2024 Studded Tire Test

The excellent magazine Vi Bilagare tested seven studded tires and one friction (non-studded) winter tire - the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. Testing was conducted in various locations across Finland and Sweden, using a Volkswagen Golf for most tests.

Test Publication:

225/45 R17 8 tires 6 categories

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Images courtesy of Vi Bilagare

Test Publication:

https://www.vibilagare.se/test/dacktest

Images courtesy of Vi Bilagare

Test Size: 225/45 R17

Tires Tested: 8 tires

Test Categories:
6 categories (13 tests)

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Friction vs Studded Performance

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 friction tire showed some interesting characteristics. On rough ice and snow, it matched or exceeded the studded tires for cornering grip. However, on polished ice, it struggled significantly with braking and acceleration, performing similarly to the budget Mazzini studded tire. The friction tire excelled in comfort aspects, with the lowest noise levels and best fuel economy, but showed clear weaknesses in wet grip and early aquaplaning.

Budget Tire Performance

The Chinese-made Mazzini Ice Leopard highlighted the performance gap between premium and budget tires. While it showed decent performance on dry and wet asphalt, it struggled in winter conditions. Its ice grip was poor, with sudden loss of cornering grip occurring without warning. Even with studs, it couldn't outperform the friction tire on polished ice.

Other Points

The magazine noted that production changes due to leaving Russia have affected quality control, with both Michelin and Bridgestone showing inconsistent stud mounting, the Bridgestone had significant stud retention issues during testing, losing 26 studs from the front tires, and that the Continental showed unusual characteristics for a studded tire, with ice performance being its weakest point but excellent wet and dry road handling.

Dry

Dry Braking

Subj. Dry Handling

Wet

Wet Braking

Wet Handling

Straight Aqua

Snow

Snow Braking

Snow Traction

Snow Handling

Ice

Ice Braking

Ice Traction

Ice Handling

Comfort

Noise

Value

Fuel Consumption

Results

1^st

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10

225/45 R17 94T

• Shore: 55
• Stud Count: 216
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 10.9 kgs
• Tread: 9.1 mm
• Price: 2402.00

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 dominated winter performance, particularly strong in corners on both ice and snow. The steering is responsive with an active rear end that helps turning, though this might not suit drivers wanting ultimate stability. Its weaknesses showed on wet roads with longer braking distances and early aquaplaning, plus reduced straight-line stability on dry roads.

Dry

77.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	33.14 M	31.52 M	+1.62 M	95.11%
Subj. Dry Handling	4th	3 Points	5 Points	-2 Points	60%

Wet

91.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	37.22 M	34.3 M	+2.92 M	92.15%
Wet Handling	5th	41.9 s	40.7 s	+1.2 s	97.14%
Straight Aqua	7th	63 Km/H	74 Km/H	-11 Km/H	85.14%

Snow

98%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	3rd	12.41 M	12.31 M	+0.1 M	99.19%
Snow Traction	4th	4.32 s	4.1 s	+0.22 s	94.91%
Snow Handling	2nd	75.2 s	75.1 s	+0.1 s	99.87%

Ice

93.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	2nd	11.73 M	11.03 M	+0.7 M	94.03%
Ice Traction	2nd	5.38 s	4.61 s	+0.77 s	85.69%
Ice Handling	1st	47.8 s			100%

Comfort

94.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	75.5 dB	71.5 dB	+4 dB	94.7%

Value

94.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	4th	5.55 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.3 l/100km	94.59%

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2^nd

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 3

225/45 R17 94T

• Shore: 63
• Stud Count: 262
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 10.8 kgs
• Tread: 9.4 mm
• Price: 2796.00

Bridgestone Spike 3 is a new model excelling in water displacement and ice grip, but suffered quality control issues with poorly mounted studs, losing 26 during testing. While showing good wet grip and stability on asphalt, it tends to lose grip more suddenly than rivals in corners. Road noise is higher than most competitors.

Dry

86.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	34.13 M	31.52 M	+2.61 M	92.35%
Subj. Dry Handling	3rd	4 Points	5 Points	-1 Points	80%

Wet

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	35.42 M	34.3 M	+1.12 M	96.84%
Wet Handling	4th	41.7 s	40.7 s	+1 s	97.6%
Straight Aqua	1st	74 Km/H			100%

Snow

95.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	7th	12.68 M	12.31 M	+0.37 M	97.08%
Snow Traction	7th	4.4 s	4.1 s	+0.3 s	93.18%
Snow Handling	7th	77.1 s	75.1 s	+2 s	97.41%

