Traction Advantages: Each link side will bite along the whole length of the link as opposed to the high points of the twist; weight will distribute over the length of the link.
What Conditions: Any condition, but does well in snow and ice. In normal situations the square is a little thinner, and even though it is not as aggressive as the twisted or V-bar it actually puts more profile bite on the surface and thus lends itself to more even weight distribution and better traction. Straight links lie flat, putting more on the face of the tire, whereas the twisted link tends to nestle into itself as it lies on the tire.
Characteristics: The straight link doesn't ride as rough as other chains. In ice situations only the V-bar will provide more traction. Without the V, the square straight survives better off-road. (The V-bar has a greater chance of breaking a V, thus breaking the cross chain link.) Plus the square chain stays where it belongs, thus giving a longer life to the chain.
Applications: Up to 38-inch tires
V-BarMade From: 7.14mm cas-hardened alloy links with added V-bar on each link.
Traction Advantages: V-bar excels in extreme ice because it forces the points of the V along with the vehicle's weight to bite into the ice.
What Conditions: For really slippery ice traction you want a V-bar or a square link. V-bar is not necessarily conducive to mud because the mud plugs the Vs and links and you have a greater chance to break a V off the link when hitting a rock or unexpected road debris in the mud.
Characteristics: Better traction in ice. Additional wear space because you have to wear through the V-bar. Rough on paved surfaces.Significantly higher in price.
Applications: Up to 36-inch tires
Round Twisted LinkMade From: 7.14mm case-hardened alloy
Description: Round twisted link is made from round rod twisted similar to a three-dimensional figure eight.
Traction Characteristics: Link bites at peaks of twists. Links tend to nestle into one another.
What Conditions: These chains can be used for any type of situation but tend to be less effective in strength, durability, and traction.
Characteristics: The twisted link is by far the least expensive of the tire chains.
Applications: Any size, including mud service chains