RE050A vs. Azenis RT-615

[Blink21Me]

My friend has the RE050A's Pole Position on his M contours while I have the Azenis RT-615's on the same wheels... We decided to swap for a weekend. At the same time we both went to hit the backroads to test them... I have gone to the track with the RT-615's and I know how they perform now...

K, on the twisties even though I was only able to make the tires cry, I was not able to push the car 100% unlike on the track and thus I still am not that comfortable with the assumption I have in mind... It seems to me that the Azenis' stick on the road better than the RE050A's...

For those of you who have tried both? Which one would you prefer to track with on a dry weather???

thanks,
Joven

[toopercentmlk]

The re050a is definately more tame of a tire than the rt615 in terms of aggressive driving. The Potenza gives you OE quality thats more suited for the street while the rt615 was made by Falken with motorsports in mind. Its in no way a race comp. tire but was designed to be driven hard when the re050a was made for daily driving on sports cars that like to have some fun now and then.

Any rational track nutt would definately purchase a set of 615s for a track day opposed to burning up an expensive Potenza.

[Blink21Me]

thanks, yeah that's what exactly waht I had in mind... I just couldn't push the RE050A's which didn't give me enough to compare it with the RT-615's... I was hoping someone in the forum did and could give more details about the two...

[Blink21Me]

anyone?

[joenationwide]

anyone?

The RE050A is not in the same class with the RT-615. The RE-01R is.

Stickiest street tires in the USA:

Yoko Neova AD07
Bridgestone RE-01R
Falken Azenis RT615

[Blink21Me]

The RE050A is not in the same class with the RT-615. The RE-01R is.

Stickiest street tires in the USA:

Yoko Neova AD07
Bridgestone RE-01R
Falken Azenis RT615Is that in the order of top being the stickiest??? And where is that info based if you don't mind me asking??? thanks.

[BJO]

Is that in the order of top being the stickiest??? And where is that info based if you don't mind me asking??? thanks.

Yes that is the order. I believe he is going by which tires won at SCCA Solo Nationals.

[joenationwide]

Yes that is the order. I believe he is going by which tires won at SCCA Solo Nationals.

THanks. ;)

[wimpwgn]

The RE050A is not in the same class with the RT-615. The RE-01R is.

Stickiest street tires in the USA:

Yoko Neova AD07
Bridgestone RE-01R
Falken Azenis RT615

How about the R212?

[95RogueM3]

Stickiest street tires in the USA:

Yoko Neova AD07
Bridgestone RE-01R
Falken Azenis RT615
How are these tires in the rain? Would it definitely be a bad idea to run these on a high HP daily driver (485whp) that would see both rain and sun? (I would have dedicated snow wheels and tires for the winter)

Thanks.

[joenationwide]

How about the R212?

ORder of sticky-ickyness

1. Neovas
2. RE01Rs
3. RT615s
4. R212s
5. Kumho MX



How are these tires in the rain? Would it definitely be a bad idea to run these on a high HP daily driver (485whp) that would see both rain and sun? (I would have dedicated snow wheels and tires for the winter)

Thanks.

They are not very good rain/winter tires. Id suggest 2 sets of rims. Summer rims 17x9s with 255/40/17 RT-615s (best value). Winter rims, stock 17x7.5s with blizzaks or other tirerack recommended winter tire.

Compromise sucks, especially on a 485whp beast. Do no chose one tire for all year, it would be like having a ferrari with a chevy impala suspension. Tires are the most important part of a car's handling and grip.

[SleepRM3]

My friend has the RE050A's Pole Position on his M contours while I have the Azenis RT-615's on the same wheels... I have gone to the track with the RT-615's and I know how they perform now...Can you elaborate on how the RT-615s perform on the track? I suspect they'd overheat after a few laps of serious open lapping on a road course like Mid Ohio. I have experience with the RE050A (nonPole Positions in 235/40-17s on 8.5 wides all around). I've reviewed the RE050As extensively on Tire Rack's website (1997 M3 Sedan, Indianapolis IN).

[joenationwide]

Can you elaborate on how the RT-615s perform on the track? I suspect they'd overheat after a few laps of serious open lapping on a road course like Mid Ohio. I have experience with the RE050A (nonPole Positions in 235/40-17s on 8.5 wides all around). I've reviewed the RE050As extensively on Tire Rack's website (1997 M3 Sedan, Indianapolis IN).

I ran my 255/40/17 RT-615s for 2 days at Summit Point SHenandoah in Sept, 2 days on Summit Main in Oct, and 1 day on VIR in NOvember.

In the summer, the tires gained about 10psi, and after about 20-25 min, they got a little loose, slightly from overheating, mostly from the psi gain.

In the fall at VIR, they were fine, only gained about 5-7 psi, and didn't over heat. They felt great for a street tire on track. They let me pass cars that I shouldnt' be able to pass (Z06s, elises, evos).

