"weekend tire" opinions

[slowion2]

ok so, I have a set of 3rd gen s-series alloys thanks to Jonathan (amongmyselves) with some decent tires on them now. I'd like to get a set of more than decent, stickier than my daily street tire, weekend/track/screw around tires. I've been looking and it's getting harder to find stuff in 205/50/15 then previously.

I've been looking at everything and need any insight (experience with the tire preferrably)

• Nitto Neo-Gen's
  http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direc ... d=15&ar=50
  they look ok to me and sound pretty good, but I'm not sure still
  
  Kumho Ecsta SPT's
  http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direc ... d=15&ar=50
  these are new and seem pretty good, but no experience with any Kumho's
  
  Ventus R-S2 Z212's
  http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direc ... d=15&ar=50
  I've heard these compared to the Falken RT's as a cheaper alternative, but supposedly are very squirmy.
  
  Falken Azenis RT-615
  http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direc ... d=15&ar=50
  supposedly these are the best out there for their class, but not so happy with supposedly bad wet traction? considering a cheaper alternative as well.
  
  Dunlop Direzza DZ101
  http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direc ... d=15&ar=50
  just noticed these, pretty inexpensive and sound alright, but I'm not a huge Dunlop fan.
  
  Dunlop SP Sport FM901
  http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direc ... d=15&ar=55
  a bit lower treadwear and different tread

useful input appreciated

[dream36realms]

The kumho's you asked about are really good from my experience (those are what my car came with "65's" though) I know finding "50's" is hard. I managed to find some good yoko's on tire rack and purchaced them, but after waiting 6 months for my wheels I changed my mind because the low pros on 15's look a little off, I changed my order to kumho 7(60's) the DZ101's you had listed handle really well (broke loose just right in the rain), but scwealed on my GTI after 2000m.

[slowion2]

yeah i'm really liking the Kumho's

not so concerned about "low profile", I'd rather just have the shorter overall diameter

[dream36realms]

yeah thats what I was looking for too (better accel and lighter weight) and looking at cars from various sites changed my mind due to the 50's being so tight on the rim. but hey everyone has an opinion. Good luck on your quest!

[GTI]

based on research and feedback from friends, Id say the Nitto Neo gen, or the Falken Azenis. I know of a few cars taht run at the track using the Azenis and sticking better, which is your main problem, you torquey bastard.

The Neo Gens I hear handle well and stick god for all around weather, including track, but supposedly wear out faster(?). maybe that is another tire I am thinking of.


Those ventus have an interesting tread pattern...

[slowion2]

if the friends are any of the guys I"ve ever met or heard about from your adventures at class or in spring hill, toss it out the window. I've lost faith in that entire town as of late

I like the azenis but I like the older design better honestly, and not feeling the price in comparison to the others.

I have heard good about the neo's but was wondering if any of us are running them. there is an audi tt quattro that runs them here at work and seems to like them

wear isn't a huge concern since they wouldn't be used all that often

[tek]

FUCK DUNLOP!

That is all. I like the others.

[GTI]

if the friends are any of the guys I"ve ever met or heard about from your adventures at class or in spring hill, toss it out the window. I've lost faith in that entire town as of late

I like the azenis but I like the older design better honestly, and not feeling the price in comparison to the others.

I have heard good about the neo's but was wondering if any of us are running them. there is an audi tt quattro that runs them here at work and seems to like them

wear isn't a huge concern since they wouldn't be used all that often

I dont mean like those guys, I know smart people too you know lol. I have spoken to people on Tampa Racing and also just read people's reviews on tires on different websites. Plus austin had the Nittos I think.

[slowion2]

lol oh ok

I'm just suprised the Nittos aren't being used more or aren't being mentioned more among people we know, it's like nobody wants to try anything new, hence why I'm considering tires other than the Falken and Ventus (two most popular)

[GTI]

Personally, I have never heard of Ventus. Seriously though, since most of your hard driving is done on a straightaway, Id go with the Azenis, old or new design, because of the grip factor. Plus if you were to drive around with them, everyday tire wear would be good because of your springs.

[slowion2]

more of my driving is pushed in the twisties as of late from the suspension parts I've been using, that's why I want lateral grip as well.

[GTI]

more of my driving is pushed in the twisties as of late from the suspension parts I've been using, that's why I want lateral grip as well.

but my question to you is, do you drive more often on a twisty road and go in at excess normal speed, or do you do harder driving on straights, at high speeded, and at tracks?

If you already have good drag tires (which I ThINK you do), then I'm all for the lateral grip choice.

[slowion2]

they're about smooth now, I don't think they can handle much more honestly, but I'll try to use them till I can get at least a set of these or pair of DR's

ideally I'd like a balance of both but not sure what to do now

I"m leaning toward at least a pair of Neo's right now to test or whatever.

[Plastic Fury]

Well Vin, I too want to get a set of those 615's for autocrossing in the near future. I still am running the RT-215's and bang for the buck they are alot of fun. I have left them on after a run (because I was feelin lazy) and drove them for a week last summer. Man, it was nuts hitting those exit ramps in the hot sun, sooooooooooooo much fun!!! That being said, the wet traction on those tires is always going to be medium-poor. And they like to be warm, so night is a question.

The sidewall strength is amazing as well, we broke three heads on the old tire changing machine at Saturn when I did my set last year lol!!

I used to be able to get 215's for about 52 bucks each through our tire wholesaler (just tires). I don't know if they still carry the 215's or not, but if you are thinking about it, I can call him and see.

[sc2grndsp]

I am a fan of the Eagle F1 DS3's they whoop my falkens ass any day of the week.