If you live in an area that sees a lot of snow and ice, having the right winter tires can make all the difference in staying safe on the road. Two popular studless winter tire options are the Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 and Bridgestone Blizzak WS90.
But with so many similar features, how do you choose between them?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 and WS90 in depth so you can decide which tire is right for your needs. We’ll cover key factors like traction, tread life, ride comfort, noise levels, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Tire | Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 | Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 |
| Snow/Ice Traction | Excellent, biting edges provide 10% better grip | Very good, but not as much traction as LM001 |
| Dry Traction | Good, stable handling | Excellent, very responsive |
| Treadwear | 40,000 – 50,000 miles | 25,000 – 35,000 miles |
| Ride Comfort | Very good, smooth and quiet | Good, slightly firmer ride |
| Noise | Low road noise | Slightly more noise than LM001 |
| Wheel Sizes | 15″ – 20″ wheels | 16″ – 18″ wheels |
Overview of the Blizzak LM001 Tire
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 is an ultra-high performance winter tire that was introduced in 2018.
It was designed as an upgrade over the previous Blizzak LM-32 tire to provide enhanced snow and ice traction.
Some of the key features of the Blizzak LM001 include:
- Biting Edges: The tread pattern uses biting edges and multiple sipes to deliver exceptional grip on snow and ice. The edges help “bite” into slippery surfaces.
- Nano Pro-TechRubber: Uses an advanced rubber compound with nano-particles to improve traction at lower temperatures. Stays flexible even in extreme winter conditions.
- Staggered Shoulder Lugs: The outside shoulder lugs are staggered in a multi-angled pitch to increase handling and stability in winter weather.
- Lightweight Design: Weighs less than previous Blizzak tires for improved fuel economy and handling.
The LM001 is designed for luxury SUVs, crossovers, sedans and is optimized for ice and light snow conditions. It provides a quiet, comfortable winter driving experience.
Overview of the Blizzak WS90 Tire
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tire launched in 2019 as a high-performance winter tire focused on sporty vehicles. It was engineered to enhance dry handling and braking.
Key features of the Blizzak WS90 include:
- 3D Zigzag Sipes: The tread pattern uses 3D zigzag sipes and multiple grooves to improve snow traction and water evacuation.
- EdgePerformance Technology: Special rubber compound and sipes along the shoulder improve grip and stability when cornering.
- Lightweight Design: 15% lighter weight construction improves fuel efficiency and handling.
- Rigid Central Rib: Solid center rib enhances responsiveness and dry road handling.
The WS90 is optimized for coupes, sedans, crossover vehicles, and light trucks. It provides precise and sporty handling in winter weather.
Key Differences Between Blizzak LM001 And WS90 Tires
- Traction Performance
One of the most important factors with winter tires is traction and grip in snow and ice. This can directly impact winter driving safety.
Both the LM001 and WS90 perform very well in wintry conditions, but the LM001 has a slight edge.
The LM001 uses biting edges and NanoPro-Tech rubber to really dig into ice and packed snow.
Independent tests show it performs better for straight line acceleration traction and braking grip versus the WS90.
The WS90 utilizes 3D zigzag sipes for great snow traction, but the thinner sipes don’t bite quite as aggressively as the LM001.
The LM001 has about 10% better snow and ice traction based on testing.
So for maximum winter weather grip, especially in very icy conditions, the LM001 is the way to go. But the WS90 still performs admirably on snow and ice.
- Dry Traction and Handling
While winter traction is critical, tires still need to perform properly in dry conditions which make up most driving scenarios. Here the WS90 has an advantage.
The rigid center rib and optimized construction of the WS90 allow it to handle more like a summer tire on dry pavement. It provides precise steering response and good braking grip compared to other winter tires.
The LM001 doesn’t handle quite as nimbly and has slightly longer braking distances on dry roads. For sporty driving characteristics, the WS90 maintains better control.
If you live in an area with milder winters and less frequent snow, the WS90 gives you enhanced grip and handling for dry conditions. But in snow, the LM001 remains the leader.
- Treadwear and Durability
Treadlife and durability are also very important factors when comparing tires. The longer a tire lasts, the less often you have to pay for replacements.
In terms of longevity, the Blizzak LM001 tends to outlast the WS90 by 10% or more based on treadwear tests.
