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Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s

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Old May 2, 2006 | 11:51 PM
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Default Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s

Hey fellow ITRs...

Been a while since I've posted but I need some opinions. I've used Potenza S-O3 Pole Positions my last 2 sets and have been extremely satisfied. I'm in need of a new set of tires and since we all know gas $@#%$ I'm looking for a good value till I can afford to splurge. I go to a couple track events and do some spirited canyon drives so I definitely need something that can perform. So my Q is what do you all think of the Fuzion ZRI tires that Bridgestone came out with ... any experiences??? Let me know all the pros and cons...obviously they are FAR cheaper and won't be at par with the S-03s, but I have heard good things so far.
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Old May 3, 2006 | 04:41 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (TypeR_853)

No experience with Fusion, but I have a set of S-03 on stock rims (195/50). I got the S-03's because they had the stiffest sidewall on the planet, thinking that would yield the best steering response. What I discovered was the Azenis has more grip and better steering feel even though the sidewall is much more flexible. Bonus = much improved ride comfort. I think the magic of Azenis is the tread stiffness. Not sure what rims you have, but for 15's, Azenis is unmatched in overall performance especially at the current price.
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Old May 3, 2006 | 05:24 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (itrdave)

There are lots of good tires out there. No tire does everything better, so it really comes down to what your priorities are. Here's a summary of the best summer tires for our cars.

The Azenis (Falken Azenis RT-615) is still the stickiest street tire available for dry pavement, and is an excellent choice for those who want a street tire that they can also use in autocross and track events. It has two major downsides - rapid treadwear (you might get 10-12K miles to a set and then you'll have to buy more) and so-so performance in rain and on wet pavement (better than its RT-215 predecessor but not as good as most other street tires). $77/tire in 205/50-15 at Vulcan. If you care about dry traction and don't care much about anything else - and this describes many of us - this is the choice for you.

The Hankook Ventus R-S2 Z212 is similar to the Azenis; it offers very good dry traction (but not quite as good as the Azenis), so-so wet traction, the same short treadlife, and a similar price ($86/tire in 205/50-15 at Discount Tire with free shipping). I don't see any advantage to the Z212 over the Azenis.

The Bridgestone Potenza RE010 (our OEM tire) offers great handling feel. It has excellent dry traction, pretty good wet traction, and treadwear is fairly good (expect 15-20K miles, although I'm up to 29K on mine and they're not quite done yet). The downside is that they're expensive - $140/tire in 195/55-15 at the Tire Rack. If you want great handling and very good performance and you don't mind the purchase price, consider those. Disclaimer: I am selling an almost-new set (see sig).

The Bridgestone Potenza S-03 is being discontinued, but is still available for now. It offers excellent dry traction, excellent wet traction, and decent treadlife (15-25K), but is expensive ($141/tire in 205/50-15).

The Yokohama ES100 and Kumho Ecsta SPT are the leaders in the "bang for the buck" category. They offer very good dry performance (they're not at the Azenis or S-03 level, but still very good), excellent wet performance, and excellent treadlife (expect 30-40K miles). The ES100 has been around for several years and is well regarded (see this previous topic for comments about how good they are in the rain). The SPT is new within the past year. Comparing the two, they are almost identical on dry pavement, the SPT is even better than the ES100 in rain (the ES100 is not bad though), the SPT has a higher treadwear rating, and the SPT is usually less expensive. This past Sunday, my experienced Prelude student at Road America switched to his SPT street tires due to pouring rain all day, and the traction in the rain was absolutely awesome. So between these two, I would choose the SPT, but the ES100 (which we have on our GS-R) is still very good. In 195/55-15, the SPT is $62 and the ES100 is $63 at the Tire Rack. Either one is a great choice for daily driving and those looking for good value, with very good performance in a long-lasting, relatively inexpensive tire.

If you're looking for something very similar to the ES100 or SPT, but for less money, you might consider the Dunlop Direzza DZ101, which is $48 in 205/50-15 (and $67 in 195/55-15) at the Tire Rack.

