legal alternative to studded tires? The green diamond tire.

[UrbanPoet]

Apparently there is this tire that has 'carbide' embedded into the contact surface of the tire. Some describe it has many tiny sharp 'diamonds' that cut into snow and ice.
Since these 'diamonds' are embedded right into the friggin rubber... So that means even as the tire wears down, theres still plenty of 'diamonds' that help give traction.

They claim to be less damaging and not as noisy as studs. Which I find believable. I found some pics and it doesnt look like anything is on the tire at all except a grainy texture.

Anyone know anything about these?

The concept seems quite clever.


Here is a stock photo from their website. But you know how stock photos are... They'll always make it seem better then it is!


Here are pictures of a green diamond tire taken by an actual owner of the tires.

Would these be legal since they aren't studs or chains?

[Matrixvibe]

Would it damage the roads?

[MacGyver]

Some winter tires use crushed walnut shells in the tire compound to do the same thing. These don't fit the legal definition of studs.

There is a whole regulation on tire studs: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/reg...s_900625_e.htm

[qaz393]

i doesnt think the studded tires causes the pots holes in the roads

[tiggrrrrr75]

didn't know studded tires were only allowed for Northern Ontario... anyone can install them here in QC