Nokian vs Nokian (for winter)
 

I've read several threads here on the Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi and how great they are in the snow. I live in Chicago and we get plenty of snow, but we also have long spans of dry roads in the winter. I already have dedicated summer tires, so I am looking for tires for November through April. A local tire dealer recommended Nokian WRG2. After looking at the Nokian website, they may seem like a good option with winter/snow capabilities and dry traction as well. The multi tread design looks pretty unique and really has me interested.

Do I go with the full snow Hakka or WRG2? I'm leaning towards the WRG2s.

Here are links to the Nokian website:

Nokian WR G2
http://nokiantires.com/en/tire_wrg2.aspx?season=winter


Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi
http://www.nokiantires.com/en/tire_h...?season=winter

I wouldn't want my Evo on anything other than an all-out snow tire (read: Blizzak WS-50's, although I've heard great things about the Hakkas) in Chicago winters. Are you concerned about wear on dedicated winter tires?

I'm not concerned about wear since I have dedicated summer tires. My concern is the squishiness that is typical of snow tires. I'm not looking for stock summer tire performance, but I don't want limited feedback on dry pavement. That's why I am considering the WRG2 which probably have a slightly stiffer sidewall than the Hakka or even the Blizzak WS50s.

If I can't get stiffer sidewalls with excellent snow traction, then I will sacrifice the handling and go with the one with the best grip in snow/wet.

So then I will also ask is the Blizzak WS50 more squishy than the Hakkas?

I am running the RSi's but I am sure you would be more than happy with either. The Nokian WR's are more of a winter tire than an all season tire from what i've seen. Some of the Audi guys I know just run them all year and see 50k miles on the WR's.

Any tire you buy is going to be a compromise, better in snow worse dry performance etc. Here's a Nokian knock off at a good price http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...r=45&tc=HANST1
I got a set for my wifes car and they kcik ass, just wish they were out before I bought the Nokians for my car.

I just talked to the tire shop and the WRG2 is H speed rated where the Hakka is not. So the WRG2 has a slightly stiffer sidewall while also having the full snow tire rating. So I'm going to go with the WRG2. I haven't seen a write up on them here so I'll give a quick review after driving with them.

I know they're not cheap, but it's still cheaper than sliding through an intersection, into a ditch, or into another vehicle!

Thanks for all your replies.

I ran Nokian WR's two years ago - Amazing winter tires!
A little more road noise for my liking, but again...incredible snow tires!

I'm currently on Continental Contiwinter - Not as good as the Nokians in snow, but much better for dry pavement.
Still, very good in the snow.

Just the other day - 7" snow fall in chicago. No problem. Braking was excellent / turning was good. (on the Contiwinters)

I think you'll be impressed with any Nokian snow tires.

Just purchased Blizzak WS-50 for our Mercedes - Excellent snow tires!
Blizzaks and Nokians would be my top choice.

My brother just purchased Hankook IceBears - have yet to see how he likes it.

If you have Summer tires - invest in a good set of winter tires and save them for the winter season only.
I've used my contiwinters for 2 winters and still have about 70% tread left.