First Look: Firestone Firehawk A/S V2
Vložit
- čas přidán 6. 09. 2022
- The all-new Firestone Firehawk A/S V2 blows the original Firehawk tire away with a new rubber compound, a new tread design and a new casing.
PHOTO CREDITS: Bridgestone, Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota
=============================================================
Twitter: @JackTalksTires
=============================================================
DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a sponsored video. All opinions expressed are my own, and are based on interviews with industry experts, and/or my experience as a journalist and editor covering the automotive industry for over 20 years, and/or research I conducted on the specific topic covered in this video.
#bridgestone
#firestonenews
#firehawk
#JackTalksTires - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Okay folks the winter results are in. Just had a downfall of about 10in of snow. Ran the WRX through the unplowed neighborhoods and city streets, avg about 8in deep. These are phenomenal tires in snow(I'm sure the awd helps a ton as well). Transforms this car into a snow plow. My neighbor has winter tires rwd , he got stuck instantly.
Similar to all tires I've tried in the past, and as expected, these tires do not perform as desired on ice, but do provide acceptable grip on ice if encountered on city roads/bridges. The tread design operates as claimed and expelled snow off the cross sectional tread. I had an impressive experience drifting around in a parking lot. To my surprise, as I accelerated these tires hooked up and sent me flying. Stopping distance is better than the bfg's. Handling is light and predictable even with today's conditions. I did make a mistake attempting to accelerate in a turn(no-go in snow), but was easy to intervene. When the tires did hook back up, it had a nice bite letting you know the vehicle regained traction.
Overall, these tires are a great value and have exceptional winter performance, especially as an all season tire. I believe Firestone nailed it, producing a direct competitor for the continental dws series.
I witnessed 4 cars crash today, and about 2 dozen stuck in unplowed sections. I will update my rain and summer experience. Happy driving, cheers and thank you for the content.
Hey Austin Pours (great name :) Thanks for sharing your experience with these tires. I think it will help those considering the purchase. I also think the AWD makes a big difference. I certainly feel it on my vehicle.
How do they handle on corners and highway curves at high speeds?
First of all thanks for this great video and to all who took the time to share and comment. It was so helpful in my decision process. I did get these tires and I’m so happy I did. I’d like to do the same for others in sharing more extensively what I’ve observed because there really aren’t many reviews for this version. I hope people find reviews for this new and improved version and not rely on the older ones that are totally different from what I gather in this video.
So here goes...
Let me just say Wow! I never thought I would be this obsessed about tires or take the time to review but I’m so happy with them that I must share. I’ve always been a Michelin girl but in this economy, I was looking for something more affordable yet still delivers on performance. After seeing this tire on sale at Costco I decided to research it. I didn’t find much other than this video but thank goodness I did come across it because thanks to your comments and the great content, I went for it. I am so happy I did because these are bad ass! I got them installed just in time for that winter storm they were calling for in my area…we didn’t get snow but we got a ton of rain, so I got to test them right away. My old tires were not giving me a lot of confidence when it rained, but these, oh boy, I hope they don’t give me too much confidence because they go through water and puddles like no other. They’re so super grippy, it makes it fun again to drive my Acura RDX in all conditions…I’m finally getting the most out of its super handling all wheel drive. I wish we would have gotten snow to test them, but I’ll keep you guys updated. So far in wet and dry conditions, these have been stellar with grip and braking.
I noticed a lot of people want to know about the noise…I realize this is important to some people but quite honestly, with this great performance I’m not worried about how much noise they’re making, just that they’re keeping me safe, and I still get to have fun when I want to have more spirited drives.
Kudos to Firestone for coming out with a tire that performs so well at a great price. With inflation, price was an important factor. Whoever designed these did a great job and they look beautiful! A happy customer makes for a repeat customer! I highly recommend these, and if you can get them at Costco or on sale, even better!
Thanks for this review 🙏 would you say the ride quality is pretty quiet?
@@giovannyperez4401 I wouldn’t say it’s quiet…on my suv but it’s not loud or bothersome to me. I’d rather have a secure well performing tire and they’ve been holding up well.
You are a real car driver, all I want in a tire is one that handles good in the dry, wet and snow considering it is not a snow tire, I don't care if it is noisy, or how rough it rides, and if I can get at least 30,000 miles I am happy, Costco in NJ has them on sale now by me run about $650 complete for my 2018 Mazda 3 Hatch Touring
I would love to see a direct comparison between these and Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+ I have to see how the tread patterns affect everything.
Replaced my DWS with these and these stick better! Also better on wet. No snow yet but the Contis were unimpressive for me in snow
Just bought 4, for my 08 XJ8L, and just drove up a inverted ramp in the snow. Beautiful Tire!
