Winter is coming, and for drivers in cold weather climates that means it’s time to start thinking about switching to winter tires. Two of the most popular winter tire options from Bridgestone are the Blizzak LT and DM-V2 lines.
But what’s the difference between these two tires, and which one is the better choice for your vehicle?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Blizzak LT and DM-V2 tires side-by-side, looking at traction, treadlife, ride comfort, noise levels, and more.
We’ll highlight the key pros and cons of each tire to help you decide which model is the right fit for your driving needs and budget this winter season.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Blizzak LT | DM-V2 |
| Intended Use | Snow/Ice Performance | All-Season/Winter Performance |
| Tread Pattern | Directional, Aggressive | Powerful, Stable |
| Tread Compound | Hybrid Polymer | Durable, Reinforced |
| Traction on Ice/Snow | Superior | Very Good |
| Traction on Wet/Mud | Good | Excellent |
| Ride Comfort | Harsher | Smoother/Quieter |
| Treadwear | 40-50K Miles | 45-65K Miles |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
| Overall | Best for Ice/Snow | Best All-Around Winter Tire |
Blizzak LT Overview
The Bridgestone Blizzak LT tire line is specially engineered for performance in icy and snowy conditions.
The “LT” in the name stands for Light Truck, as this line is designed for pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.
Key features of the Blizzak LT tires include:
- Aggressive directional tread pattern – Designed to channel slush and snow out of the tread for enhanced traction. The grooves are also optimized to bite into ice.
- Hybrid polymer compound – Blends rubber with silica to maintain grip and flexibility in freezing temperatures.
- Multi-cell sipes – Numerous tiny cuts across the tread blocks boost the number of biting edges for additional grip on packed snow and ice.
- Staggered shoulder blocks – Alternating shoulder lugs prevent noise and enhance handling and control.
The Blizzak LT is available in a wide range of sizes to fit rims from 15 to 20 inches for most light truck applications. It comes with a 40,000 to 50,000 mile treadwear warranty.
Also Read: Differences Between Goodyear Eagle Sport And Exhilarate All-Season Tires.
DM-V2 Overview
The Bridgestone DM-V2 is another winter tire optimized for SUVs, crossovers, and light trucks. The “DM” in the name stands for Dueler Mud, as this line is designed to provide traction and control in muddy conditions in addition to ice and snow.
Key features of the DM-V2 tires include:
- Powerful tread pattern – Wide lateral grooves and rigid shoulder blocks provide plenty of biting edges for traction in soft ground and packed snow.
- Notched shoulder lugs – Dig into snow and mud to prevent slippage when cornering. Also help channel water out of the tread.
- Durable compound – Reinforced with thick, interlocking tread blocks to improve durability and longevity.
- Zig-zag sipes – Improve flexibility to maintain contact with the road in wintry conditions.
The DM-V2 is available in sizes from 15 to 22 inches to accommodate most trucks and SUVs. It comes with a 65,000 mile treadwear warranty.
Key Differences Between Bridgestone Blizzak LT And DM-V2 Tires
- Traction and Braking Performance
When it comes to sheer traction and braking grip in wintry conditions, the Blizzak LT is the clear winner over the DM-V2.
Independent testing by Tire Rack found the Blizzak LT stopped over 11 feet shorter on ice compared to the DM-V2. It also had better lateral and acceleration traction on packed snow and ice in testing.
The more aggressive directional tread with numerous sipes gives the Blizzak LT the traction advantage, especially on pure ice. The hybrid polymer compound also remains more flexible at freezing temperatures.
While the DM-V2 is no slouch in winter conditions, it is geared more towards performance in deeper snow, slush, and mud. For the best ice and light snow traction, the Blizzak LT is the superior choice.
- Ride Comfort
In terms of ride quality and on-road manners, the DM-V2 comes out ahead.
Reviewers praise the DM-V2 for its smooth, quiet ride thanks to its rigid tread blocks and firm sidewalls.
The tire absorbs bumps well and has minimal road noise even at highway speeds.
The Blizzak LT emphasizes maximum snow/ice traction over ride comfort.
Owners note the tire transmits more vibration and rougher ride quality, especially compared to a touring all-season tire.
The tread pattern also generates some subtle whistle at high speeds.
So for the most comfortable driving experience in everyday conditions, the DM-V2 is the way to go. But the Blizzak LT puts handling, control, and traction first – ride comfort takes a backseat.
- Treadwear and Durability
The DM-V2 handily wins when it comes to treadlife and durability. Its max 65,000 mile treadwear warranty dwarfs the 40,000-50,000 mile warranty of the Blizzak LT.
In real world testing, DM-V2 tires often last for 50,000+ miles even with aggressive driving. The rigid tread blocks and reinforced compound resist wear and tear even on gravel roads or in mud/slush.
