Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
Click here to visit TireRack
Tire & Wheel Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack

Losing traction? Need new tires?
Click here to visit the NASIOC Upgrade Garage...
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Technical > Tire & Wheel

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-18-2016, 12:21 PM   #1
SoapBox
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 204578
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: I'll see myself out
Default Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 / Bridgestone Potenza RE003

Anyone try these yet? Brand new to the U.S. as of last month I think (not the wideovals).

There appear to be a re-branded Potenza RE003.

Dirty cheap. Perhaps too cheap to pass up...

http://i.imgur.com/c9U8p8v.jpg
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
SoapBox is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 05-18-2016, 02:44 PM   #2
powder8
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 398410
Join Date: Aug 2014
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: texas township, mi
Vehicle:
2018 subaru wrx
DGM

Default

yes i had a set for a few thousand miles in 255/35 18

they are fine. very similar to re760s with better overall grip and def. better in the wet.
def. not the grippiest and if youre looking for pilot ss performance look elsewhere
for comparison the sumitomo htr z3 is cheaper and a much better tire.

id say if u get a rebate on them go for it.
the size i purchased was only $444 for four tires at tirerack with a $60-70 rebate so i couldn't pass it up
powder8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2016, 08:15 PM   #3
SoapBox
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 204578
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: I'll see myself out
Default

Hmmm.I run the HTRZ3s now as my cheap summers on both my 135 and X1, and was looking for a change. How is the ride of the 500s compared to the Sumis?

I've also run RE760s on my M3, but thought I remembered considered them a better tire than the HTRZ3, albeit probably not as grippy (and bad in the rain)...just more premium feeling.

I always say I'm going to spring for SS, etc. But when it comes time, I have a hard time with the options that are over 50% cheaper.

Buying 225/40-18 and 255/35-18, $360 after rebate/before shipping...call it $410 total. That's so stinking cheap.

I take it you ditched them because you didn't like them?
SoapBox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2016, 08:49 PM   #4
powder8
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 398410
Join Date: Aug 2014
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: texas township, mi
Vehicle:
2018 subaru wrx
DGM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SoapBox View Post
Hmmm.I run the HTRZ3s now as my cheap summers on both my 135 and X1, and was looking for a change. How is the ride of the 500s compared to the Sumis?

I've also run RE760s on my M3, but thought I remembered considered them a better tire than the HTRZ3, albeit probably not as grippy (and bad in the rain)...just more premium feeling.

I always say I'm going to spring for SS, etc. But when it comes time, I have a hard time with the options that are over 50% cheaper.

Buying 225/40-18 and 255/35-18, $360 after rebate/before shipping...call it $410 total. That's so stinking cheap.

I take it you ditched them because you didn't like them?
get them you won't be disappointed. they are on par with the sumitomos. just a more blocky tread pattern. i have no idea how they wear i only had them for ~2000 miles. they were great while i had them though. i only got new tires b/c i got new wheels that were a different size.

if you aren't looking to do anything more than go fast on the street and take an occasional on-ramp faster than you should they are fine. they aren't going to wow you with the gs youre pulling or anything.
powder8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-18-2016, 10:24 PM   #5
SoapBox
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 204578
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: I'll see myself out
Default

I think I may.

After a bit more research, it appears the RE001 (first gen) are the same tires as the RE760s they still sell here now.

All this time, I've been waiting on an RE760 update, and they're already 2 more generations past overseas?

So essentially, these are the 2nd update to the RE760...which I liked well enough as a daily driver summer.
SoapBox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2016, 05:33 PM   #6
pembill
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 447645
Join Date: May 2016
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Vehicle:
2015 WRX
GBP

Default Potenzas

I'm picking up some Potenza RE-71R for AutoX. I'll let you know how they turn out! (Race is on June 12th).
pembill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2016, 07:58 PM   #7
ArcticWolf
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 146732
Join Date: Apr 2007
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Minnesota
Vehicle:
2006 Impreza 2.5i
Obsidian Black Swirl

Default

Bumping this up out of curiosity if anyone else has toyed with these as of yet.

I currently run on Michelin PSS's, but for the price difference between refreshing those and getting these I'm trying to figure out if I'd even notice for the 95% of my driving. The other 5% should be on Hoosiers, really. :P
ArcticWolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2016, 08:31 PM   #8
SoapBox
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 204578
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: I'll see myself out
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ArcticWolf View Post
Bumping this up out of curiosity if anyone else has toyed with these as of yet.

I currently run on Michelin PSS's, but for the price difference between refreshing those and getting these I'm trying to figure out if I'd even notice for the 95% of my driving. The other 5% should be on Hoosiers, really. :P
If you want to try a cheaper PSS alternative...Kumho PS91 all day long.

