185-60-15's..... NO GOOD OPTIONS!!!

[Loren]

Originally Posted by dingbat

I'm looking into a tire for the same usage and think these look good in a 195/55/15:

Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec

Really good price too! Just be aware of what you're buying though. These look like a fair weather tire only.

Anyone had any experience with these?

Awesome tire. They're far from a "winter" tire, but they're excellent in the rain. So, "fair weather" is relative.

[bobolinko]

Sorry for the thread jacking, but I could not pm Loren.
I have a Yaris and an XD. I want to soften the XD's ride by changing the springs to a Tein set that lowers about 2". I've read about some threads that say the Teins have a softer ride, and some say it's harder. I'd like your opinion on this if it's possible.

Sorry Loren, I didn't know how else to elicit a response from you !

You can pm me if you want to respond

[dingbat]

Originally Posted by Loren

Awesome tire. They're far from a "winter" tire, but they're excellent in the rain. So, "fair weather" is relative.

Good to know, thanks. Am I correct thinking these will have an R compound type grip like an old Yoko A008R or approaching a BFG R1? I used to run both those tires un-shaved for everyday use on my A1 Volkswagen and they held up just fine. All the DOT R compounds out now look like slicks and have no tread life rating in comparason.

[Loren]

Originally Posted by dingbat

Good to know, thanks. Am I correct thinking these will have an R compound type grip like an old Yoko A008R or approaching a BFG R1? I used to run both those tires un-shaved for everyday use on my A1 Volkswagen and they held up just fine. All the DOT R compounds out now look like slicks and have no tread life rating in comparason.

Yeah, that's about right. The current crop of high-end "Ultra High Performance" street tires is about where R compound DOT tires were 15-20 years ago. Probably better than the old A008, and pretty close to on par with an R1.

Tires like the Star Spec, Toyo R1-R, Kumho XS (I think that's the one), BFG RE-11 and maybe a couple others fit that category.

Zach, of the tires you listed, I only have experience with the Azenis. They're not great in the rain, and downright scary in the rain at less than about half tread depth. Star Specs are awesome in the rain.