Bridgestone enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide thanks to the high quality of their tires. If you are looking for new winter tires for your sedan, SUV or minivan, you might be hesitating between the Blizzak WS80 vs WS90. Fortunately, both of these models are great choices.
Both tires belong to the same family and share a number of similarities. In fact, the WS90 is the successor to the WS80.
Blackcircles Canada helps you choose between the Bridgestone BlizzakWS-80 and the Blizzak WS-90. To learn all about it, check out our winter tire buying guide. Blackcircles is proud to offer new tires at great prices, and even better, when you make your purchase online, the installation is included in the price!
Overview of the Blizzak WS80
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is the predecessor to the WS90 and the successor to the WS70. It stands out from the competition thanks to its many innovations and ranks as one of the best winter tires on the market. Its many features and technologies include:
- A directional tread
- A large contact patch
- 3D zigzag siping
- New Multi-Cell compound
- Biting edges
One of the most unique features of the WS80 are its Multi-Cell compound and its directional tread, which combine to deliver great handling on wet and slushy surfaces.
Its Multi-Cell technology relies on a hydrophilic tread pattern that actively draws water from the ground and into the tire. Then, the groove pattern of the directional tread quickly drains the water to improve its stability and road holding.
The WS80 also relies on high-density siping to deliver strong grip and traction on roads covered in snow and ice. Thanks to its biting edges that act like studs, this tire offers great handling on slippery surfaces so you can drive with peace of mind. In fact, the WS80 has a 20% stronger bite than its predecessor.
The tire also features a large contact patch designed to maximize its stability while also enhancing its durability.
If you're interested in the Blizzak WS80, note that it is offered in sizes ranging from 15 to 19 inches and is suitable for a wide variety of vehicles.
Overview of the Blizzak WS90
When Bridgestone first began to develop the Blizzak WS-90, their main goal was to create an improved version of the WS80. At the same time, the manufacturer decided to offer them in sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches in order to suit a greater variety of vehicles.
The Blizzak WS80 vs WS90 have similar designs, but the WS90 includes new improvements. Let’s take a look at some of its features and innovations:
- Directional tread
- 3D zigzag siping
- Innovative Multi-Cell compound
- New block and siping designs
- 15% more edges
- 30% greater block rigidity
Like the WS80, the WS90 is a directional tire designed to maximize water evacuation. It also features 3D siping to improve its performance when driving on ice and snow. No one can deny that the WS90 is an excellent tire and a great successor to the popular WS80.
A key addition to the WS90 is without a doubt the new EdgePerformance Technology package. This new siping pattern features 15% more edges which act like studs to deliver an even stronger bite.
What’s more, it also uses tread blocks that are 30% stiffer, designed to improve the tire’s handling. According to Bridgestone, it also allows the WS90 to last a year longer than the previous model.
The Multi-Cell compound is also back, and it’s been improved and reworked to maximize the tire’s grip and its ability to drain water quickly and efficiently.
Choosing between the Blizzak WS80 and the Blizzak WS90
The main features of both models are really quite similar: essentially, the WS90 is Bridgestone’s new and improved version of the WS80. They are also similar in terms of appearance, as they only differ visually in the design of their sipes.
Both models were designed to deliver outstanding grip on snow and ice thanks to their siping and biting edges. What’s more, the 15% higher-density siping of the WS90 makes a huge difference: traction is vastly improved and braking is better than ever. That being said, the WS80 itself beat several rivals in terms of braking power.
However, tests have shown that the SW90 is slightly noisier. The greater use of biting particles that act like studs has impacted the loudness of the tire, especially at high speeds.
The WS80 relied on the first iteration of the Multi-Cell compound to deliver a great performance on wet roads. The WS90 features an improved version of this technology and pairs it with a larger contact patch. In fact, the sipes extend to the shoulder of the tire. When driving in deep snow, this additional traction can make all the difference.
Both of these tires boast remarkably long lives. This is because the blocks have been positioned in such a way as to prevent the wheels from bending and to remain in contact with the road. As a consequence, the tire is fully in contact and wear-and-tear is evenly distributed throughout the tire.
Both also have a wear indicator that lets you quickly see how worn your tires are so you can plan ahead.
In short, the Blizzak WS90 is the successor to the WS80 and brings new and improved technologies. It is even more efficient on snow, ice and water, but let’s not forget that the WS80 was already a fierce rival in its category! These improvements in performance do come at a cost though, as the WS90 delivers a slightly noisier ride.
Price Comparison
In the match-up between the Blizzak WS80 vs the WS90, the WS90 comes out ahead thanks to its numerous advantages. But that is hardly surprising considering the WS90 is the next generation of Blizzak tires.
However, these improvements and innovations are reflected in its higher cost and fewer discounts and rebates. At blackcircles, the WS80 starts at about $134, while the WS90 is offered at a price closer to $160. The difference for a single tire may not be huge, but that difference does add up when you need to purchase a whole set.
Regardless of which model is best for your budget, you will drive home with exceptional tires guaranteed to get you through the winter. Be sure to take advantage of great prices on your purchase of tires online with blackcircles! We also include the installation of your tires at the repair shop of your choice. What’s more, our team of experts is always available to help you with your purchase, so happy shopping!
