These were recomended to me as a good replacement for the OEM Dunlop 8000's. Supposedly better traction and treadlife. Any experiences. I'm looking for a moderatly priced z or v rated tire in 205-55-16. I want to stay around $100/tire.

Others that I have been looking at:
Firestone Firehawks SZ50's. They got a great write up and review at The Rack.

Dunlop W-10. New not much info. But $80 ea/

I am also quite intrigued by the RE730s. They have only been out on the market for a few weeks, so don't expect anyone to have much experience with them yet. Eddie@Tirerack is still relying on user feedback for his info.

I used RE71s on my previous two cars, and I thought they were awesome. The RE730 is supposed to replace the RE71, so I am sure they are just as great, and supposed to be even better.
Bridgestone owns Firestone, so the SZ50s are probably similar technology, but I have no experience with them.

Good luck!
Peter

I'm perusing Tirerack's site last night after searching the archives for info on the Pirelli 7000 SS (which has mixed if not poor reviews on the board). I thought it would be a perfect fit for my area (Sacramento) and driving style (weekend performance), but the experiences of previous buyers makes me look for something else. I'm looking for some 225/45-17" tires, and, deciding I don't need A/S tires, come across the RE 730s. I figured this might be a good choice, $133/tire and 300 AA A UTOQ rating is not bad. Still, I wonder what experience my A4 boardies have had. I get up this morning and check the board and lo and behold, RE 730 info. I'm not necessarily paranoid, but are there other things in my mind you guys are reading :o ?

Just had a meeting last night with Bridgestone/Firestone & recieved some new info.

Testing results still forthcoming. In a nutshell the RE730s are designed as the replacement for the RE71, but the technology & performance of the SZ50 is still designed as being a level higher than the 730s. The 71s are regarded as being a great tire & so you will have an improved tire with 730s!

Hope this helps!
Eddie

it a case of you get what you pay for? Any idea how they would compair to the 8000's? Price is right, looks like a very agressive tire, but I'm wondering how they perform. If their performance is on par with the 8000's I may go with them. They sure are a great buy. But, I dont' want to regret the cost cutting if they perform like a budget tire.
TIA
Mark