dmp

This blows. I had the review done, when Firefox crashed.

blah

so, here's the short version:

Grip

Stunning. My car seems to have reduced front end push/slide to be almost non-existent. The car simply hangs on like a cat who doesn't wanna get off your lap. When I hit a hard corner - even hairpin - the car just STICKS.

Ride

Car even rides better - smoother.

Noise

If road noise on the stock tires equaled a value of 100, the road noise on these new tires equals about 25.

All-in-all, I HIGHLY recommend these tires to ANYONE who cares more about ultimate tire performance than tread life.

In two weeks I'll have a 'on the track' perspective, and will come back and add my comments.

WRXtoRX8

well mine came with the 615 (bought car used) and couldn't imagine how crappy the oem tires are that came with it than. My impression is wet weather is a little questionable though to me. than again I am coming from awd so rwd is a change

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

I thought they were better in the wet than the Bridgestones. I didn't have any hydroplaning problems untill they were worn out.

murix

It does not rain in Vegas.

L8APEX

I loved my Azenis. I had them for almost 9 months, and ran them until the insides were almost smooth. Aggressive alignment and track days will do that. They are very quiet tires, very grippy tires, and not very much fun in the rain once they get close to the wear bars.

on track, for a street tire, they are great. I wish I had gotten another set, but they were a little pricey to wear them out in 9 months and 12k miles.

TrackAddict

I have 3 track weekends on my RT615s. I use them just for track and I daily drive on the OEM Dunlops. I was using Toyo RA1 R Compound tires for track day events previously. In comparison to an R Compound, these tires do grip as well. Initial turn in at speed has some understeer (even with an aggressive alignment) and cornering as well as braking grip is noticably lower than the RA1s. The RT615s have very stiff side walls (much like the RA1). They are far grippier than the Dunlops but are not as comfortable to ride on.
That being said, I do indeed like these tires. They are durable on track, do not overheat quickly like I have heard people say, they communicate both audibly and via the steering wheel what they are doing, and are generally easy to drive. I would heartily recommend them as a very high performance street tire or as a track tire for someone who doesn't want to do wheel/tire changes at the track. They are a few seconds slower than an R comp but if you are not racing, who cares?? I don't know how many weekends I will get out of them. I have at least 2 more this year so I guess I'll see how they hold up.

dmp

Thanks guys - did you both have the 245/40 version?

CarAndDriver

These were on my short tire replacement list, but the treadwear rating is so low--200 I think? They sound great and the reviews have been kind though.

I'll probably end up getting Kumho's or the BF Goodrichs.

dmp

Keep in mind, it's not wise to compare treadware between tire brands.

I'll be happy with 20K miles out of these; I'd suggest, if you have a couple hundred bux per, Pole Position S03's. If I had the $ I'd have gotten those tires. I've seen those tires (on miatas) keep up with Azenis-tired miatas on a pretty fast track (thunderhill).

When buying a tire I place importance on absolute grip over longevity - course, cost is VERY important, too. At $150/tire I won't feel TOO ripped off to get about 15-20K worth of tire life.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

have 2 track events and 12k+ street miles on my 245/40/18 RT615's, still have about 4/32" tread left, they are imo just a notch below RA1's in terms of track condition performance, which means they are VERY good for a 'street' tire. Tire does get a bit loud compared to when new though, FYI.

Gonna switch to a set of all-seasons later this month or november and storing these until next track season, hopefully get another season out of it next year.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

I've got 16 track days on mine this year. They are almost done 2 more events this year and I'll need new ones for next year.

willhave8

7,000 miles and 7 track days on my 245/40X18 ST615s. Ditto to all that has been said. My only on-car comparison are the OEM shitstones. Which is kinda like comparing the Yankees to most other MLB teams. (he says as he ducks)

I would very much like to try some R compounds on the track next year just don't need to spend the $ to do that. The Azenis work very well on the track for me. PA turnpike NE extension sucks in the rain with lots of standing water and I have not had any problems on it. (of course I am also not doing 80 with the cruise control on in the rain)






Go Bombers!!!

CarAndDriver

Can you get 20K out of this tire? Doesn't appear to make it beyond 15K for most people.

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

well i'm gonna try and find out lol

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

14 events....16 days.

I'm addicted

I drive them about 250 miles a week on the street as well.

CarAndDriver

Good luck, but those track events are gonna be killers!

dmp

I'll letcha know! :D

L8APEX

I would have gotten more life out of mine, but my first track event on them, was at full tread depth. And the track was really brutal on tires. These tires are molded at 8/32, and I took 3/32 off the front two tires, and about 2/32 of the rear tires...in one day.