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Last updated 9/11/2024 - Originally published 9/11/2024
Written by SimpleTire
Have you heard about highway-terrain tires that can be fitted on light trucks and SUVs? They can be best regarded as tires with all-season tread patterns, which is why highway-terrain tires are often interchangeably regarded as all-season passenger tires. Roughly 84 percent of the US market comprises all-season tires due to reasons such as year-round traction and performance, composed road manners, great wear properties, and a quiet and refined ride. In the case of trucks and SUVs, they exhibit beefed-up construction and tougher tread compounds to handle the extra weight and power. In this head-to-head comparison, we pit commercial-grade highway tires Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 and Nexen Roadian CT8 HL against each other to find which is the better buy.
To understand the comparison better, we make use of SimpleScore numbers for both tires. SimpleScore is the rating system that helps us generate numerical values for parameters such as traction, handling, and longevity, along with an overall average SimpleScore. With these scores, we will give you a quick, comprehensive idea of a tire’s strengths and weaknesses.
Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 tires
As one of the highly rated highway tires in the market, information about the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 has been discussed below. With its 2-ply polyester construction, a nylon cap, and two high-tensile steel belts, you can expect excellent highway stability and load-handling capacity, making it ideal for commercial trucks and SUVs. Its tread compound is designed to provide high resistance to cuts, punctures, abrasions, and other damage while remaining flexible in subfreezing conditions for winter traction. Suitable grooves keep water away from the tire's contact patch and a dense system of sipes enhances grip through slush, snow, and standing water
The larger and flatter contact patch design increases the amount of rubber in touch with the road for improved handling, braking, and traction. A stylish white letter sidewall is optional on some models. There is a healthy limited manufacturer treadwear warranty on the Bridgestone tire and a stylish white letter sidewall is optional on some sizes. Based on the above, we feel the Dueler H/T 685 is suitable for an average SimpleScore of 8.7.
Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires
If one or more commercial vans are needed for transportation, pick-up, and delivery drivers will need reasonably priced and durable tires. The Nokian Roadian CT8 HL is one such highway-terrain tire with an M+S sign built to perform the above tasks. This tire is specially designed for commercial trucks, light- and medium-duty cargo vans, and SUVs. As you can imagine, the main purpose of the [Nexen Roadian CT8 HL] (https://simpletire.com/brands/nexen-tires/roadian-ct8-hl) is to endure for several miles. To make it simpler for drivers, the tires are also backed by Nexen’s Total Coverage Warranty. We found the Roadian CT8 HL suitable for an average SimpleScore of 8.1.
Here’s a bit of information about the parent company. While [Nexen Tire Co.] (https://simpletire.com/brands/nexen-tires) was founded in 1942 by Heung-A Tire Company, the name "Nexen" was created by the Korean company Next and Century, two terms that denote the future.
Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 vs. Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires on traction
There’s a massive difference between the Dueler H/T 685 and Roadian CT8 HL with respect to traction. Though neither tire features a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for severe winter service, the tread compound on the Dueler H/T 685 remains flexible at freezing temperatures, enabling it to generate high traction in light winter conditions. While the contact patch on this tire has also been redesigned to improve grip, there are wide grooves to prevent hydroplaning. Based on the above, the Dueler H/T 685 was found suitable for an excellent average traction SimpleScore of 9.1.
The Nexen Roadian CT8 HL has a higher tread depth than the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685. A half-depth transverse groove in the center block increases the biting edges for better traction, leading to an average traction SimpleScore of 8.3.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685
Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 vs. Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires on handling
Considering that this comparison is between highway tires that fit on commercial light trucks and SUVs, you shouldn’t be expecting the cornering ability and overall handling that comes from an all-season tire fitted on sports sedans. Despite the above, some distinct advantages help the Bridgestone tire get its nose in front. Its updated contact patch, reinforced shoulder blocks, and continuous center rib ensure confident cornering ability at higher speeds and a crisp steering response. A steel belt package and a 2-ply polyester casing construction give it the rigidity necessary to resist deformation as you drive toward a corner. The Dueler H/T 685 was found suitable for an average handling SimpleScore of 8.9.
A higher tread depth enables the Nexen Roadian CT8 HL to perform well. It maintains optimal rigidity balance through a half-depth transverse groove in the center block. Dimples in the sipes push against each tread block die during cornering and extreme torque, the latter being caused by hard braking. As a result, this tire receives an average handling SimpleScore of 8.5.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685
Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 vs. Nexen Roadian CT8 HL tires on longevity
To save fuel, the tread compound of the Bridgestone Dueller H/T 685 features a low rolling resistance design. For better braking, handling, and traction, a bigger and flatter contact patch design brings a high amount of rubber into contact with the road. Apart from the above, the Bridgestone Dueller H/T 685 is covered by a 50,000 mile limited manufacturer's tread life warranty, leading to an average longevity SimpleScore of 8.3.
On the other hand, the Nexen features square-shaped dimples in the tread that minimize stress, resulting in enhanced tread life and durability. Overall, the availability of warranty makes Bridgestone the clear winner here, with the Nexen receiving an average longevity SimpleScore of 7.6.
ADVANTAGE: Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685
When to use each
It is important to ascertain what exactly you need from a set of light truck tires. You wouldn't be particularly happy if these tires were used for frequent off-road expeditions in muddy, sandy, loose dirt, or tough terrain with lots of hazards. For the above, you would be better off purchasing all-terrain or rugged-terrain tires instead. These tires would also not be suitable for ploughing through three to four inches of snow, but if you're looking for a trustworthy pair of tires that can withstand heavy loads and trailer towing (all while generating great traction and performance), both the Bridgestone Dueller H/T 685 and the Nexen Roadian CT8 HL are worth your money.
Considering that Bridgestone has more service centers across the US and is better on all parameters mentioned above, you may consider the Dueler H/T 685 as the better option. However, if the aim is to fit tires on commercial vans only, we suggest a closer look at the Nexen Roadian CT8 HL. A 6-ply rating enables them to carry heavy loads too, and though better for vans, you can consider them for commercial trucks and SUVs as well.
Which one should you choose?
Both tires have their plus and minus points, but what matters is the parameter that is most important for you. For instance, several features in the Bridgestone tire make it the far superior option in terms of traction (also visible through SimpleScores). Though there are very few areas in which the Nexen scores better than its competitor, the price may help conclude faster. We found the Bridgestone to be more expensive, at a starting price of $166.35 per tire ($665.4 for 4). In comparison, the Nexen starts from $142 ($568 for 4).
For a final look, we have summarized the best points of both tires. Purchase the Bridgestone Dueler H/T 685 if:
- You want warranty
- You want better traction
- You want better handling
- You want to stick with the manufacturer who has more service centers
Consider the Nexen Roadian CT8 HL if:
- You want to fit them into commercial vans
- You want more confidence during hard braking
- You want the lesser-priced tires
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help, and our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.