Uniroyal Rainsport 3 -Verdict?
Discussion
Ive just put a pair on the front of my 2010 Focus ST. Ive had the '2's before which I liked so I am expecting a lot from these. They have only been on for about 100 miles so far but they seem to be realy good in the dry so far.
I paid £300 for the 2 inc balancing, valves, tracking & insurance on 225/40ZR18 92 XL.
I paid £300 for the 2 inc balancing, valves, tracking & insurance on 225/40ZR18 92 XL.
hornetrider said:
thebigmacmoomin said:
I paid £300 for the 2 inc balancing, valves, tracking & insurance on 225/40ZR18 92 XL.
I paid £112 a corner for that size for my 5 series. That's fitted from blackcircles.Rainsport 2s and 3s.
Fitted Rainsport 2s ( 215/50 ZR17 ) all round on my 620ti couple years ago. Pleased with them all aspects although one minor negative, they can be a tad noisier than I'm used to on certain road surfaces. I often drive with the drivers window open and it's then I notice the noise change related to road surface changes. Yes, pleased with the way they perform in both wet and dry conditions. Steering, braking, ride quality, quick take offs in damp, handling all good. I prefer to run at 32psi pressure on my cars.
Couple of weeks ago, fitted two Rainsport 3s ( 205/45 17 )to the front wheels of the family's MG ZS 120 runabout. These replaced part worn Nexens on the front leaving the slightly worn Falkens on the rear ( yes, I know what some may be thinking, but no worries at all ). Car has done about two hundred miles since the Uniroyal Rainsport 3s were fitted.
Needing to get to a Coach departure deadline a few days ago, disappointed at the near monsoon torrential rain that morning. Had to press on a bit but, not too much with family members on board. Made it with a minute or so to spare. Return journey rain had stopped and with just me in the MG ZS, with still wet roads, decided to get a move on. Will not go into detail but, in those conditions the Rainsport 3s were even more impressive than the 2s. Very impressive in fact. Have driven the car in dry conditions and no doubt in my mind, on the front wheel drive MG ZS, these RS 3s make the very good handling of this ordinary but, nippy little car a real joy to experience.
My verdict: Rainsport 3s are a further improvement on the already impressive Rainsport 2s.
When the tyres need renewal on my MG ZT, Uniroyal Rainsport 3s it will be!
Anyone already have Rainsport 3 tyres on their 75 or ZT ? If so, how do you feel they shape up?
X-Posted from other related threads on PH and elsewhere.
Fitted Rainsport 2s ( 215/50 ZR17 ) all round on my 620ti couple years ago. Pleased with them all aspects although one minor negative, they can be a tad noisier than I'm used to on certain road surfaces. I often drive with the drivers window open and it's then I notice the noise change related to road surface changes. Yes, pleased with the way they perform in both wet and dry conditions. Steering, braking, ride quality, quick take offs in damp, handling all good. I prefer to run at 32psi pressure on my cars.
Couple of weeks ago, fitted two Rainsport 3s ( 205/45 17 )to the front wheels of the family's MG ZS 120 runabout. These replaced part worn Nexens on the front leaving the slightly worn Falkens on the rear ( yes, I know what some may be thinking, but no worries at all ). Car has done about two hundred miles since the Uniroyal Rainsport 3s were fitted.
Needing to get to a Coach departure deadline a few days ago, disappointed at the near monsoon torrential rain that morning. Had to press on a bit but, not too much with family members on board. Made it with a minute or so to spare. Return journey rain had stopped and with just me in the MG ZS, with still wet roads, decided to get a move on. Will not go into detail but, in those conditions the Rainsport 3s were even more impressive than the 2s. Very impressive in fact. Have driven the car in dry conditions and no doubt in my mind, on the front wheel drive MG ZS, these RS 3s make the very good handling of this ordinary but, nippy little car a real joy to experience.
My verdict: Rainsport 3s are a further improvement on the already impressive Rainsport 2s.
When the tyres need renewal on my MG ZT, Uniroyal Rainsport 3s it will be!
Anyone already have Rainsport 3 tyres on their 75 or ZT ? If so, how do you feel they shape up?
X-Posted from other related threads on PH and elsewhere.
I've just had RS3's put on my 06 Octavia VRs and have to say they are brilliant so far. My driving is mostly on country roads that are now damp and muddy and the tires grip unbelievably well.
