I've worn out my rears, but the fronts still have plenty of life left. I've been happy with my Bridgestone RE050As, but when I went to Tirerack to order a new set, it seems that they don't stock them in the stock rear size any longer. I want something that will match up decently with the 050s in the front. Need good wet traction for rainy city driving.

Suggestions?

TIA,
wyldbill

 

The RE050s have a fairly rigid sidewall. I would suggest replacing the rears with a tire that had a similarly rigid sidewall to prevent wonky handling. Star Specs would be a good choice. They'll give great grip and be a LOT cheaper than the RE050.

 

Please dont ever consider re050s on your car again. There are so many better and newer tires for literally half the price. Star specs are a great tire and I would recommend them as well. Do you drive your car aggressively? (back roads, track) how important is wet performance?

 

Star Specs are great, but Max Perf is probably a more appropriate category. Unless you're tracking or autoXing and tenths matter, I'd sooner go with:
Dunlop Sport Maxx TT
Continental ExtremeContact DW
Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110

Star Specs will give up some hydroplaning resistance vs. the above tires, particularly with wear.

 

I suppose that a bit more detail is in order...

Not racing/autoXing, this is my daily driver during all weather, all hours in a major metro. It should perform well, be very responsive, have good road feedback and be fun to drive.

Priorities
1) Wet traction. I've done a 1080+ @ >60 mph on major freeway on S-02s due to hydroplaning. NOT. GOING. BACK. We get a lot of rain here, and a misted/damp road can be just as or more dangerous as a drenched one due to the inconsistent and greasy pavement.
2) Responsiveness.
3) Dry Traction.
4) Durability. I went from S-02s to RE050s after I went through the first in about 4.5K miles.
5) Cost. I don't mind paying for quality, but I don't buy badges either.
6) Compatibility. I'd rather delay replacing the fronts if possible.

ZDan, thanks for the recommendations. I'd lean toward the Continentals from the ones youve recommended

Any comments on the 970AS? Don't think I need to go All Season (VERY little ice/snow here, just lots of rain), but these seem closer to what I've had and seem to rate well all around.

I'll pull the trigger in the next week.

TIA for the comments,
wyldbill

 

The Continental isn't particularly outstanding in the "responsive" department, apparently.
I've run Dunlop Sport Maxx TT, it's a very good tire for what you want.

Check out these Tire Rack tests:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=148
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=149

 

Unfortunately, the Dunlops aren't available in my sizes (205/55R16-225/50R16)

Thanks for the links.

 

The continental extremecontact DW would be a good bet.

 

Hmmm, I guess they quite making the 16" sizes. I got OEM AP1 size TT's last year, still have 205/55-16s up front.

Tire Rack options:
Conti DW
Hankook V12 evo K110
Dunlop Star Spec

The Conti and the Hankook will lack the sharpness and handling precision of the Star Specs but will of course have greater capacity for water channeling.
The Star Specs actually have FANTASTIC wet grip, *but* hydroplaning will occur at a lower speed through standing water, particularly in the second half of tread life. Might wanna replace them somewhat before getting to the treadwear indicators if hydroplaning-resistance is a major concern.

Honestly I don't think you'd go too far wrong with any of these.

 

From gathering your needs, I'd go with the V12 Evos.