Time to change the tires...

[FrenchBoy]

Well, I have about 28,000 miles on my original ContiSport and the time has come: I have to get new tires.

Here are my criteria:
- Performance tires: I am an active member of the Boston Chapter AutoX series, and I am looking to better grid/handling.
- Good durability: They will also be my regular street tires.
- I already have winter wheels/tires so these tires will only be used in the non-snow seasons.
- They need to be less than $160.


Right now, I am considering Toyo Proxes T1-S (Edgeracing.com for $155) and Yokohama AVS ES100, and Kumho Ecsta MX (Tirerack.com, respectively $107 and $120).

From my little internet research, all three tires seem to be great performance tires for the money.
The Yokohama definitely have the price advantage, although I have read that their tread life is not that good. That could be a concern.
I don't know much about the Kumho but I seem to remember that the Roundel had good things to say about them.
A fellow CCA member has the Toyo T1-S and seems to be very happy with them.

I was also thinking of the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 but they are more pricey and I have read that they are a lot heavier than the competition.

Although I understand that this forum is biased towards the Tirerack products, I am looking for objective feedback/advice on the AVS ES 100, Kumho Ecsta MX and Proxes T1-S?

Thanks in advance,

FrenchBoy

[nate]

If you are going to be using the tires for street and auto-x, go with the MXs or S-03s.

I really like the S-03s, and wish that I still had them, despite the price difference. The ES100s are very good on the street, but I am unimpressed with the girp and resistance to hydroplaning.

[tgravo2]

If you are going to be using the tires for street and auto-x, go with the MXs or S-03s.

I really like the S-03s, and wish that I still had them, despite the price difference. The ES100s are very good on the street, but I am unimpressed with the girp and resistance to hydroplaning.

nate, I was thinking of AVS EVS100s for my next tires. Would you buy them again? I'm not going to get S-03's, too pricey I think and I don't have use for them.

[nate]

nate, I was thinking of AVS EVS100s for my next tires. Would you buy them again? I'm not going to get S-03's, too pricey I think and I don't have use for them.

Maybe.

They are so cheap, and I don't really need the maximum grip, though it is nice to have. The water evac is just not that great...S-03s are much better.

[FrenchBoy]

Nate,

Thanks for the feedback. Tirerack actually rates the ES100 better than the MX in Hydro Resistance (8.2 vs. 7.5). Overall, they seem to feel the the Yokohamas are better than the Kumhos (4 stars vs. 3 stars).

Are your concerns about hydroplanning from actual usage of the tires?

Thanks,

FrenchBoy

[ObD]

I have had no complaints with my ES100's. S03's are a better tire but not at twice the price of the Yoko's. I'm running 17" and they stick like glue in the rain. Of course, I don't drive at 3 digits+ in the wet either. :rofl:

[nate]

Are your concerns about hydroplanning from actual usage of the tires?



yes, I have them right now.

[nate]

If you want user reviews, read the ratings on the Tire Rack...

Seriously, if you want grip, feel, and crip turn in, go with the S-03s.

[FrenchBoy]

Thanks Nate for the comments.

Does anyone one have any experience with the Toyo Proxes T1-S? The few reviews that I have read, and the comments from my firend who has them are good. I just wish The Tirerack carried them for comparison purposes.

FrenchBoy

[FrenchBoy]

Well, after much contemplation and online reading, I decided to go with the Yokohama AVS ES100. The reviews were good and the price was right. I bought them from the Tirerack and should get them on Thursday.

I have an appointment to have them mounted on Friday, in time for the 9/20 autocross.

Thanks,

FrenchBoy

[wrwicky]

I'm sorry I didn't catch this thread earlier, but the Bridgestone RE-750 is a much more direct competitor for the ES-100, it would have been good to throw into our mix. I think the Yokos are getting all of the attention right now because the price is fantastic for that tire and they are much more heavily marketed to us BMW owners.

I'm a Bridgestone loyalist, and really do feel they make a superior product, so I'll replace my OE Pilot Sports with the RE-750s when the time comes.

I hope you love your new tires. They do seem like they are an outstanding value.

[nate]

After all my arguments against the ES100s and for the S-03s, you still choose the Yokos :tsk: :p

[Clarke]

FrenchBoy; First of all how on earth did you get 28000 on your Contis? As to the Yokos:since you are going to be switching to them from OE Contis I believe that you will be thrilled with the upgrade especially in light of your cost limits.Are they as good as the SO3s ? No. Are they Much Much better than what you have now?You bet! btw We have daily afternoon deluges here in Fl. and the Hydro resistance and wet grip is excellent, lightyears ahead of the Contis even at extreme speeds.

[FrenchBoy]

Nate,
I really appreciate your feedback.You probably are right that S03s are better tires. However, my decision was based on the fact that I would rather compromise a little performance and save $236. Call me cheap... ;)

By all accounts, ES100s seem to be very good tires that offer adequate grid/handling for the autoX while still being quiet and comfortable enough for everyday driving. Additionally, it seems that their tread life is longer.

Clarke,
Thanks for the reassurance. Your rationale was exactly what drove me to buy the ES100. It seems that they will be a nice step up from what I am used to.
I am not sure how I was able to put 28,000 miles in the Contis - or if that is abnormal. As a matter of fact, I could presumably go a few thousand miles more as the tread is barely flush with the wear indicator.
Another interesting fact is that I am still on my original brakepads (the car has actually 37k miles, but I have a different set of wheels/tires for the winter).
I guess I must have pretty conservative driving habits. I drive fast but I am not the kind to burn rubber at the light. And I use the clutch a lot more than most people I guess (I never "coast" on the brakes, I always downshift).

In any case, I will try to give a review of the ES100 after a few thousand miles. I am also looking forward to the 9/20 Boston Chapter autoX to see how much of a difference these tires can make.

Thanks,
FrenchBoy