaning resistance (straight and curved) in multiple tests
- Comfortable and compliant ride; solid subjective comfort scores
- Competitive value: lower purchase price and good efficiency
Where the Pilot Alpin 5 is stronger
- Class-leading braking on dry, wet, snow and ice (often 8-12% shorter)
- Balanced, precise handling with low noise and high refinement
- Excellent wear and projected mileage; low abrasion
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Kristall Control HP2 vs Pilot Alpin 5 at a glance
| Category | Kristall Control HP2 | Gap | Pilot Alpin 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 0 | 7 | |
| Dry5 measurements | 0 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 9.2% shorter in the dry (3 tests) | 5 |
| Wet16 measurements | 4 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 10.7% shorter in the wet (7 tests) | 12 |
| Snow13 measurements | 3 | The Pilot Alpin 5 stopped 1.9% shorter on snow (7 tests) | 10 |
| Ice1 measurement | 0 | 1 | |
| Comfort4 measurements | 1 | The Pilot Alpin 5 was 2.9 dB quieter (3 tests) | 3 |
| Value7 measurements | 1 | The Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 12.9% longer in the wear tests (3 tests) | 5 |
| Tire Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 7.2/10 | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 2.3 | 9.5/10 |
| Owner rating12 and 33 reviews | 70% | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 17 points | 87% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 58% | The Pilot Alpin 5 by 26 points | 84% |
| Pricein the 3 tests that listed prices | Cheaper | The Pilot Alpin 5 was dearer in 3 of 3 | +26.5% |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 41 | 16 sizes made in both | 81 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tires; a tick marks the tire ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 7 tests, 2020 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tires ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Kristall Control HP2 | Field | Pilot Alpin 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Winter Tire Braking Test - 50 Sets | P26 of 50 | P3 of 50 | |
| 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test | P18 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2025 Winter Tire Braking Test - 52 Sets! | P18 of 51 | P2 of 51 | |
| 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test | P13 of 31 | P2 of 31 | |
| 2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test | P23 of 54 | P2 of 54 | |
| 2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test | P11 of 20 | P1 of 20 | |
| 2020 Winter Tire Market Overview - 52 Tire Braking Test | P18 of 51 | P2 of 51 |
Performance profile
11 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tire shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Kristall Control HP2
Pilot Alpin 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 118 ft stop against 112 ft is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. 9 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Kristall Control HP2
Pilot Alpin 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Kristall Control HP2
Not ahead in any category
Pilot Alpin 5
Point at or tap any spoke for both tires' figures.
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tires posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Kristall Control HP2 | Gap | Pilot Alpin 5 | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | 9.2% | 138 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 68.6 | 2.9% | 70.6 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 141 | 10.7% | 126 | 0-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 131 | 7.8% | 121 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 46.5 | 5.5% | 49 | 0-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 6.5 | 20.8% | 5.4 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 12.93 | 6.3% | 12.12 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 49.9 | 1.6% | 49 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.4 | 14.3% | 7.3 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 82 | 1.9% | 81 | 0-7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 429 | 0.5% | 431 | 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 36.9 | 0.7% | 37.1 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9.8 | 6.4% | 9.2 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 56 | 4.1% | 53 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 9.6% | scored | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 71.73 | 2.9 dB | 68.87 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 29,644 | 12.9% | 33,583 | 0-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.29 | 0.8% | 8.34 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5.8 | = | 5.8 | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 69 | 27.5% | 50 | 0-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tires shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kristall Control HP2 scores 7.2 and the Pilot Alpin 5 9.5 out of 10.
| Kristall Control HP2 | Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Dry | 99 | ||
| 59 | Wet | 90 | ||
| 11 | Comfort | 89 | ||
| 74 | Value | 59 | ||
| 70 | Snow | 92 | ||
| 46 | Ice | 80 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tires of the same season and class: 90 means this tire out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Kristall Control HP2 | Category | Pilot Alpin 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Dry Grip | 9 | ||
| 7 | Wet Grip | 9 | ||
| 7.5 | Road Feedback | 8.8 | ||
| 6.9 | Handling | 8.9 | ||
| 7.3 | Wear | 9 | ||
| 7.4 | Comfort | 8.3 | ||
| 6.1 | Snow Grip | 9 | ||
| 4.1 | Ice Grip | 8 | ||
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- 70%from 12 reviews
- 58%would buy again
- 446,800 milesdriven by reviewers
Drivers generally report the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 as a strong value winter tire, with many high-scoring reviews praising confident wet-road grip, safe/predictable handling, good snow traction, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Several owners also find it competitive with more premium brands for everyday winter driving. A recurring concern is that performance can deteriorate noticeably with age as the compound hardens, leading to reduced wet/ice/snow grip after a few seasons/years for some users.
- Strong wet grip and stability
- Good snow traction and winter safety
- Predictable handling and secure steering feel
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Grip can drop significantly as the tire ages/hardens over multiple seasons
Summarised by AI from 11 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 12 Kristall Control HP2 reviewsOverall good, but really nothing stands out about this tire. Reasonable wear, very good in dry, confident in wet, average in snow.
Reasonably quiet and comfortable.
