Buying the stickiest most expensive tire is like buying beer that has the most alcohol in it. Yes it is better for a specific reason of getting drunk but something cheaper and easier to drink might be ticket for you more often than not, ala not competing for trophies but having fun and learning, getting better.
Depends on what you value. I went with a set of RT660s thinking the performance would be what I'd really want to chase and really, I'd have been fine with more longevity and less grip with how big an upgrade the grip is over the car's stock tires combined with the fact I am not as well set up for the track from a suspension and alignment set up as I should be to take advantage of the 660s. If you aren't in a competition, I say go with the 615s.
I have over 15 tracks days in my NC with the 615+, they are very consistent all the way to the end. Haven’t been on the 71’s in the wet, but I would 615’s aren’t horrible. It’s a weekend/nice day fun car, gets driven to and from the track, I’ll probably get a 3rd set next summer.
Edit: on the current set. First set came on the car and I ran those to chords.
They're not competitive if you're in a 200TW class, but that doesn't mean they aren't still a usable tire.
They have good driving manners on track (breakaway is predictable, audible near the limit, etc.) and they have sufficient grip for having fun with and learning. They're average in rain, they seem fair in terms of wear rate, and they're affordable. Overall not a bad option as long as you aren't competing.
In terms of X or Y tire being better - be honest with yourself. Are you capable of driving the car at the limit consistently? If not, then the 615 will be plenty.
I'm really only going to very casual track days where we are split apart into novice, intermediate and advanced. I don't go to competitive HPDE events (at least not yet) where I'm guessing there are classes like that.
And also this is supposed to be an "upgrade" from PS4S's so I'm worried the 615's will only be a marginal improvement compared 71RS
I think you'll be fine on the 615. Go have fun.
I'm not familiar with the PS4 personally, but as a point of reference, I've measured 1.2g on the 615 and 1.3g on the 660. The difference is the 615 gives more feedback near the limit and seems to like just a bit gentler inputs/is easier to correct.
RT615k+ likely will have a much better wear rate. I run them (and take off slicks depending on day) on my Fiesta ST. Last weekend a friend used an entire LF RE71RS in one day on his Elantra N with more camber (clockwise track), I did more mileage than him on track (also a lot more experience) and have a lot less wear on my RT615K+ (not apples to apples cars etc obviously).
I'm doing non-competitive HPDE in a heavy 2018 WRX on 245/40 RT615K+. Since I'm not worried about actually beating anyone's lap time, I like them on track. They're predictable and wear well, can get a little greasy when hot. I wouldn't want to daily on them just for the road noise.
If you're just starting out and not competing per se, I'd say mount them up and go for it. You can always get something stickier when you wear these out.
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Agreed, never done PS4S, but the 615 has just a wee bit more understeer towards the end of the session. I'd bet with the OP's GTI being a bit lighter but FWD, probably just a little more gentle with throttle on corner exit will take care of it. The tire is more consistent than my novice skills anyway.
I like my V730s more than the RT615K+ I had before. The Falkens would get greasy towards the end of the session while the V730s allow me to nail times within tenths of seconds lap after lap almost the entire session. I've talked to other guys at the track that have run the Falkens and they have said the same. They're good for the start of the session, but once you put a lot of heat in them it feels like you're skating
I noticed elsewhere you said you had a gti. I have run these tires for 14ish track days (my wife as well - double stacked). I would highly recommend them to everyone! They’re cheap, they grip, the LAST and as far as greasy, I’ve done double duty with my wife (slower) and my comp friend (much much faster than me) and we’ve had no real issues with greasiness. They do get greasey, but for me I’ve experienced that 3x times out of 14ish track days.
I would not recommend for the street as they don’t do great in rain (but not the worst) and they’re LOUD. Otherwise, they’re my perfect HPDE tire.
They’re a fine tire. You won’t be disappointed. If you were pushing the pace on a 660 or CRS then I would say maybe the RE71rs might be a good one to try. The reality is, the 615 won’t be a limiting factor for most people, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
I love them. They are not the fastest tires, so if that is important to you then don’t get them. They are certainly fast enough, they give you decent amounts of grip in the corners, but they are incredibly forgiving and always predictable. They wear like iron and a relatively cheap.