Mounting the Indy 500s this week. I expect a similar albeit upgraded 760 feel, which, while perfectly fine for me in a hard driven daily driver...is not a PSS. Although they last twice as long, and cost half as much.
SoapBox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-08-2016, 04:48 PM   #9
ForceFed4
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 7370
Join Date: Jun 2001
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: An arsenal of profanity...
Vehicle:
2013 5.0
SGM

Default

The Firehawk Indy 500 (RE003) is UHP, not Max, right? Just based on that I'd expect a different level of performance than the current class-leading Max tires like PSS and S-04s.

Especially at the price they're at.

Still, there's a handful of new (or newly available in the US) summer tires out there I'm waiting to see comparisons with. Including both these (Indy 500) and the Kumho Ecsta PS91. Wouldn't be surprised if they're newer, better, alternatives to the current leading 'budget' summer tires like Sumi HTR Z III and Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 which are now several years old.

New multi-compound P-Zero too, which I'm sure is aimed squared at the Pilot Super Sports.

These are all so new (or not even out yet) that there's basically no reliable info yet. Guess we'll be waiting for some TireRack testing, hopefully soon.
ForceFed4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-08-2016, 06:36 PM   #10
-Raven-
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 416044
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: D Town
Vehicle:
2015 Subaru WRX 6MT
K1X

Default

I've been running Bridgestone RE003's or my car here in Australia for the last 6 months.

They are a big improvement over the stock Dunlops. A lot more grip in both wet and dry. Surprisingly, they are quieter too.

These are a pretty big step up on the last model RE002's, which were a lot better than the RE001's.

These are certainly not semi-slicks. The tread could be a bit softer but they are softer and get stickier than the stock Dunlops. They are an awesome street tire. These will last a very long time.

-Raven- is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2016, 10:25 AM   #11
ForceFed4
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 7370
Join Date: Jun 2001
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: An arsenal of profanity...
Vehicle:
2013 5.0
SGM

Default

Do Aus WRXs come with the same Dunlop SP Sport Maxx summer tires as is OE in the US?

I know the Dunlops aren't considered the best of MP summers, but it's encouraging that you like the RE003s better.
ForceFed4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2016, 06:42 PM   #12
-Raven-
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 416044
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: D Town
Vehicle:
2015 Subaru WRX 6MT
K1X

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForceFed4 View Post
Do Aus WRXs come with the same Dunlop SP Sport Maxx summer tires as is OE in the US?

I know the Dunlops aren't considered the best of MP summers, but it's encouraging that you like the RE003s better.
Yes, same Dunlops. The RE003's are easily better.
-Raven- is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2016, 02:50 AM   #13
dScooby
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 277465
Join Date: Mar 2011
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: de_dust
Vehicle:
11 STi
04 FXT

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SoapBox View Post
If you want to try a cheaper PSS alternative...Kumho PS91 all day long.

Mounting the Indy 500s this week. I expect a similar albeit upgraded 760 feel, which, while perfectly fine for me in a hard driven daily driver...is not a PSS. Although they last twice as long, and cost half as much.
Any updates on the indy 500s?
dScooby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2016, 09:11 AM   #14
SoapBox
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 204578
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: I'll see myself out
Default

Finally mounted on our 135.

Will post more, but in general, they feel a lot like the 760, which was to be expected. Ride well, crisp enough to remain fun...but not max-performance sharp. Will report back after some rain comes through...
SoapBox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2016, 08:27 PM   #15
SoapBox
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 204578
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: I'll see myself out
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by -Raven- View Post
I've been running Bridgestone RE003's or my car here in Australia for the last 6 months.

They are a big improvement over the stock Dunlops. A lot more grip in both wet and dry. Surprisingly, they are quieter too.

These are a pretty big step up on the last model RE002's, which were a lot better than the RE001's.

These are certainly not semi-slicks. The tread could be a bit softer but they are softer and get stickier than the stock Dunlops. They are an awesome street tire. These will last a very long time.
Missed these posts. Thanks for the insight...falls in line with my experiences.

#Webberrules
SoapBox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2016, 08:33 PM   #16
SoapBox
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 204578
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: I'll see myself out
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForceFed4 View Post
The Firehawk Indy 500 (RE003) is UHP, not Max, right? Just based on that I'd expect a different level of performance than the current class-leading Max tires like PSS and S-04s.

Especially at the price they're at.

Still, there's a handful of new (or newly available in the US) summer tires out there I'm waiting to see comparisons with. Including both these (Indy 500) and the Kumho Ecsta PS91. Wouldn't be surprised if they're newer, better, alternatives to the current leading 'budget' summer tires like Sumi HTR Z III and Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 which are now several years old.

New multi-compound P-Zero too, which I'm sure is aimed squared at the Pilot Super Sports.

These are all so new (or not even out yet) that there's basically no reliable info yet. Guess we'll be waiting for some TireRack testing, hopefully soon.
The PS91 is a legit PSS competitor...higher performance and much shorter life than tires like this.

