Comparing Thule XB16 and XG12 Pro Tire Chains for a 2014 Mazda CX-5

Updated 12/01/2015 | Published 11/30/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Konig Commercial Truck Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair

(215)

$262.05

Konig Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Self Tensioning - 1 Pair

(723)

$281.24

Konig Easy Fit Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Self Tensioning - 1 Pair

(117)

$491.53

Question:

I am looking at these 2 models. Is the additional $ for the self adjusting tension on the XG12 pro really worth the additional cost? The XB16 seems like it would suffice, just not sure how much tinkering it takes to get a good fit for the road.

asked by: David A

Expert Reply:

If you imagine that you are on the side of the road, in the cold, wet snow, with other vehicles going by you can probably guess that you would want the chains that are going to be the easiest to install. Something that you won't have to put on, drive a little, and then get out again to adjust.

If you go with the XG12 Pro chains for your 2014 Mazda CX-5, # TH01594245, you will have chains that are easier to handle and you won't have to manually adjust them. For me, that is well worth the extra money over the XB16 chains # TH01571245.

But I have installed many different types of chains and by far the easiest chains to install are the Low-Pro chains, # TH04115245. Yes, they do cost more than the others. But if you want quick and easy it doesn't get better than these.

You would just drape the chains over the tire and step on the tensioning pedal and you are done. They will center and tension themselves. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow and chains are needed frequently these are the chains I would go with. I have linked a video on a similar set, different size, to show you how they work.

expert reply by: Michael H