The famous Blizzak W-50
In 2003, I readied a Subaru Impreza for the tough winter by installing Blizzak W-50 tires. I trusted their reputation from various tests in US magazines. I was looking for a soft winter tire offering good road grip regardless of the weather conditions. However, I was warned that my driving style would have a great influence on the wear of these tires. Since their compound is very soft, quick starts and emergency braking maneuvers could considerably reduce their durability. They have now endured a fourth winter and over 40,000 kilometres. Their grip in the snow has reached a limit. So, as you can see, the W-50s have given me full satisfaction.
New model
I wanted to equip a new car, so I looked to repeat the experiment by choosing other Blizzaks. I discovered that Bridgestone modified the components of its Revol model back in 2004 : the results didn't seem as impressive as those of the W series that made the Blizzak's reputation. I talked to company representatives who explained to me that, in 2006, the engineers revised the blends and introduced a new model, the LM-25 series, for passenger cars.
Sure-footed performance (9/10)
I enjoyed the same level of grip on ice as on compacted or powder snow. They really bite the road. Snow is rapidly expelled from the treads, which allows constant and sure-footed acceleration and braking. In tight turns on a snow-covered road, you have to slow down. Once, I got caught off-guard by an iced-over curve; despite a slight skid, I managed to regain control and maintain my intended path. Personally, I have always felt safe and confident with these tires. As for some of my friends, they noticed that their Michelin Alpins had a tendency to give up momentarily and without warning during turns.
Braking (8/10)
On a dry surface, stopping distances are 5-8 metres longer than with all-season tires, which is excellent. Indeed, winter tires require up to 10 metres more to make a vehicle come to a full stop. On a snow- or ice-covered road, it's the other way around : all-season tires result in braking distances that are 15-20 metres longer than with winter tires. On compacted snow or after a snow plower has cleared the road, it feels like you're driving on a hockey rink. Therefore, it's important to modulate the brake pedal in order to let the treads do their job and prevent your vehicle from sliding.
In 2003, I readied a Subaru Impreza for the tough winter by installing Blizzak W-50 tires. I trusted their reputation from various tests in US magazines. I was looking for a soft winter tire offering good road grip regardless of the weather conditions. However, I was warned that my driving style would have a great influence on the wear of these tires. Since their compound is very soft, quick starts and emergency braking maneuvers could considerably reduce their durability. They have now endured a fourth winter and over 40,000 kilometres. Their grip in the snow has reached a limit. So, as you can see, the W-50s have given me full satisfaction.
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| Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 |
New model
I wanted to equip a new car, so I looked to repeat the experiment by choosing other Blizzaks. I discovered that Bridgestone modified the components of its Revol model back in 2004 : the results didn't seem as impressive as those of the W series that made the Blizzak's reputation. I talked to company representatives who explained to me that, in 2006, the engineers revised the blends and introduced a new model, the LM-25 series, for passenger cars.
Sure-footed performance (9/10)
I enjoyed the same level of grip on ice as on compacted or powder snow. They really bite the road. Snow is rapidly expelled from the treads, which allows constant and sure-footed acceleration and braking. In tight turns on a snow-covered road, you have to slow down. Once, I got caught off-guard by an iced-over curve; despite a slight skid, I managed to regain control and maintain my intended path. Personally, I have always felt safe and confident with these tires. As for some of my friends, they noticed that their Michelin Alpins had a tendency to give up momentarily and without warning during turns.
Braking (8/10)
On a dry surface, stopping distances are 5-8 metres longer than with all-season tires, which is excellent. Indeed, winter tires require up to 10 metres more to make a vehicle come to a full stop. On a snow- or ice-covered road, it's the other way around : all-season tires result in braking distances that are 15-20 metres longer than with winter tires. On compacted snow or after a snow plower has cleared the road, it feels like you're driving on a hockey rink. Therefore, it's important to modulate the brake pedal in order to let the treads do their job and prevent your vehicle from sliding.
 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 |