Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 Vs. WS70
If you are particular about your wheels and want the best — buckle up as we delve into the specifics of each tire to recommend one that suits you well.
People in the majority of US states are accustomed to extreme snowy weather, so it is wise to invest in good winter tires or all-season tires.
Bridgestone is an established tire company known for its winter tire series. Their Blizzak line has dominated the studless snow and ice tire market for quite a while now. The performance of these tires is like none other — the tread compound augments traction in slippery conditions and provides uncompromised stability.
With time, new variants are introduced to the current lineup i.e. the WS80 is a successor to the ever-so popular WS70.
But the question is: Did the upgrade have any significant difference, or are there only minute cosmetic amendments with little to no performance enhancements?
Let’s find out in a head-to-head comparison.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS70
A successor to the WS60 and predecessor of the W80 — the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 is designed to provide uncompromised performance in the harshest of road conditions and weather.
It is known to provide exceptional vehicle control and traction during winters — something that all motorheads love!
Just like its successor, the tires can be used on coupes, sedans, crossovers, and minivans etc. Trust us! We have read the many positive user reviews on this tire.
Let’s highlight some of its features:
Product Information
The tread compound is made up of rubber chemicals and unique polymers that work together to provide good road grip. Infact, the compound is quite flexible so the car’s grip does not give way in below-freezing or hot temperatures.
The shoulder blocks of the tire have 3-D zig-zag sipes — probably the reason behind the tire’s steady performance on dry roads. It is further complemented by the steering control , which is like none other and the new mechanism provides better traction on wet roads.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 has a directional tread design with four circumferential grooves, so the tire has a wider footprint. Not only does it lead to better water, mud, and ice evacuation, but also allows better braking.
Two nylon-wrapped steel belts are placed on the inside to augment the tire’s durability and strength so it lasts longer.
Pros
- The tire performs well across all seasons
- The grip in not compromised at high speeds
- Short braking distance is decent in winter conditions
- Noise free
Cons
- A bit squishy on dry roads when temperature is high
- The tire wears out quicker if driven on dry roads
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
The WS80 is a studless ice and snow tire designed to drive on snow-ridden roads confidently and they can be mounted to coupes, compacts, minivans and sedans.
Their design process has been well-sought with the intended goal of providing a tire that enhances safety and provides better control.
Product Information
The tire has a significant coverage area due to its wide-size — it keeps the vehicle stable in snowy as well as dry conditions. All the outside forces on the tire are distributed evenly across the tire with a bigger coverage area.
Additionally, the WS80 tire is equipped with Bridgestone’s latest NanoPro-Tech multicell compound to enhance its performance on snow-ridden roads. The compound has microscopic bite particles and a hydrophilic coating, which keeps the tire flexible during varying temperatures throughout the year.
Furthermore, the compound helps the vehicle maneuver better and the grooves divert slush, water, and snow away from the primary contact area.
The multicell compound contains bite-sized microscopic particles for better braking and control on sheer ice.
The WS80’s zig-zag sipes have more snow biting edges. This restricts tread blocks from stretching too much on the inside, which in turn, reduces the tire’s wear and tear.
The tread blocks band on the inside of the tire, while the spin of the tire is set at a 45 degree angle. The tread blocks significantly improve the vehicle’s lateral snow grip.
The WS80 has small shoulder blocks, which allow for a 20% increase in biting edges and also more lug channels. Overall the block edges enhance the tire’s grip by 10%.
Additionally, the small sipe running panel is three dimensional, which gives better steering control to the driver.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is at par with all industry-specific requirements for tires to operate in severe snowy conditions. It is branded with the 3PMSF symbol — the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol.
Pros
- Excellent snow and ice grip
- Better traction in wet, snow, and slushy roads
- A noise free and comfortable ride
Cons
- The tires do not perform well if not installed on all four wheels
- Some users are not happy with the lack of traction on turns
- Some owners feel they should receive better warranty for the price
Differences — Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 And Bridgestone Blizzak WS70
Bridgestone Blizzak has revolutionized the studless snow and winter tire industry, and their WS70 was a perfect example of how good tires should be performing.
After excellent sales and brilliant customer reviews, Bridgestone introduced the WS80 — the successor to the WS70.
No doubt, the WS70 offers uncompromised performance in almost all areas, but falls short in dry road performance. The tire also wears out quicker if driven consistently at high speeds in dry weather conditions.
It goes without saying that upgrades are meant to enhance performance and the same is the case with the new Bridgestone Blizzak WS80.
Simply put: It takes all the positives from its predecessors, further augments their performance and counters flaws seen in prior variants.
The main aspects and technologies used in manufacturing the tire are unanimous in the Blizzak line, but there have been innovations that lead to better, safer, and more comfortable rides.
For instance, you notice certain betterments like slightly less directional pattern and a 20% increase in blocking edges and sipes – which lead to better gripping, stability, and steering control.
The performance of Blizzaks on ice leaves other tires way behind, as braking and straight-line acceleration is seamless with WS80s.
Owners of WS70 noticed a considerable improvement in the WS80s. The best part is that the squishiness felt while driving a car mounted with WS70 on dry roads does not seem to be an issue with the WS80s.
| Comparison | ||
| Aspects | Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 | Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 |
| Diameter | 24.4’’ | 26.1’’ |
| Width | 7.9’’ | 8.7’’ |
| Rim size | 16’’ | 16’’ |
| Weight | 21 Lbs | 23 Lbs |
| Revolutions per mile | 852 | 797 |
| Maximum Load | 1356 Lbs | 1521 Lbs |
| Air Pressure | 50 PSI | 44 PSI |
| Tread Depth | 12/32″ | 12/32″ |
| Rim Width | 5.5-7″ | 6-7.5″ |
What We Like/Didn’t Like
What We Like
- The short-breaking distance that the Bridgestone Blizzak tires provide in harsh conditions is beyond impressive
- The Next-Gen Tube used in WS80 helps control the vehicle in below-freezing temperatures
- 3-D zig-zag sipes make both tires last for a good number of years
- The ride is comfortable and almost noise free in both variants
- Water, slush, or ice is never accumulated in the tires
- The WS80 has 20% more blocking edges and sipes
- The WS80 is branded with the 3PMSF symbol
What We Disliked
- You need to use WS80 tires on all four wheels for best results
- Though the WS80 is a bit better than its predecessor on dry roads, it still does not perform that well on high temperatures
The Final Word
Whether you are mounting the WS70s on your car or the WS80s — both will get you through the winter season. Bridgestone is a globally recognized tire manufacturer so you do not have to worry about the quality of the tires — regardless of the variant you opt for!
However, in our many tests, analysis, and user reviews from current users, we conclude that buying the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is your safest bet!