Based on my limited experience with these, and with the 760 (RE001), I'll take these over the HTRZ3 (of which I've ran 3 sets on an E46 M3, 400 bhp 135 and 400 bhp X1), and the first version of the V1 (which I hated)...any day.

And that's cost aside.

Again...just keep in mind context...a daily driven summer...not a max performance, perhaps track use, tire where longevity is a non-issue.

For me, the race to the 7-11 isn't too much of a factor. .90 vs. .95 g's? Well, give me a cheap, relatively crisp summer tire, and I'll take .90 at 1/2 the cost and much more mileage.
SoapBox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2016, 03:47 PM   #17
Luke@tirerack
Tire Rack Moderator
 
Member#: 1215
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: The Tire Rack
Vehicle:
800 -428-8355
ext. 4362

Default

we just completed a test of the new Firehawk Indy 500 and they fared very well against the competition in the category. I will post up a link when the test report is published.

Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 07-07-2016 at 05:14 PM.
Luke@tirerack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-28-2016, 06:52 PM   #18
cueball89
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 90513
Join Date: Jul 2005
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY
Default

Review is up! Sounds like they would be good daily tires on my brz. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=217
cueball89 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2016, 02:45 PM   #19
550_Cord
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 362728
Join Date: Jul 2013
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Missouri
Vehicle:
2012 wrx hatch
PBP

Default

For $59 a tire i purchased a set. Installed a few days ago and they seem like a good tire. Reviews seemed positive and i failed safety inspection for tires so needed them quick.
550_Cord is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-11-2017, 11:35 AM   #20
TheViking85
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 273629
Join Date: Feb 2011
Default

(Sort of) necrobump, anyone have any updates?

On my old 2010 Genesis, I had some Michelin PSS's installed because at that size, the price wasn't too terrible. On my 2015 Genesis staggered set up and more HP, not only are the PSS's much more expensive, but also expected to wear much faster, and I'm not really wanting to spend $600+ ever 14-16 months on rear tires.

Anyone have any more long term experience with the Indy 500's at this point? For everyday use in TX (ie no need for any sort of winter performance), no track driving ever, just want good dry/wet performance (particularly for safety), are we talking night and day, compared to the Michelins, or like 20% less performance, but at half the price?
TheViking85 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2017, 02:14 PM   #21
poison
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 37678
Join Date: May 2003
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Default

I have no PSS experience, but these are fantastic tires. I had HTRZ3's on, and while they had more ultimate grip, it quickly fell off after 1/2 tread, and were inferior in every other way. These things are quiet, grip better than the Sumis with 1/2 tread, grip well in dry, VERY well in wet, resist hydroplaning really well, are predictable, feel pretty damn sharp (but oddly light when you turn the wheel at slow speed), and for day to day spirited driving are about perfect. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another set, but I couldn't wait to get out of the htrz3's.
poison is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2017, 03:05 PM   #22
TheViking85
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 273629
Join Date: Feb 2011
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by poison View Post
I have no PSS experience, but these are fantastic tires. I had HTRZ3's on, and while they had more ultimate grip, it quickly fell off after 1/2 tread, and were inferior in every other way. These things are quiet, grip better than the Sumis with 1/2 tread, grip well in dry, VERY well in wet, resist hydroplaning really well, are predictable, feel pretty damn sharp (but oddly light when you turn the wheel at slow speed), and for day to day spirited driving are about perfect. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another set, but I couldn't wait to get out of the htrz3's.
Nice!

Thanks dude, I definitely think these are it, the $400+ price difference is a pretty big deal, for daily driving, I don't see how the PSS's could provide that much more value.
TheViking85 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2017, 06:02 PM   #23
poison
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 37678
Join Date: May 2003
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Default

I'm sure the PSS are insane, but how much insanity do you experience day to day? The HTRZ3's were utterly forgettable, these are really good.
poison is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 07:53 AM   #24
REX_WGN
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 107618
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY
Vehicle:
06 GG WRX / 09 FXT
@florencedestinedfxt

Default

Hey guys, just to be clear - your reviews are about the Indy500s right? Not the RE003s?

Only experience I've had with summer tires are the Star Specs Z1s and the PSSs. Star Specs outgripped the PSSs but the PSSs handled the wet better (obviously), less noisy, just better all around. I felt the trade-off in dry grip was worth it. I've had the same PSSs for the last three summers (broke them in on a HPDE event) and there's still a lot of tread left, probably around 20K miles now.

If these rave reviews keep piling up, I'll keep my eye out for these as the replacement in a few years.
REX_WGN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 09:15 AM   #25
poison
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 37678
Join Date: May 2003
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Default

Yes, the new Indy500's. I almost bit on the old indy's, because they were $40 cheaper per tire, but I'm glad I didn't. I called and spoke to 2 people at tirerack, both highly recommended going with the new ones, and for once I listened.
poison is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:07 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.