Thread: 4WD Snow Chains - whats available?

ive heard the diamond shaped ones are supposed to be better...
but i have no experience with any of them...

Defenderzook,

Both of the chains I quoted are diamond pattern.

Chris

Originally posted by DEFENDERZOOK
ive heard the diamond shaped ones are supposed to be better...
but i have no experience with any of them...

I've used ladder chains a couple of times, and I can assure you, diamond patterns are better :wink:

well...if they are both gonna do the same job and get used the same amount(probably never or very little) i would go for the cheaper ones.....
leave some dollars in your pocket....both seem to be reputable brands...why pay the extra dollars.....whats the difference between the two?

like i said....i have no experience.....nor do i know why the diamond pattern is better......


does phoenix have any recommendations....?

There was a wrecker in the Aulbury Wodonga area who had army ladder chains to suit 750x16 for about $80. I don't know if they still have any, but given that you're in a Land Rover and you're only going to be on the snow for limited times, I think the ladder ones will suffice.

I drove Land Cruisers on Mt Buller for a season, they were shod with road tyres and hardly ever had chains on. Land Cruisers aren't as good as Land Rovers in the snow. When required the ladder ones were adequate.

I think the diamond ones are good if you're driving on snow covered freeways in northern Europe. But not needed for plodding around a resort.

So it depends how much money is worth to you. But IMHO I think the ladder type can save you heaps.

I've used the diamond type ones heaps in deep snow. They are fantastic. Great for use in the mud too if you have to.

I can't vouch for the ladder type. I've never used them.

For those that are interested, the reason diamond chains are better than ladder chains is the same as why some tyres are better than others.

In a straight line, starting, stopping etc, both are about the same, however going around corners, or situations where lateral grip is importaint (side slopes) the ladder chains san slide sidewaus, whereas the diagonal lines of chain of the diamond pattern work as well forwards as they do sideways.

I've spent a bit of time in the snow having been an avid skiier for some time (well before I could drive), and teh local mountain isn't always cleard, and certainly often not cleared well, despite the lack os snow recently :roll: . So i've had chance to use chains on a few occasions, and be in a vehicle using them quite often.

Watch out, some chains damage your rims !!