TXprfrmnce

iTrader: (1)

I am buying new tires, specifically 245/35/19 (Front) and 275/30/19 (Rear) for new 19" wheels.

Tires are an old subject but I can't find old threads to this question...

A lot of CL members seem to be choosing Falken 452s and when I went to the local Discount Tire they said they were adequate but Bridgestone Pole Positions would be better, naturally they are more $ .

Prices are Falken - $195 and $257. Bridgestone $242 and $261

That price difference is not significant enough to sway me one way or another. All I want is a good tire, performance, quiet, etc. that will last 15-20k in or around that price range.

Everyone has strong opinions about what not to get (i.e. Yokohama Advents ) - any opinions or comments about these two tires or an equivalent?

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

I have an IS...

But I just put on the Michelin PS2's and love them. They are about the same cost as the Pole Position. I had Bridgestone tires on prior to the PS2's. The PS2's are more quiet IMO and they handle better. I am almost running the same tire sizes you are. I am very impressed with them and the work Discount did for me!


Mike

GS4DOUGIE

iTrader: (6)

TX-

If you are looking for quiet that IS NOT the tire (S03)you want. Additionally there are threads in the wheel and tires section that tell of the sidewalls splitting away from the treads. I had two pairs of these tires and will never buy them again. Bridgestone wouldn't replace the tires that had seperated either.

I suggest looking at a different Bridgestone tire altogether.

Just my opinion-

Good luck-

D

bobbyt01nc

i have the same set up as you and ride on 19's. I went with bridgestone potenza 960? i believe.
I went with that primarily b/c of the 40K warranty they come with..which is really rare for staggered sizes and low profile tires. i've have put about 15K without rotating and they are still in very good shape. very good in water, ride well and quite, and look good.
i will buy them again.

Baoser

I currently have Falken FK452's (245/40/18, 265/35/18) and they are great. Handles good, but I liked the Potenza RE050A's a lot better.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

I'm of the opinion that he is looking at the RE050A Pole Position, not the S03, as the S03 is all but gone from the Bridgestone lineup...

But I agree, the S03 was a good tire, the RE050 is a great tire... I work for Bridgestone, and run the RE050's on my car... Excellent tire - better in performance than the BFG KDW's and quieter too... Similar to the Michelin PS2's (so similar in fact, it would be hard to distinguish between the two without looking at the tire itself) I also sold Michelin for 6 years, so I am very competent in their lineup as well, and will not discount the fact that they build great tires...

I haven't price shopped the difference in those recently, but that is such a small different in price between cheap tires and great tires that it is definitely worth it to go with the better of the two...

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

Where you at in Texas, maybe I can help....

BCP43002

I have the PP's on my 430 and are very happy with them. I have 17's though. I have no noise issues with them and feel they handle quite well in the rain.

TXprfrmnce

iTrader: (1)

OK, so I decided to go with the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS tires...

235/35/19 front
275/30/19 rear
They are on Monarch 410's
19x8.5 front
19x10.5 rear

This is a pretty common staggered setup for 19's. So check out this pic of my rear wheel and the gap between the tire and wheel. This can't be right! It looks like it doesn't fit.

Discount Tire has agreed to take care of me but the 960s apparently are not available in 285 (which I assume will fill out the wheel) so I need to make a choice. Keep these the way they are with a 40k mile warranty or go with an alternative.

I feel pretty good about going with the Falken 452s despite not having a warranty. It seems like with my size, a 275/30/19 rear is the right tire. I have seen the Falkens (by picture) with that set up and there is not a gap like on my Bridgestones. Is it possible the design of the 960s have caused this?

LexAnt

iTrader: (2)

it's like that because you're stretching the tire. on a 10.5" rear rim, if you didn't want a stretch, you should be running like a 295 size tire. most that go 275 are either on 9.5" or 10" wide rim. also, it looks like that's how the 960AS handle stretching. some tires have better stretching capabilities and will not look like that. all in the sidewall.

TXprfrmnce

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info. I am fine with stretching and I have seen the Falken 452s in a 285 that look flush and look right. Even with coilovers I believe going to 295s would be a problem? The Bridgestone RE960AS does have a 295. Still I think I will be better off going to the Falken.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

i originally considered pole positions i eventually went with Sumitomo HTR IIIs because they rivaled pole position in a tire track test but were significantly less expensive. I have them on the vehicle and its much smoother than the OEM bridgestone RE050 that came on the vehicle. I am pleased.