I don't recommend the Fuzion ZRi. The performance is a notch below the ES100 and SPT. In some sizes, it's less expensive, which may make it worth considering, but in 205/50-15 it's actually a bit more ($65 at the Tire Rack). Lower performance and higher price make it not as good a choice as the ES100 or SPT.

If you're looking for performance a bit better than the ES100 or SPT, but you don't want to spend as much as the S-03 or RE010 and you don't want the short treadlife of the Azenis, consider the Kumho Ecsta MX or the Toyo T1-R. The MX is $74/tire in 205/50-15, and the T1-R is $84/tire in 195/55-15.

So these are the pluses and minuses of the best tires for the money in various price categories. As to which one is right for you, it all depends on which trade-offs you're willing to make.

All of these are summer tires and should not be used in snow or frigid cold, where they will all suck.

To the original poster (TypeR_853) - here's what I would suggest for you. Because you're doing track events, you probably ought to think about which ones perform best, even if it means paying a bit more. If your financial constraint is short term, so you don't mind having to replace tires more often, you could get the Azenis. If you don't want the short treadlife of the Azenis, I would consider the Kumho MX, which is an excellent inexpensive choice that can hold up well at track events. But if you are absolutely pinched on cash, and you don't mind sacrificing a bit of performance, try the Kumho SPT or the Dunlop DZ101; they're still very good tires, and at a great price.

Pics (in alpha sequence)...

Bridgestone Potenza RE010


Bridgestone Potenza S-03


Dunlop Direzza DZ101


Falken Azenis RT-615


Fuzion ZRi


Hankook Ventus R-S2 Z212


Kumho Ecsta MX


Kumho Ecsta SPT


Toyo T1-R


Yokohama ES100




Modified by nsxtasy at 1:24 PM 5/14/2006
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Old May 3, 2006 | 05:49 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (TypeR_853)

I just got those tires (Fuzion) recently, after wearing out my Falken Azenis ones... Although they don't grip quite as well (I'm still breaking them in, though!), I can't believe how quiet they are! Maybe it was just that the Falkens were noisy as crap!?

nsxtasy - great post!
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Old May 3, 2006 | 08:08 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (BlackAckeR)

I found, quite to my surprise, both the Azeni (215 and 615) were extremely quiet until the last 10% of their life anyway...
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Old May 3, 2006 | 08:25 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (TypeR_853)

plain and simple........ i will NEVER buy another tire for the street other than the RT-615.......... greatest street tire on the planet right now for the price IMO
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Old May 3, 2006 | 08:42 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (cjames235)

nsxtasy always has some great posts on tires

When it comes to bang for the buck you cant beat the azenis. The life of them isnt too bad my last set I got about 15-20k out of them. For the price and the time it takes you to drive 15k IMO you cant beat them.

All the tires that Ken listed are good tires, performance wise I'd rock the azenis!!
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Old May 3, 2006 | 08:53 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (walker111)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by walker111 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When it comes to bang for the buck you cant beat the azenis.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Bang, yes. Bang for the buck, no. Not when you can get tires like the SPT and ES100 that cost 80 percent of the price and last three times as many miles.

Nothing against the Azenis; they have best dry traction of any street tire, and if you don't care about bang for the buck, that's all you need to know. But when you look at price and treadlife, they cost four times the price per mile as the bang-for-the-buck leaders.
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Old May 3, 2006 | 09:02 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (nsxtasy)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Bang, yes. Bang for the buck, no. Not when you can get tires like the SPT and ES100 that cost 80 percent of the price and last three times as many miles.

Nothing against the Azenis; they have best dry traction of any street tire, and if you don't care about bang for the buck, that's all you need to know. But when you look at price and treadlife, they cost four times the price per mile as the bang-for-the-buck leaders.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

True, I dont have anything to come back with except for my teg I want as much performance as I can. By the time I need tires again I would have forgotten all about the 308 dollars I spent 15k ago. So again you are correct

I've also driven on the ES100's and wasnt extremely happy with them.
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Old May 3, 2006 | 09:21 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (TypeR_853)

those are some great pics
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Old May 3, 2006 | 10:18 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (cjames235)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by cjames235 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">plain and simple........ i will NEVER buy another tire for the street other than the RT-615.......... greatest street tire on the planet right now for the price IMO</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would get 615s.. but only for the S2K. Considering that I live in a very rainy state that sees occasional hurricanes and other tropical storms the S-03's, SPTs, etc make more sense for the Integra.
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Old May 3, 2006 | 11:14 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (nsxtasy)

Thanks for the awesome write-up nsxtasy!

