When you are faced with harsh winter conditions, it is essential to have quality tires. Among the numerous models that are available on the market, two names truly stand out: Bridgestone Blizzak vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta. Both of these renowned brands offer exceptional performance, though it might make it challenging to choose between the two! Find out more in this detailed comparison that will help you better tell both of these very popular models apart.
How do the Bridgestone Blizzak vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires compare?
As we have mentioned above, both of these manufacturers have built a solid reputation throughout the years with high quality winter tire models.
On the one hand, Bridgestone offers a full range of winter tires with the Blizzak. These models were born in Japan in 1988 and imported here in 1992, which means that they have years of experience under their belts and have constantly been improving in order to provide you with models of the highest quality. More efficient than most of the other products on the market, these models also stand out significantly on ice.
The secret behind Bridgestone Blizzak tire models is mostly in the compound. Bridgestone was among the first to utilize silica in the tread compound to provide the tire with greater flexibility and durability. The tread compound technologies have been refined throughout the years and improved, bringing new technologies to light, like the patented Multi-Cell technology.
Nowadays, Blizzak tires are among the top models when it comes to best winter tires. These tires also offer solid traction levels on snow and ice. They are divided into different categories, like LM –which focus on performance-, WS –with greater performance in deep snow- and DM –for larger vehicles.
Blizzak tire models only offer studless winter tires, but that rely on cutting-edge technologies for maximum traction.
On the other hand, Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires offer models with or without studs. This will allow you to choose a specific model according to your needs, given that studded models offer added levels of traction. In all cases, you will be dealing with high-quality tires that are also among the best for their category.
A true pioneer, the Finnish brand of tires –Nokian- designed the very first winter tire for touring cars back in 1936: that is when Hakkapeliitta tires were born. The legendary tire model has been improving ever since, in order to cater to the needs of demanding drivers looking for tires that can tackle winter driving conditions.
This is a high-quality tire brand that also focuses on environmentally friendly aspects with eco-friendly compounds, while also reducing rolling resistance.
Among Hakkapeliitta tire models you will find mainly the Hakkapeliitta 10 with studs, and the R5 models, which are the successors for the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 models without studs. Versions designed for EV and SUV vehicles are offered for each model, along with models specially made for commercial trucks and commercial vehicles.
Bridgestone Blizzak: Specs
As we have mentioned, there are different models for different needs:
- Blizzak LM005 (18- to 21- inches): for sports sedans and minivans
- Blizzak LM001 (16- to 20- inches): for sedans, coupés and minivans
- Blizzak LM-32 (17- to 20 pouces) : for luxury vehicles
- Blizzak DM-V2 (16- to 20- inches): for SUVs, crossovers and light trucks
- Blizzak LT (16- to 20- inches): for light trucks and commercial vans
- Blizzak WS90 (15- to 19- inches): for touring cars, crossovers and SUVs
- Blizzak W965 (16- and 17- inches): for commercial trucks and vans
On top of offering specific features, Blizzak models also focus on cutting-edge technologies like the Multi-Cell technology, which includes white particles and microscopic bubbles that act like a sponge.
These help the tire aspirate water efficiently in order to evacuate it more quickly, an action that is further improved with gripping particles that bite into the road surface. This is what makes these tires particularly efficient on ice!
To this are added other features like deep grooves, 3D sipes, a reinforced compound for the LT and W965 models and so much more. Models include tires with a symmetrical, asymmetrical and directional design, depending on what features are a priority for you.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta: Specs
As previously mentioned, there are studless tire models (R5) and models with studs (10) along with models made for trucks:
- Hakkapeliitta R5 and 10 (14- to 20- inches): for touring cars
- Hakkapeliitta R5 EV/10 EV (18- to 22- inches): for touring cars, crossovers and electric SUVs
- Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV/10 SUV (16- to 22- inches): for crossovers, SUVs and light trucks
- Hakkapeliitta LT3 (16- to 20- inches): for trucks
- Hakkapeliitta C4 (15- to 18- inches): for delivery trucks and vans
- Hakkapeliitta CR4 (15- to 17- inches): for delivery vehicles and light trucks
All models are equipped with a directional V- shaped tread and are compatible with electric cars. Hakkapeliitta models integrate renewable materials and organic oils. Among other things, canola oil and pine resin help ensure flexibility and a low rolling resistance.
Even the models with studs are designed with the environment in mind thanks to the Eco Stud concept, which helps reduce the impact of studs on the ground. Moreover, the models without studs also offer maximum traction thanks to Arctic Grip crystals.
With numerous sipes, the latest generation Hakkapeliitta combine optimal traction with an eco-friendly approach, without forgetting a comfortable driving experience.
Choosing between the Bridgestone Blizzak and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta
The best choice of tire between the Bridgestone Blizzak vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta will depend on the car you drive, and the features and qualities that are a priority for you.
Among the popular choices, we can compare the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tire model to the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-90, which offer the following qualities and strengths[1] :
| Blizzak WS-90 | Hakkapeliitta R5 |
|---|---|
| A smooth ride | A quiet ride |
| Maneuverability on dry roads | Savings on fuel |
| Traction on ice | Traction in deep snow |
| Traction on wet roads | Traction while cornering |
The Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV can also be compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 which is also suited to SUVs, crossovers and light trucks. In this duel, the Blizzak mostly stands out for the great performance it offers on wet and dry roads, while the Nokian tire offers greater performance on snow and ice[2].
A low rolling resistance is, once again, one of the Hakkapeliitta tire’s strengths. However, it is important to keep in mind that Nokian winter tires are also offered at a higher price, while the DM-V2 is not a premium tire.
Nokian also specialises in winter tire design and manufacturing. The Bridgestone Blizzak does, however, remain an excellent choice in its category, offering performance and safety.
If you are looking for a studded tire, you will definitely have to turn to Nokian. It is not possible to compare Bridgestone models to these tires since studded tires are very different than studless tire models. The Hakkapeliitta 10 stands out as one of the best winter tires thanks to the Double Stud technology!
All in all, Hakkapeliitta are a great eco-friendly and energy efficient choice, while the Blizzak will offer more versatility, especially on dry and wet roads.
Comparing warranties
Each brand comes with its own set of advantages, although both manufacturers do offer a competitive warranty.
On the one hand, Bridgestone stands out with its “Buy and Try” warranty, a satisfaction guarantee that will give you up to 90 days to exchange your tires or get your money back! The satisfaction guarantee with Nokian is for 30 days.
However, Nokian does stand out with a warranty that covers potholes, offered on the Hakkapeliitta models. It will allow you to get your tires replaced for free when one of your tires gets damaged by a pothole and cannot be repaired.
Although both models are not admissible to a limited warranty on tread life, they do come with a standard warranty offered by both Bridgestone and Nokian, which will cover all defects related to materials and workmanship.
Moreover, you will notice that both brands also come with wear indicators, which will provide you with added peace of mind. It will be easy for you to tell when the time has come for you to change your tires.
No matter which are the best tires for you, you will find them at the best price with blackcircles Canada.
[1] https://snowytires.com/nokian-hakkapeliitta-r5-vs-bridgestone-blizzak-ws90/
[2] https://toptirereview.com/nokian-hakkapeliitta-r5-suv-vs-bridgestone-blizzak-dm-v3/
