Is the new Bridgestone Potenza RE–71RZ the best Super 200 tire ever? Based on several months with the tire on track, it appears so.
Superior dry pace paired with strong durability means the RZ can win–and do so quite often. Here’s how we reached those conclusions, starting with a review of previous tests at full tread:
Conclusion
Photograph by Andy Hollis.
It seems that Bridgestone has a real winner with the Potenza RE-71RZ: quick, durable, and consistent once worn in. We’ve even experienced cheat code levels of grip in the wet, so long as we have enough tread depth to combat aquaplaning.
Where can it be beat? Sizing. While the new tire adds a few 300-series fitments over its predecessor, Vitour offers more wide, motorsports-friendly fitments–especially in 15-inch diameters. And while compound is king, size does matter–enough that the RZ is not the answer for everyone. But if the shoe fits …