Matt16

I've got a set of Nokian Vativas. Out of curiosity, who has tried Vativas and BFGs or Nittos...or whatever.

What were the strengths and weaknesses?
How do the compare?

I like the Nokians, but I just haven't tried anything else.

dirtoyboy

Whats a Nokian Vativas?

shaw_j

The Vativa is Nokians mud tire. A buddy of mine works at a tire shop and just got some. 35x12.5 on a 84 pickup with 5.29s. He absolutely loves them.

Matt16

I should clarify. Nokian Vativas are range of tires, I have the ATs. There are also mud Terrains and highway terrains. Here they are:

shaw_j

Sorry about that one, I've only ever heard about their mud tire....
Good to know this for future reference though.

PigMann55

Nokians are Finnish. Their snow tires are famous world wide. In fact Bridgestone Tires bought shares into Nokian so they could use some of the technology in their own snow tires. In turn they help manufacture some Nokian tires here in the States according to Nokians strict specs.

I have ran a few sets of Nokians.... the Vatiiva is actually the SUV All Weather tire that is along the lines of an All Terrain tire. They stand their own ground. The MT's and the HT's are new product.

Comparing an MT against an AT is like apples to oranges.

http://www.nokiantires.com/en/default.aspx

CanadianToy

I've been running them for three years now. I bought them based on my previous experience with the WR tires on my car which were amazing. We have harsh winters here and I wanted a good all around tire. I have to say I was disapointed with the vativa. They work well in snow but not all all on hard packed snow or ice. They are actually the worst tire I've ever had in those conditions.

I have just over 30,000 miles on them and they are almsot worn with about 20% thread left. I'll run them this summer and hunt arount for a different tire next time.

CT

Matt16

That's interesting. The Vativas are the only tire I've ever run on the 4Runner so I can't really compare to anything. All I can say is they clog up in sticky mud, but are pretty good on road.

CanadianToy, where abouts are you, what do you drive and what size do you have?

PigMann55

I've only use the Hakka 1's and 2's with studs. And a set of none studded Hakka 1's. The studded Hakkas are awesome in winter. We never had a problem getting stuck. Our Mercedes had blizzaks and it got stuck in our drive way. and when we did make it out of the driveway it was all over the road due to the icy conditions. We made it back home and drove our vehicle with the Hakkas.
We've also drove them in he mud with no issues and they drove like we were still on a dirt road. When my daughter went to her horse ridding we drove her and the dirt roads were very muddy and slushy with snow and ice and mud a few inches deep. Didnt even hesitate getting her there and back.

We have use Nokians in the summer months and they stick like glue to the road.

I have no experience with the Vatiivas. Friends I know that use them said they were great tires year round. Much better then other all season tires. I would see why they wouldn't be as good as a winter tire that was just made for the winter or icy conditions with no studs. Even my blizzaks slipped all over on hard ice and zero traction with wet ice.

dirtoyboy

Just by looking at them I can tell they are unimpressive.....not big enough voids and tread blocks.....