Home > Auto Racing Tire Reviews > Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 Review
11/15/2008 - Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 Review
by Brett Setliff, for RacingTireGuide.com
TEST VEHICLE AND TIRE:
Car: 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS
Tire: Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 (205/55-16)
Wheel: Steel Winter Wheel (16x7)
Date: Winters of 2005 and 2006
DESCRIPTION:
When Bridgestone originally introduced their line of Blizzak tires, drivers were amazed at their exceptional snow traction, which came close to equaling the ice traction of studded tires...without the studs. Today, the Blizzak WS-50 represents the second generation of Bridgestone's WinterBiter tires. So if you want to maximize all of your vehicle's winter capabilities, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 will help provide the snow and ice traction you need.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
Living in the "snow belt" of northeastern Ohio, it is not uncommom to get a foot of snow in 24 hours. They call it "Lake Effect" snow around these parts because cold winds blow across Lake Erie and can produce large amounts of snow in a short period of time. So, around mid November of every year we break out the winter tires and get ready to do battle with the sometimes nasty northeast Ohio roads.
For our 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS we decided to go with a non-performance winter tire, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50. We don't do a lot of "performance driving" in the winter, so a more performance-oriented winter tire was not really needed. At any rate, the Blizzak WS-50's do not dissappoint. They will go through pretty much anything winter throws at you. We ventured out many times in blizzard conditions on roads that had not been plowed or salted, and our Impreza performed flawlessly. Its amazing how confident you are with a good set of winter tires (just don't get too confident!). The combination of winter tires, and an AWD car, can actually make driving in the snow fun...you just need to lookout for other drivers who are not so well equipped. Once you drive with a set of tires like the Blizzak WS-50, you will probably never want to drive on a normal tire in the winter again. They are that good.
UPDATE (11/15/2008):
We used our Blizzak WS-50's on our 2001 Subaru Impreza for the winters of 2005 and 2006, then in 2007 when we replaced the car with a 2007 Subaru WRX, we bought a different set of wheels and used the tires again for the winter of 2007. So, after 3 winters of driving, the tires are still going strong. They are worn, but we still have a few miles left in them. We love these tires!
BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK WS-60
Bridgestone has improved on the Blizzak WS-50 with their new and improved Blizzak WS-60 tire, which represents the third generation of Bridgestone WinterBiter tires designed to deliver wintertime traction and control that inspires driver confidence by getting the most out of the vehicle's potential. Many drivers report better overall winter grip with this new WS-60.
HOW TO BUY:
>> Buy the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 Tire at THE TIRE RACK
>> Buy the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 Tire at THE TIRE RACK
