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Old 10-07-2007, 01:55 PM   #1
Back Road Runner
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Default A new tire from Nokian for those looking at winter tires, WR G2



Linky:
http://www.nokiantyres.com/passenger...=Nokian+WR+G2#

Anywho, I'm sure a few of you have seen them already, but I'm throwing this out there for the folks that haven't.

I don't own them, so I can't commnet on how they handle. I do own their WRs though and like them a lot. The WR G2 seems to be built on the same premise, use a silica based all-season compound and develope a winter tread pattern around it. What you get is a very capable winter performer short some ice performance and a very long lasting tire that can be used year round if desired.

Ratings(same as WR):
Treadwear: 420
Traction: A
Temperature: A

They do come in up to V rated. I am uncertain about the ply setup, but I'd suspect it would be similar to the WR:
Ply structure(of WR)
Tread: 1 Nylon; 2 Steel; 1 Polyester
Sidewall: 1 Polyester

I think the non-V rated tires don't come with the extra nylon ply. They are single ply sidewalls, so they are sensitive to tire pressure. For my WRs, I like to keep it around 40psi for street use and would suggest a 38-42psi range for these tires as their "sweet spot."

If you were specifically looking for a performance type of winter tire, something like the Blizzak LM-25 or WinterSport 3D would provide a stiffer, multi-ply sidewall performance tire carcass.
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Old 10-07-2007, 08:27 PM   #2
williaty
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I just saw this today too. I've got to pick winter tires and it's driving me nuts. I'm stuck between the Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds and the Nokian WR/WRG2s. The 3Ds are literally half the price of the Nokians, but everyone says the Nokians wear longer. No data seems to say wither they last the 2x as long they'd have to to be cost effective compared to the 3Ds.

I hate living in Ohio. Our weather doesn't make this an easy decision! If it would just make up it's mind and either be a winter state or not, it would be so much easier to pick tires.

Right now, I need a tire that wears well for long, hard-driven miles on dry tarmac at 40-45F for 5 months, has good grip in the rain at 35F, good grip on dry tarmac at -5F for a few hours in the mornings on a couple of weeks a year, good traction in 3-9" of snow 3-5 times a year for the 8 hours before it goes away, then good grip and hydroplaning resistance in 1" of water + 2" of slush for 3 days before the drains start working again, and throughout it all, doesn't make me wish for the days of summer tires! ARRRRGGHGHGHGH!

EDIT: To make this even worse, I had crossed the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS PP off the list because I had heard it was OOS nationally. Now I find out they have some down the street from me Now I have even less idea what to do!

Last edited by williaty; 10-07-2007 at 08:32 PM.
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Old 10-08-2007, 02:49 AM   #3
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My brother had the Wintersport M3. I have the WR. The tread pattern of both in comparison to the M3->3D and WR->WR G2 has changed, but I assume both tires are fundamentially similar to their predecessor, just improved functionality.

The Nokian is built on a snow tire carcass but uses an all-season compound. This provides winter performance + longevity. The downside is it's not a "sport" tire, and handling isn't crisp. The benefit is it's very responsive to tire pressures and could be lowed to gain off-road traction. Also being an all-season compound, it sacrifices some ice performance as it is less soft than a true winter compound.

The Dunlop(or similar Blizzak LM-22/25 tires) is created around a sport tire carcass. This means stiff sidewalls and little flex which is nice for handling crispness. The compound is that of a winter tire, albeit the "performance" tires tend to use a slightly harder compound than say the WS50. Still it is very soft and offers decent ice traction but it's less mushy and has improved longevity over a standard winter tire. There is a little tread squirm though simply because you can't have a tall, soft, spaced out tread patch and not have some.

The trade-off between the types lies in their fundamental differences. Pretty much it's a matter of logevity vs handling responsiveness. A lot of the snow grip characteristics will come down to tread pattern and which ones seem to work better. The 3D/LM-25 will provide a firmer, crisper ride like that of your summer tire. They will also handle pure ice better simply because of the soft compound. The WR G2 will last longer. Both should grip similarly on dry road, the WR G2 with its all-season compound, and the M3/LM-25 with its stiff sidewall and better contact patch.

I will say if I had to choose between my WR and my brother's M3, I'd pick the M3. It just worked better for winter use. Now the WR G2 has a completely different tread pattern, so it's snow gripping abilities I'm sure has changed drastically from the WR. The WR's V tread pattern has certain disadvantages by design that let the M3 offer better snow bite. With the new WR G2 patten, I would say it's a toss up now. It really is a simple choice of carcass and compound and which aspects you prefer.
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Old 10-08-2007, 03:15 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Back Road Runner View Post
My brother had the Wintersport M3. I have the WR. The tread pattern of both in comparison to the M3->3D and WR->WR G2 has changed, but I assume both tires are fundamentially similar to their predecessor, just improved functionality.

