Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 is a directional winter tire, designed for heavy use in the harsh conditions of the wintertime. Due to the patented double stud technology, it ensures a high level of safety on ice and snow, promising the drivers superior grip on “white” slippery surfaces, as well as efficient braking and stable handling response. A 2017 model.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 came to replace the legendary Nokian HKPL8 model, which scored lots of prizes and awards in comparative tire tests performed by the European industry publications and motoring associations. In addition, the eighth generation Hakkapeliitta winter studded tire boasts a world speed record set on the ice-covered surface of the Gulf of Bothnia. 335.713 km/h is quite an impressive result! It goes without saying that during the development of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 the engineers of the northernmost tire maker changed the rubber compound formula and the tread design of the predecessor model, yet the main innovation, according to the manufacturer, is the use of two types of studs. And, although this studding method has already been used in race car tires, this is the first time that this type of studding is used on passenger-car tires. The central section of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tread features eight-faceted anti-skid studs that account for the acceleration/braking dynamics. Their perpendicular hard-alloy inserts allow the winter tires to effectively work in the longitudinal direction.

The tread blocks in the shoulder areas of the directional tread are strewn with six-faceted “steel teeth”. They improve the tire’s cornering grip and handling capabilities on ice-covered roads.

Curiously, one must note the fact that the “9” model has fewer anti-skid studs than its predecessor. For example, the 16-inch Nokian HKPL9 has 172 studs as opposed to its predecessor of the same fitting diameter. Speaking of studs, one should also mention the Eco Stud 9 concept, which increases safety on winter surfaces and provides a soft contact with the road surface. This occurs due to external chamfers in the spikes of both types, expanding the contact patch, as well as a rubber cushion layer under the base of the “spikes”, which softens their negative impact on the roadbed.

At the same time, the Eco Stud concept reduces the road wear and allows the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 to ensure a smooth and virtually noiseless ride.

The V-shaped grooves in the central section of the tread enhance the tire’s grip on snow-covered surfaces. Nokian called them Snow Grip Boosters, the name being pretty much self-explanatory. While driving on deep snow, similar elements, called Deep Snow Boosters, come into play – large bent grooves, positioned closer to the shoulder areas. The tread compound of this model is also environmentally friendly and is all about increasing traction in winter conditions. The new bio-material with a self-explanatory name of Green ElastoProof, which is part of the tread compound, keeps the tire supple and elastic even at extremely low temperatures, while the rapeseed oil increases its resistance to tear.