Having sold, researched, and used multiple variations of tire chains and tire cables for the past several years, I have found that niches are very real. There is no such thing as a one chain fits all purposes. Some chains are made for vacationers on the slopes. Others are made for industrial use. Some vehicles have issues of clearance. Some recreational users plan to play rough on their chains. Furthermore in most cases, the concept of “You pay for what you get” is very real. However, there is one seemingly huge exception – the RUD Olympia Sprints.
RUD had lots of the Olympia Sprints brought into the US mid-season last year in November, 2010. The intent of the Olympia Sprint was to provide a diamond patterned industrial strength snow chain at a reasonable price. I was very surprised when I received the pricing as it was similar in price with the “Easy to Install” non-industrial grade chains such as the Grip 4×4, SCC SuperZLT, Leclede Alpine Sport, and Peerless Auto Track. The important features to note about this chain are as follows:
1. German forged steel alloy rather than China steel alloy.
2. Assembly in China for cost purposes.
3. Diamond pattern design for smooth ride and all-around traction.
4. Chain link size depending ranging from 4.5mm to 6mm depending on the tire size.
As soon as they arrived, I acquired from RUD Chain the model number 0131 which was the proper size for my RAM 3500 dualy which I use quite often during the winter to haul chains around. My first opportunity to use them came the following month in December as I took my kids on a trip up to Mammoth Mountain. That day, I drove 80 miles on the set of chains and was rather impressed with the with how they griped the road, and how well I was able to adjust them to the tire.
My next task was to make an installation movie. I had to decide to use a shiny new pair or the pair I had already driven on. When I pulled the used set of chains out of the bag, I did see a small amount of rust. This is not alarming to me as about the only chains or cables you will find on the market that won’t rust after they are used are ones that are not made out of steel alloy and you pay a hefty premium for those chains. So I made use of my used set of Olympia Sprint chains to make the installation movie. In hind site, I should have mentioned that in the video. I have since used those chains only on one other occasion once again at Mammoth Mountain and they worked great again. I look at those chains today and I fully believe that I will get many more miles of use out of that first set of Olympia Sprints.
So now, who should purchase the Olympia Sprints?
1. Drivers of heavy duty pickup trucks.
2. Drivers of commercial vehicle tractor / trailer setups who want a better chain than the ladder style China made chains.
3. Drivers of off-road 4×4 vehicles without clearance issues who plan to abuse their chains.
4. Any trailer needing chains.
Personally, even for an SUV without clearance issues, I would prefer using the Olympia Sprint chains over the easy to install chains because the metal side components and the metal to metal connections are more durable than the components on the lighter duty chains – all brands.
Installation – there is one problem with the Olympia Sprints presently and that is that they come without installation instructions. The only tricky part about the installation is understanding that the L-bar hook is a latch that is secured by hooking it on a loop link. Aside from that, I thought the installation was self explanatory. I recommend that everyone watch this installation movie one time and you will have it down.
If you are interested in purchasing a set of the Olympia Sprints, you will find them at http://tirechaindealer.com/sprints.php.