Before I tell how good the Bridgestone RE-71Rs are, here is a list of high-end street tires I've used in the past since 2008:
Bridgestone RE-01R (drove two sets)
• 10 dry / 8.5 wet traction
• Sloppy turn in response
• Horrible tread life (8-10k miles)
Dunlop Direzza Star Spec Z1 (drove one set)
• 9 dry / 8 wet traction
• Decent turn in response
• Good tread life (12-15k miles)
• Horrible road noise. I'm guessing from the center zig-zag groove in the tires.
Continental Extreme Contact DW (drove one set)
• 8 dry / 9 wet traction
• Sloppy turn in
• I haven't driven these long enough to rate the tread wear. They are on my 16's wheels, while all these other tires listed are on my 17's.
Bridgestone RE-11A (drove two sets)
• 9.25 dry / 10 wet traction
• Above average turn in response
• Amazing tread life (20,000+ miles!) It was due to the "carbon black" compound. My ex-girlfriend has a master's in biochemistry and the RE-11A made her realize tires are badass! God I miss her... but that's another topic - back to the review!
• Heavy heavy heavy (30+ lbs each compared to 19-22 lbs to other tires in the same size!)
Michelin Pilot Super Sport (drove two sets)
• 9 dry / 9 wet traction
• Average turn in response
• Good tread life (Michelin rated these 300 UTQG, but I get 14k+)
• Amazing comfort for it's performance capabilities, but you're definitely paying for it
As you can tell, I like to drive "spirited" (aka fast lol). Here is my review of the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R. I am currently on my third set so this isn't a "first impression" review. I drive 20-30k miles a year so I definitely know all the perks and nuisances this tire has to offer
• 10 dry / 7.5 wet / 10 freezing (more on this later)
• Amazing turn in response. Very agile with minimal delay from your steering wheel to the road.
• Great road noise suppression, but all Bridgestone tires make daily drivers.
• Above average comfort. For a "extreme performance tire" with stiff sidewalls, these drive like clouds.
• Below average tread life. Bridgestone gives the RE-71R a 200 UTQG rating, but I honestly think it should be 120 UTQG. I get 8-13k depending on how "spirited" I drive. This doesn't shock me since the dry grip is balls-to-the-wall. These tires are too quiet for my liking, when you get close to it's maximum grip level, it howls instead of screams. I don't feel confident with these in the rain. Once you driven enough tires, you can just look at the tread pattern and see if there is enough physical place for water to pass through - which these tire do not have. However (!) I drove through Lake Tahoe in Northern California during a car meet and I'm still alive to type this review. Even though it wasn't snowing, during a 50 mile long stretch around the lake it was in freezing temperature and the car hugged the pavement remarkably well.
For the dollar per square rubber inch ratio, this tire is hard to beat. However, the RE-71R has been out for a while and I bet a new model or refresh is coming. For now, the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R is the king of the street!
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
