Well, my Star Specs have run their course, so it's time for some new rubber! Can anyone recommend some new rubber for my power level (Kraftwerks Supercharged Hi-Boost)? My only needs are:

1. Regular back roads driving (no autox or track)
2. I can floor it in all gears like I could with the Star Specs and have traction (I had 255w rears)
3. I won't die if I drive like a regular person in the rain.

I've looked at the Conti extreme DW's (worried they aren't sticky enough), the Hankook RS3's (apparently will kill me in the rain) and the Yoko advan neova ad08's ( a little pricey). HELP!

 

there also seems to be mixed reviews with the ventus v12's in the thread right below me

 

RE11's, Kuhmo XS, Toyo R1R...I'm currently on BFG KDW 2's(255w) at 350whp/230wtq. 1st gear is a little tricky...Sometimes there's grip and sometimes they spin. All the other gears are fine. Looking into Kuhmo XS's or Toyo R1R's after the BFG's wear out.

 

So why not just stick with star specs?

 

The RE11's are too pricey and i've heard bad things about hydroplaning with XS's. Also, the tread pattern of the R1R's make me thing they would have the same problem.

 

You could buy star specs on clearance right now. You could also hold off another month and get the new version called the ZII. Otherwise stick to anything else in the extreme performance category.

 

I thought they were sold out and/or discontinued? can't seem to find them on tirerack or discounttiredirect. maybe i need to look harder.

 

Exactlty what I was thinking. Sounds like he already found a good match for himslef.

The new gen Z2 Starspecs are going to be available very soon. Talk with Jim at tire rack for specifics. There is a thread on this tire.

 

yeah, i'm not big on being the first to try out something brand new . also forgot to mention, i need to get something from tirerack since i got a gift cert for them for christmas

 

As a consistent user of the XS I can tell you these are excellent dry grip tires like no other, just shy of R comp adhesion, but there are always trade offs to get this kind of performance in a street tire it seems. My experience has been that these do not accel in the wet, they are drivable in the wet, just not confidence inspiring if your planning on pushing the limits, so if you want a tire that accels in wet weather, this is not it. Also these tires are more sensitive to temperature and work best when they are up to their prime heat range, otherwise expect just decent performance out of them.