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Last updated 5/29/2024 - Originally published 5/29/2024
Written by SimpleTire
All-weather tires are often confused with all-season tires but an all-weather tire gives you an extra edge during winters, so it would not be wrong to say that they are a cross between an all-season and winter tires. If you are looking for strong traction and performance in wet and dry conditions, plus better performance in winter weather you can opt for one.
Pirelli and Falken have delivered tires that live up to their names. They adopt innovative strategies for delivering great tires, especially in the all-weather category. The same is visible in the tire range of the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive and the Falken Aklimate.
Both these tires are meant for use on CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks. While both tires offer great performance, one has to be better than the other, right? Let’s compare Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive vs Falken Aklimate tires using SimpleScore to show where each tire excels and which one might be right for you.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires
If you are looking for solid traction and performance in wet and dry conditions, plus better performance in winter weather, then take a look at the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive, which boasts a SimpleScore of 9.5 because it offers drivers excellent traction and performance in dry, wet, and moderate winter weather conditions, plus a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty. The 3-rib tread block design and special rubber compound allow the tire to perform at a high level in dry, wet, and winter weather conditions without sacrificing tread life giving a SimpleScore of 9.2 in longevity.
The Scorpion WeatherActive's deep and continuous sipes bite into the road to provide superb grip. The Scorpion WeatherActive tire has trumpet-shaped lateral grooves and a zigzag central groove that work together to improve traction and handling, as well as reduce braking distances on wet and snowy roads. This tire has a SimpleScore of 9.8 for traction and 9.5 for handling. Its directional tread pattern also helps to lower road noise and vibrations, providing a quiet and comfortable ride. Plus, it's Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, making it suitable for use in moderate to severe winter weather conditions.
Falken Aklimate
Another great tire that you can consider If you are looking for solid traction and performance in wet and dry conditions, plus better performance in winter weather is the Falken Aklimate tire that is designed for passenger cars and provides dependable performance in challenging winter conditions. Notable features include innovative tread design and rubber compound to enhance grip and stability, promoting solid performance in winter conditions. It boasts an impressive average SimpleScore of 8.9 out of 10, excelling in handling at 8.6, longevity at an exceptional 9.7, and traction with scores of 8.4, respectively. Additionally, this all-weather tire offers drivers excellent traction and handling performance on dry, wet, and wintry roads, enhanced fuel efficiency, and a 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive vs Falken Aklimate tires on traction
Traction plays an important role in tire performance, especially for all-weather tires. These versatile tires are meticulously crafted to deliver reliable grip across multiple weather conditions. They deliver a harmonious balance between performance on dry roads, wet surfaces, and even light snowy terrain.
Comparing the above two based on traction, you will see that the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive is designed with deep and continuous sipes that bite into the road to provide superb grip, Additionally, the trumpet-shaped lateral grooves and a zigzag central groove work together to boost traction in wet and wintry weather. This has helped this tire reach an average traction SimpleScore of 9.8, which is great for performance.
The Falken Aklimate, on the other hand, also has an exceptional score of 8.4 out of 10 in traction. This is thanks to an optimized tread pattern with 3D sipe technology that enhances traction and grip on snowy roads.
When it comes to traction, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive leaves the Falken Aklimate far behind.
ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive vs Falken Aklimate tires on handling
All-weather tires are designed to balance performance for various weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. The handling of a tire is improved by different elements of the tire’s tread pattern, in addition to the tire’s overall design. Based on SimpleScore, this was the biggest gap between the two tires.
The Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive sports a solid 9.6 SimpleScore for handling, which is largely driven by the tire’s zigzag central grooves that work together to boost handling while also reducing braking distances on wet and snowy roads, and the Scorpion WeatherActive's directional tread pattern lowers road noises and vibrations to ensure that drivers and passengers consistently receive a quiet, comfortable ride.
On the flip side, the Falken Aklimate offers great handling as the tire comes with a SimpleScore of 8.6. Featuring strategically placed snow claws that provide additional biting edges for improved handling and stability on icy surfaces for even wear to extend the tire's tread life.
ADVANTAGE: Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive vs Falken Aklimate tires on longevity
The longevity aspect is equally important to traction and handling when purchasing a tire. The longevity of a tire depends on several factors, including the quality of the tire, driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance.
Starting with the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive it showcases a SimpleScore of 9.2 because of the tire's special rubber compound that allows the tire to perform at a high level in dry, wet, and winter weather conditions without sacrificing tread life. Additionally, it features a durable and robust construction that promotes longevity.
Conversely, Aklimate’s excellent 9.7 SimpleScore in longevity shows that it takes the lead here. The Falken Aklimate innovative tread design and rubber compound enhance grip and stability to extend the tire's tread life.
Here you will notice steep progress in terms of longevity for the the Falken Aklimate over the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive.
Although both the tires perform solid when it comes to longevity, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive comes with a 60,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life and Falken Aklimate comes with a little extra that is 65,000 mile limited manufacturer tread life.
ADVANTAGE: Falken Aklimate
When to use each
While all-weather tires offer convenience and versatility, they tend to have a longer lifespan compared to tires designed specifically for certain weather conditions, such as winter tires or summer tires. These tires are constructed with a tread compound that balances handling and performance across different seasons.
Both the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive and Falken Aklimate may not provide optimal performance in extreme winter weather conditions. For example, in areas with heavy snowfall, dedicated winter tires might be necessary for improved traction and safety. That said, all-season tire is an excellent choice if you live in an area that only gets light snow.
Additionally, cautious driving habits and avoiding harsh conditions can help preserve the tread and overall integrity of the tires.
Which one should you choose?
So, which all-weather tire is the right option for you? When looking at SimpleScore, the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive falls slightly behind the Falken Aklimate with an overall score of 9.5 versus 8.9. As noted above, there are key differences between the two tires and these need to be weighed against each other to determine what’s best for you. Finally (and maybe, most importantly), pricing on these two tires is a bit different as Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive tires cost at least $220.49 per tire while Falken Aklimate tires cost at least $ 95.00 per tire. That means a set of four Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive all-weather tires will cost you at least $881.96 for a set of four, while a set of four Falken Aklimate tires will cost you at least $ 380.
Based on SimpleScore, you should choose the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive if you:
- Drive a vehicle like the Acura MDX, Audi Q5, Buick Envision or the Ford Edge
- You want a tire that delivers superior traction 9.8 vs 8.4
- You want a great handling score of 9.6
- You want a tire that Pirelli manufactures.
Conversely, you should choose the Falken Aklimate if you:
- Drive a Honda Civic or Nissan Versa or a Toyota Camry.
- Want exceptional longevity 9.7 vs 9.2.
- You are looking for an affordable tire that performs great.
Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive vs Falken Aklimate tires might not seem a close comparison on the surface, but the above clearly shows that either is a great option. Remember, both of the tire brands are some of the best tire manufacturers on the market, and that tradition continues with the Pirelli Scorpion WeatherActive and Falken Aklimate. At the end of the day, the decision to buy one or the other depends on your vehicle, where (and how) you drive, and what you care more about in terms of traction, handling, longevity, and price.
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents are more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.