Ice

99.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	1st	11.03 M			100%
Ice Traction	1st	4.61 s			100%
Ice Handling	4th	48.4 s	47.8 s	+0.6 s	98.76%

Comfort

93.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	8th	76.4 dB	71.5 dB	+4.9 dB	93.59%

Value

94.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	4th	5.55 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.3 l/100km	94.59%

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3^rd

Michelin X Ice North 4

225/45 R17 94T

• Shore: 59
• Stud Count: 252
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 10.7 kgs
• Tread: 8.3 mm
• Price: 2656.00

Michelin X-Ice North 4, despite being an older design from 2018, remains highly competitive with a well-balanced performance. It combines good ice grip with relatively low noise and fuel consumption. The tire understeers predictably in all conditions, making it user-friendly, though wet grip is its main weakness.

Dry

97.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	33.26 M	31.52 M	+1.74 M	94.77%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	5 Points			100%

Wet

94.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	37.27 M	34.3 M	+2.97 M	92.03%
Wet Handling	8th	42.1 s	40.7 s	+1.4 s	96.67%
Straight Aqua	4th	69.2 Km/H	74 Km/H	-4.8 Km/H	93.51%

Snow

98.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	5th	12.42 M	12.31 M	+0.11 M	99.11%
Snow Traction	2nd	4.21 s	4.1 s	+0.11 s	97.39%
Snow Handling	5th	76.2 s	75.1 s	+1.1 s	98.56%

Ice

87.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	4th	13.38 M	11.03 M	+2.35 M	82.44%
Ice Traction	4th	5.66 s	4.61 s	+1.05 s	81.45%
Ice Handling	3rd	48.2 s	47.8 s	+0.4 s	99.17%

Comfort

95.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	3rd	74.6 dB	71.5 dB	+3.1 dB	95.84%

Value

95.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	3rd	5.5 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.25 l/100km	95.45%

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4^th

Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2

225/45 R17 94T

• Shore: 60
• Stud Count: 190
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 11.3 kgs
• Tread: 9.9 mm
• Price: 2386.00

Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 delivers consistent performance and excellent braking across all conditions. It has the deepest tread pattern in the test, which may contribute to its somewhat vague steering feel. While safe and secure, it offers less precise handling for enthusiast drivers.

Dry

78.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	32.66 M	31.52 M	+1.14 M	96.51%
Subj. Dry Handling	4th	3 Points	5 Points	-2 Points	60%

Wet

96.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	35.34 M	34.3 M	+1.04 M	97.06%
Wet Handling	3rd	41.5 s	40.7 s	+0.8 s	98.07%
Straight Aqua	3rd	70.7 Km/H	74 Km/H	-3.3 Km/H	95.54%

Snow

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	3rd	12.41 M	12.31 M	+0.1 M	99.19%
Snow Traction	3rd	4.24 s	4.1 s	+0.14 s	96.7%
Snow Handling	4th	75.8 s	75.1 s	+0.7 s	99.08%

Ice

86.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	3rd	12.64 M	11.03 M	+1.61 M	87.26%
Ice Traction	5th	6.19 s	4.61 s	+1.58 s	74.47%
Ice Handling	5th	48.5 s	47.8 s	+0.7 s	98.56%

Comfort

95.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	5th	75.2 dB	71.5 dB	+3.7 dB	95.08%

Value

92.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	7th	5.7 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.45 l/100km	92.11%

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5^th

Continental IceContact 3

225/45 R17 94T

• Shore: 61
• Stud Count: 190
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 10.9 kgs
• Tread: 8.4 mm
• Price: 2689.00

Continental IceContact 3 showed unusually poor ice performance for a studded tire, with braking distances a full car length longer than the best at just 25 km/h. However, it excelled on asphalt with the best dry and wet handling characteristics and low noise levels. Strong on snow with predictable behavior.

Dry

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	32.47 M	31.52 M	+0.95 M	97.07%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	5 Points			100%

Wet

97%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	34.74 M	34.3 M	+0.44 M	98.73%
Wet Handling	1st	40.7 s			100%
Straight Aqua	5th	68.3 Km/H	74 Km/H	-5.7 Km/H	92.3%

Snow

98.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	2nd	12.34 M	12.31 M	+0.03 M	99.76%
Snow Traction	4th	4.32 s	4.1 s	+0.22 s	94.91%
Snow Handling	1st	75.1 s			100%

Ice

77.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	6th	15.87 M	11.03 M	+4.84 M	69.5%
Ice Traction	6th	6.81 s	4.61 s	+2.2 s	67.69%
Ice Handling	6th	50.2 s	47.8 s	+2.4 s	95.22%

Comfort

97.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	2nd	73.6 dB	71.5 dB	+2.1 dB	97.15%

Value

91.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	8th	5.75 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.5 l/100km	91.3%

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6^th

Nordman North 9

225/45 R17 94T

• Shore: 57
• Stud Count: 196
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 10.3 kgs
• Tread: 9 mm
• Price: 1991.00

Nordman North 9, Nokian's budget brand, uses the previous generation Hakkapeliitta 9 tread pattern with harder rubber. It matches or beats the premium Nokian on asphalt but has reduced winter grip. The tire was notably loud, recording the worst noise comfort in the test.

