KO2's vs Blizzaks (my experience)

[TrailJoy]

I live in Northern BC. We get a lot of snow, (late November - early April) and our average daytime high is about -5 to -8c, with common daytime drops into the low -20's, or even the high 30's. This means our budget for snow removal is high. The main (and side) roads are generally well maintained (plowed), which is fine when the weather stays below zero (which it does for most of the season). For this reason, I wanted a dedicated winter tire. I did a LOT of research on which tire to use for winter, as I had already decided on KO2's for spring/summer/fall, but I wanted a dedicated winter tire. KO2's won almost all the way around, but I REALLY wanted that winter tire (and I didn't want stocks) so we did a tire delete and had the dealer install Blizzaks. Unfortunately though, the dealer put on tires 2" too small (ON A JEEP !). Being that it's January (which means less than three months of winter left) we decided to just skip the winter tires and go straight to the KO2's. They got raving reviews for winter driving so let's try them out!

Well then! The difference was immediately noticeable. They're definitely more slippy than the Blizzaks. I've always compared an all weather or 4 season tire to a 2-1 shampoo and conditioner. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. But having said that, it's going to be a compromise for sure. KO2's are better in the snow than the Blizzaks ever could be, but they're so much worse on compact snow and ice (city driving). But then what can you expect from a tire that can handle both +25 AND -25 (at the same time)?

I guess this means more off road driving for me! WHATEVER SHALL I DO?!

(This may not apply to you, as you live in a different city, with different weather, and different average temps. KO2's work GREAT for most people in the winter. But here, the Blizzaks won for city driving. And they look SO much better, which is the most important thing anyway. LOL)

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[BRuby]

The difference was immediately noticeable. They're definitely more slippy than the Blizzaks. I've always compared an all weather or 4 season tire to a 2-1 shampoo and conditioner. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. But having said that, it's going to be a compromise for sure. KO2's are better in the snow than the Blizzaks ever could be, but they're so much worse on compact snow and ice (city driving). But then what can you expect from a tire that can handle both +25 AND -25 (at the same time)?

Yep the KO2s are no doubt a compromise and will never have the ice traction of a dedicated winter tire. But so far we have been satisfied with its overall 4 season performance. As long as you are aware of its pros and cons you should be good.

We use chains when conditions get real nasty.