Anybody try the Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Positions?

[pingpong]

These are supposed to replace the outgoing RE050A, but with twice the treadlife apparently (280 vs 140). That just sounds way too good to be true. I got about 15K on my rears with the OEM RE050A; I just can't see getting 30K on the rears from a set of summer tires. Has anyone had an experience with this tire?

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by pingpong

These are supposed to replace the outgoing RE050A, but with twice the treadlife apparently (280 vs 140). That just sounds way too good to be true. I got about 15K on my rears with the OEM RE050A; I just can't see getting 30K on the rears from a set of summer tires. Has anyone had an experience with this tire?

We are entering a new "era" with regards to tire development. It used to be that with any tire, you pick 2 out of 3 of the following criteria and live with it:

Grip
Longevity
Comfort

In the last 2 years, the industry is seeing a slew of new development in how tires are constructed and compound formulation to improve dramatically the longevity of the tire without sacrificing grip or comfort. It's actually been the culmination of several generations of tire development. Take a look at the new Michelin Pilot Super Sport. A 40% improvement in wear while retaining the comfort level of the 2nd generation Pilot Sport 2, and a moderate improvement in grip (12-15% was the quoted figure). The new Bridgestone S-04. Continental ContiSportContact 5P. Falken's new Azenis FK453. All have significantly longer tread life without sacrificing grip level.

This is what I'm calling the "third" generation of tires (S-02 being the first generation Potenza Pole Position, Pilot Sports being the first generation for Michelin, Conti actually had multiple tires using the same formulation within the ContiSportContact line) and the new compounds are making a huge leap in performance levels.

These aren't your grandpa's tires, that's for certain.

[ga41]

The problem is deciding which to choose! And finding the right sizes of course, for me out here that's actually the main issue...

[dsgrillot]

Originally Posted by ga41

The problem is deciding which to choose! And finding the right sizes of course, for me out here that's actually the main issue...

Too many choices. I had Bridgestone Potenzas on my S2000 and no one believes me when I say they only lasted about 3000 miles. That car stuck to the road like glue with new rubber, but after 3K, I'd drift like crazy.

[ZStig]

when i was comparing Advan AD08 and Bridgestone RE-11 they seemed equal in performance, so it came down to available sizing, price, and weight (often neglected)

[ga41]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

when i was comparing Advan AD08 and Bridgestone RE-11 they seemed equal in performance, so it came down to available sizing, price, and weight (often neglected)

I'm currently rolling on AD08's. I can source our M's stock sizes them via special order from the official importer. As far as i'm aware the RE-11 is not available in 225/45/18 and 255/40/18 is it?

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by ga41

I'm currently rolling on AD08's. I can source our M's stock sizes them via special order from the official importer. As far as i'm aware the RE-11 is not available in 225/45/18 and 255/40/18 is it?

it does not. I'm running 265/35/18 and will later upgrade to 265/40/18 when its time, to increase sidewall size for better straightline grip