Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[stl2chi]

I found these listed on Tirerack.com today...

Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....+Pole+Position


Any one had a chance to test them out? Wondering if indeed there is a difference in the "3G" RFT

Thought?

[chromisdesigns]

Well, it's impossible that they could be any worse!

[chowser51]

Crap, if I had known these were coming out, I would've bought them.

You can be our guinea pig !



here's an excerpt about them:

Rounding out the group of new products, the Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT incorporates Bridgestone's third-generation run-flat technology (3G RFT), which contributes to improved ride comfort over previous run-flat tires. By adding 3G RFT technology to the RE960AS PP, Bridgestone can now offer a proven All Season Performance tire to owners of many of today's most popular Run-Flat equipped vehicles. Third-generation RFT technology combines Cooling Fins and NanoPro-Tech Sidewall reinforced rubber compound to control heat build up, especially when a tire is underinflated. The technology also allows for a reduction in overall tire mass and sidewall stiffness, resulting in improved ride comfort, lower rolling resistance, and improved wear versus the previous generation run-flat tire. For the first-time ever, Bridgestone will also offer a 40,000 limited tread wear warranty for a run-flat tire with the RE960AS Pole Position RFT. The first 9 sizes, fitting many of today's popular RFT equipped vehicles, will be launched throughout the year.

All three of the above product offerings come with a 30-day buy and try guarantee as well as Bridgestone's Platinum Pact three-year replacement limited warranty.

[Gary@TireRack]

The Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT is the first (and so far only) third generation (3G) run flat of Bridgestone tires to hit the US market in 3 series sizes.

Although we haven't tested them yet, Bridgestone claims they ride much better than older generation run flat tires. The RE960 A/S *non* run flat tire is an outstanding all season tire so I would expect the same out of the run flat version. If you need all season in a run flat design in 16" or 17", this should be the tire of choice.

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...e+Position+RFT

[stockm3]

Hey I just thought I'd chime in...I just got these installed tonight. I am coming from the stock RE050 run flats. Although I prefer summer tires rather than all season (especially since i have dedicated winters), I didn't want to always be freaking out about getting the winters on too late or taking them off early (it's our family car).

Anyways, so far so good - they are a very very definite improvement. Ride comfort is significantly better!! I wouldn't say that they are just like regular tires, but they are very close.

Will comment more later on if they prove to be different than what the tire rack and other reviews say. BTW tire rack go them to my door w/i 3 days, and I was able to get the $75 rebate on them!!

[MazdaFan]

Right off the bat they are lying: thery are the same weight az RE50s, 28 lbs front, 30 lbs rear, how is that less than previous generation?

Originally Posted by chowser51

Crap, if I had known these were coming out, I would've bought them.

You can be our guinea pig !



here's an excerpt about them:

Rounding out the group of new products, the Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT incorporates Bridgestone's third-generation run-flat technology (3G RFT), which contributes to improved ride comfort over previous run-flat tires. By adding 3G RFT technology to the RE960AS PP, Bridgestone can now offer a proven All Season Performance tire to owners of many of today's most popular Run-Flat equipped vehicles. Third-generation RFT technology combines Cooling Fins and NanoPro-Tech Sidewall reinforced rubber compound to control heat build up, especially when a tire is underinflated. The technology also allows for a reduction in overall tire mass and sidewall stiffness, resulting in improved ride comfort, lower rolling resistance, and improved wear versus the previous generation run-flat tire. For the first-time ever, Bridgestone will also offer a 40,000 limited tread wear warranty for a run-flat tire with the RE960AS Pole Position RFT. The first 9 sizes, fitting many of today's popular RFT equipped vehicles, will be launched throughout the year.

All three of the above product offerings come with a 30-day buy and try guarantee as well as Bridgestone's Platinum Pact three-year replacement limited warranty.

[bmw-nj]

Just hearing the initials RFT makes me sick.

[roadkillrob]

I will never buy a bridgeston RFT again - just had my replaced due to cupping at 11k miles and went with Michelin PS2's still RFT, but the difference is night and day, so much better ride and handeling, RE50A's are just junk tires in my book, maybe the 60's are better, but after the Michelin's for a couple of weeks, they are well worth the premium.

[Rickstir]

I have two questions .....First I have a 2009, 335i X drive and sport suspension, with OEM Bridgestones Turanza's RFT's, 225 45 R17's. The car/tires have 24,000 miles on them. The front driver side sidewall has broken open from a pothole.

I called local tire store and they said I need to replace all 4 because the car is AWD. Is that correct or is the tire store trying to sell me 4 tires versus one or two ?

Run flat options, Checking tirerack.com it appears I have two options,
Bridgestone RE960 pole position, and Pirelli Pzero Nero. Any one have any preferences ? I've never owned a Pirelli tire before, but on my other vehicles I typically use Bridgestone and I've been very happy, but of course those are not run flats !

[stockm3]

I had re050 rft's and they sucked. People would complain about how rough the ride was - in a bmw that supposed to have nice handling. Anyways - the RE960as rft's have a 40,000 mile warranty. To be honest I have no idea what that means but I think if they are problematic like the 1st gen were, I'll be covered (hopefully). These tires are a superior ride but they are also an All Season.

I have no experience with the pirellis, but would be curious to know too.

[hyp0luxa]

I just got these installed on my '07 328, and they are a huge improvement over the ContiProContact SSR's. Quieter, better grip and steering and braking response, not as harsh over bumps. Hopefully I will get more tread life out of them too. I'll report again once I get to test them in the rain, and at high (120+) speed.

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by hyp0luxa

I just got these installed on my '07 328, and they are a huge improvement over the ContiProContact SSR's. Quieter, better grip and steering and braking response, not as harsh over bumps. Hopefully I will get more tread life out of them too. I'll report again once I get to test them in the rain, and at high (120+) speed.

Thank you for the first hand review!

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...ires/index.jsp

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by hyp0luxa

I just got these installed on my '07 328, and they are a huge improvement over the ContiProContact SSR's. Quieter, better grip and steering and braking response, not as harsh over bumps. Hopefully I will get more tread life out of them too. I'll report again once I get to test them in the rain, and at high (120+) speed.

Good to hear as I'm considering these when replacements are due on my E91.

Could you also take an extended trip to New England this winter so that you can report on the snow & ice performance?

Tom