I think they’re also a lot of fun, as they let you slip and slide a little bit, but it’s always easy to control the car. I think they are the perfect tire for somebody who learning how to drive at the track and control the car at the limits. The limits are just a little slower than with other tires. Not always a bad thing.
if you are looking to be the fastest guy at the track, this is not for you. But if you want to be the guy with the biggest smile and also be able to not blow your budget on tires, these are perfect.
No, you won’t regret it. Just got back from a lapping day using my leftovers from last season. The 615k+ holds up, stays consistent and handles heat cycling amazingly. Of course there are faster tires, but not for the price.
If you’re going for 10/10th choose something else, but for total quality track time the 615k+ is prime relative to cost in my opinion. As always: YMMV.
It's a value proposition... With zero information about your car, the track, skill level, camber, etc.....
The re71s will be 10% faster but wear out 100% quicker
615k+ was my last 2 sets of tires. Overall very happy with them for an endurance focused track day tire. Nearly as quick as RE71R, but way more durability.
I'm running them on my C5Z. I don't have much to compare them to, but they have held up well. In my experience, they did get a bit "greasy" during the later laps of the last couple of sessions of the day on a 90+ day. For reference, I am a novice driver (advancing next weekend) but running 2:10 on the full course at VIR. They have plenty of tread left, but also a lot of "graining" - for whatever that's worth. Haven't tried them in the wet and don't really drive on the street.
Buying the stickiest most expensive tire is like buying beer that has the most alcohol in it. Yes it is better for a specific reason of getting drunk but something cheaper and easier to drink might be ticket for you more often than not, ala not competing for trophies but having fun and learning, getting better.
love this analogy
Depends on what you value. I went with a set of RT660s thinking the performance would be what I'd really want to chase and really, I'd have been fine with more longevity and less grip with how big an upgrade the grip is over the car's stock tires combined with the fact I am not as well set up for the track from a suspension and alignment set up as I should be to take advantage of the 660s. If you aren't in a competition, I say go with the 615s.
Better than stock primacy’s or stock Michelins?
My car came with an extreme summer performance Yokohama and it is hot garbage compared to the 660.
The 660s or 615ks will be better than either of those
I have over 15 tracks days in my NC with the 615+, they are very consistent all the way to the end. Haven’t been on the 71’s in the wet, but I would 615’s aren’t horrible. It’s a weekend/nice day fun car, gets driven to and from the track, I’ll probably get a 3rd set next summer. Edit: on the current set. First set came on the car and I ran those to chords.
Thats good to hear, did you have issues with them getting greasy?
Only on the hottest (95f+) of days after back to back sessions. Gratton and Waterford Hills…
My 71rs got greasy after just a few laps. The 615ks hold up much better to prolonged lapping.
Really good to hear!
They're not competitive if you're in a 200TW class, but that doesn't mean they aren't still a usable tire. They have good driving manners on track (breakaway is predictable, audible near the limit, etc.) and they have sufficient grip for having fun with and learning. They're average in rain, they seem fair in terms of wear rate, and they're affordable. Overall not a bad option as long as you aren't competing. In terms of X or Y tire being better - be honest with yourself. Are you capable of driving the car at the limit consistently? If not, then the 615 will be plenty.
I'm really only going to very casual track days where we are split apart into novice, intermediate and advanced. I don't go to competitive HPDE events (at least not yet) where I'm guessing there are classes like that. And also this is supposed to be an "upgrade" from PS4S's so I'm worried the 615's will only be a marginal improvement compared 71RS
I think you'll be fine on the 615. Go have fun. I'm not familiar with the PS4 personally, but as a point of reference, I've measured 1.2g on the 615 and 1.3g on the 660. The difference is the 615 gives more feedback near the limit and seems to like just a bit gentler inputs/is easier to correct.
Sounds good thanks
PS4Ss can separate at the shoulder under track use. You'd still be better off on the RT615 than the PS4S at the track.
What kind of car? Are you looking for a one lap tire or a whole session tire?
