Short version: I like em.

Longer version:

- Gives auditory feedback, unlike most R-comps
- Grip is at least equal to a Nitto NT01
- COMFORTABLE to street drive on; they don't roar like R888/NT01, and they don't make you go deaf like a TD.

www.maxxisrc1.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TChNrfRKVc

 

It is nice to see a final product released to the public. They look like a great alternative and are competitively priced. Since you were one of the testers can you comment on wear characteristics and how they heat cycle throughout their life?


Are they going to be sold through other distributors or can you only purchase them directly from Maxxis?

 

As with any R-comp, the tire does slowly heat cycle out. I used my test set under what I would consider fairly "typical" use for R-comps: driving to and from the track, a few canyon runs, and mostly on-track driving.

I believe the RC1 will be sold through distributors, but the easiest way to get the tire is directly from maxxis at www.maxxisrc1.com.

The tire is EXCEEDINGLY easy to drive. It makes noise as you approach the limit, just like a typical street tire. It'll scream as you go past the limit. BUT, the tire has the grip of a R-compound, both under cornering and braking, and takes summer heat rather well. It gives you a much wider window of opportunity to put down a fast lap compared to a street tire, or a peaky tire like the R888. The sidewalls offer a great amount of feedback, so you know exactly how the road conditions are; it's comparable to the NT01 in this aspect as well

Street driving, the tire was completely unexpectedly quiet. NT01 and R888 generate a significant amount of white noise, but the RC1 was similar to a RS3. In this regard, the TD is deafeningly loud.

In the rain, I couldn't get enough heat into the tire to generate the optimal amount of grip. We were rained out of a few test days, and I would not recommend it. In light snow + freezing temps (yes, I was tracking on this tire, and it was dusting), I was still able to get enough heat into the tire to set the current SoWS record for the platform (FR-S/BRZ in this case).

 

Would love to try some of these out

 

I hope they make a 245/40/17, all I see is a 245/45/17.

 

Any reason you don't like the 255?

 

Well, I do like 255, if its not a very wide 255. I had a hard time making my RE01Rs 255/40 not rubbing so if this tire runs any wider Ill rub.

 

Well, I do like 255, if its not a very wide 255. I had a hard time making my RE01Rs 255/40 not rubbing so if this tire runs any wider Ill rub.
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It's not a "cheater" 255 like the NT01...

I've never owned a RE01R (before my time), so I can't compare, but I do know RE-11 are skinny.

 

Mike- were you using the 235/40 on the BRZ?

 

Yup

Here's another video of the BRZ in action... lots of room for improvement in this video

235/40/17 RC1
TC105N 17x9 5x100
Tein SRC (ver 2)
Berk Axleback prototype
AP Racing/Essex BBK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGBZWkoQO-s