The NanoPro-Tech rubber holds up better over time and miles than the WS90’s compound. Owners report getting 30,000 to 40,000 miles out of their LM001’s depending on their driving habits.
The WS90 is still durable given its max performance construction, but you’ll likely replace them quicker. Expect around 25,000 to 35,000 miles of treadlife.
So while the WS90 offers sharper handling, the LM001 gives you better value and longevity for your money. Plan on getting another winter or two out of the LM001 tires.
- Ride Comfort
Winter tires can sometimes produce a busy ride and noise on the highway from their aggressive tread designs. Ride quality is another key consideration.
Between the two tires, the LM001 provides a more comfortable and quiet ride. It uses a rounded contact patch to minimize vibrations on the road. Owners say it handles bumps well and has minimal road noise for a winter tire.
The WS90 transmits more vibrations through its firmer construction. Ride quality suffers somewhat for the sake of responsiveness and handling. Highway noise is also slightly higher than the LM001.
If you drive longer distances in the winter and want maximum comfort, the LM001 is your best bet. But the WS90 isn’t too harsh for shorter drives.
- Wheels Compatibility
Having the proper wheels is also essential to get the most out of your winter tires. The LM001 and WS90 are designed to fit different wheel sizes.
The Blizzak LM001 comes in sizes to fit wheels from 15 to 20 inches in diameter. It accommodates luxury vehicles and crossovers with larger wheel sizes.
The Blizzak WS90 has a more limited range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter. It fits most cars and lighter crossovers, but not vehicles with larger 20-inch wheels.
Before purchasing, make sure you choose the tire designed for your vehicle’s wheels. The LM001 accommodates a broader range of larger wheel diameters.
- Price Comparison
When it comes to price, the Blizzak WS90 tires have a slight premium over the LM001.
On average, the WS90 costs around $160 per tire.
The LM001 comes in around $150 per tire on average.
The price can vary some based on size, but expect to pay a little less than the WS90.
While it’s not a huge price difference, the longer treadwear of the LM001 makes it an even better value proposition.
Just be aware the WS90 commands a small premium for the performance.
Key Takeaways: LM001 And WS90 Tires
Here are some of the key performance differences between the two tires:
- Snow/Ice Traction: LM001 has about 10% better grip and traction
- Dry Performance: WS90 handles better on dry roads
- Treadwear: LM001 lasts around 10-15% longer
- Ride Quality: LM001 provides a more comfortable ride
- Noise: LM001 runs quieter on the highway
- Wheel Sizes: LM001 fits a broader range of larger wheels
- Price: WS90 costs around $10 more per tire
So in summary, the LM001 is the best choice for maximal snow and ice traction, ride comfort, and tread longevity. It’s ideal for areas with frequent winter precipitation.
The WS90 offers sharper handling and braking on dry roads. It works well in milder climates that see occasional snow. Expect to replace them quicker than the LM001 tires.
Also Read: How Blizzak And Studded Tires Stack Up?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about the Blizzak LM001 and WS90 tires:
No, the Blizzak LM001 is not a run-flat winter tire. It requires standard air pressure like most tires and does not have reinforced sidewalls.
The WS90 is a model name for the Blizzak high-performance winter tire line from Bridgestone. It simply denotes this particular tire and does not have any other specific meaning.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires have a max speed rating of 168 mph or 270 km/h. This exceeds the capability of most consumer vehicles. Drive at safe speeds for winter road conditions.
Compared to all-season tires, Blizzaks and other winter tires will wear more quickly because of their soft rubber compounds. However, Blizzaks don’t necessarily wear out faster than other winter tire brands when used in cold weather. Expect 2-4 winter seasons from a set depending on your driving habits. The LM001 model has better longevity than the WS90.
The Bottom Line
For drivers that face frequent snow and ice, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 is the best choice with its superior winter weather traction and long treadlife. It provides a comfortable ride as well.
The Blizzak WS90 works well in drier winter climates with occasional snow. It offers sharper handling and braking, but at the expense of somewhat quicker treadwear.
Assess your own winter driving needs in terms of climate, vehicle type, and priorities. Match the tire to your conditions for optimal safety and performance. With the right winter tires, you can drive with confidence no matter what the weather brings.
