Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80

Initial Review, 500 Miles on Tires
November 19, 2014

Have had many AWD cars and numerous snow tires over the last 12 years. Dunlop Wintersports, Blizzak DM-V1's, Dunlop Winter Maxx, Blizzak WS-50, and Hankook I-Pike. I have an AWD G37 and the AWD system is RWD biased and shifts power to front when needed. I had the Ipikes on my G35xS prior (sold for G7xS) so basically same car to evaluate. Normally I wouldn't evaluate yet, but unfortunately we have already had about all conditions to drive in other than freezing rain. I have 500 miles on these now so they are broken in. The WS-80 is a good tire. It is the quietest winter tire of the ones I have mentioned and does bite well in hardpack and powder and starts and stops very well. A little weaker in slush and in lateral traction (turning or around corners) vs. the Ipikes. I think due to tread design. The Ipikes have nice large channels to evacuate snow and slush quickly. I feel WS80 slip a little more in these situations. Other than that, WS80 is superior to Ipike. Handling is what you expect from a winter tire being a little spongy and slower to react. However, car does not feel unsafe or squirrely. I drop down from 225/50/18 summer to 225/55/17 for winter set. Not sure on treadwear as too early to tell. Overall I feel very safe with this tire on and am satisfied. I think with any winter tire you will find some fault vs. another brand and they may work great on one vehicle but not another which is why I think it is important to seek out reviews on your specific vehicle as well vs. just a review of the tire. Price is decent on tire and hopefully I can get 3-4 seasons out of it. I have driven this tire in a few inches of snow along with 6-7" inches as well as hardpack, ice, slush, blackice, wet snow and powder. Hope this helps those looking for an honest review.