Blizzak LTs can start to show more significant wear after just 30,000-40,000 miles. The soft compound and siping give excellent snow/ice traction but wear down faster. Owners in northern climates may get 2-3 winter seasons from the Blizzak LT at most.
So for longevity and durability, the DM-V2 is easily the better choice. Plan on replacing Blizzak LTs at least once more often.
Also Read: Differences Between Bridgestone Duravis R500 And M700 Tires.
- Noise Levels
As mentioned earlier, the DM-V2 provides a quieter, more refined driving experience compared to the winter-specialized Blizzak LT.
Blizzak LTs generate noticeable road noise from the tread pattern, especially at highway speeds. The aggressive directional tread also produces some whistle when maneuvering.
The DM-V2 has a more rigid tread design and staggered shoulder blocks that minimize noise on pavement. Owners report very low levels of road roar and tread growl, even after thousands of miles.
If you want the quietest winter tire for long commutes or road trips, the DM-V2 is your best bet. The Blizzak LT prioritizes extreme winter traction over noise reduction.
- Pricing
Both of these premium Bridgestone winter tires carry higher price tags than budget options.
However, the Blizzak LT is slightly more affordable on average.
Blizzak LT tires range from approximately $150 to $250 each depending on specific size.
DM-V2 tires run between $180 and $300 per tire.
While not cheap, you are paying for advanced winter tread compounds and technology with either of these tires.
The pricing is comparable to other high-quality winter tires from Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, etc.
Budget-focused shoppers can save money with house brand tires from retailers like Costco. But the big name winter tires like Blizzak LT and DM-V2 deliver superior snow/ice traction for the price premium.
What Are Users Saying?
Looking at customer reviews reveals some clear trends about these two tires:
Blizzak LT
- “Unbeatable grip on ice and packed snow”
- “Shorter braking distances than my all-seasons”
- “Noisy on dry roads and transmits more vibration”
- “Never gotten stuck thanks to the deep snow traction”
DM-V2
- “Smooth, quiet ride all year round”
- “Durable tread lasted 50-60k miles for me”
- “Great traction in slush, mud, wet conditions”
- “Noticed a little more slippage on pure ice vs. Blizzak”
So in summary, owners praise the Blizzak LT for extremely effective snow and ice traction, while the DM-V2 wins points for ride comfort, longevity, and all-around capability.
Also Read: Comparison of Firestone Destination MT And M/T2 Tires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On reddit tire discussions, the consensus is that the Blizzak LT has superior performance strictly for ice and light snow conditions. The hybrid polymer compound and directional tread provide incredible winter traction. Meanwhile, the DM-V2 is praised for having better treadlife, a quieter ride, and better traction in slush, mud, and wet roads. So Blizzak LT for pure ice/snow driving, DM-V2 for an excellent all-around tire in various conditions.
The Blizzak W965 is a newer winter tire from Bridgestone optimized for sedans and coupes, while the Blizzak LT targets trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. The W965 has less aggressive tread siping and a focus on reducing noise levels. The LT has deeper, more open tread for biting into loose snow. Both deliver excellent winter grip, so choose based on your vehicle type and noise preferences.
With proper maintenance and rotation, Blizzak DM-V2 tires typically last for 45,000 to 65,000 miles based on owner reviews. The reinforced compound and rigid tread blocks resist wear, with many drivers getting 3-4 winter driving seasons out of a set. More aggressive driving on gravel or in mud can shorten the lifespan closer to 40,000 miles. Proper inflation, alignment, and rotation are key for maximizing treadwear.
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is a premium winter/snow tire designed for crossover, SUV, and light truck vehicles. The “DM” designation means it’s part of the Dueler Mud line engineered for traction in muddy conditions in addition to snow and ice. Key features include wide lateral grooves, zig-zag sipes, staggered shoulder lugs, and a durable tread compound. It provides excellent grip and handling in wintry weather along with a quiet, comfortable ride. The DM-V2 is ideal for drivers in regions with a mix of snow, slush, rain, and warmer winter temperatures.
The Verdict
So which of these Bridgestone tires is better for your vehicle? Here are some quick recommendations:
Choose the Blizzak LT if:
- You drive primarily in icy winter conditions
- Maximum snow/ice traction and braking are top priorities
- You don’t mind increased road noise for superior winter performance
Choose the DM-V2 if:
- You want the best all-around tire for winter, rain, and mud
- A quiet, comfortable ride is important to you
- You drive high mileage and want a long-lasting tread
While the Blizzak LT is the top choice for icy winters, the DM-V2 is the better all-season option if you deal with a mix of snow, slush, rain, and warmer conditions. Assess your own driving needs and priorities to decide which of these great Bridgestone tires is the right fit.
