Recommendations for Semi-Slick Tyres

[kaanage]

They only seem to have larger sizes for the R1R. Any idea how they rate vs the other tyres mentioned here?

[Diesel_vert]

They only seem to have larger sizes for the R1R. Any idea how they rate vs the other tyres mentioned here?

If it helps, I'd say the Proxes R1R is a tyre that fits into the 2nd category on my list (see here) in terms of performance level.

[kaanage]

That's great - it looks like the R1R might be a decent "learner" tyre that could be used on cruises.

[Blitzen]

Anyone had 1st hand experience with the Federal 595 RS-r?Opinions for street and track driving if I were to only run one set for everything?

I have had these, and they are really good. I have never had them on the track, but for street use they are a very good tyre. They are very good in the wet (way better than the RT615's I have run in the past).

[kaanage]

I can get the following tyres for almost the same money

• Toyo RE888
• Dunlop DZ03G
• Bridgestone RE55

What do people think is the pick of these 3 as track tyres (maybe the very occasional cruise)?

[Diesel_vert]

After doing a quick Google search, it would appear to depend on:

Compound type - soft, medium, hard, etc.
Tyre characteristics - durability, temperature sensitivity/operating range, etc.
Category of racing - hill climb, sprint, endurance, etc.
Type of vehicle - weight, drivetrain (?)
... and so on.

All in all, a lot of homework.


I recall Motor magazine did a track tyre comparison in 2009, and the DZ03G was ranked 1st.

Some say the R888 is more versatile (i.e. usable on the road) compared to the DZ03G and RE55S, which are more happy on the track.

[kaanage]

Yes, I was hoping for the points of feedback that you've listed - all 3 come in various compounds so I assume that they will have versions similar outright grip. I won't be endurance racing (yet) and prefer track days to hill climbs so instant performance from cold isn't necessary.

Evaded M/S has posted that the sidewall of the R888 are too soft for his Polo but others with cars of similar weight and power seem to disagree.

Looking back through this thread, the DZ03G seem to get the biggest nods.

[Diesel_vert]

Evaded M/S has posted that the sidewall of the R888 are too soft for his Polo but others with cars of similar weight and power seem to disagree.

What I've found is that because there are so many different opinions on track tyres, and given the amount of variables which can affect its performance (tyre compound/characteristics, type of racing/vehicle, etc.), it can be difficult to say which tyre is best for a particular vehicle or driver.

Looking back through this thread, the DZ03G seem to get the biggest nods.

Simplifying this a bit, but if cost is the same between the three tyres you mentioned, I'd eliminate the R888 (praised for its value, which is rendered irrelevant here) and chose between the DZ03G and RE55S, and leaning towards the former (simply because I've seen more positive reviews than the latter, lol).

[mk1turbo79]

I was using DZ03G at Winton, great tyre with tremendous grip. With more confidence I feel I could carry more speed through the open corners. Ive used this set for 2 portland drag meets and a track day at winton and they are not even half worn.

Easily recommend to anyone.

[Evaded Motorsport]

I never used the R888 on the Polo but from someone who has used other semi slicks, slicks and street tyres, the R888 was a reasonable budget tyre, A set of half used 4 year old V70A's seem to put in similar lap times as a set of R888's.

To break it down you have the following things you need to take into account things that Diesel Vert mentioned:

Tyre Compounds:

Dunlop
S1 - Soft: Designed for wet use in very light cars
M1- Wet use and light cars
R1- Light Cars Sprints
H1- Heavy cars and Endurance

Bridgestone:

Circuit:
Type WT2 - Wet conditions
Type TT - Time Attack
Type SR2 - Longer Sprints etc

They have a gymkhana compound as well but I wouldn't worrya bout them.

SR2 is the choice for Bridgestone and they are available in all of the RE55S sizes.

The Dunlops the R1 or H1 would be the option. H1 would probably do if you want to drive around on them but they will struggle to get upto temp on the track.

I'm not sure what rim size/tyre size you will need.

If you let me know what type of racing your intended use and tyre size I can give you some recommendations.

The issues I had with the R888 extended further than the soft sidewalls. They were very pressure sensitive, they lack feel. They do heat cycle very well though and they last quite some time. But they are a slow tyre, they don't have the same lap times of the other semi slicks.

Honestly most people won't get the most out of even the R888 so anyone who tells you they are a good tyre is probably just your average punter. The R1R and the T1R are much better tyres in their category than the R888 though.