Summer Performance Tire Decisions
#1
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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
![](https://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/bridgestone/bs_potenza_re11_ci2_l.jpg)
Tirerack ratings
Falken FK 452
![](http://www.allnewtyres.co.uk/product-images/31408.48_0.3188288_FK452.jpg)
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!
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
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
![](https://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/bridgestone/bs_potenza_re11_ci2_l.jpg)
Tirerack ratings
Falken FK 452
![](http://www.allnewtyres.co.uk/product-images/31408.48_0.3188288_FK452.jpg)
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!
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#3
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I have the DWS Contis as my "winter/wet" set and I love them!
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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
![](https://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/bridgestone/bs_potenza_re11_ci2_l.jpg)
Tirerack ratings
Falken FK 452
![](http://www.allnewtyres.co.uk/product-images/31408.48_0.3188288_FK452.jpg)
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!![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
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
![](https://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/bridgestone/bs_potenza_re11_ci2_l.jpg)
Tirerack ratings
Falken FK 452
![](http://www.allnewtyres.co.uk/product-images/31408.48_0.3188288_FK452.jpg)
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!
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
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
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bridgestones hands down. if your looking for stiff sidewalls, bridgestones have got them! i only wish they didnt discontinue re-01s
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+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
#9
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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
Good luck, I think you'll be happy with Falkens
That said, I thank you very much for your input - especially, the tip on how to score a good price
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Did you get Hankook "just to try" or there was actually a reason you didn't go for another set of 452's?
So they are a pretty round tire? I thought they were more "square'ish"...
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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.
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