That's either really cool! Or really sick! Depending on which generation you're from. Thanks for sharing your experience, @The Cloudy KickBack
@@letstalktires3353 lol ill take the cool ? for 500? lol
Replaced Conti DWS on my Passat GT and couldn't be happier! Stick on corners and great traction on wet. If the wear is decent I have found my new #1 go to for a performance AS tire. Nice work Firestone. 👏
How do they handle on corners and highway curves at high speeds?
Just had a blowout on 2 July 2023, in the middle of Tennessee (Dixon) on a drive across the state where I was midway between home and destination. Walmart did not have my size and everything else within 40 miles was closed, except Firestone. So I bought 2 Firestone Firehawk AS V2s for $406 out the door. These are replacing Hankook Ventus S1 Nobles on a 2017 VW GLI. I immediately put 175 miles on them through 95 degree, humid temps and flash thunderstorms leaving pools and puddles, and the early report is they are quiet, comfortable, and sticky - even before break-in. Convidence inspiring tires.
After premature sidewall failure on my OEM Bridgestones on my new Camry XLE and limited options at the Firestone store I got 4 of these today. Probably more tire than the car needs as I’m more concerned with quiet and comfort. Steering feel has firmed up so that’s great as the Camry is all little soft off center. I hope these are as good as a Continental Conti that I’ve always had good luck with.
Sorry to hear about the Bridgestone's. I hope these work out for you and your Camry. Thanks for the comment, Wheelhouse Projects.
How do they handle on corners and highway curves at high speeds?
Will be putting these on my new WRX since it came with summer tires. Decided with these since theyre 300 dollars cheaper than DWS 06+ and Firestone do make solid tires for the price. Won’t be tracking the car anytime soon, so just looking for quiet with good wet/light snow traction. Hopefully they work out since there’s no real reviews out yet.
Paul, please come back and let us know what you thought of the tires. I'm sure others will benefit from your review.
So I actually canceled my appt last minute with Firestone dealer to get the firehawks AS V2s installed and went with DWS06+ instead. And let me tell you why. So, I was comparing the Bridgestones RE980as+ and Firehawk V2s on their official websites and it seemed like the RE980as+ were superior in every way according to the graph. Maybe it’s to convince buyers to ante up and spend extra for the RE980s. And per Tire Rack and Tyre Reviews, the DWS06+ has the RE980as+ beat in almost every category besides maybe snow grip (which might equal to the FS V2s). Instead of going with the unknown with the FS V2s, I went with the proven Contis.
Also, I love my local Discount Tires which didn’t carry the FS V2s. So I would have to go to a Firestone dealer and which the web reviews weren’t so good. And unfortunately, I’m not under my wife’s costco membership and costcos wait times can be way too long. Discount tires was able to price match Sam’s club on the DWS 06+ otd price, including the warranty. Firestone dealer matched Costcos price with the 110 off instant rebate but lifetime warranty on the tires were extra. So all in all, I paid 100 more otd for the DWS06+ than if I would of with the FS V2s. I only drive the car 3-4K miles annually, including long drives so I played it safe since these tires will be on the car for a very long time. Buy once , cry once.
I appreciate your video though since it’s the only vid I can find on the FS V2s other than their commercial.
@@paulmejorada5740 Paul, thanks for sharing your thinking on this with us. I respect what both Tire Rack and Tyre Reviews have to say, so I'm sure this was the right decision for your particular needs. By the way, I love your thinking: "Buy once, cry once." That's so true with tires, and everything else in life. Thanks again.
Great info thank you
Can't wait to get them soon!!! The first ones weren't too bad. Noisy tho.
I replaced my tires on my 07 Camry during the winter storm they were a big improvement over my last tire the torque of my Camry still can break them loose when wet it's better then the old keep tire I had but that's asking for great wet traction in the price point is alot to ask I would recommend this tire there a lot of tire for my Camry and that's what I wanted
Thanks for sharing your experience, Master.
got these last month to replace my accord sport’s oem good year tires. 1000miles on and these tires are awesome. smooth and quiet. I did not get chance to test in the snow yet. Worth the price i think. Time will tell if they can last atleast 40000-50000 miles.
How do they handle on corners and highway curves at high speeds?
@@ippytuklulutires are still running smooth. When I floor the car, i get a some wheel spin. But I’m still glad to have them. Handles wet roads well.
Sold :) thanks for the good review
I'm very curious about these tires performance vs the Bridgestone re980as+ since their almost the same price at Costco on sale
Just replaced my old set of Goodyear exhilarate by Firestone Firehawk AS V2 last week, i would say it worth the money. Smooth, quite, and soft. But on High speed over 75mph, i need to focused on the steering wheel.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the tire, Passavut. I'm sure it will help other considering purchasing a set for their own vehicle.
