I started the Vermont winter season with a new set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 (non-studded) snow tires on my P85. Last winter, I ran Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D high-performance snow tires. The Dunlops were very impressive, much quieter than the Michelin PS2's that I use in the summer and quite good in snow. But the Hakkapeliitta R2 is at another level entirely. The R2's tracking in 2-3 inches of wet heavy snow is simply uncanny. The Tesla just goes straight through it with no drama whatsoever. Traction, even on glare ice, is remarkable—likely due to the R2's eSilica rubber compound that creates friction at the molecular level. And, most important of all, the R2 has 30% less rolling resistance than the average performance snow tire, the lowest in the industry. It's the first winter tire with an "A" energy rating.
When I first mounted the R2's a month ago, my initial impression was that they were a bit bouncy and that the cornering was not as sharp as the Dunlops. But after a week of driving, the R2's settled in and those issues went away. Even the dry pavement performance seems quite good now. The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet.
Unless you live in a very challenging winter environment, I would recommend foregoing studs on the R2. I can't imagine needing them in my daily driving here in Vermont.
When I first mounted the R2's a month ago, my initial impression was that they were a bit bouncy and that the cornering was not as sharp as the Dunlops. But after a week of driving, the R2's settled in and those issues went away. Even the dry pavement performance seems quite good now. The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet.
Unless you live in a very challenging winter environment, I would recommend foregoing studs on the R2. I can't imagine needing them in my daily driving here in Vermont.
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