Great buy at around EUR 83 for 205 60 16.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- 87%from 33 reviews
- 84%would buy again
- 357,850 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners rate the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 highly overall (average 82.7%), with the clearest consensus around strong snow traction and unusually capable dry-road performance for a winter tire. Wet grip also earns plenty of praise, and a smaller group highlights sharp steering feel and secure snow handling. Complaints are more mixed, but around a quarter of owners mention either firmer-than-expected ride comfort or disappointing ice performance, and a smaller minority report noticeable road noise and weak slush behavior.
- Strong snow traction and confidence in winter conditions
- Outstanding dry grip for a winter tire
- Very good wet grip
- Secure, sporty handling on dry roads
- Ice grip can be poor and unpredictable for some
- Firm or bumpy ride comfort for a winter tire
- Noticeable road noise at speed
Summarised by AI from 27 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tire page.
All 33 Pilot Alpin 5 reviewsGreat tire, i replaced my GY Ultragrip performance 3 with this and i can say they are even better on snow than GY. Where Michelin lacks to GY is on wet. I find goodyear a bit better on wet surfaces but both tires are excepional.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tire: 41 sizes of the Kristall Control HP2 and 81 of the Pilot Alpin 5, 16 of them made in both.
| Category | Kristall Control HP2 | Pilot Alpin 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Winter | Winter |
| Sizes made | 41 sizes, 15 to 19 inch | 81 sizes, 16 to 23 inch |
| Made in both | 16 sizes 205/60 R16215/65 R16225/50 R17235/45 R17245/45 R17225/40 R18225/45 R18235/40 R18235/45 R18235/50 R18245/40 R18245/45 R18and 4 more | |
| EU label wet grip | C83%B15%D2% | B58%C40%D2% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C74%D20%B6% | C60%D30%B9% |
| EU label noise | 70-73 dB B100% | 68-75 dB B70%A30% |
| Severe snow (3PMSF) sizes | 54 of 54 | 96 of 96 |
| On the market since | 2021 | 2017 |
| Replaced | Fulda Kristall Control HP (2021) | Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 (2012) |
| Price in the shared tests | The Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 3 of the 3 tests that listed prices, by 26.5% on average. Each test priced the tires in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This head-to-head puts Fulda's Kristall Control HP2, a high-performance winter tire aimed at value-conscious drivers, against Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5, an ultra-high-performance benchmark that routinely tops comparative tests. Both target modern passenger cars in the same 18-inch performance sizes, but they approach winter differently: Fulda leans on comfort, aquaplaning security and price efficiency, while Michelin pursues all-condition balance and precision.
Across six shared tests from 2020 to 2025, the Pilot Alpin 5 consistently finishes near the top-and often first-thanks to shorter braking distances and cleaner handling on dry, wet, ice and snow. The Fulda counters with better value metrics, notably price and, in some cases, aquaplaning resistance and subjective comfort. The question is whether Fulda's strengths offset Michelin's sizeable safety margins in critical braking and handling scenarios.
Conclusion
The pattern is clear: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 dominates safety-critical categories. It wins every shared dry and wet braking comparison (typically by 8-12%) and leads on snow and ice braking, while pairing precise steering with low noise and strong projected mileage. Those margins are meaningful in real traffic, especially on cold, wet roads where stopping distance is decisive.
Fulda Kristall Control HP2 offers a credible alternative for budget-focused drivers: better or comparable aquaplaning resistance in several tests, agreeable ride comfort, and a notably lower purchase price. However, its wet braking and handling shortfalls, plus less precise dry control, limit its appeal for spirited or safety-first driving. For most buyers, Michelin's higher price is justified by its all-round capability and longevity; Fulda suits those prioritizing cost and cruising comfort over ultimate grip and shortest stops.
Kristall Control HP2 vs Pilot Alpin 5: your questions
Is the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 or the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 the better tire?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tires, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 finished ahead 7 times and the Kristall Control HP2 not once. On the Tire Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Kristall Control HP2 scores 7.2 and the Pilot Alpin 5 9.5 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Kristall Control HP2 or the Pilot Alpin 5?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 12 of the 16 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 10.7% shorter in the wet across 7 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 5 of the 5 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 9.2% shorter in the dry across 3 tests.
Which is better in snow?
The Pilot Alpin 5 led 10 of the 13 snow measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 1.9% shorter on snow across 7 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Pilot Alpin 5 lasted 12.9% longer in the wear tests (3 tests). Owners rate wear 7.3/10 for the Kristall Control HP2 and 9/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
The Pilot Alpin 5 was 2.9 dB quieter (3 tests). Owners rate comfort 7.4/10 for the Kristall Control HP2 and 8.3/10 for the Pilot Alpin 5.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Kristall Control HP2 70% from 12 reviews and the Pilot Alpin 5 87% from 33. 58% of Kristall Control HP2 owners would buy it again, against 84% for the Pilot Alpin 5.
Which is more expensive?
In the 3 tests that listed prices, the Pilot Alpin 5 was the dearer tire in 3 of them, by 26.5% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Kristall Control HP2 is made in 41 sizes (15 to 19 inch) and the Pilot Alpin 5 in 81 (16 to 23 inch). 16 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Kristall Control HP2 is graded C for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Pilot Alpin 5 B and C.
Which is the newer tire?
The Kristall Control HP2 is the newer design: it reached the market in 2021, the Pilot Alpin 5 in 2017. The Kristall Control HP2 replaced the Fulda Kristall Control HP. The Pilot Alpin 5 replaced the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4.
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Run either of these?
Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tire wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tires ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tire Reviews Score rates each tire out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tires can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tire Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tires independently since 2007.
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