Your Fav Hi-Perf Tires to Replace my Nittos?

[Eric-325I]

HI:

Need to replace my Nitto NT all season high-performance tires this spring. I really like them but am open to alternatives that may be a little cheaper (less than $100 per tire).

My concern is only dry and wet pavement (have winter tires and rims). I do not AX or anything, just a lot of higher speed country road commuting. I don't want tires so hard they jar but want stickiness for 'sprited' cornering. I'm also planning to upgrade the suspension with springs/shocks/sways this summer and will keep my 16" rims... The tire size on my rims now is 205/55/R16...

Thanks for your suggestions...

[blkongry]

I'm rolling on Kuhmo Ecsta Supras, and they are very nice tires... low cost for the quality, and they have positive reviews across the board. Kuhmo is the largest Korean tire manufacturer, and I think it is Korea's only tire that is marketed in the US. The all season version, the Kuhmo Ecsta HP4, tend to be just under the $90 mark.

I've never been fond of Hanook. They seem like a decent tire, but have read some less than favorable reviews.

There is a new tire on the market, the Dominator, but I have never heard of it and no clue of the quality... they are cheap, though. Around $70/tire.

Other well know tires like Michelin, Yoko, Dunlop, Pirelli, Goodyear, and BF Goodrich are always a safe bet. I've run most big makers tires and there are slight noticeable differences (like my Michelin Pilots seemed to wear quite fast, but had great grip... due to a softer compound), but all have had good performance.

Some of your choice may depend on where you get the deal from. A $20 difference per tire would be enough to sway me one way or another. Check around with Costco, Discount Tire, etc... see what they have to offer.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I've got a set of Sumitomo HTR's on the BMW right now as per a suggestion by my tire-shop owning friend and I'm REALLY impressed at how well these tires perform. Lots of grip, and quiet..

I dont know if they make them anymore, but I used to really like the Yokohama A509's

Had them on my old 914 as well as my old Rabbit. Great tires.

[stupenal]

Great tires would be Yokohama ES100s and the Kumho Ecsta Mx. Mx grips as well as the SO3s in dry, not as well in wet but still decent.

I'll be switching my fronts to continentel contisport contacts soon so i'll report back later. Otherwise if you want the best - Michelin Pilot Sports and Potenza SO3s are ranked really high. If you want R comp type grip - Falken Azenis Sports are great but suck in wet.