Tyre recommendations?
Discussion
What sort of rubber are you lot running?
I've currently got Eagle F1 GSD3's on the GTB, but having just got my second puncture in the 6 months I've had it I'm wondering if theres another tyre that gives similar performance with more puncture resistance? I'm quite happy with the grip wet and dry but they seem very susceptible to sidewall cuts, which is not ideal for someone who spends a lot of time on gravel...
It may be partly down the lowish profile (215/45-17) but I haven't had any punctures in the 195/55-15 on the MX5 which isn't a hugely different profile height.
Bridgestone RE001 seem to be considered a better tyre than GSD3 or T1R on the NZ Sub forums but I'm yet to learn anything about their sidewall strength and puncture resistance. Any other suggestions?
I've just put Rainsport2 on after the previous wobbly GSD3s (obviously 17" GSD3s are all from China), and the sidewall strength is much MUCH better.
Tread patterns are similar (i.e. there are no blocks, just continuous sections of rubber).
I have only driven one wet journey (it's the wifes daily driver), and I'd say they are as good if not better than the GSD3s. Dry grip seems to be very good, but the rim protector seems to be touching the rim on my WRC1 wheels, rather than sticking out above it
Apart from that, in the dry the Rainsport2s corner much better than the GSD3s as the car doesn't flex on the sidewalls.
Tread patterns are similar (i.e. there are no blocks, just continuous sections of rubber).
I have only driven one wet journey (it's the wifes daily driver), and I'd say they are as good if not better than the GSD3s. Dry grip seems to be very good, but the rim protector seems to be touching the rim on my WRC1 wheels, rather than sticking out above it
Apart from that, in the dry the Rainsport2s corner much better than the GSD3s as the car doesn't flex on the sidewalls.
Correct.
This shows what other people think of them, but IMO not many people choose them in the UK as they are no longer marketed here, at all, so there is not a large enough sample.
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Grid/
However you look at it, on my classic Impreza, the Rainsport2s are definately much MUCH better in the rain than P-Zero Asimetricos, which would four-wheel drift whilst parked on a windy day.
This shows what other people think of them, but IMO not many people choose them in the UK as they are no longer marketed here, at all, so there is not a large enough sample.
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Grid/
However you look at it, on my classic Impreza, the Rainsport2s are definately much MUCH better in the rain than P-Zero Asimetricos, which would four-wheel drift whilst parked on a windy day.
I've still got winter tyres on my wagon which were great in the snow but for summer tyres i will be going for Bridgstone 225/45/R17 RE070's as a change from the T1R's. Now warmer weather has turned up i hear great reports about these being not only superb in the dry with reasonably stiff sidewalls so better turn in and more road feel generally, but awesome when warmed up in the wet and reasonable mileage wear.
Sounds good to me.
Sounds good to me.
RE070 are standard fit on Impreza STi so should be good - I'll probably be spending a bit less and going for more of an all-rounder. RE001 or RE050A (OEM Legacy GT tyre) are likely options as are the rainsports if I can find someone in this country who sells them so I can find out what they cost.
Went for the RE001 (couldn't find a local supplier for rainsports let alone getting a price) and I now understand exactly what you mean about the GSD3 sidwalls! Tyre shop put them on the rear but I'll be rotating them soon as the front end feels rather poor in comparison and I prefer having the better rubber on the front.
Better than the GSD3 in every way I've noticed so far - dry grip noticably better, wet grip similar or slightly better, quieter, less sidewall flex, etc... and $60NZ/tyre cheaper too
Better than the GSD3 in every way I've noticed so far - dry grip noticably better, wet grip similar or slightly better, quieter, less sidewall flex, etc... and $60NZ/tyre cheaper too
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