Hands on with the Continental ExtremeContact Sport

[mikeb]

Just replaced an aged set of reo50s with the Conti ECS. I also bump up to the Nismo wheel sizes with some BC forged wheels. Lets began

- comfort: A The reo50 were pretty rough, by design it seems. The Contis ride is definitely max performance firm, but refined and rather "calm" compared to the Bridgestones. Its feels like a good compromise for the street with no noticable flex at slightly over legal

- handling: A The tires handle road imperfections much better then the reo50, tramlining practically zero. The reo50 had razor-sharp steering, however the conti seems to suit the Z better. Steering just as precise but you can feel the grip more, if that make any sense. This "grip" feeling can almost feel like less precision in the hand, but I like the feeling better. The reo50 sharp steering was a bit nervous, the conti is more planted yet changes directions quickly. Note the increase tire width would also be a factor

- noise: B Again much better than the aged bridgestones. I don't think any max summer tire could score a A in this category but the contis are great. I have a 2015 which I think has better sound deadening, but even still the conti have a muted sound at speed, not the harsh roar I'm accustomed to. Btw Im using the term aged specifically, there was decent tread left on the Bridgestone.

I can't comment on wet handling, but again tirerack rates the tires high in this category. The ECSs are rank#2 behind the 4S but for my purposes the differences in scores did not equate to the 200+ cost differences.

[Smashley]

By far my fav tires on the Z so far. Amazing in the wet

[KMO-II]

i just got the Continental extreme contact DWS tire. Man these things are scary, they got me all over the road at higher speeds, drifting and swerving. Its taking a bit to get used as i only have 500 mile on them.. i hear they get better in time. i hope.

[geokots]

I need new tires when I get her out of storage this spring. I will be getting either these or the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500

[cv129]

Originally Posted by KMO-II

i just got the Continental extreme contact DWS tire. Man these things are scary, they got me all over the road at higher speeds, drifting and swerving. Its taking a bit to get used as i only have 500 mile on them.. i hear they get better in time. i hope.

What did you have before the DWS? Especially if you had something aggressive before this, I am not at all surprise by your reaction.

I have 18" DWS06 on my G sedan for winter months, 19" RE11 for spring thru fall. Characteristics are certainly on opposite end of the spectrum....one has stiffer sidewall, gigantic tread blocks, loud as heck....the other is quieter, smoother, mellow, but spin muuuuuch less from a dig in cold and/or wet.

[KMO-II]

I was running the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus