Starting to look at summer performance tires for my BBS's. I am between Falken FK 452 and Bridgestone RE-11 tires. My foremost goal is, of course, to maximize the car's performance, but there are pluses and minuses for either tire. The bottom line would probably be best surmised as: are Bridgestones worth the extra dough?

Just some of the downsides to Bridgestones: not good in wet, expensive, shorter lifespan. Falkens, on the other hand, probably would not have the raw adhesion levels of a semi-slick tire, like the RE-11. Falkens are reported to be noisy. They do seem to have a somewhat better expected lifespan (even for the simple reason that they are not directional and allow greater freedom when rotating) and track fairly well in the wet. RE-11's aren't much to talk about in the rain - most people say "get off the road when it rains". I don't want to be grounded by a tire, that cannot handle some rain. On the other hand, of course I don't want to have a noisy tire - seems to be one of the biggest gripes from owners after 10k miles.

Here are pics of both tires:
Bridgestone RE-11

Tirerack ratings

Falken FK 452

1010tires.com reviews and ratings

Anyone have anything good/bad to say about either of these tires? Or maybe suggest a tire that has worked well for you in the past - go right ahead! I'd love to look into other alternatives. I do prefer a stiffer sidewall - hence my choice of Falkens over the Hankooks. But you're more than welcome to add to this thread, please!

 

Continental Extreme Contact DW

I use them on the M. Ranked just as good if not better than the PS2's in every category. Less expensive. I highly recommend them V.

 

Thanks K! Definitely a tire that crossed my mind several times. And like you said, rated up there with PS2 and way less money.

I have the DWS Contis as my "winter/wet" set and I love them! but with the DW ones I was concerned that - much like most Contis and the PS2's - the sidewalls might be too soft. Since I don't have M suspension, I don't really know if I can afford to risk having yielding sidewalls. I am planning to swap the suspension soon for H&R sport springs and Bilsein B8 dampers, but it will still retain the non-sport roll bars and so on. I basically want to be able to squeeze as much lateral grip out of the dry setup as possible with this car.

 

I've had Falkens on both my BMW (currently 452's) and Audi and I love them. I had the Falken ST115's previously and I felt their section width didnt really protect the rim. Their section width was less then a Goodyear or Michiellin in the same sized tire, other than that the Azenis ST115's were a good tire. Something I believe they fixed with the 452's. Plently of grip both dry and wet, they last (fronts 2 years already)and they are reasonably priced. I havent noticed any unusual road noise, so your good there. Order from Discounttiredirect.com as they usually have the best prices as well.

Good luck, I think you'll be happy with Falkens

 

I got Hankook Ventus V12 Evo (245/35F 285/30R) to replace Falken 452s (245/35F 275/30R) which lasted 31,000 miles.

 

bridgestones hands down. if your looking for stiff sidewalls, bridgestones have got them! i only wish they didnt discontinue re-01s

 

i love my 452s

ill buy them again

 

+1 also on my M - I have also ran the FK452, Ventus V12, Invo, PS2, T1Rs etc.. and for me, these are up there with the Michelin

 

Think so? I'm becoming more and more curious about those DW's as well. Going to read up on them and will post anything that's worthy. They might be a little more expensive than the Falkens, but their ratings are through the roof. And Poleposition know tha fugg he's talking about too, so that was one recommendation that definitely got me thinking about them seriously.

That said, I thank you very much for your input - especially, the tip on how to score a good price

31k ain't bad for a summer high perf. tire IMHO

Did you get Hankook "just to try" or there was actually a reason you didn't go for another set of 452's?

RE-11 is the replacement of RE-01. But yes, I've read it in several places that people with Bridgestone never discontinued the 01's. Guess my biggest dilemma still remains: are they worth the extra 300-400 bucks. I hear most people don't get more than 15k miles out of them.

So they are a pretty round tire? I thought they were more "square'ish"...

 

re-11 maybe the "replacement" but the re01s have a different tread pattern. as for price, YES its worth it. if you only get 15k it will be the best 15k miles you will ever drive IMO