Falken Wildpeak AT3W vs Hankook Dynapro AT2 and ATM: Whether it is about on-road or off-road traction, both these All-Terrain tires are capable of providing impressive performance to their users.
However, when we compared these tires, we found out that the Dynapro AT2 features narrower grooves and numerous zigzag sipes on its tread. As a result, its on-road traction is considered second to none.
Examine the treads on these tires closely. They hold the key to knowing which to choose. In fact if you visit my "tread design" page, picking the right tire would never bother you.
On the other hand, the Wildpeak A/T3W consists of wider grooves and therefore, its traction on mud and soft snow becomes excellent.
For better understanding: Before going further, make sure you know all of the family memebers of Hankook Dynapro.
Table of Contents
Comparing Wildpeak AT3W with Dynapro AT2
Falken Wildpeak AT3w
Hankook Dynapro AT2
Vs
Featuring a five-pitch symmetric tread design, the AT2 consists of two outward shoulders and three block rows.
Both the outward shoulders and the central blocks are divided by narrow grooves running around the tread.
In addition to this, there are multiple zigzag sipes found all over the tread pattern which are quite deep as well. There are also strong stone ejectors that enhance the tire’s performance on rocky terrains.
The Wildpeak A/T3W consists of two outward shoulders and numerous blocks sandwiched between its shoulders. The central blocks and the shoulders are separated by wide grooves running around the tread.
The shoulders of this tire are also broad and the shoulder lugs are larger as well. As a result, its performance on mud and soft snow is enhanced.
On-Road Traction
Talking about the on-road performance of the Hankook, the tire has narrower grooves and closely positioned shoulder blocks.
This results in a lower void ratio which increases the contact patch with the road.
Therefore, its grip on paved roads is maximized.
In addition to this, the zigzag sipes found on the central part and the shoulder blocks are quite deep and numerous.
This is what makes the tire capable of offering impressive wet traction as well.
On the other hand, Falken has wider grooves which decreases its contact patch, due to this, the tire’s grip on the dry roads is not considered as efficient as that of its competitor. The same is the case on wet roads as well. The sipes found on the tread are neither numerous nor deep. As a result, this tire’s wet grip is minimized resulting in a higher braking distance. However, its hydroplaning resistance is quite effective because of the wider grooves. These grooves allow a greater volume of water to pass through them and thus, the tire can maintain traction even on flooded roads.
Off-Road Traction Comparison
Mud Terrain
The performance of the Hankook is considered less effective on muddy terrains because of its relatively narrower grooves. That’s because when the grooves are narrow, they can be easily stuffed with mud. As a result, the tire becomes more slippery and loses its grip. Furthermore, the shoulders of this tire are also compact, and therefore, the chances of the entrapment of mud particles in its shoulders increase. This is what makes it less efficient on mud.
On the contrary, Falken features wider grooves which are considered incredible in grabbing the mud and throwing it backwards. As a result, this tire gets sensational traction on mud terrains. In addition to this, due to the open shoulder design, mud can easily pass through its shoulders as well. Therefore, it is considered a better option to drive on muddy terrains.
Snow Terrain
Due to the comparatively narrower grooves of the Hankook, its performance on soft snow is not considered that effective. That’s because the narrower grooves reduce the tire’s capability of thrashing the soft snow backwards and moving forward. As a result, the tire loses its grip on soft snow. However, when it comes to traction on ice, its narrower grooves play a primary role in increasing the contact patch and thus offering excellent performance on icy roads.
Since the Falken has relatively wider grooves, it is considered a more efficient option in catching the soft snow in its grooves and throwing it backward. As a result, the tire can smoothly move forward on soft snow terrains. However, we saw the tire struggling a bit on icy terrains. That’s because its wider grooves reduce its contact patch and therefore, the tire becomes more prone to slipping.
Rock Terrain
Hankook has an edge over its competitor on rocky terrains due to its bold and strong stone ejectors which stop small stones and pebbles from getting stuck inside the grooves. So, even though its grooves are narrower in comparison, it is still able to outperform the Falken due to its Durawall technology that prevents the sidewalls from getting punctured when the tire is taken on blunt-edged rocks.
On the other hand, the stone ejectors of the Falken are less functional when it comes to guarding the tire on rocks. However, on the brighter side, its grooves are wider in comparison. So, there will be fewer chances of the pebbles and small rocks of getting stuck inside and as a result, the tire’s grip will be maintained.
Comfort Comparison
Since the void ratio of the Hankook is lower, the contact patch of the tire with the road is increased, and therefore, it is considered a better option for a comfortable on-road experience. In addition to this, the narrower grooves will trap fewer air particles into them and reduce the back-and-forth movement of the air particles. As a result, it becomes a quieter tire to drive on road as compared to its counterpart. However, talking about the off-road comfort of this tire, the narrower grooves are incapable of damping the jerks and bumps. Thus, its off-road comfort is reduced.
