New studding info and summary

[Erik R Addy <erik@aero.und.edu>]

I have basically received two types of answers for my studding question.

Group 1 says that they are noisy, bad on dry pavement, and dangerous on
wet pavement.

Group 2 say that, with the new Nokian Hakk 1, they are actually pretty
quiet, and are very close, if not equal, on dry and wet pavement to the
non-studed Hakk 1's.  This group usually mention personal experience
with the tire.

Actually, I just got off the phone with Greg (I think that was it) at
G+G Service in Wisconsin.  G+G advertises Nokian tires for sale mail
order in European Car magazine, and they have a web page at
www.snowtyres.com.  Greg apparently follows the list and owns 5(!)
quattro's.  He was very nice to talk to on the phone, and had some good
info.  He had been to Finland (the home of Nokian) last year to visit
Nokian.  So let's see, he's a quattro guy, sells LOT'S of snow tires,
and has been to the factory.  I think this guy knows what he is talking
about when it comes to snow tires!  I think I will buy my Nokians from
him in the future, and I would definitely recommend him and Nokian to
anyone else on the list.

Anyway, he told me that the way the Hakk 1's are made, there is a sort
of "pad" molded into the tire under the stud that really reduces the
noise level.  Additionally, with the new tread/stud designs, the tire is
still very good on dry or wet pavement.  He specifically referenced
studies Nokian had done regarding wet braking, and found no disadvantage
to the studded tire.  Remeber, he has several customers with the studded
tires and has no reason to push them as I am already a big Nokian fan.

So, I'm going to do a little more research on what the local roads are
usually like in winter, but if it sounds real bad, I am thinking of
selling my like new Hakk 1's (185/65-14)and buying a new set with studs.

HTH anyone else with similar questions, and if you have a personal
experience with the Nokian Hakk 1 w/ studs, I would still like to hear
from you.

Erik
erik@aero.und.edu