The Nokian is built on a snow tire carcass but uses an all-season compound. This provides winter performance + longevity. The downside is it's not a "sport" tire, and handling isn't crisp. The benefit is it's very responsive to tire pressures and could be lowed to gain off-road traction. Also being an all-season compound, it sacrifices some ice performance as it is less soft than a true winter compound.

The Dunlop(or similar Blizzak LM-22/25 tires) is created around a sport tire carcass. This means stiff sidewalls and little flex which is nice for handling crispness. The compound is that of a winter tire, albeit the "performance" tires tend to use a slightly harder compound than say the WS50. Still it is very soft and offers decent ice traction but it's less mushy and has improved longevity over a standard winter tire. There is a little tread squirm though simply because you can't have a tall, soft, spaced out tread patch and not have some.

The trade-off between the types lies in their fundamental differences. Pretty much it's a matter of logevity vs handling responsiveness. A lot of the snow grip characteristics will come down to tread pattern and which ones seem to work better. The 3D/LM-25 will provide a firmer, crisper ride like that of your summer tire. They will also handle pure ice better simply because of the soft compound. The WR G2 will last longer. Both should grip similarly on dry road, the WR G2 with its all-season compound, and the M3/LM-25 with its stiff sidewall and better contact patch.

I will say if I had to choose between my WR and my brother's M3, I'd pick the M3. It just worked better for winter use. Now the WR G2 has a completely different tread pattern, so it's snow gripping abilities I'm sure has changed drastically from the WR. The WR's V tread pattern has certain disadvantages by design that let the M3 offer better snow bite. With the new WR G2 patten, I would say it's a toss up now. It really is a simple choice of carcass and compound and which aspects you prefer.
Nice right up. I use M3's now but I will probably need new winter tires this season and I was looking at these as well. Any idea as to what these cost in 20-55-16? I've also been looking at the Hankook Icebear W300. There is not much info on them, but at less than $100 per tire they are appealing. And I love my Hankook RS2's.
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Old 10-08-2007, 04:05 AM   #5
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I think somewhere in the range of $160 per tire for the Nokians. Yeah, not cheap. However, they will last many years, 50,000 mile warranty on them too. How many winters would it take to put 50k miles on a set of tires? 8 years?
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Old 10-08-2007, 07:51 AM   #6
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jesus, they'd probably die from dry rot before tread wear
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Old 10-08-2007, 11:31 AM   #7
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So the other half of the equation then is will the M3/3D last less than half as long?
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Old 10-08-2007, 01:18 PM   #8
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I don't know. The nice thing with the M3/3D tires and even the comparable LM-25 by Bridgestone is that they do use a slgihtly harder compound than a true winter tire. They do end up wearing well, and a few folks have decided to run them year round without much trouble. I just can't say exactly how long they would last though. It really depends on how you drive. I have a friend with the WS50s. He ended up running them for 3/4 of a year because of laziness. He drives like an 80 year old woman in a 1.8L Civic. The tires hardly wore. However, if you're bombing around in your 230HP WRX, taking hard corners and mashing the gas and brakes all the time, the soft compound doesn't have a chance and will just tear apart. They may be bald in one summer.

If I were to guess, I'd say it would probably even out in the long run but it really depends on how you drive.

p.s. I keep saying the LM-25s because if you're looking at the M3/3D tires, you should be looking at these too. Some tests I've seen show them better performers than the 3D. Good luck finding an direct comparisons from someone who's used both though. I haven't found any.
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Old 10-09-2007, 04:35 AM   #9
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these look asymmetrical and directional so do you need 'right " and "left" tires?? what a pain!
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Old 10-09-2007, 09:51 AM   #10
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I have a set of "winterforce" tires for my Subie, now, they are not the BEST tire, but they aren't 160 a tire either... They certinly do better on dry pavement than any of the Blizzaks i've owned and do VERY well in the slush...
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=11


Blizzak ws50 are frikkin scary on dry pavement and sharp'ish turns...
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Old 10-10-2007, 02:27 AM   #11
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I recently bought the WR G2's. I was freaking out because I was not aware of the change. Anyways, for my purposes I drive a lot of highway and most of the time it is dry but still wanted a good snow tire thus the verdict was the Nokian's.

I just drove 450 KM from Toronto Canada to Michigan USA on these. They were dodging around a bit at first but with a bit more air pressure, they where fine. Hit a lot of rain too and I had no problems. Now just waiting for snow...

I think it is still too early for me to give a good review and also, I only have experience with RE92's and have no idea how true snow tires perform.

Anyways, I will give a review when snow hits....whenever that will be...but as a general all season tire, I would give it the thumbs up for dry/wet performance.
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Old 10-10-2007, 04:36 PM   #12
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Yeah, keep the pressures up or they will feel mushy. 38-42 psi is pretty much the sweet spot on the WRs. If you go lower, they get a little squishy. If you go higher, they tend to bounce a little over bumps.