In comparison, Falken features a higher void ratio and as a result, its wide grooves become capable of trapping more air molecules into them. When the air rushes out of the grooves, it produces a loud deafening noise which reduces the on-road comfort of this tire. On the contrary, its wider grooves prove to be extremely helpful in providing a comfortable off-road ride. That’s why it is considered a better choice when it comes to off-roading.
Durability & Treadwear
Due to the higher contact patch of the Hankook, its rolling resistance is increased and the tread of the tire will wear out faster which will reduce its vitality. As a result, the overall durability of the tire is reduced. Even though it is considered a less durable option as compared to its competitor, many built-in features increase the durability of this tire to some extent. For example, its tread compound is made of carbon black that increases its overall life.
On the contrary, the Falken features a relatively higher void ratio and as a result, its rolling resistance is reduced. Due to the lower contact patch, its tread will wear out slower than its competitor adding more to its durability. In addition to this, this tire is manufactured using the Kevlar Reinforced Layer which proves to be extremely helpful in providing resistance against chips and cuts.
Price Comparison
Hankook Dynapro is a higher-priced tire simply because of its on-road traction and comfort. However, if you are looking for something more affordable, the Wildpeak with its excellent mud and snow traction is not a bad option either. But in the end, it all depends upon your personal needs and requirements.
Comparison between Falken Wildpeak and the Hankook Dynapro ATM
Let us look at a detailed comparison of another variant of Hankook Dynapro, the ATM with Falken Wildpeak.
Resistance to Hydroplaning and traction on wet surfaces
The Falken Wildpeak provides great resistance to hydroplaning and their wellness extends to driving on wet surfaces. This is due to their deep treads (the deepest treads in the category). Also, the silica tread compound ensures that the tires maintain contact with the road at all times and even during slippery conditions
The Hankook Dynapro ATM also performs great on wet surfaces too. Its Deep two-step sipes, angled side grooves (with self-cleaning abilities), zigzag block edges give these tires a neat grip on wet surfaces and prevent your vehicle from hydroplaning.
However, the Falken Wildpeak simply performs better due to their deeper starting tread depths, open shoulders, and wide, circumferential grooves.
Dry Traction
Both of these tires perform equally well when we talk about traction on dry surfaces. These surfaces also include those wild rocky landscapes. The Aggressive upper sidewall in the Falken Wildpeak AT3W along with balanced shoulder blocks guard the tire from piercing rocks and provide extra off-road traction at low tire pressures.
The Hankook Dynapro ATM tread compound is shaped into a wide, independent block, with a symmetrical tread design with an enlarged footprint to enhance grip. The leveled side grooves and scallop grooves between the tread blocks increase the number of biting edges to enhance off-road traction. The zigzag block edges, wide treads also work to provide that exemplary dry traction.
Traction on Snow
Both of these tires meet the industry’s severe snow service requirements (and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol) and are super performers on deep snow. For the same reason, they perform equally well on snow.
Class-leading tread depth provides long-lasting wear as well as consistent snow resistance to the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
The scallop grooves, zigzag block edges, and the super-wide treads allow the Hankook Dynapro ATM to bite in the snow for some added traction.
Pricing
The Hankook Dynapro ATM is a bit friendlier on the pocket than the Falken Wildpeak AT3W with their lower and higher price threshold, both lower than the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
Sizes Available
The Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires come in 69 sizes in diameters ranging from 15-22 inches. Whereas, the Hankook Dynapro ATM comes in 57 sizes of diameters ranging from 15 to 17 inches. The Hankook tires have more sizes available in the 15–17-inch range than the Falken Wildpeak AT3W.
Treadwear
The treadwear of these two competitors can be rated as equal too! These are some tough competitors and they won’t give up!
Talking about the Hankook Dynapro ATM first – Its wraparound tread gives the tire a rough look and protects against cuts, bruises, and impact breaks. The profound two-step sipes extend tread life and the stone ejectors in the focus and shoulder grooves help prevent tire damage from stones or external bearings. The Rim flange protector protects the rims from by chance curb harm.
Coming to the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, they have magnificent treadwear because the violent upper sidewalls along with offset shoulder blocks protect the tire from piercing rocks. The Silica tread compound and the premium outer apex sidewall also contribute towards a superior treadwear
Warranty
The Hankook Dynapro ATM comes with a 50,000 miles warranty with a warranty period of 6 years, whereas, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W comes with a warranty of 55,000 miles or 90,000 km over 5 years.
Quick Summary
- Both are All-Terrain tires.
- The dry and wet traction of the Hankook is better on road.
- Mud and the soft snow traction of the Falken are superior.
- The Hankook Dynapro performs better on icy and rocky terrains.
- On-road comfort of Hankook is better and the off-road comfort of Falken is more efficient.
- Falken Wildpeak is a more durable tire.