[SleepRM3]

I ran my 255/40/17 RT-615s for 2 days at Summit Point SHenandoah in Sept, 2 days on Summit Main in Oct, and 1 day on VIR in NOvember.

In the summer, the tires gained about 10psi, and after about 20-25 min, they got a little loose, slightly from overheating, mostly from the psi gain.

In the fall at VIR, they were fine, only gained about 5-7 psi, and didn't over heat. They felt great for a street tire on track. They let me pass cars that I shouldnt' be able to pass (Z06s, elises, evos).How's the tire noise and wet weather performance with the 615s?

[yonoconozco]

joe you seem to know a lot about street tires. do you work for tirerack?
so i guess the two big european brands cant stack up to the japanese when it comes to a highperformance street tire. nothing comparable from michelin or continental like the ps2?

[loftygoals]

joe you seem to know a lot about street tires. do you work for tirerack?
so i guess the two big european brands cant stack up to the japanese when it comes to a highperformance street tire. nothing comparable from michelin or continental like the ps2?

I've had lots of track time this season on the Yoko AD07s. There is no one that has a street tire that can complete with this. I can't tell you the number of "faster" cars I passed with these street tires. Most of these faster cars were on R comps as well. If you want a sticky tire that provides lots of feedback before letting go, I highly recommend the AD07s.

I also have a set of RT-615s on my street car. They are very sticky and are confidence inspiring. I've yet to track them, but I will say from experience that the Japanese build the finest street tires out there. I'm even extremely impressed with the Falken ZE-329s I have on my Porsche 944, too. They are silica based all season tires. I have really pushed these tire in the wet and on sub 40 degree days. They have amazing grip for the conditions.

My $.02.

-bj

[BJO]

I'd like to chime in my auto-x experience on the Yokohama AD07 since I ran on them today.

Holy crap, are these really street tires? I could've sworn they are r-comps. They are not as fast as the Kumho V710's when new, but they are better than 120+run V710's. They will tolerate a high slip angle and let you bring it back. They will get noisy at the limit. Overall, it was nice having good grip, and not changing tires during an event.

[Blink21Me]

The YOkohama AD07 is more than twice the price of the 615's though....


How's the tire noise and wet weather performance with the 615s?horrible, extremely prone to hydroplaning ~I guess you could also tell that just by looking at the tread pattern...

[BJO]

The YOkohama AD07 is more than twice the price of the 615's though....

horrible, extremely prone to hydroplaning ~I guess you could also tell that just by looking at the tread pattern...

it is not more than 2x the price of the 615's. More like $100 more :stickoutt

[Blink21Me]

^^^lol, lowest price I could find is $229/tire from tirerack, I bought the Azenis for $111 each...

[BJO]

I guess I was comparing the 255/40/17 RT615's vs 255/40/17 AD07's. ($233vs$127)

[RRdawho?]

The YOkohama AD07 is more than twice the price of the 615's though....

horrible, extremely prone to hydroplaning ~I guess you could also tell that just by looking at the tread pattern...

Yep,

The 615's dont quite have a water channeling thread :shifty

I'm running 615's on my 335R in the wet weather, but I just put around never going above 65mph, and cruise on average around 20-30mph.

[RRdawho?]

I ran my 255/40/17 RT-615s for 2 days at Summit Point SHenandoah in Sept, 2 days on Summit Main in Oct, and 1 day on VIR in NOvember.

In the summer, the tires gained about 10psi, and after about 20-25 min, they got a little loose, slightly from overheating, mostly from the psi gain.

In the fall at VIR, they were fine, only gained about 5-7 psi, and didn't over heat. They felt great for a street tire on track. They let me pass cars that I shouldnt' be able to pass (Z06s, elises, evos).

If the 615's are overheating on you with NA power, I fear I might have to go with wider tires to dissepate the heat better with the power I'm running :(

On another note, I know a friend that daily drives RA1's

:rofl Consider it a hard type R compound

[SleepRM3]

Off/topic...

RRdawho?, that Lumpia avatar is a riot. I'm "pinoy", so I get it LOL :)

[joenationwide]

How's the tire noise and wet weather performance with the 615s?

I dont notice significant noise. Did a couple laps on Shenandoah with light rain ~6/32" tread depth, no problems. In heavy rain, pretty sketchy, especially with the 255 or wider.


joe you seem to know a lot about street tires. do you work for tirerack?
so i guess the two big european brands cant stack up to the japanese when it comes to a highperformance street tire. nothing comparable from michelin or continental like the ps2?

I dont work for TireRack, I just want to be competitive in SCCA Street Touring Autocrossing. Thats why I know the top (street tire) performers, based on national results, and of course word of mouth. Michelin or Contenental do not make street tires this sticky. These are almost Dot legal R-comp tires. Look at BJO's post...


