Topic: Starting research for new tires

[Kelu]

I hope you know why, at least!

[elff]

But of course

Sucks that you get hosed for certain brands over there.

[Gentleman Jack]

I hope you know why, at least!

The only reason you could hate Elff is because he's prettier than you....
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

GJ

[kennysabarese]

STFU Kelu. You have the best tires. Michelin PS2, they are better than the Dunlops.

[elff]

Those are very good tires.

I think he still has OZ envy.

[Gentleman Jack]

STFU Kelu. You have the best tires. Michelin PS2, they are better than the Dunlops.

Really?  Perhaps as an all around tire, yes, but from what I'm reading, the star specs exceed the ps2 in dry.  I'll never see snow, and only rain once or twice a year, so wet traction is pretty low on the importance factor.  I wouldn't go to a race tire, cause if I did have to drive in the rain I'd be dead.  But anything remotely close to good in the wet is fine with me.

Also, any idea if any of these are actually made in the USA or Canada?  I know some of the companies are US companies, but that doesn't mean...

So far, it's looking like the star specs, the generals or the Htz3's that critter has.  All between 150 and 200 per.  Got to watch for sales....

[Gentleman Jack]

Edit-
Damn, my budget went up.... I hate it when that happens....

[Kelu]

You all are OFF!!!

elff: we have Dunlops here but not Star Specs  

Gentleman Jack: I look like a russian recovery outlaw so everybody is prettier than me  

Kenny really master of the tires? Wanna switch my PS2 with your star specs??? If say no, you STFU!  

elff: no OZ envy at all, too common here, I love the TD, missed the target again

[kennysabarese]

PS2/3s cost like twice what the Star Specs cost.

The way it's been explained to me is the PS2/3s handle well at the edge of traction limits, whereas other tires tend to let go very abruptly. So they are easier to control on the track, which is why they are put on expensive production cars that are built for the track.

[Kelu]

Kenny: costs doesn't reflect 100%!!! Some of the cost needs to go to Michelin marketing so ...

Maybe you are right, or maybe those are just words to justify their prices, test are paid same as charts same as reviews.
I care about owners opinions more!

I had a very nasty event this weekend whit my strong PS2, I don't want to remember it. All clear because of nanny controls were on and I didn't panic something which contradicts 100% those things about limits, I went over them instantly the car sided big time in 2 directions, never happened with factory Bridges!!

[Gentleman Jack]

Kenny: costs doesn't reflect 100%!!! Some of the cost needs to go to Michelin marketing so ...

Maybe you are right, or maybe those are just words to justify their prices, test are paid same as charts same as reviews.
I care about owners opinions more!

I had a very nasty event this weekend whit my strong PS2, I don't want to remember it. All clear because of nanny controls were on and I didn't panic something which contradicts 100% those things about limits, I went over them instantly the car sided big time in 2 directions, never happened with factory Bridges!!

Kelu, take a defensive driving course... They are very helpful.  Ask some of the guys here that have done it.  It teaches you more in two days than ten years of mistakes.  And, it's usually in someone elses car, so it's ok to crash!  If they don't have them there, you should start one and hire me on as the instructor.  I will need a few assistants, but you already know who I'm picking... You've left there photos lying around here a few times...  We're going to be RICH!

As for the tires, the search goes on.  Looking for sales.  Not in a huge rush, but soon is good.

GJ

[speedracer69]

I have a new set of star spec for sale 245/45/18

[Gentleman Jack]

Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec (Extreme Performance Summer)
   8.4
Reviewer's
Avg. Rating:
Size: 245/45ZR18
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: 96W
UTQG: 200 A APrice: $214.00 (each)
Estimated Availability: In Stock
Qty:
Optional Road Hazard Program: Add $25.68 per tire
Add Road Hazard: $102.72
Set of 4: $856.00

Additional Tire Information
Product Description | Specs | Surveys | Reviews | Tests | Warranty
Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 (Max Performance Summer)
   