It seems one of the main goals of the G2 over the original WR is slush usability. I particularly like the more squared off tread as it will provide better turn in response and grip on gravel than the V pattern used on the WR.
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Old 10-12-2007, 10:18 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NA impreza~J View Post
I recently bought the WR G2's. I was freaking out because I was not aware of the change. Anyways, for my purposes I drive a lot of highway and most of the time it is dry but still wanted a good snow tire thus the verdict was the Nokian's.

I just drove 450 KM from Toronto Canada to Michigan USA on these. They were dodging around a bit at first but with a bit more air pressure, they where fine. Hit a lot of rain too and I had no problems. Now just waiting for snow...

I think it is still too early for me to give a good review and also, I only have experience with RE92's and have no idea how true snow tires perform.

Anyways, I will give a review when snow hits....whenever that will be...but as a general all season tire, I would give it the thumbs up for dry/wet performance.
keep us posted. they're on my short list of replacements for my current tires.
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Old 11-08-2007, 07:44 AM   #14
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Where can you buy these?
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Old 11-08-2007, 08:40 AM   #15
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Where can you buy these?
http://www.nokiantires.com/en/locater.aspx
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Old 11-08-2007, 08:55 AM   #16
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I checked that link and I called both but they didn't have any.
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Old 11-08-2007, 09:09 AM   #17
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They're new. Ask the shops to find out when they will get them. There's also an on-line dealer or two but I don't remember the links.

Anyone?

-Dennis
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Old 11-08-2007, 09:10 AM   #18
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They're new. Ask the shops to find out when they will get them. There's also an on-line dealer or two but I don't remember the links.

Anyone?

-Dennis
www.tirefactory.net or www.tiresbyweb.com

Are those it?
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Old 11-08-2007, 03:19 PM   #19
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The Tire Factory looks familiar. I would think that more places will be getting them soon since it's now November.

-Dennis
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Old 11-22-2007, 02:55 AM   #20
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I've had the GR2's since Oct and finally there is snow. Stock wheels and stock tire size.

First night out with snow, it was just wet and slushy with nothing really stuck to the ground. Tire pressure is a bit low at around 31~32 but felt just like driving in the dry!

Hoping over night the snow will build a bit and add a bit more air. So far I am loving these tires, no problem in accel and braking. Slight twitch when taking a right turn but I think more tire pressure will fix that.

I will comment again when there is more snow.

Suspension info:
D-spec set on 3.25 front / 2.45 rear (from full stiff)
RCE Yellow springs
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Whiteline ALK comfort
Camber: -2.6 front -1.6 rear (Can't find the alignment sheet but I think it was around that)
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Old 11-22-2007, 11:36 AM   #21
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How about some pics of the tires on the car.

That pressure's not bad for going through deep snow, but I've never liked my WRs below 38psi, just too mushy. 38-42psi is the sweet area. Once you hit about 45psi, they get a bit hard and bouncy over sharp bumps. Once you're down to about 35psi, you start to get a sense of mushiness.
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Old 11-22-2007, 11:56 AM   #22
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I'm really happy with my Hancock Ice bears something 300, in a V- rated tread looks similar.
Awesome on the higway too. @ a normal air press. ( 35 PSI. Just say no, to autocross air press. over time. )
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Old 11-22-2007, 12:01 PM   #23
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Quote:
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I'm really happy with my Hancock Ice bears something 300, in a V- rated tread looks similar.
Awesome on the higway too. @ a normal air press. ( 35 PSI. Just say no, to autocross air press. over time. )
Did you use stock pressures or 35psi all around?
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Old 11-22-2007, 09:07 PM   #24
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Could anyone tell me if 225/60/16 is a winter tire size that would be used by the people on this forum?

I have a Winter Set of Wheels & Tires from my '05 Outback and since I just traded-in the car and no longer need them, I need to find a new home for them. I'm just not sure this would be the right place to post them.

BTW - the wheels are ASA JH3 16" x 7.5", 5 x 100, 5JJ, ET= +50 and the tires are Dunlop WinterSport M3's with 1 winter season's worth of driving.

I'm not allowed to post these for sale because I don't have enough Posts yet. But, if these aren't the right size for Impreza's, then I won't even bother.

So, please let me know if this is a set that people here would be interested in - thanks!

Last edited by CruizinLG; 11-23-2007 at 11:17 AM.
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Old 11-23-2007, 04:54 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CruizinLG View Post
Could anyone tell me if 225/60/16 is a winter tire size that would be used by the people on this forum?

I have a Winter Set of Wheels & Tires from my '05 Outback and since I just traded-in the car and no longer need them, I need to find a new home for them. I'm just not sure this would be the right place to post them.

BTW - the wheels are ASA JH3 16" x 7.5", 5 x 100, 5JJ, ET= +50 and the tires are Dunlop WinterSport M3's with 1 winter season's worth of driving.

I'm not allowed to post these for sale because I don't have enough Posts yet. But, if these aren't the right size for Impreza's, then I won't even bother.

So, please let me know if this is a set that people here would be interested in - thanks!
Not that is not the right size.
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