I'd like to chime in my auto-x experience on the Yokohama AD07 since I ran on them today.

Holy crap, are these really street tires? I could've sworn they are r-comps. They are not as fast as the Kumho V710's when new, but they are better than 120+run V710's. They will tolerate a high slip angle and let you bring it back. They will get noisy at the limit. Overall, it was nice having good grip, and not changing tires during an event.

That is good to hear. My RT615s seem to be very sensitive to high slip angles. The less steering angle the better, otherwise they'll just slip and maybe overheat quicker. Of course, having them on a 17x8.5" wheel is not optimal. Thinking about going AD07s on some SSR Comps next season. :redspot :cashwalle :(


If the 615's are overheating on you with NA power, I fear I might have to go with wider tires to dissepate the heat better with the power I'm running :(

On another note, I know a friend that daily drives RA1's

:rofl Consider it a hard type R compound

They will definately overheat in the summer time (ambient temp> 85F) at an autox. Bring a water sprayer. As far as 20-25min track sessions, they are not so much of a concern. Mostly pressure changes change their behavior, and should be accounted for before you go out by running lower "cold" pressures.

Since street tires are getting so expensive (ADO7s @ $232/ea), I might just get used take off RA1s for the street myself. :eyecrazy :buttrock

[RRdawho?]

Off/topic...

RRdawho?, that Lumpia avatar is a riot. I'm "pinoy", so I get it LOL :)

http://www.lovethatlumpia.com/index2.htm

This is where I got it from, really funny movie :rofl

[Phat Ham]

The YOkohama AD07 is more than twice the price of the 615's though.... From what I hear the AD07s last much longer.

[BJO]

From what I hear the AD07s last much longer.

Yes, I was informed this same thing by a few National level Autocrossers. Pay now or pay later is how I look at it.

[SleepRM3]

http://www.lovethatlumpia.com/index2.htm

This is where I got it from, really funny movie :roflThat is funny...I'll need to forward that link along to my brother, uncles, etc...

[Blink21Me]

LOL fellow Noypi's...


K, I'm now considering the Yokohama AD07's. For those who have tried both the RT-615's and the AD07's, which of the two performs on the track better???

[loftygoals]

LOL fellow Noypi's...


K, I'm now considering the Yokohama AD07's. For those who have tried both the RT-615's and the AD07's, which of the two performs on the track better???

I've driven on both, but I haven't driven the RT-615s on track. My general opinion is they are similarly sticky (the Yoko's have a slight advantage) in the dry. The AD07s really shine in the wet, on hot pavement, and they wear better.

-bj

[Blink21Me]

I've driven on both, but I haven't driven the RT-615s on track. My general opinion is they are similarly sticky (the Yoko's have a slight advantage) in the dry. The AD07s really shine in the wet, on hot pavement, and they wear better.

-bjCan you or anyone else explain why the AD07s that wear better could be stickier than the Azenis on dry? So the general idea that "the softer the tires are the better they grip on dry" is not always true? and that tires that are already really excellent in dry can possibly perform better on wet???

[loftygoals]

Can you or anyone else explain why the AD07s that wear better could be stickier than the Azenis on dry? So the general idea that "the softer the tires are the better they grip on dry" is not always true? and that tires that are already really excellent in dry can possibly perform better on wet???

It is only a general rule that the softer tire is stickier. If you are using the treadwear rating to judge how soft the tire is, you may be mislead as well. A performance street tire with a 320AA rating vs another tire performance street tire with a rating of 200AA may wear out faster at the track. The ratings are measured using highway driving conditions. These conditions aren't representative of the temperatures and lateral forces that tires have to deal with on the track.

I think the biggest difference between the two tires is in the actual compound composition. The yoko's have such a special compound, that they can not be exposed to temperatures below 14 degrees F. I don't think most R-Compound tires have this stipulation.

Oh, and another important consideration in wear is how deep the thread depth is to begin with. The yokos seem to have much more "meat" than the RT-615s.

As for wet performance, this too is a function of tread depth, but most importantly tread pattern. In the dry, tread pattern doesn't have any impact on road traction. In fact, I would switch my AD07s from left to right and run them backwards. The RT-615 have poor wet performance because the tread pattern doesn't evacuate water well.

That's about where my tire knowledge ends. If you need more info, I'm sure someone else will chime in.

-bj

[Blink21Me]

I don't look at the treadwear numbers to judge the wear, but thanks thanks so much for the info!!!

[SleepRM3]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9341041&postcount=46

[Blink21Me]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9341041&postcount=46
thanks for that info! ;)

[SleepRM3]

No problem, bro. Get the Neovas. They're the shiznet :)
thanks for that info! ;)

[omak81]

How would you compare these tires to BFGoodrich KDW2 g-forces or are these in a diff class?

[Blink21Me]

No problem, bro. Get the Neovas. They're the shiznet :)oh I sure will :cool