Vredestein Sessanta 255/55/18 Review

[bgsquad]

So after hearing the great reviews here on the forum (specially from richirich) and on other forums, I pulled the trigger on a set of Sessantas 2 weeks ago... I put more than 300miles on them already, and my evaluation is as follows:

The balanacing was not easy, on one tire, the guy had to put 115grams to balance it... I know it has no impact other than aestethics, but I would expect a more "balanced" tire from Vredestein, especially for a ZR ultra high performance tire like sessanta... I know, rotating the tire on the rim might reduce the weights, but the balancing guy didn't seem so concerned about it...

The look is fantastic, you don't need a reminder... they just don't pass unseen... they catch the eye.

The road noise is tremendousely reduced... the Falkens were roaring like hell, and I almost went to the dealer to complain about some "roulement" (where a wheel axle roates) not knowing that those were the dear Falkens!... with the Vs, the ride is sooooo quite! like floating on an air cushion...wow!!

The ride is less bumpy... not placebo, i am sure.

The handling is impressive: there are two long turns that I usually go at 70km/h (Left) and 55km/h (right) respectively with the tires almost losing traction... with the Vs, I went those 2 curves at 80 and 60 respectively and with more confidence!!

I did notive however, that when they get hot and on smooth asfalt (actually not smooth, but of low quality where the little pebbles get shiny...) they squeek at low speeds cornering (entering garage) or braking (coming to a stop).

I still have to seriousely try it on water... I briefly tried it on a street stretch with water all over it, the braking traction seemed to be improved and the ABS intervened at the last stage. But this is not a conclusive test, so i have to wait for heavy rains to clean the roads and have "normal condtion wet roads"... it should not take long here, in a couple of months we will have a 5 month rainy winter

Overall: a fun and impressive tire that makes you "emotional" about it

[Hoopie]

I also have splurged for a new set. I have to say that balancing the tires, I was told that my rim(s) 1 or 2 were close to warped. Possible, not sure. Anyway performance is fenominal compared to the Diamaris. Much quieter, better looking, corners better with confidence, brakes better with less road noise. I turned off the traction control and hit a corner hard and floored it, no squeeling just a gripping noise. Coooool!!! I also love the tires.

[bgsquad]

Oh and yes, the Vredestein tire pressure gauge that the dealer gave me as present is so cool

[bgsquad]

UPDATE:

We just had an early rain storm... yesterday I had a 30 mile drive on wet roads. the tires grip like shewing gum!! After trying few take off without succeeding to activate the DSC and trying few stops with hardly needing ABS, I drove with high confidence knowing that i have an excellent handling. I also splashed into a "lake" and I had no signs of aquaplaning, the front kept heavy...

HYPOTHESIS:

However, i think I found out something strange... maybe I was just imagining, but looking into the side mirrors I was seeing a lot of water evacuation from the side of my driver rear tire, while the passenger side didn't have as much water being evacuated (evacuated to the inside?)... can it be due to the asymmetrical pattern? that's really interesting!!!

Have you ever driven behind a car with Sessantas?? would you see the water evacuated behind it shifted to the left? maybe we should confirm this!

[rosamila]

My Vredestein Sessanta are spent after 8K miles with light, summer use only. They don't last!

[bgsquad]

Yeah, they get consumed quick, but i already drove like 6 K miles, and they look pretty much the same :s spent in 8 K miles?? there should be something wrong man... they have a 260 rating i think, which converts to like 30-35K miles of life...

[wallyx5]

Originally Posted by bgsquad

Yeah, they get consumed quick, but i already drove like 6 K miles, and they look pretty much the same :s spent in 8 K miles?? there should be something wrong man... they have a 260 rating i think, which converts to like 30-35K miles of life...

You are running them on 18" which always gets much better tire life than 20". 20" just chew tires up, and ride stiffer. But they do look sweet. I think I will join you and get a set for my X, I have 18" as well.

[wigner]

Hi wallyx5 . amazing really 294,340mils on your X??
Did you change tranny fluid? I ve not thought that X could last so long.

[wallyx5]

Hi there,

All I did was flush the fluid, meaning opened the drain hole and drained out about 1/2 to 2/3s and then refiled. I did not change the filter or drop the pan. I did this around 188,000. Do a Search on trans fluid I posted about what I did. These guys aren't going to like thread jacking. I am going to buy these tires because they look so damn good. And with 18" I think they will last much longer.