|
Procrastination has its advantages! I was waffling around about buying new tires. The Pilot HXs had shot way up in price at tirerack.com, and I couldn't decide if I wanted RE730s or if I wanted to spurge and get the Pilot Sport or S-02. So, one day I'm doing a search for 225/50-16 when what to my wondering eyes did appear, but a brand new Potenza! Let's see, next generation of the Pole Position (heh, heh, heh, he said "Pole"...Yeah, yeah...he said "Position", too!), 220 treadwear, AND a real warranty. Could hardly go wrong with that. So, I hooked up with a local recommended installer and ordered four online. Got 'em mounted (heh, heh....uh, never mind) Friday. Haven't had the chance to really push them yet, but I thought I'd share in case any one else is considering them.
Compared to the factory Pilot HXs, they are ever so slightly louder. Not enough to be bothersome, though. They protrude past the wheel noticably, giving the car a kind of a Hot Wheels look. Tread looks very aggressive. Wide channels for sheding water, but still a lot of rubber on the road. The only way I can describe them on the road is thicker and stiffer. Kinda like a higher profile tire with more air in it. Bumps and holes have a tiny bit edgier feel to them, but dips and humps give the impression that the sidewall is softer. They feel like they have significantly more grip with a slightly slower turn in, or initial response. Going over, say a railroad crossing in a curve, where the car would sidestep about six inches with the Pilots, the Pole Positions don't give up the asphalt. There's also a greatly reduced tendancy to follow the groves in the road.
After only 130 or so miles, I think these babys are at LEAST as good as the Pilots, and will likely turn out to be much better. And I think the turn in will sharpen up once they are properly broken in.
I'll report more later, if anyone is interested. :o)
Keith
© 1997 -
2008
Jump Internet Inc. All rights reserved.
