Ed Hughes

I've about used up my current tires-RE-11's, and they're coming on to 4 years old, although I could go another 1K, I'm sure. I'm just getting paranoid about disappearing 17" choices. I'm staying with my Cup II's, although I'm probably going to make a slight color switch from the current HyperSilver finish.

I'm about to order a set of RE-71R's in 215/45/17 and 255/40/17. I know that they get great reviews. They'll meet me needs for fair weather mountain driving, and the occasional romp at ORP http://oregonraceway.com

I used to run R's year round on dear old departed Ruby, but that was in San Diego. I'm now in wonderful Central Oregon, with fair Spring, Summer and Fall weather, but if I take a road trip and hit rain, I'd like feedback on how they do in the wet. Any feedback?

Since they use volcanic sand on the roads here in the winter, and it's "chilly", Sapphire will be safely on her lift for projects for the 3 or 4 "bad" months. After all, after 12/31/17, I'll be retired and have time on my hands.

So, just looking for any input on the wet performance. Don't need fantastic, just not squirrely. Thanks!

Gratuitous recent photo on the back side of the Three Sisters....

NC TRACKRAT

I've run them in the rain and dry for my last 3 events at VIR and they're an acceptable wet tire if you have reasonably full tread depth. You can't push your luck, though. IMHO, they don't instill the confidence of Toyo RA-1's. They're a good, all-round tire for not a lot of money that will get you to the track, run wet or dry, then get you home.

Ed Hughes

Thanks, perfect answer.

OverBoosted28

My brother in law can also attest to their quality/performance. Driven from Seattle, to Laguna Seca, tracked all weekend, then drive home on em.

F18drvr

Great pic Ed!! Congrats on the upcoming retirement too. I have purchased two sets of RE-71R's and love them. You will go through them faster than 4 years though. And...no help with the "wetness" performance as I am still in SoCal.

Cheers!!

PS: My wife's friend picked up a box of cigars from C*** for me...one has your name on it...but ya gotta come down here to collect!!

Tlaloc75

I've driven in wet down to about 60 degrees. They don't have as much traction as when warm and dry but no real problems. They still go where you point them and they aren't squirrely.

Once it gets colder I put my Michelin a/s 3+ on because they hold up well to cold and wet or cold and ice.

tjb616

I have very little experience with them, maybe 2k miles so far and nothing wet, but I will say I was surprised with how loud they are. Closer to an NT01 than a PSS.

Don Magee

I agree with the Trackrat. If the roads are merely wet they are fine. If there is standing water and the tread depth is getting low, then they can get squirrely.

IainM

Haven't driven them in the wet, just a few moist corners early in the morning and then I was too scared to find the limit. But in the dry they are outstanding, I'd rate them noticeably better grip then Dunlop direzza SS2. Fabulous tire.

Ed Hughes

Thank you all!

And Dave, I'll take you up on that!!! We'll probably not make it down until the end of the year, but should be running around SoCal around Christmas.

cgfen

If it wasn't for the wet driving requirement, I'd say go for the re-71s without reservation.

consider Yoko AD08Rs if wet is really going to be a concern.

Cheers

see you soon.

Ed Hughes

I had a set of the Yokos on Ruby, and while they were OK, they weren't my favorite tire to date. Living in the high desert has wet use fairly liw on the list of priorities, but the odd field trip may catch me out with some moisture-just don't want to tiptoe home at 30 mph.

craina

I have now had 3 sets on the 993 and I would say the re71 is way better than expected in the rain. No other tire with this level of grip (at or near r comp level) will perform this well in the wet.

Fünfer

I was just there myself with my 991. What a fun road!!
Came up from Bend and went down the backside towards Eugene. It was a blast!!

Edit: Not sure why the picture is sideways, sorry.

nile13

I think my opinion on RE-71Rs is well known around here. It's the best street tire available today, being chased closely by new BFG Rival S 1.5. I have it on my daily driven Miata in Miami and it's fine in the rain, IMHO. I don't find it loud or uncomfortable at all, not sure what the fuss is about on this subject.

I would, however, go with 225/45 front if it's available.