What's the best wet weather high-perf. tire?
04-20-2001, 02:22 PM
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What's the best wet weather high-perf. tire?
I live in seattle and its wet a lot. I mean a lot. I am going to get snow tires, so these will only be used in the spring-fall.
04-20-2001, 05:17 PM
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Differences between S02 and S03.
Based on what I have read...
The S02 has two layers of compound. The lower layer resists the effects of aging better (hardening of the rubber, resulting in less traction as the tires wear). The problem with the S02's is that you have to wear through the top layer, before you get to the magic compound. That means the last "X" number of miles on the top half of the compound may be on "aged" rubber. Now, given the short life of the S02's, I'm not sure that a significant amount of aging has happened to significantly affect wet weather performance.
The S03 uses the same two layer compound, however the lower layer exists in the form of an upside down "V". As the tread wears off, more of the magic compound is exposed. There is no sudden transition from one layer to the next, and hence a more uniform level of wet grip throughout the tire's life.
The S03 has a tread rating of 220, vs. 180 for the S02 (whether increases treadlife comes at the expense of dry handling remains to be seen), and they have different tread patterns, which, judging by looks alone, both look excellent for channeling water away from the contact patch.
My guess is that the S03 will be slightly better in some respects, but it won't be miles better than the S02 (which is itself a benchmark).
The S02 has two layers of compound. The lower layer resists the effects of aging better (hardening of the rubber, resulting in less traction as the tires wear). The problem with the S02's is that you have to wear through the top layer, before you get to the magic compound. That means the last "X" number of miles on the top half of the compound may be on "aged" rubber. Now, given the short life of the S02's, I'm not sure that a significant amount of aging has happened to significantly affect wet weather performance.
The S03 uses the same two layer compound, however the lower layer exists in the form of an upside down "V". As the tread wears off, more of the magic compound is exposed. There is no sudden transition from one layer to the next, and hence a more uniform level of wet grip throughout the tire's life.
The S03 has a tread rating of 220, vs. 180 for the S02 (whether increases treadlife comes at the expense of dry handling remains to be seen), and they have different tread patterns, which, judging by looks alone, both look excellent for channeling water away from the contact patch.
My guess is that the S03 will be slightly better in some respects, but it won't be miles better than the S02 (which is itself a benchmark).
04-21-2001, 02:01 AM
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Re: Toyo Proxes or Bridgestone S-02s... (more)
I have used both, and I find them about equal, but the Toyo's lower price and 5 year insurance swing it for me.
Goodyear Eagle F1 is pretty good too.
Goodyear Eagle F1 is pretty good too.
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04-21-2001, 06:09 AM
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Wet stick is okay, anti-hydroplaning is fantastic.
I've only had them on this car for a week, but I've owned SP9000's on a previous car. The reasons I like them are somewhat skewed (at least in high perf tire country), and they are the reasons I choose the SP9000's again...
1. Great treadwear.
2. Grippy, but no so much so that you hear stones being kicked into your wheel well or onto your paint (tick tick tick tick tick). Those with high perf tires know what I'm talking about.
3. Comfortable, quiet ride.
4. Very resistant to hydroplaning.
I think the wet weather grip was better than the SP8000's (not SP8000E), but it wasn't so spectacular that I would write about it. As the tire put on miles (20K+), wet grip deteriorated (as most tires do). By 30K miles, I could easily spin the tires on wet pavement (FWD), and dry stick was decreasing too. 30K miles for a high perf tire is like living to be 100. You may not be able to play baseball anymore, but if you're still up and around, count your blessings!
1. Great treadwear.
2. Grippy, but no so much so that you hear stones being kicked into your wheel well or onto your paint (tick tick tick tick tick). Those with high perf tires know what I'm talking about.
3. Comfortable, quiet ride.
4. Very resistant to hydroplaning.
I think the wet weather grip was better than the SP8000's (not SP8000E), but it wasn't so spectacular that I would write about it. As the tire put on miles (20K+), wet grip deteriorated (as most tires do). By 30K miles, I could easily spin the tires on wet pavement (FWD), and dry stick was decreasing too. 30K miles for a high perf tire is like living to be 100. You may not be able to play baseball anymore, but if you're still up and around, count your blessings!