So far I've had experience with the Azenis, RE-010, Ecsta Supra, ES100, and the S-O3. I really don't get to go to as many track events as before since I rely on my R as my daily driver (in the 150K+ club). I honestly LOVED the S-03 but since they are discontinuing them it'll be a sad goodbye. BTW, anyone know if there will be a replacement? I'd hate to go with lower performance but I can get the ZRi for $53/tire from my friend right now and I can't wait to have the tires shipped from tire rack since my tires are well into the threads right now

I guess I'll give them a try and let you guy know how they perform - I keep hearing that they perform better with wear and with a bit higher tire pressure so I'll see if that's the ticket.

Good to know the ITRs are still running strong!!!
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Old May 3, 2006 | 11:27 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (TypeR_853)

When ordering from Vulcan, my tires show up within 3 days.
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Old May 3, 2006 | 11:48 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (walker111)

look at BFG's to i love mine
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Old May 3, 2006 | 12:45 PM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (TypeR_853)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TypeR_853 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So far I've had experience with the Azenis, RE-010, Ecsta Supra, ES100, and the S-O3. I really don't get to go to as many track events as before since I rely on my R as my daily driver (in the 150K+ club). I honestly LOVED the S-03 but since they are discontinuing them it'll be a sad goodbye. BTW, anyone know if there will be a replacement?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I believe the RE050A is considered the replacement for the S-03.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TypeR_853 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd hate to go with lower performance but I can get the ZRi for $53/tire from my friend right now and I can't wait to have the tires shipped from tire rack since my tires are well into the threads right now</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can get the SPT for even less, and they're significantly better.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CGP-EJ8 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">look at BFG's to i love mine</TD></TR></TABLE>

The tires above are the best ones around in their various price and performance categories. I didn't mention others because they are probably either more expensive or offer less performance than ones mentioned here.

For example, the problem with the BFG line of tires (which are generally good quality tires) is that they're all overpriced. The BFG g-Force Sport is priced similar to the ES100 and SPT ($63 for 195/55-15), but its performance is significantly worse - so you can get better performance for the same money with the ES100 or the SPT. The BFG g-Force T/A KDW and KDW2 are similar in performance to the ES100 and SPT, but they cost almost twice as much ($98 for 205/50-15) - so you can get similar performance for a lot less money by getting the ES100 or SPT, or you can get better performance for a little less money by getting the MX or T1-R. The BFG g-Force T/A KD offers performance and treadlife similar to the Hankook Z212 but costs a lot more money ($131 for 205/50-15). That's why I don't recommend BFG tires at their current prices; any time you can get better performance for less money makes it a no-brainer.
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Old May 3, 2006 | 01:07 PM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (CGP-EJ8)

i really like the RT-615
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Old May 4, 2006 | 12:27 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (CGP-EJ8)

im using the fuzion zri on my type r 205-50-15 and to be honest there i think the best bang for ur buck its soppose to be a replica of the bridgestone re-750 i llike the tire all around never had a complaint with them yet. i had the bridgestone re 750 b4 though and i loved them but didnt felt like spending 120 a tire for it and they told me the fuzions are the same tire just cheaper although i think the re-750 were a lil sticker but i have no complaints no road noise or chopped tires.
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Old May 4, 2006 | 06:38 AM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (TypeR_853)

