Speed costs money. How fast can you afford to go? Top tires typically require top tech, which too often means top dollar.
Though motorsports sits right there in the name of this magazine, we realize that not every vehicle in our stable is destined for pointy-end competition. Why spend more if less gives better value? The market delivers that as well.
BFGoodrich G-Force Phenom T/A
- Price: $195
- Best lap: 1:29.41
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Michelin, BFGoodrich has access to a wide range of the latest tire tech, both in materials and design/testing methodology. It also has plants all around the world, which allows the company to take advantage of cost savings in manufacturing. The new g-Force Phenom T/A uses all of those tools to deliver as much front-line UHP Summer tire performance as possible at a low cost of entry for the consumer.
Both wet and dry grip were development focal points, with the former claimed to be within shouting distance of the much-vaunted Michelin PS4S–but at a significantly lower cost. A deep, molded tread depth of 9/32 inch contributes to hydroplaning resistance but also delivers longer service life of usable rubber versus the usual 7/32 seen in the Extreme Performance Summer category.
On the Road: The Phenom exhibited progressive steering response with a moderate dead zone on center. Harshness was moderate and there was very little road noise except on textured pavement.
On the Track: The lively response continued with significant audible feedback at the limit of adhesion. Breakaway came much earlier than we’re used to with the Super 200s we typically run, so our technique had to be softened to avoid instant ABS intervention. Also, the rear of the car was now much more in play with throttle application. In general, a “fingertips and toes” touch was needed to maximize the available grip without exceeding it suddenly. As with most street tires, the first lap was the flyer, with subsequent laps falling off a bit and then stabilizing.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
- Price: $190
- Best lap: 1:29.52
As part of Bridgestone’s global tire manufacturing network, the Firestone brand also has access to modern materials and methods. Rather than develop a bespoke product for the North American market, however, its path to a budget UHP tire was to simply rebrand an existing overseas-only tire, the Bridgestone Adrenalin RE003.
This effort was part of a Firestone portfolio revamp back in 2016 and resulted in one of the most beloved low-cost sports car tires. Check any forum for replacement tire recommendations and this one will inevitably come up.
On the Road: The Indy 500 was a delight to drive with a sporty feel and excellent road manners. Steering was highly responsive, ramping up quickly from a small on-center dead zone. However, self-centering was minimal, which kept the driver engaged. It was silent on smooth pavement but quite harsh and loud over expansion joints and rough road. All of this is typical of a stiff carcass overlayed with a durable tread cap.
On the Track: These roadgoing traits continued right up to the limit of adhesion, whereupon the tire was extremely talkative. While fun, that limit came early and pace suffered.
Kenda Vezda UHP Max+ KR20A
- Price: $168
- Best lap: 1:29.17
The original version of this tire was Kenda’s initial foray into grip tires, having first made a name for itself in drifting. Our testing last year showed it lacking in both grip and consistency compared to other Super 200s. But it was certainly well priced.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Kenda has responded with a new version, promising more grip and responsiveness. While the compound has not changed, updates to the belt package better optimize the contact patch.
On the Road: The Kenda displayed a progressive steering response but with a very slow ramp-up. This resulted in quite a large dead zone on center requiring more significant inputs to initiate turns. The tire was quite compliant over bumps, but the V-shaped tread pattern resulted in a constant whirring drone at speed.
On the Track: The Kenda felt more like a Super 200, with a wider plateau of grip requiring less sensitivity with inputs. And while it did communicate audibly at the limit, it wasn’t nearly as noisy as the others. It delivered the quickest lap times of the group, and it did so consistently.
BFGoodrich G-Force Phenom T/A (retest)
After running through all of our test tires, we remounted the Phenom to bracket the effort and verify that condition changes and driving improvement had not significantly affected our data. Interestingly, we were unable to fully match our first-lap flyer from earlier, though the average lap time was unchanged. Likely this was caused by residual heat left in the tire from the first round of testing and is one of the challenges of summer testing in a warm climate.
Continental ExtremeContact Force
- Price: $250
- Best lap: 1:27.29
To get a relative read on lap times for placement in our tire guide chart, we then mounted a fresh set of a known quantity that we’ve tested several times before. Built for endurance racing, the Extreme Contact Force is quick, consistent and durable. This 200tw tire is also expensive and clearly demonstrates the difference between the budget performance category and premium offerings.
Conclusions
If you’re not competing for a trophy and just want some quality laps from your steed without dropping major coin, the budget performance UHP category may be for you–especially if the primary mission for the car is on the street. All of these tires can deliver well on that use case while being kind on the wallet.
Which to choose? The Phenom is the best all-rounder, as its wet performance is very good according to our friends at Tire Rack. Their comprehensive report including wet handling is due online soon.
The Indy 500 suffers in the wet but has the best subjective dry handling characteristics. And it’s been demonstrated to deliver many quality miles. Ten years on, it’s still a great option for a weekend driver.
The Kenda update certainly improves on the feel of the original, though pace is not significantly improved. Still, it set the fastest time of our budget offerings. And while it’s by far the least expensive of the bunch, it’s also the noisiest on the road.
Want to get on track and still have money left for entry fees? These three tires can help scratch that itch. Not a dud in the bunch.