First track day done but I think I need better tires

Originally Posted by abm89

I've run 4 different tires on the track so maybe I can help out a bit based on what i've experienced:

Bridgestone S04 Pole Position: I got these because I was not sure if I would like tracking the car yet. They're decent for beginners providing enough grip to give you confidence, and they communicate (make noise) at the limit so you know when the car is being pushed. However, if you're progressing quickly, you'll overheat these within a few laps, and they cannot hold multiple heat cycles.

Hankook RS3 v1: dont buy these as the v2 is supposedly better with warmup. I sold my set quickly.

Bridgestone RE-11: The best all around tire for the casual track enthusiast IMO. Good grip levels and they last for a good while. They do not require much of a warmup and have decent wet traction should you find yourself in a wet session. I never hesitate recommending these to other Z owners who track.

Bridgestone RE-71R: These tires have freakish amounts of grip in dry and wet conditions. They require about the same amount of warmup as the RE-11. HOWEVER, these tires do not last long (I am known to be easy on tire wear compared to my other Z track friends and they didn't last long). They're sensitive to camber settings, and they do not squeal when at the limit. When they're out of heat cycles (2-3 full days at the track) laptimes will fall and they will give you the equivalent grip of an RE-11 or slightly less.