Dry

76.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	33.59 M	31.52 M	+2.07 M	93.84%
Subj. Dry Handling	4th	3 Points	5 Points	-2 Points	60%

Wet

94.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	36.34 M	34.3 M	+2.04 M	94.39%
Wet Handling	5th	41.9 s	40.7 s	+1.2 s	97.14%
Straight Aqua	6th	68.2 Km/H	74 Km/H	-5.8 Km/H	92.16%

Snow

97.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	1st	12.31 M			100%
Snow Traction	6th	4.35 s	4.1 s	+0.25 s	94.25%
Snow Handling	6th	76.4 s	75.1 s	+1.3 s	98.3%

Ice

85.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	5th	13.77 M	11.03 M	+2.74 M	80.1%
Ice Traction	3rd	5.55 s	4.61 s	+0.94 s	83.06%
Ice Handling	7th	50.7 s	47.8 s	+2.9 s	94.28%

Comfort

94.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	7th	75.6 dB	71.5 dB	+4.1 dB	94.58%

Value

96.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	2nd	5.45 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.2 l/100km	96.33%

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7^th

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5

225/45 R17 94T

• Shore: 52
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 9.6 kgs
• Tread: 8.2 mm
• Price: 2332.00

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 friction tire proved that non-studded tires can match studded ones in many winter conditions, particularly on rough ice and snow. Its soft compound gives understeery handling and excels in comfort with low noise and rolling resistance. Main weaknesses are wet grip and early aquaplaning.

Dry

70%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	31.52 M			100%
Subj. Dry Handling	8th	2 Points	5 Points	-3 Points	40%

Wet

88.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	38.39 M	34.3 M	+4.09 M	89.35%
Wet Handling	5th	41.9 s	40.7 s	+1.2 s	97.14%
Straight Aqua	8th	58.6 Km/H	74 Km/H	-15.4 Km/H	79.19%

Snow

99.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	6th	12.5 M	12.31 M	+0.19 M	98.48%
Snow Traction	1st	4.1 s			100%
Snow Handling	3rd	75.6 s	75.1 s	+0.5 s	99.34%

Ice

70.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	8th	17.87 M	11.03 M	+6.84 M	61.72%
Ice Traction	8th	9.42 s	4.61 s	+4.81 s	48.94%
Ice Handling	2nd	48 s	47.8 s	+0.2 s	99.58%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	1st	71.5 dB			100%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	1st	5.25 l/100km			100%

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8^th

Mazzini Ice Leopard

225/45 R17 94T

• Shore: 123
• Stud Count: 61
• 3PMSF: yes
• Weight: 10.7 kgs
• Tread: 9 mm
• Price: 1179.00

Mazzini Ice Leopard, the Chinese budget option, struggled in demanding conditions with significantly worse ice grip than established brands. Grip disappears suddenly without warning in corners. While showing decent braking on asphalt, the stability and steering feel are mediocre. Even with studs, it couldn't outperform the friction tire on polished ice.

Dry

78.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	32.29 M	31.52 M	+0.77 M	97.62%
Subj. Dry Handling	4th	3 Points	5 Points	-2 Points	60%

Wet

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	34.3 M			100%
Wet Handling	2nd	41.4 s	40.7 s	+0.7 s	98.31%
Straight Aqua	2nd	71.1 Km/H	74 Km/H	-2.9 Km/H	96.08%

Snow

94.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	8th	12.94 M	12.31 M	+0.63 M	95.13%
Snow Traction	8th	4.45 s	4.1 s	+0.35 s	92.13%
Snow Handling	8th	78 s	75.1 s	+2.9 s	96.28%

Ice

70.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Ice Braking	7th	17.54 M	11.03 M	+6.51 M	62.88%
Ice Traction	7th	7.99 s	4.61 s	+3.38 s	57.7%
Ice Handling	8th	52.2 s	47.8 s	+4.4 s	91.57%

Comfort

95.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	74.8 dB	71.5 dB	+3.3 dB	95.59%

Value

92.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Fuel Consumption	6th	5.65 l/100km	5.25 l/100km	+0.4 l/100km	92.92%

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