VeeTec

I just purchased the Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval, after reading several owner reviews on the tires, most of which came from Corvette owners looking for a less expensive Eagle alternative.

After a little research I found that the tire actually has the same tread pattern as the Potenza RE750, which has received a very good review from Tire Rack, among others.

The tire has been updated a bit in the Firehawk form, to improve grip further, but I have yet to read any lengthy test on the tire, other than from owners.

That said, I took a chance, since it should only improve from an already excellent rating, and the price is only from the $120-$150 range, $40-$70 dollars less a tire than the Potenza, which is an excellent bargain.

Upon having the rear tires installed, as the original 235/50/17 Potenza RE040's were worn out completely, I immediately noticed that the tires had a quieter ride than the OEM tires. I also noted that they possessed excellent handling characteristics in the wet, with a sharp response to input.

Most noted was how incredibly grippy these tires are in the wet. I can get aggressive with accelerating, and never once break traction, unless I push the throttle beyond halfway, in which case it reacts very predictably.

The grip is incredible whether you are accelerating in a straight line, or going through a curve.

I have owned many cars, over 32 now, and have tried many different tires over the years, and NONE have performed this well in the wet. These tires are nothing short of amazing on wet surfaces.

I look forward to experiencing them in the dry, which appears to be at least 3-4 days away!

Here is a link to information on the Firehawk Wide Ovals, and a link to the RE750's, which carry the same tread pattern, while using slightly older design technology. The Firehawk is basically an improved RE750, which was already a great tire.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....hawk+Wide+Oval

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=Potenza+RE750