Snow chains or cables?

[BurbanAZ]

We are going on a snow trip here in a few days and i need to get some snow chains or cables. Ive never used either, since its never snowed here. No local places except pep boys sell chains and they only sell one kind. They are cable type. Is the cable or link type better for offroad use, or trails? Also has anyone used this brand? If chains are drastically better offroad then ill just wait till we get closer to the area we will be wheeling and camping in and buy them there.
http://www.scc-chain.com/tire-chain-finder/traction-product-choices/super-z-lt/

 

[NothingClever]

I prefer cables because of how compactly they can be stored and because they're lighter weight. However, I suspect they'll also wear out much faster.

 

[BurbanAZ]

my main concern is which will get better traction, or is there a noticeable difference?

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

Chains.

Cables aren't worth the money in my opinion. Chains offer far more traction. Chains have irregular surfaces with sharp corners offering much better "bite" or grip on road and off road. Cables are smooth more or less and offer little to off road traction. If you're driving a small car strictly on road you could get away with cables no problem. If you're planning anything off road definitely pick chains.

These are what I run and I couldn't be happier: http://tirechaindealer.com/ I use them mainly on road though. Good price, great quality, loads of traction. I think they would do very well off road on snow covered roads, but might not be the best if you're heading off onto trails or bushwhacking.

If you want some serious, strictly off road chains for winter wheeling out in the bush then what you need to get are these chains:

http://www.clothierproducts.com/default_site.htm
Youtube videos of their product in action: http://www.youtube.com/user/1966ih

 

[Keanan]

If this is a one time trip to the snow and you will be staying on main roads then you would be fine with a cheap set from Pep Boys.

If you have decent AT/MT tires and you are thinking of heading on roads that might not be plowed regularly then I would suggest a good set of actual chain chains that are in a diamond or cris cross pattern across the treads of the tire.

Chains only work in ice or packed snow conditions. They will not help on wet or dry pavement.

 

[eggman918]

I prefer chains,but the few times I need them for snow it is a Forest Service dirt roads and I want the maximum bite I can get.chains are also handy in mud especially sticky clay or slimy alkali which is when I use them most.

 

[BurbanAZ]

yea i have decent A/T tires but ive taken them out in the snow before and they didnt do all that great. So id like to try chains and see if they help. It sounds like im looking for chains over cables though. Ill have to pick up sme from the city were closest too when we go on our trip.

 

[redthies]

Cables are worthless other than on plowed highways. If you want actual traction, proper chains are the only way to go. Are you going "snow wheeling", or just trying to get to the ski resort? If wheeling, chains. If skiing, cables will get you there.

And yes, I live in a ski town and plow roads in the winter, so I have seen and used all types of chains in action. I personally would never buy cables.

 

[BurbanAZ]

Cables are worthless other than on plowed highways. If you want actual traction, proper chains are the only way to go. Are you going "snow wheeling", or just trying to get to the ski resort? If wheeling, chains. If skiing, cables will get you there.

And yes, I live in a ski town and plow roads in the winter, so I have seen and used all types of chains in action. I personally would never buy cables.

More wheeling. We are just going to be linking a few forest roads, mainly trails, etc.. and where ever we can get to, so most of it probably wont be plowed or driven on. Were not going to a camp site or anything were just going to pull off and find somewhere to stop at night.

Ill take your advice though and try and get some chains, ill just have to wait and pick some up on our way when we go by a town. Since no where sells them here.

 

[redthies]

If you are running an oddball size tire, (or big ones), you might want to call ahead. Some stores only carry very common sizes. I think most places can order them in a day or two.

 

[Buliwyf]

Chains are handy when you can't climb offroad mud that's frozen into oily hardpack with zero traction. Ice as well.

The chains will bite in. Tirechains.com has mud rated V-bar heavy duty chains. The V bars are like pavement eating spikes. Easier to put on than the hardcore snow wheeling chains.

Skip the cables, chances are your 4 wheel drive will work just as well in conditions that call for cables.

 

[BurbanAZ]

If you are running an oddball size tire, (or big ones), you might want to call ahead. Some stores only carry very common sizes. I think most places can order them in a day or two.

Im running a pretty common size, just 265/75 r16

Chains are handy when you can't climb offroad mud that's frozen into oily hardpack with zero traction. Ice as well.

The chains will bite in. Tirechains.com has mud rated V-bar heavy duty chains. The V bars are like pavement eating spikes. Easier to put on than the hardcore snow wheeling chains.

Skip the cables, chances are your 4 wheel drive will work just as well in conditions that call for cables.

ill look at those. If i cant find something decent before we leave ill just go this trip without them again and get some later for future trips.

 

[crismateski]

too me it is an easy decision, if you have the clearance to run a true chain, then run a chain

 

[92path_68CJ]

Always ran the so called "v bar" or "ice breaker" chains, but I wheel in 6 plus inches of snow off road.


Never considered cables, although I did try some that were chain links across the tire, and cable outers.

I always threw them at 5,000 rpm.

 

[Carlyle]

You put cables on your sedan to get to work, all else deserves chains