The wife has RS2's all round on her Golf GTI and they seem great too from the limited driving I've done on them.
The wife has RS2's all round on her Golf GTI and they seem great too from the limited driving I've done on them.
RS3s on Mrs the hat's C2. Much better in the wet than the cracked Michelins (rear) and unmatched pair of ditchfinders (front). Decent enough in the dry but the handling may well have benefitted from dropping an inch all round* as well/in any case. All things considered, not really the fairest or most telling of comparisons.
Tempted to experiment with pressure on the next set as she's managed to shred the shoulders in 12k miles. I was considering looking up how long they should last so the thread bump was timely for me.
I'm saying at least one thumb up.
Cheers, Jim
Tempted to experiment with pressure on the next set as she's managed to shred the shoulders in 12k miles. I was considering looking up how long they should last so the thread bump was timely for me.
I'm saying at least one thumb up.
Cheers, Jim
- Are these worms in this can I've just opened?
2x RainSport 3 (XL Y) fitted to the rear of 2.0 TDCI Mondeo Estate.
First impressions:
Very Good grip in cold, wet and hail.
More lateral stiffness than the (worn out) RainExperts previously fitted at the back -front now feels more 'pointy' and very secure in a wet 'slalom'.
When the fronts are more worn down I'll fit another pair of these RS3's.
First impressions:
Very Good grip in cold, wet and hail.
More lateral stiffness than the (worn out) RainExperts previously fitted at the back -front now feels more 'pointy' and very secure in a wet 'slalom'.
When the fronts are more worn down I'll fit another pair of these RS3's.
Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 12th December 13:49
Further Update:~ UNIROYAL RAINSPORT 3s.
Have now completed well over one hundred miles in the MG ZS 120 with the new Uniroyal Rainsport 3s fitted to the front. With more miles there is further improvement. Crisp, sunny dry day roads, greasy slightly wet, running water rainsoaked roads and near freezing ones. Grip, steering, braking and all aspects of handling much improved. I think they are far better than the Rainsport 2s on my other cars which is saying a lot as the 2s are very good. Quick changes of direction at both fast and slow speeds gives a very reassuring "feel" to take full advantage of the ZS's fine handling during such moves. The pressures in the front are 32 psi.
Mind you, the fine handling of the ZS may play a part here. Even so, I and my better half who mainly drives the ZS are delighted with these tyres. At ninety six quid each fitted they appear excellent value so far. The car has never felt this good. Yes, even better than the more expensive top spec Michelins it left the production line on day one with.
Have now completed well over one hundred miles in the MG ZS 120 with the new Uniroyal Rainsport 3s fitted to the front. With more miles there is further improvement. Crisp, sunny dry day roads, greasy slightly wet, running water rainsoaked roads and near freezing ones. Grip, steering, braking and all aspects of handling much improved. I think they are far better than the Rainsport 2s on my other cars which is saying a lot as the 2s are very good. Quick changes of direction at both fast and slow speeds gives a very reassuring "feel" to take full advantage of the ZS's fine handling during such moves. The pressures in the front are 32 psi.
Mind you, the fine handling of the ZS may play a part here. Even so, I and my better half who mainly drives the ZS are delighted with these tyres. At ninety six quid each fitted they appear excellent value so far. The car has never felt this good. Yes, even better than the more expensive top spec Michelins it left the production line on day one with.
Can anyone comment on the side wall flex on these on a 45 profile?
I had some RS2s in 205/55/16s on a Golf and found the side walls to be really soft which I didn't like but being a Golf mk4 that might've been more to do with the car. I currently have Michelin Primacy 205/55/16s on my Astravan which have a nice feel generally but aren't anything special in the wet. I've got some new 17" wheels to go on it and am thinking of the RS3s in 215/45/17 but am worried they're gonna be squidgy like the RS2s. There's nearly a £40 per tyre difference in price on camskill vs Michelin PS3s which would be my other choice and that's very tempting..
I had some RS2s in 205/55/16s on a Golf and found the side walls to be really soft which I didn't like but being a Golf mk4 that might've been more to do with the car. I currently have Michelin Primacy 205/55/16s on my Astravan which have a nice feel generally but aren't anything special in the wet. I've got some new 17" wheels to go on it and am thinking of the RS3s in 215/45/17 but am worried they're gonna be squidgy like the RS2s. There's nearly a £40 per tyre difference in price on camskill vs Michelin PS3s which would be my other choice and that's very tempting..
