Hankook Ventus R-S3 vs. Z1* vs. RE-11

MitsuJDM · Jun 19, 2009, 09:04 PM

Does anybody have an experience with these Hankook's? I know they're pretty new. Tire rack doesn't have any reviews on them yet. I'm wondering how they compare to the Dunlop Z1's or the Bridgestones. They're much cheaper, but we all know that's not always a good thing.

It doesn't look like they're produced in 255/40R17's, or even the OEM size.. Only sizes Tire Rack is showing that would fit a stock Evo is 235/40R17, 245/40R17 and 245/45R17.

Isn't Dunlop supposed to be coming out with a new version, or replacement of the Z1? I've already used the Z1* and I absolutly loved them. I'm just wondering if I could try something new or stick with what I know works.

The RE-11's look nice, but kind of pricey (and if I think the Bridgestone's are pricey, then the new ADVAN Neova's are out of the question

). From what I've read about the previous versions (RE-01?) is they're not much better, if any better than the Z1's, yet cost much more.

Should I stick with the Z1* or give something else a try? I'd like 255/40R17's which apparently rules out the Hankook's. My Dunlops were 245/45R17 and I had no issues of any kind, I just think the 255/40's would be better looking with no "real" noticable change in performance (on the street).

MitsuJDM · Jun 19, 2009, 09:11 PM

I totally forgot about the NT05's.

dambikeracer · Jun 20, 2009, 08:46 PM

I would go with the Z1's in 245/45/17! The Z1's are stiffer then the RE-11's. I will never buy anything Nitto ever again! And was not impressed with the Hankook's. Top three tires:

(1) Advan AD-08

(2) Toyo R1R's

(3) Dunlop Z1's

WAM · Jun 20, 2009, 08:59 PM

Kumho Ecsta XS 255/40-17

Undefeated in the tire tests and priced right

EvoCop · Jun 21, 2009, 12:07 AM

cant beat the Z1 price!!

**Neal@tirerack.** · Jun 22, 2009, 03:10 PM

Quite a new tire. Haven't tested just yet but on the board for this summer. Honestly, haven't seen a Hankook come close to beating a Dunlop or B-Stone so I wouldn't expect that to change much in this case. I could be wrong, but if it was any better the rave around here wouldn't be for the Z1 it would be for a Ventus spawn.

245/40's would be fine if you wanted to try them out. Nothing new from Dunlop that I have heard of. They know they have hit the nail pretty hard on the head with the Star Spec so why change it.

If it were myself, I'd stick with what you're on. I'd rather see you try the Kumho XS if you're set on trying a different tire vs. the Hankook or spending more $ on the B-Stone. For the extra cost the B-Stone isn't worlds better (but if you have an unlimited budget I'll write them up for ya

). Like you said, the 255's won't really feel any different but will look more aggressive.

MitsuJDM · Jun 22, 2009, 07:07 PM

I'm defiantly going 255/40. I know 255's on the stock wheels aren't the optimal size, but it's a street car, and looks are important too

Now if I were building a track car, my choice might be a little different.

I'm going to looking into the Kumho's. I've never heard many great things about kumho (in general) in the past. But their new Ecsta XS look really nice.

After looking into the NT05's for the past hour, I've relized that though they have amazing grip, the tread depth is WAY too shallow. I feel like onnce I back out of my driveway, I'd need to get them replaced. The outter grooves look like they might only be 2/32". That's only keeps me from wanting them. Being a street tire, I do need them to last atleast a little bit.

You're right though. Dunlop got it just right with the Z1*. I love them, but I'm just wondering if there is anything else out the worth trying. Who knows I may just go with another set.

dbsears · Jun 22, 2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dambikeracer

I would go with the Z1's in 245/45/17! The Z1's are stiffer then the RE-11's. I will never buy anything Nitto ever again! And was not impressed with the Hankook's. Top three tires:

(1) Advan AD-08

(2) Toyo R1R's

(3) Dunlop Z1's

You realize that's not a very smart comment. You don't like Nitto but reccomend R1R's? Do you realize both those tires are made by the same people? Do you also realize the NT05's are faster than the R1R's. Also how can you reccomend R1R's over Z1's. I can tell you right now they aren't a better tire. What evidence do you have to substantiate your comments?

RaNGVR-4 · Jun 23, 2009, 12:20 AM

Does anyone have any info on the RS3? I havent seen any

red evo8 · Jun 28, 2009, 12:50 AM

there not out yet.

zspeedzkwy · Jun 28, 2009, 05:14 AM

These are already out and they are very close to the feel of R compound tires. Thread rate is only 140. Got them in 255/35/18. Feel solider than the Dunlop starspec but not sure about the z1.

**SmikeEvo** · Jun 28, 2009, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zspeedzkwy

These are already out and they are very close to the feel of R compound tires. Thread rate is only 140. Got them in 255/35/18. Feel solider than the Dunlop starspec but not sure about the z1.

Tread rating and feel does not equal r-comp. There are big differences in sidewalls and compounds from a street tire to r-comp.

red evo8 · Jun 28, 2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zspeedzkwy

These are already out and they are very close to the feel of R compound tires. Thread rate is only 140. Got them in 255/35/18. Feel solider than the Dunlop starspec but not sure about the z1.

well then where did you get yours everywhere i go im told there not out yet.

evozmarine · Jun 28, 2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red evo8

well then where did you get yours everywhere i go im told there not out yet.

pm gruppe-s i'm pretty sure they have some left

stockEvoIX · Jun 29, 2009, 02:17 AM

Just to help with search: RS-3

Grassroots Motorsports (GRM) has XS as the top performing tire by far. Contradicting this completely is the TireRack test. GRM's supposed to have new results vs. AD08s in the August issue. It doesn't look like anyone will have RS-3 comparisons.

I'm down to the following choices:

Z1 Star Spec, RS-3, RE-11 and AD08

A guy in a Civic Type-R with RE-11's was pretty quick at the last track event I attended. If I had to buy right now it'd probably be the Z1 SS or RE-11's. On one hand you can't go wrong with any of the above but OTOH I want to be as quick as possible.

!!!