Kumho V700 Victoracer

Price Paid:  $110.00

Summary:
I used these tires for the first time at the annual Solo 2 driver training. I immediately noticed that they didn't seem to grip as well as the R-1's that they replaced, so it seemed. They do, in fact, grip as well, they simply had real tread and also let go more gradually when traction is exceeded. Because of this I would call them a forgiving tire and potentially a good one for less experienced drivers.

During the event both instructors (both winning national championships this year) drove the car and commented on the quality of Kumho's and the amount of grip they seemed to have. After scrubbing them in they did seem to be quite a bit better. I think that both used Hoosiers on their own cars although one was going to replace the Hoosiers with Kumhos for 2001.

My wife and I both drove during the event which lasted 2 days using nearly 3/4 of a tank of gas!! Expecting the worst, I was surprised to see that the tires still had quite a bit of tread on them. Since they came with 5 to 6/32, I would estimate it at 2 to 3/32.

Strengths:
good grip, communicative at the limit, somewhat forgiving, long wearing

Weaknesses:
tall tread blocks - cured by shaving, fairly heavy

Similar Products Used:
BGF R-1's

Summary:
At about $130 a tire for 225/50-15s, these are comparable to other race tires. They can be used on the street; I regularly drive to events on them, but regular street use will wear them out quickly -- not a fault, just something to expect with this type of tire. I like them very much, and plan on replacing them with an identical set when this one wears out.

Strengths:
Fantastic grip, forgiving at the limit of adhesion, good steering feel, reasonable price

Weaknesses:
Grip in the rain is poor, but that's to be expected for tires with very little tread and a compound optimized for dry grip.

Similar Products Used:
I raced on Yokohama A008RSIIs and RSs prior to getting the Khumos -- the V700s have better grip and last about as long.