Dedicated winter tires?

Same here Chuck. I have some stock steelies with Firestone WinterForce in a 265/75. I didn't use them last year either. But with a 50 mile round trip commute to work.....they're ready when I need them.

 

I see we think along the same lines, Bill!

 

You can't really compare a 1-wheel drive S10 on 1980's snow tires to a modern Toyota with modern winter tires, though. Snow tires are way better now.

I saw my buddy get an S10 stuck on packed snow on level ground. My '85 Supra on Cooper cobras was better in the snow than that truck.

I'm not knocking studded tires. I'm just saying that modern non-studded winter tires are way better than what they were 30 years ago.

 

There's no doubt that the gap between studded and studless has closed dramatically. But I would still run studded tires if I could (I can't, at least not legally.)

 

There’s a lot to take into consideration when talking stud vs studless. Take the Nokian Hakkapelliita LT3. The tire is designed for use with their new stainless steel studs. While the tire is available in a studless option for areas where studs are illegal, even Nokian will tell you unless you’re utilizing the other features of the tire (load capacity) you’re likely better off with one of their other options with a rubber compound designed for studless.

 

Where’d you see Nokian saying that? Studless LT3s are up next for me

 

I'll see if I can find their email, not sure I saved it. I contacted them to inquire about whether I should go studded or nonstudded in the LT3. The jist was that the LT3 was designed specifically for use with their new stainless steel studs. The tire has additional benefits including sidewall puncture resistance, load rating, stiffer sidewall and an increased tread depth making it perfect for trucks being used for winter work duty, plow shovel or salt spreader for example. However if you're going to use the tire without studs and you're not taking advantage of the tires other benefits you might be better off with one of their other offerings that utilizes a different rubber compound.

Maybe send them a message to clarify. They were pretty good about getting back to me.

 

I wouldn't disagree with that. Just stating my personal experience.

 

Be aware of your state laws.

Many states ban the use of studded tires.

 

I love my KO2's for the island terrain where I live. In E rating they are immune to getting torn up by razor sharp lava rock and nails and other debris, and are a great compromise for tractions in all types of real world gnarly conditions.
However, when I lived on a mountain in snow country, I seasonally ran winter tires on dedicated rims, and always had chains ready to go when appropriate. Real chains. Those strap-on mini chains are dangerous when they fly off.
The Nokian Hakkapelliitas are the bomb. Superior rubber for wintertime!