8.4
Reviewer's
Avg. Rating:
Size: 245/45ZR18
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: 100Y
Load Range: XL
UTQG: 280 AA APrice: $149.00 (each)
Estimated Availability: In Stock
Qty:
Includes Manufacturer's Road Hazard Warranty
Set of 4: $596.00

Additional Tire Information
Product Description | Specs | Surveys | Reviews | Warranty


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?tireIndex=0&autoMake=Pontiac&autoYear=2007&autoModel=Solstice+GXP&autoModClar=&width=245/&ratio=45&diameter=18&sortCode=54050&skipOver=true&minSpeedRating=H&minLoadRating=S&tab=All

Thoughts?

[kennysabarese]

I've posted this 100 times, and I will once more:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/tire_test_nine_affordable_summer_tires_take_on_the_michelin_ps2-comparison_tests

[SHiNY]

I have the Hankook Ventus - I like them. That's about as technical as I get

Seriously, I really like them. I immediately felt the difference from the stock tires, but then again the stock tires severly suck!

[Treeman]

GJ, everyone, here and on many other forums for many other cars, find it hard to say anything bad about the Specs. They are great tires, especially for the money.  The dissenting comments have to do with them whining as they get worn and have a bit rougher ride than the others.  And, they are of the class with lower tread life.  Just do a search on this forum on them and you will see a ton of faithful followers.

[Gentleman Jack]

I've posted this 100 times, and I will once more:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/tire_test_nine_affordable_summer_tires_take_on_the_michelin_ps2-comparison_tests

Kenny, that's where I found the hankooks!  I am hoping for real live reviews like SHiNY's!

[Treeman]

What are you waiting for - the pink versions???

[elff]

I can give great information on comparing the Hankooks vs the Star Specs.
My Wife's mini runs the Hankooks for All season and Winter but runs the Star specs for Summer only.

the Hankooks are an all around Excellent tire.  Very solid in the rain and good in light snow.

Comparatively, the Star Specs are about the same in the rain, as long as the temp is 45 degrees or warmer.
Once the temp breaks 65 degrees, the Hankooks come off and the uber grippy tires go on. 

the star specs are much better in the warm weather.

I thought the original post was for Summer only tires.  If that is still the case, the Star Specs are much better.

if the range is expanded, then other tires are definitely better all season tires

[GXPinKC]

The Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec 245/45ZR18 are a very good choice however may I add another choice to consider:

The Michelin 245/45ZR18 100Y Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires are rated very highly and are $288.00 each.  Now they would ring up at $1152.00 for the set but they might be a grippier tire down the road.  I have had Michelins on some of my vehicles including my 1995 Firebird Formula and they are great in the elements as well and very difficult to wear out.  We have had great success with Michelins over the years.

Now, in comparison to the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec 245/45ZR18's you would have to research a little further but I would recommend this tire as excellent and very grippy!  Just thought I would throw it in for consideration.  You can't wear Michelins out.  My experience has been they wear forever and the company is good about standing up on the warranty!

[elff]

WowSA
That's close to the price I pay for offroad tires.

FYI the UTG rating is 220 vs the 200 of the star spec, so comparing cost to wear, they would need to last at least 1.3 times as long to break even on price.
But at that rating, they are probably going to wear about the same. 
The pilots are definitely good tires.  I've seen lots of people rave about them on a bunch of different vehicles.
They even have a dedicated following on sport style motorcycles.

[Critterman]

Well so much for your under $150 price limit.  You want grip in the summer get R6's pr A6's, but forget about the rain brother

[kennysabarese]

Kenny, that's where I found the hankooks!  I am hoping for real live reviews like SHiNY's!

I'm sure that the people who make that magazine are alive, and probably know more about evaluating tires than all of us on this forum combined.

The only thing could be that they are swayed by advertisers...

[Treeman]

I also really think a lot of the tire rack tests. But each car model is different with different dynamics anew so I also pay attention to what folks with similar cars and driving styles say.

[Critterman]

You can't believe anything Car and Driver says, look what they said about our cars.