I'm using Bridgestone Potenza S-03 for couple times and I still love them the best besides the Potenza RE 01 that had been seen in all Japanese Hot Version/ Best Motoring DVD ,NSX/INTEGRA/CIVIC's Type R just won't quit using Potenza, the best quality in the entire tire history. I would say in your case go for the RT615 a bit cheaper as you wanted. You will be extremely satisfied for the whole summer time.
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Old May 4, 2006 | 06:46 AM
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I don't drive an integra, but I do have a set of Fuzion ZRI's on my car at the moment (195/50/15). To my surprise, the ZRI's were very sticky, especially for their price (When they're warmed up in the dry, and they're just plain sticky for what they are in the wet). I have a buddy with an FC RX-7 with them on his car also at 245/45/17 and he absolutely loves them.
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Old May 4, 2006 | 07:27 AM
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Default Re: (dc2vu)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dc2vu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don't drive an integra, but I do have a set of Fuzion ZRI's on my car at the moment (195/50/15).</TD></TR></TABLE>

195/50-15 is the proper size for your '92 Civic, but it's a bit too small for our Integras (3.3 percent smaller diameter than stock).

When you look at the best tires in various price and performance categories, like the summary above for 195/55-15 and 205/50-15 tires, the price and availability of different models of tires can change dramatically with the tire size selected. For example, in 195/50-15, the Falken Azenis RT-615 won't be available until this coming November, and the Bridgestone Potenza RE010 isn't available at all. OTOH that's the only 15" size in which you can get the Goodyear F1 GS-D3, which is an outstanding street tire in every way. And onlinetires.com has been running a special, in that size only, on the Toyo T1-R forever (it seems), with a $60 price that is much lower than the price for all other sizes, and makes it the "bang for the buck" choice in that size.

As another example of this phenomenon, look at the 205/40-17 size. The Bridgestone Potenza RE750 is a very good budget performance tire, with performance slightly better than the SPT and ES100; however, I don't usually recommend it because it usually costs a lot more money than the SPT or ES100. However, the Tire Rack is running a special on the 205/40-17, which is normally $140/tire but is now $56/tire. Through Saturday, there's a $50 rebate, which means that this tire, in this size only, is now selling for $43.50, which makes it an incredible bargain and the obvious choice for anyone looking for "bang for the buck" in 205/40-17, even though it's not such a great deal in most other sizes.

As for the Fuzion ZRi, when they first hit the market, they were priced considerably lower than the SPT and ES100, so they were a good choice for anyone wanting to pay less than those other two tires. However, prices have been adjusted since then, with the ZRi (and ES100) moving up a bit in price, and the SPT moving down. While they're all pretty good tires (and you might be happy with any of them), the SPT is slightly better in every way than the ES100 or ZRi, and the SPT is priced less in most sizes. Lower price and better performance makes the choice easy: SPT &gt; ZRi.
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Old May 4, 2006 | 12:04 PM
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Default Re: (nsxtasy)

great info!

Do you work at a tire store or at a manufacturer or something?
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Old May 4, 2006 | 03:00 PM
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<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nafreak &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you work at a tire store or at a manufacturer or something?</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, I just keep my eyes open when I'm instructing at track events.
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Old May 4, 2006 | 03:10 PM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (nsxtasy)

I would just add the BFgoodrich G-force Sports to that list. They were 67 bux at tire rack, and for a chea[ tire I have been pleasently surprised. I had the old azenis' on my car, and they seem to similar in grip and performance(not quite as good). A lot of the tech BF puts in their higher end tires trickles down into these guys.
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Old May 4, 2006 | 03:49 PM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (LootR0435)

I got the chance to push a WRX fitted with ZRI's around a roadcourse for a few laps and was VERY impressed considering the price of the tire. They held up very well and seemed to deal with heat just fine. It also just so happened to be the fastest car around the track that day (all cars were on street tires).
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Old May 4, 2006 | 05:36 PM
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Default Re: Fuzion ZRI from S-O3s (ActiveAero)

So I had all 4 tires replaced and feel good knowing my tires won't pop. I did go with the ZRi and got each for 51 a pop out the door. So far I have them at stock psi and can feel a slight bit of roll in turns. I'll break them in and probably raise the psi to 39/38 and see if they feel more assured. I will say that these may be the quietest tires I've ever had on my R. Considering that Bridgestone put a lot of similar technology from their Potenzas, I'm curious to see how these perform in the long run...I'll definitely let you guys know.
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