Originally Posted By: 360kid
I just bought a new sedan and my curiosity can't keep me from looking for new snow tires... even several months early. I want the absolute best snow tire I can find for my wife and new baby. Many people tout the Nokian R2 as the best, but it is really tough to find a head to head comparison of the R2 to a X ice 3.
It seems the original Hakka R bested the Xi2, but the reviews for the Xi3 say they are night and day better than the Xi2. My question is, did Michelin improve the Xi3 enough to finally pass the Hakka R2?
From my understanding, the xi2 lost to the original Hakka R in lateral grip. This is something Michelin took to heart and focused on for the xi3, that and deep snow grip. Right now, I'm leaning towards the xi3 just because I know more about them. One review tested the tires worn to 4/32nds and only the xi3 maintained solid grip. That tells me the xi3 will still be a decent tire even at the end of its life.
I previously had Blizzaks on my other sedan and they wore out super fast, winter use only. I now have Altimax Artic and they are good on hard packed, but suck in any snow depth at all. So, the Xi3 seem to be my choice, but I can find the Hakka R2 for about the same price and want to keep an open mind to them as well.
Any advice is appreciated.
Xi2 < Hakka R < Xi3... but where does the Hakka R2 fit into this hierarchy of winter supremacy?
I can tell you my folks had Hakka R's on their Maxima for a few years and they were the best tire they had personally used, followed closely by the Altimax Arctic from General (Gislaved designed) The Altimax are my personal favorite out of any tires I myself have used on my own vehicle.
I really believe if you want good snow tires, buying from the people who live in snow year round are the preferred countries of origin. I have had Blizzak's before and they are a joke compared to some of the good Scandanavian/European brands. I won't buy a Blizzak ever again honestly..