Posted by Steve G on June 15, 01 at 21:14:23:
In Reply to: Re: Studded Tires posted by RWNG on June 15, 01 at 11:45:44:
: I don't know anything about the winter dualers but I do know a few people in MI. who have had (and still do) Bridgestone "Blizzaks" and really swear by them, unmatched traction in snow. But the compound is so soft you can practically see tire marks on dry pavement. Are these just "P" rated tires for passenger cars? I don't believe you can stud them either.
Bridgestone Blizzaks are not available in Suburban-size tires. The Bridgestone Winter Duelers are the Blizzaks for light trucks and SUVs, they just use a different name. I also have the Blizzaks on our minivan, and both the Blizzaks and the Winter Duelers are great tires with tremendous snow and ice traction. you are right about the tire compound on the Blizzaks. They are good for about 2 winters before they wear out enough to become just like all-season radials. The Winter duelers seem to last longer, so its tread compound may be harder. I don't remember for sure, but I think the Winter Duelers are P-rated only.
Steve G
: : Steve G lives in Buffalo about 3 hours east of me. We both get bad snow, but his is worse. Here's Steve's post on the tires he's using. Maybe these could be studded?
: : "Posted by Steve G on December 07, 00 at 13:05:53:
: : A few weeks ago I purchased a set of four Bridgestone Winter Dueler snow tires
: : from the Tire Rack. They were $94 each in 245/75R16. Two days before
: : Thanksgiving day, we got hit with 25 inches of snow. Unfortunately, I didn't get
: : them mounted on the steel wheels until the day after that. The good news is that
: : I got to do a test of almost-new Michelin LTX vs Bridgestone Winter Duelers in
: : similar snow conditions.
: : The Michelin LTXs were pretty good, but in 2WD mode the rear tended to fishtail
: : easily under acceleration. The Winter Duelers were much better in traction. You
: : really had to try to break them loose. Also, when stopping, the ABS rarely came
: : on with the Winter Duelers, whereas it would come on more often with the
: : Michelins. The ABS is still way too sensitive. I would actually feel more
: : confident without it. GM knows better systems, because the ABS in our Pontiac
: : Trans Sport minivan operates flawlessly, only coming on when absolutely
: : necessary. The Suburban system seems to hold off the brakes too long.
: : Since the 25 inches, we've had about another 12 inches or so. The Winter Duelers
: : are so good that I have rarely had to put it into 4WD. This is important because
: : often the highways are dry, but the exit ramps are slippery, which means
: : constantly shifting in and out of 4WD because its only a part time system which
: : shouldn't be driven on dry pavement.
: : Anyways, to summarize, the Bridgestone Winter Duelers turned out to be great
: : snow tires, unlike the previous "Wintermaster" tires I had.
: : Steve G "