the new "Which tires are best?" list as of 3-22-2012

[Luke@tirerack]

We have broken down tires into several categories and here is a short list of what I have experienced in our testing. Now remember, we do not have every single tire line in the world so, if your particular favorite is not in this list it is probably because we haven't tested it. Also, this is my take on the testing that I have completed here at The Tire Rack on our test track.

Extreme Performance:
You want extreme dry street performance and are willing to trade some comfort and hydroplaning resistance to get it.

Not intended to be driven in snow or on ice, or at high speeds in deep standing water, these specially tuned tires combine big-block tread designs with aggressive tread compounds and reinforced internal constructions to emphasize dry road response, traction, handling and high speed capabilities for serious driving enthusiasts.

These are all fantastic to push to the limits but, they also have their own set of compromises mostly related to ride quality, road noise and wet traction.

1.) Advan Neova AD08 (Super Glue sticky)
2.) Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec (making a comeback after slipping a little)
3.) Hankook RS3 (could use more straight line grip)
4.) Bridgestone Potenza RE11 (still offers the best ride and top level performance)
5.) Kumho Excsta XS(stupid fast and still scary in the wet)

Maximum Performance:
These are great performing tires which offer great steering response and wet/dry traction (not for use in the snow!!!).

1.) Pilot Super Sport (the new Big Dawg)
2.) Potenza S-04 Pole Position (new entry that will make some waves)
3.) Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
4.) Extreme Contact DW
5.) Pirelli P-Zero (older technology but still impressive)

Ultra High Performance:
A step down from the Max tires but, still exceptional performance which fits most application for a street tire that can be driven very aggressively.

1.) Potenza RE760 Sport
2.) Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500
3.) BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Comp2 (new entry which may move up)
4.) Kumho Ecsta LE Sport
5.) G-Force KDW2


Ultra High Performance All Season:
Performance tires which are capable of going through the snow.

1.) Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position
2.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus
3.) P-Zero Nero AS
4.) Continental Extreme Contact DWS
5.) Eagle GT
6.) BF Goodrich Super Sport A/S
7.) AVID Envigor W

Budget Performance Tires:
Summer performance with a cost effective tire when your budget is a concern and some tires which are very cost effective are also listed in other classes . (based on performance not cost)

1.) Sumitomo HTR Z III
2.) Hankook Ventus V12 EVO
3.) Kumho Ecsta SPT
4.) Dunlop Direzza DZ101
5.) BF Goodrich G-Force Sport

Please call me to place any orders or use this useful LINK

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.