I've got new tyres - early impressions of UniroyalRainsport2
Discussion
I've replaced my Goodyear GSD3 with Uniroyal Rainsport2.
I give them a huge thumbs-up from initial driving.
Car is a Prodrive 'classic' Impreza - weight is around 1300kgs, probably a bit less.
I've always had a huge handling issue with the current GSD3 (from the day I had them fitted new), as it is made in China from different materials and even constructed differently from the previous German-made GSD3 (which I had two sets of). My Chinese GSD3s bought in Feb 2007 did last around 20k miles, and still gripped well in the wet even when down to the wear-bars, BUT - the chinese GSD3 sidewalls are rubbish - blancmange is too sturdy a material to bear comparison. I ran them with 38psi front, 34psi rear to attempt to force some strength, but it made very little difference; they were still rubbish.
(Please don't tell me I bought 'grey-import' tyres designed for a non-european market, because I didn't.)
The Uniroyals in comparison have superb sidewalls - the car now moves precisely and instantly with any steering input, and I'm on 35/31psi.
An unexpected bonus is that tyre-noise is very much reduced.
I'll let you know what wet-grip is like when it rains again down here, but I'm assuming by the tyres name that I will have good things to say.
How can Uniroyal achieve all this? Perhaps wear-rate, but I won't know that for a few months at least.
I give them a huge thumbs-up from initial driving.
Car is a Prodrive 'classic' Impreza - weight is around 1300kgs, probably a bit less.
I've always had a huge handling issue with the current GSD3 (from the day I had them fitted new), as it is made in China from different materials and even constructed differently from the previous German-made GSD3 (which I had two sets of). My Chinese GSD3s bought in Feb 2007 did last around 20k miles, and still gripped well in the wet even when down to the wear-bars, BUT - the chinese GSD3 sidewalls are rubbish - blancmange is too sturdy a material to bear comparison. I ran them with 38psi front, 34psi rear to attempt to force some strength, but it made very little difference; they were still rubbish.
(Please don't tell me I bought 'grey-import' tyres designed for a non-european market, because I didn't.)
The Uniroyals in comparison have superb sidewalls - the car now moves precisely and instantly with any steering input, and I'm on 35/31psi.
An unexpected bonus is that tyre-noise is very much reduced.
I'll let you know what wet-grip is like when it rains again down here, but I'm assuming by the tyres name that I will have good things to say.
How can Uniroyal achieve all this? Perhaps wear-rate, but I won't know that for a few months at least.
I was, but when I searched again at purchase time, it got me thinking...
the Uniroyals get a smaller number of recommendations, but everyone seems to like them, whereas the Sessantas get many more recommendations, but there are some negative comments (taking a while to warm-up from cold for instance).
I've already got some Sessantas on a different car, so I thought I ought to try the Rainsport2s.
I always like to stick up for the underdog.
the Uniroyals get a smaller number of recommendations, but everyone seems to like them, whereas the Sessantas get many more recommendations, but there are some negative comments (taking a while to warm-up from cold for instance).
I've already got some Sessantas on a different car, so I thought I ought to try the Rainsport2s.
I always like to stick up for the underdog.
Orangecurry said:
I was, but when I searched again at purchase time, it got me thinking...
the Uniroyals get a smaller number of recommendations, but everyone seems to like them, whereas the Sessantas get many more recommendations, but there are some negative comments (taking a while to warm-up from cold for instance).
I've already got some Sessantas on a different car, so I thought I ought to try the Rainsport2s.
I always like to stick up for the underdog.
good man, my Falkens are running low so will look for your further reviews of Uniroyals with interestthe Uniroyals get a smaller number of recommendations, but everyone seems to like them, whereas the Sessantas get many more recommendations, but there are some negative comments (taking a while to warm-up from cold for instance).
I've already got some Sessantas on a different car, so I thought I ought to try the Rainsport2s.
I always like to stick up for the underdog.
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