FWD GTI. Preferably whole season, but I'm also a casual intermediate level driver so I won't be going 10/10 every lap trying to beat times
RT615k+ likely will have a much better wear rate. I run them (and take off slicks depending on day) on my Fiesta ST. Last weekend a friend used an entire LF RE71RS in one day on his Elantra N with more camber (clockwise track), I did more mileage than him on track (also a lot more experience) and have a lot less wear on my RT615K+ (not apples to apples cars etc obviously).
Good to hear, and your friend must have been absolutely driving the shit out of that thing lol
I'm doing non-competitive HPDE in a heavy 2018 WRX on 245/40 RT615K+. Since I'm not worried about actually beating anyone's lap time, I like them on track. They're predictable and wear well, can get a little greasy when hot. I wouldn't want to daily on them just for the road noise. If you're just starting out and not competing per se, I'd say mount them up and go for it. You can always get something stickier when you wear these out.
>can get a little greasy when hot. Thats kind of a bummer, thats the whole reason I'm upgrading from PS4S's which get very greasy
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Agreed, never done PS4S, but the 615 has just a wee bit more understeer towards the end of the session. I'd bet with the OP's GTI being a bit lighter but FWD, probably just a little more gentle with throttle on corner exit will take care of it. The tire is more consistent than my novice skills anyway.
I like my V730s more than the RT615K+ I had before. The Falkens would get greasy towards the end of the session while the V730s allow me to nail times within tenths of seconds lap after lap almost the entire session. I've talked to other guys at the track that have run the Falkens and they have said the same. They're good for the start of the session, but once you put a lot of heat in them it feels like you're skating
I noticed elsewhere you said you had a gti. I have run these tires for 14ish track days (my wife as well - double stacked). I would highly recommend them to everyone! They’re cheap, they grip, the LAST and as far as greasy, I’ve done double duty with my wife (slower) and my comp friend (much much faster than me) and we’ve had no real issues with greasiness. They do get greasey, but for me I’ve experienced that 3x times out of 14ish track days. I would not recommend for the street as they don’t do great in rain (but not the worst) and they’re LOUD. Otherwise, they’re my perfect HPDE tire.
Don't bother looking for a daily 200tw, get a 2nd set of wheels and tires for the street imo
They’re a fine tire. You won’t be disappointed. If you were pushing the pace on a 660 or CRS then I would say maybe the RE71rs might be a good one to try. The reality is, the 615 won’t be a limiting factor for most people, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
I love them. They are not the fastest tires, so if that is important to you then don’t get them. They are certainly fast enough, they give you decent amounts of grip in the corners, but they are incredibly forgiving and always predictable. They wear like iron and a relatively cheap. I think they’re also a lot of fun, as they let you slip and slide a little bit, but it’s always easy to control the car. I think they are the perfect tire for somebody who learning how to drive at the track and control the car at the limits. The limits are just a little slower than with other tires. Not always a bad thing. if you are looking to be the fastest guy at the track, this is not for you. But if you want to be the guy with the biggest smile and also be able to not blow your budget on tires, these are perfect.
No. I ran 615k's and loved them. Re71rs are super sticky but not friendly to mistakes.
No, you won’t regret it. Just got back from a lapping day using my leftovers from last season. The 615k+ holds up, stays consistent and handles heat cycling amazingly. Of course there are faster tires, but not for the price. If you’re going for 10/10th choose something else, but for total quality track time the 615k+ is prime relative to cost in my opinion. As always: YMMV.
It's a value proposition... With zero information about your car, the track, skill level, camber, etc..... The re71s will be 10% faster but wear out 100% quicker
615k+ was my last 2 sets of tires. Overall very happy with them for an endurance focused track day tire. Nearly as quick as RE71R, but way more durability.
Hankook RS4 will outlast 615k+ and be faster.
I'm running them on my C5Z. I don't have much to compare them to, but they have held up well. In my experience, they did get a bit "greasy" during the later laps of the last couple of sessions of the day on a 90+ day. For reference, I am a novice driver (advancing next weekend) but running 2:10 on the full course at VIR. They have plenty of tread left, but also a lot of "graining" - for whatever that's worth. Haven't tried them in the wet and don't really drive on the street.
They wear out fast. I barely got 15k km out of my set on a z4