Im looking for new tires I can run in some local time attack events. My RS3's do not qualify as they need to be 200+ treadwear. The Star Spec ZII's were the obvious answer for me, but now the new BFG Rivals seem to be creating a buzz. According to limited reviews, they appear to be better in all categories over the ZII's and most over the RS3 even though the RS3 is rated at 140.

I realize they are both brand new to the market, but if anyone has any experience or buys and tracks any of them in the near future, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Please include if you have any previous experience on the Z1's or RS3's and how they compare.

 

Not available till May , none of us have run them yet

 

I know a bunch of people who went to the early BFG test day...most were impressed. BFG only had a handful of Z2's on site at the time, and they were all but used up after day 1...so those who didn't go early didn't get a direct comparison. That said, they were able to run the rival against the R1R, RS3, and Z1. The BFG was better than the existing lot of tires by a substantial margin, sans the RS3 on the road course tests. It is pretty easy to see that this new crop of tires is better all around than the existing top tires. Basically, this is the awaited new generation coming in. Just like when the z1 and rs3 came around and relegated the RE-01R to obsolete.

 

I used to sell Michelin and BFG tires among others. Those tires can handle hell and come back for more. Even the used tires I would give out to the local drift guys would last at least two laps on 2/32 of tread depth.

 

Ah yes you are correct. For some reason I thought they were avail at Tire Rack already. Hopefully new head to head tests will be revealed against the Z2's before its too late. May is rather late for me to be scrambling for tires, but I wonder if its worth the wait....

 

InterestingI just saw these on TireRack. I just bought another set of KDW2 last week so after I'm done with these maybe I will switch to the Rivals. How are the KDW2 and Rivals suppossed to compare? I'm guessing the Rivals are going to be better.

 

My KDW2s lasted longer than 2 sets of Bridgestone RE050, and there almost have the price. BFGoodrich FTW!!

 

out of the couple reviews that I've read... it seems like even though its rated as a 200 treadware they seem to beat out the rs3's. i preordered a set for my miata -.-

 

+ they grip like hell

 

KDW's are junk. You really push them and get them hot, you will shortly see those big tread blocks flyin' off...

 

I had no problem with autocross last year but I guess I will see when I do HPDE at Lime Rock this year.

I still think they are the best bang for the buck for a street tire/few track days a year. Got all 4 for under $600, the RE050 costed me about the same just for the back 2 and THOSE ARE JUNK lol.

 

Vulcanized rubber tires in general are JUNK. My wooden wheels have lasted a lot longer than any of these pieces of shucks.

 

What tires would you recommend for street driving and a few autocross and HPDE a year? I already have winter tires.

 

We just mounted a set of ZII's on my brother's mini and he ran them at the recent Dixie event. (I would have tried them out, but they had a street tire class for my Z so I ran my Z on the old ZI's.)

He really likes the new ZII's and I will get a chance to test them out in about a week.

Neither of us have ran the Rival's but we will probably try them out before summer.

 

Rival is no officially legal for National Solo Events.....

 

the street FWD record was just broken on Sunday at buttonwillow by a car on Z2.

 

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/phot...WagonWheel.jpg

great summer tire

 

I think it too early to say what's faster. Both look extremely interesting.

 

Bit more feedback on BFG's vs Z2's here :
http://www.onehotlap.com/2013/01/bfg...-thickens.html

 

Badass but I need a 5 lug conversion for this lol