I live in NE Ohio. I'm going to be buying a set of dedicated winter only tires by the end of the month. I have narrowed my choice down to Nokian, as they seem to be on the ball in regards to a true winter tire.

Winters in Ohio can get pretty nasty. Lake effect snow is fun, add in the 3-4 ice storms per winter and it can make things pretty interesting.

I'm looking at two of their tires. The Hakkapeliitta RSi and the WRG2.

Which one would you guys recommend? I've also been looking at the blizzaks, and the X-Ice Xi2.

Thoughts, Recommendations, and feedback appreciated. These will be mounted on the factory rim.

 

The X-Ice Xi2 will give you the best snow & ice traction period.

Between the two Nokians, the RSi is a dedicated winter tire whereas the WRG2 is an all-season "friction" tire. However, the RSi is outdated and is being replaced with the Hakkapeliitta R. The Hakkapeliitta R will give you better handling than the Xi2, and possibly equal snow traction. But none will beat the ice traction of the Xi2.

 

I have the RSI's on my 6MT and love them. I am in Vermont and after fighting the stock all seasons for about half a winter bought the RSI's. I've never used a snow tire before so I can't compare them to any others, but I can say the RSI's grip well on snow and ice. I took a mountain pass to the ski area a couple of days that I probably shouldn't have last winter and had zero problems.

 

I am a big fan of Nokian, previously had a set of the NRWs (all weather tire with the severe snowflake emblem, qualifying them as a snow tire) on a 2-door Integra, and blasted through almost anything. Also had the former Hak Q (dedicated winter tire) and loved them. Last year I changed direction and decided to go with a stiffer sidewall given that most of my driving is now highway, so put on the Dunlop Wintersport 3D and was very happy. If you are going to buy separate summer and winter tires, I'd fully support the Nokian brand.

 

Just to add, I was completely unhappy with the treadwear of the Blizzak WS60. The multicell compound part will not make it through the second season.

 

i have the new hakkapeliitta r from nokian and it's just great good handling ride soft and excellent in wet conditions.