I recently replaced my OEM HPT (Bridgestone Potenza RE030) with Pirelli PZero M&S. My HPTs were worn out because of improper rear alignment for the first 7,000 miles – see http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84273

I was looking for a softer ride than the HPTs while still maintaining the best handling I could get. I looked at the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, the Brigestone Potenza RE750, Falken ST-115 and the PZero. I couldn’t find enough comparative information on the Falkens, was concerned that the Potenza’s would be too firm, and the PZeros were significantly less expensive than the Michelins.

My thoughts after 300 miles:
Great ride – went from harsh to very comfortable. I was surprised how much the ride improved.
Very Quiet – I think my TL is now quieter than my 98 RL (Michelin MXVs).
Looks – OK, but not impressive
Handling – Another surprise, but this time the other way. When pushed hard these tires will go into a noisy slide. I lost at least 10% of my “max speed” on my favorite on-ramp.

I would be very interested in hearing from those who went from HPTs to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S or the Falken ST-115s. Are Ultra High Performance Summer that much better handling than Ultra High Performance All Season? And is the ride always harsh on Ultra High Performance Summer tires?

Thanks,

Jim

 

Good review.

I have HPTs and will change to hopefully better rubber soon myself. I would like to keep the handling of the HPTs, but have a quieter and better riding tire. Sounds like you have the last two items covered.

I, too, would like to hear if anyone has gone from HPTs to Falken ST-115's and report on these same issues - especially handling.

Thanks lakeman

 

Good one... I could have one more option into my list for next year's tires replacment.

Thanks.

 

Pics?!!!!!!

 

i went from HPT to Falken 512's. the ride and handling has improved a lot. i also went bigger 245/45/17. bigger tires combined with the comptech springs made me take those NJ jug handle turns much faster....i went for the 512's since they were cheaper and were rated the best all season performance tire by consumer report. PZero Nero was another option for me.

 

I had intended to post a new thread about the HPT RE030s vs Falken Ziex512s. I have RE030s on my '04 NBP 6MT Navi. The weather in NE Texas during fall/winter can be anything, so I'm thinking about taking off the HPTs for the next 6 months in favor of what sounds like the best all weather - the Falkens - and then going back to the RE030s next April. Any thoughts? How should I store the RE030s to prevent dry rot? Should I just leave the Falkens on all year round?

 

i put the Pzero M&S's on my aspec wheels and i couldnt be happier
the ride is awesome. very smooth and quiet compared to the bridgestones
the car corners better and also noticed less body roll
dont think the Falken tires are anywhere near the Pzeros..only tire close to the Pzero is probobly the Toyo proxes 4

 

I am really leery of the pirellis, since my daughter had to replace all 4 pirellis on her Audi A4 with only about 5000-6000 miles due to blisters having developed on 2 of the tires almost simultaneously, and then after reading about this being a big problem with pirelli tires (hers were not Pzeroes).

 

It's really hard for anyone to have first-hand experience of several different tires so I usually trust the opinion of the owner of the tire shop I use. When I gave him my list of choices which were Michelin Pilot A/S, Conti Extreme Contact, Falken 512, and Pirelli PZero, he told me that the Falkens were the best (and the least expensive).

I took his advice and I haven't had a second thought for the past 1500 mi.