Re-71 vs Falken RT660

[Autoenthusiastasm]

Time for tires. I run in upstate N.Y So colder in spring and Fall . Generally heat is not a real issue. We have days in the 80’s, occasional 90’s . I have been running RE-71’s and like them. I hear good things about the RT 600. They run about $80 less for a set. Tests show grip is similar but not sure about longevity.

[M0nk3y]

RE-71R are no longer in active production, so time to begin your phaseout plan anyways.

660s would be the logical, ideal stepping stone. Tests have shown them within noise.

[14stu]

The 660 is faster for both Autox and at the Track. Wear is similar to the RE71r and possibly slightly better but not by a huge margin (cost is lower though). I've run a set of 660s for the last few months and have been happy with them.

[beltax90]

Originally Posted by M0nk3y

RE-71R are no longer in active production, so time to begin your phaseout plan anyways.

660s would be the logical, ideal stepping stone. Tests have shown them within noise.

wait, what??

am i gonna have to change my plans??

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by beltax90

wait, what??

am i gonna have to change my plans??

Not super confirmed (i.e. I don't think there's any press release or official word from Bridgestone) but consensus from the rumor mill is that the supply will quietly dry up over the next few months.

imho not a big deal as by all counts the Falken is a solid replacement, there's still the BFG and Yoke and with the Nankang CR1 and Kumho V730 pulling one option off the table should help most people figure out what they will run this season.

Not to say you shouldn't grab another set, just don't be shocked if it's not available in your size in a month or four.

[Autoenthusiastasm]

Tire rack has them ,but on clearance, direct tire has them also. When I contacted TR about why it was on clearance. He did not say they discontinued. He did say that did not have a replacement in the works.
“ Unfortunately, Bridgestone has opted not to replace this tire currently. I am hoping they will have an update in the next few years, as I really enjoyed this tire for autocross and track myself. Anothe rgreat tire you may want to check out would be the Falken RT660 which is at least as fast, if not faster than the Bridgestone RE71r”. This is from Devin at TR

[Breadman]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Not super confirmed (i.e. I don't think there's any press release or official word from Bridgestone) but consensus from the rumor mill is that the supply will quietly dry up over the next few months.

imho not a big deal as by all counts the Falken is a solid replacement, there's still the BFG and Yoke and with the Nankang CR1 and Kumho V730 pulling one option off the table should help most people figure out what they will run this season.

Not to say you shouldn't grab another set, just don't be shocked if it's not available in your size in a month or four.

as a regional gatekeeper how are the falkens vs kumhos? they are within 10$ of each other

[beltax90]

guess im buying tires now and not later!

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Breadman

as a regional gatekeeper how are the falkens vs kumhos? they are within 10$ of each other

no idea, test and find out, you may like one I may like another

[Goingnowherefast]

Originally Posted by beltax90

wait, what??

am i gonna have to change my plans??

That's confirmed. The RE-71R's done. Overseas have the RE71RS so here's to hoping that we get those in the US.

[Breadman]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

no idea, test and find out, you may like one I may like another

i dont have the money or space to buy and mount 2 sets of race tires let alone the time to. i guess ill just get the falkens then. honestly they probably wont make a difference to me anyway unless one much shorter life than the other.

[steverife]

Not everybody shares this experience, but as someone that street drove the RE71R's, they had the shortest prime life of any street tire that I've purchased. They took about 20 runs to get ripe and then fell off a cliff around the 80 runs/3 month time period. And they are the loudest street tires that I've ever owned.

I have no experience with the Falkens, but they seem to be loved by the SSC crowd.

[ZDan]

I was still turning competitive lap times with my RE71Rs after 10 track days and 8000 or so street miles. They were pretty much slicks for the last 4 track days...

[M0nk3y]

Originally Posted by Goingnowherefast

That's confirmed. The RE-71R's done. Overseas have the RE71RS so here's to hoping that we get those in the US.

I would not get hopes up