I have 50's and they are quite soft. Noticeably softer than Proxes or Parada Spec 2's I had on previously.
However, the ride quality and overall grip is miles better, I learnt to run slightly higher pressures than I would with the other 2 and it seems to work for me.
As in my post above though, they don't seem to last very long, but I'm not sure if thats the tyre of because they inspire confidence!
However, the ride quality and overall grip is miles better, I learnt to run slightly higher pressures than I would with the other 2 and it seems to work for me.
As in my post above though, they don't seem to last very long, but I'm not sure if thats the tyre of because they inspire confidence!
Ah, didn't realise that XL meant stiffer side walls. That's useful to know. My Astravan needs the ones with that rating anyway, perhaps for obvious reasons.
http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/miles-of-smiles/xl-v...
http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/miles-of-smiles/xl-v...
blurb said:
The "XL" (extra load) tire can be ordered for a vehicle that had a standard load tire as its Original Equipment. This is accomplished in the manufacturing process by adding additional material to the shoulder of a tire for extra strength. These reinforcements (usually accomplished with polyamide belting found where the sidewall and tread meet) are designed to minimize any tire deflection and reduce potential damage due to road impact. These strong tires will be branded with an "XL" or "RF" in their descriptions.
Will the XL tire have an effect on my comfort?
The "XL" tire will change the perception and feel of the vehicle. Tires that are engineered with reinforced sidewalls typically fall into the performance tire category. These tires have a rubber compound formulated to accentuate performance but not necessarily detract from the ride quality.
A driver should consider XL tire options when plus sizing any wheel packages or if more feedback from the tire is desired. Drivers seeking a firmer ride and enhanced car control would not need to be concerned with the XL warning when comparing different tires to match their driving expectations. As a matter of fact, this type tire will enhance the overall vehicle stability and handling. Also, the selection of a more aggressive tread compound will increase grip in the wet and dry.
For drivers desiring a softer feel and are willing to forgo the car’s stability in cornering, the standard load tire will be a more appropriate choice.
Will the XL tire have an effect on my comfort?
The "XL" tire will change the perception and feel of the vehicle. Tires that are engineered with reinforced sidewalls typically fall into the performance tire category. These tires have a rubber compound formulated to accentuate performance but not necessarily detract from the ride quality.
A driver should consider XL tire options when plus sizing any wheel packages or if more feedback from the tire is desired. Drivers seeking a firmer ride and enhanced car control would not need to be concerned with the XL warning when comparing different tires to match their driving expectations. As a matter of fact, this type tire will enhance the overall vehicle stability and handling. Also, the selection of a more aggressive tread compound will increase grip in the wet and dry.
For drivers desiring a softer feel and are willing to forgo the car’s stability in cornering, the standard load tire will be a more appropriate choice.
I've done 6k on these on my golf, 225/45/17. Replaced Eagle F1's all round, and I've found them to be excellent. Side walls are softer than the F1's but ride quality has improved as a result. Handling and road feel still acceptable, especially if running slightly higher pressure's. I'd buy again.
There's a comprehensive Tyre article in the February issue of CAR MECHANICS which is worth a read for anyone interested on what tyres are on their cars.
The only car magazine I've regularly bought for years.
Used my wife's ZS with the Rainsport 3s on the front for a longish trip last night. Drizzling rain ensured a greasy road surface for most of the trip. The tyres again impressed.
The only car magazine I've regularly bought for years.
Used my wife's ZS with the Rainsport 3s on the front for a longish trip last night. Drizzling rain ensured a greasy road surface for most of the trip. The tyres again impressed.
Edited by MGJohn on Saturday 24th January 20:55
Coming up to 20k miles that I've had them on my Audi now and starting to slightly loose grip. Still seem to have nowhere near the issues I used to have on my old tyres in heavy rain though, it still feels planted.
I think they have dropped below 3 mm so a little longer and ill move the rears to the front and get 2 new ones for the rear.
Will move to weekly tread depth checks (I like to get my monies worth.)
I think they have dropped below 3 mm so a little longer and ill move the rears to the front and get 2 new ones for the rear.
Will move to weekly tread depth checks (I like to get my monies worth.)
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