General Grabber Arctic vs Bridgestone Blizzak DM V2: In both Grabber and Blizzak, a similar size; 265/70R17 was compared for tread depths. The tread depth of Arctic (12/32 inches) was found to be lesser than that of Bridgestone Blizzak (14/32 inches). As we can see, both of these are winter tires but one has slightly better performance than the other.
And that is DM V2, this could be justified due to smaller triangular tread lugs which provide more biting edges in snow and on ice. Arctic, on the other hand, focuses on winter traction as well as on-road traction to some extent.
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.
Table of Contents
Comparing Blizzak DM V2 vs General Grabber Arctic
Vs
Both tires are specifically designed to perform during winter, but they have variations in efficiencies depending upon their tread designs. Talking about Grabber tires, they perform well on the snow as well as roads. However, when compared, Blizzak has better snow performance, Arctic however, takes the edge in on-road traction, grip, and handling.
Grabber has an aggressive, directional, and vertical tread design along with the lateral and longitudinal central grooves.
Talking about the siping and grooves in here, it can be observed that it has wider grooves as compared to the other tire, vertical shoulder grooves along with extensive siping in the shoulder, ribs, as well as the tread blocks. Furthermore, it has two circumferential grooves which aid in hydroplane resistance.
In comparison, Blizzak tires are found to be excellent in deep snow, and the reason is their asymmetric and unparalleled tread design. These tires have deeper shoulder grooves and smaller tread blocks which help them bite into snow and ice for better winter grip and handling. In terms of sipng, it has extensive siping, just like arctic, neither one is better than the other in this regard.
Another thing to note about the Bridgestone tires here is that they contain a unique tread design with shoulder sipes, wider grooves and hard tread blocks. All of these factors collectively make them more compatible with snow. As far is tread design is concerned, both have a nice ring to them, the tread is easily readable and easy on the eyes as well.
Traction Comparison
Both of the tires are primarily made for snow performance but when push comes to shove, Grabber has somewhat better on-road performance as compared the other one, this is due to its directional tread pattern which gives it better handling and cornering properties. More specifically, central groove spaces and aggressive directional zig-zag patterns make them even more eligible.
In terms of hydroplane resistance, the performance of both tires is more or less the same. Grabber has shoulder siping, vertical shoulder grooves, zig-zag sipes, and wide shoulder grooves which aid in evacuating water and slush. DM V2, on the other hand, possess similar features but instead of vertical and zig-zag sipes, it has two wide circumferential grooves. Furthermore, neither of these tires are made for off-road performance, although, you might get some traction from them in light mud but not heavy mud.
Snow Traction Comparison
Grabber is a directional winter tires with extra grip to the icy roads, and that’s all because of the rare tread design. They contain central, directional, vertical, and shoulder siping, along with the biting edges for snow performance. In comparison, Blizzak has better snow performance simply because it has same properties more or less in addition to two wide circumferential grooves, shoulder siping and smaller tread blocks which provides more biting edges for better grip on snow and on ice.
As explained earlier, the aquaplane resistance is same for both tires.
Which tire is more Comfortable?
Due to the excellent tread design and properties, Grabber provide you with comfort and a better driving experience. However, DM V2 offers a smoother ride as compared to the other one as it has more uniform pattern.
When it comes to the noise, General Grabber is found to be noisier as compared to Blizzak due to its aggressive tread pattern. As the vehicle speeds up, the noise level increases but is still manageable and doesn’t affect the driving quality.
Durability and Treadwear
General Grabber comes up with a longer treadwear warranty of up to 40,000 miles, along with the durability of up to 10 years. While in comparison, the Blizzak DM V2 provides you with a treadwear warranty of 4 years and durability of 12,000 – 15,000 miles which is lower than Grabber.
Well, the durability and treadwear rely on tires’ structure and material used in its manufacturing. If we talk about the Grabber tires, they have a rare “zig-zag” tread pattern and 3-ply construction increasing their efficiency. Besides, Blizzak V2 tires have an extraordinary structural design, deep shoulder sipes, vertical directional sipes, and are made with soft and advanced compound formula.
Price Comparison
On analysis, it has been observed that Blizzak tires cost lower as compared to the other ones But, they have come up to you with shorter durability, while Grabber tires last longer. That’s how Blizzak tires cost you more expensive in the end.
Besides, some factors highly impact the price, the region from where you are purchasing, the model, size, advanced features, and much more.
Quick Summary
- In terms of traction, Blizzak has better snow and ice traction as compared to the other one whereas Grabber has better on-road traction and handling than Arctic.
- When it comes to hydroplane resistance, both perform well.
- Grabber tires have wide tread blocks and biting edges inside them, which help them a lot to stick with the icy road. That’s how they provide more excellent snow traction to you.
- Here, Grabber tires are found to be noisy when it comes to comfort, while Bridgestone tires are quiet and provide more comfort.
- Grabber tires, along with their appreciated tread pattern, provide you with a longer durability and treadwear warranty, as compared to the Blizzak tires.
- Blizzak ones are found to be expensive, when compared. Besides, there is no specified price for both tires, although depending upon some factors explained above in the article.