How do they handle on corners and highway curves at high speeds?
How quiet are these tires? I need to replace my Mustang GT's Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires that were noisy even when new. At 28K miles, they still have decent tread left, but rumble their way down the road. I was looking at Continental DWS 06 Plus tires; however I'd like to buy from Costco, but they don't carry Continental. They do have the Firehawk A/S V2 at a very good out-the-door price, including road hazard warranty.
Just got these installed yesterday on my Focus RS! Bought these to replace my winter set, Michelin PA4's. Needed a all season tire that will be good for snow as well. I also had a set of Continental Control Contact SRS before. I will be comparing the firehawks V2 to the PA4's and the SRS. My initial impression was they don't feel as good compared to the PA4 and the SRS in cornering, but the tire communicates it's limits very well. For the price these can't be beat, I will speak on the wet and snow performance soon!
Hi Jari. I look forward to hearing what you think of the V2s once you get to play in the snow with them. Thanks for sharing.
@@jacktalkstires Hi Jack. No snow yet but I did try them out in the wet. Lots of grip. So far the biggest letdown is the dry cornering. Debating if I should return them.
@@jarizerrudo8180 That's a shame. My guess is that the sipes, which are designed to offer better grip in wet conditions and in snow, might be behind the lacklustre dry grip you perceive... but that's just my guess
How noisy are they?
@@Rpham11 Not noisy at all. Very comfortable as well.
Just picked up a set yesterday for 22WRX. I wanted to grab some Conti extreme contact, but weren't available. Drove 1k miles, through snow, ice, rain, and survived. Will be testing braking, handling and unplowed snow. Previously ran BFG gForcecomp2 on scatpack and mustang, will update comparison
Austin, I appreciate you sharing your insight with us, and look forward to hearing more when you take this tire through its paces. Thanks!
What did you think of the bfg? I had some on my old fusion and they were so soft and wore out insanely fast. Grippy though
@@Arnerse I had pretty much the same experience, very grippy but my first set wore fast. I did try both versions of bfg's (AS/AS+) the plus series was much better for wear and had improved winter performance.
How do they handle on corners and highway curves at high speeds?
@@ippytuklulu corners are great, high-speeds I can't safely test with my factory suspension, but everything is fine up to 80mph. They were about 20% stickier before 10k miles and probably due to rotate. This year, the snow performance is still good. Like many tires, these perform poorly
on ice, especially if they're still cold.
Just bought these today 😆
Thanks for the vid!
Did you noticed noise on the new V2?
@@Lonewolf-gr2nh no noise just smooth grippy tires 👍🏻
@@yeshuasaves7415 Thank you, I been looking for reviews but seems that is a new tire, just read about the previous A/S and they name the noise. I have a 370Z and looking for some tires now...
@@Lonewolf-gr2nh these are pretty nice so far and price isn't too bad for some performance tires I paid $800
@@yeshuasaves7415 I got mine today, they are great.
Can i buy it for a suv???
$665 for all 4 for my Juke. Quieter at every speed and a lot smoother over bumps than my old Pirellis
Good to know. Thanks for your input
How would these compare to the Michelin Cross Climate 2 ?
Hi Charlie. I haven't compared then head-to-head on a track, but I can tell you that on paper a major difference between the two is the fact that the Michelin tires are 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, which means that they're going to give you more grip when it's cold and snowy (assuming you live in a part of North America where you get snow).
@@jacktalkstires The Michelin Cross Climate 2 don't come in all sizes, I have them on my 2015 Honda CR-V that my wife uses them and love them but they don't come in the size I need for my 2018 Mazda 3 Hatch Touring , so this is why I am looking,and found your video, Thx
There is no comparison. CC2 is the bomb
Going to buy 4 of these this weekend for my BMW X1 - finally ditching my run-flats. Driving in San Francisco (not much rain, but plenty of speed bumps and potholes). Any reason why I shouldn't?
did you end up getting them? looking for the same set for my x1 as well.
@@ippytuklulu i did and i’m so happy with them!
@@area415sweet! How do they handle on corners and highway curves at high speeds?
@@ippytuklulu i do most of my driving in the city. 90deg turns downhill are noticeably more comfortable. my primary concern was the stiffness of run-flats on potholes and speed bumps.
Runflats are too rough tires. Very uncomfortable. Good thing you throw them away. Having air compressor in a car to inflate your tire and maybe fix a flat slime to get to the tire shop is all we need today.
Jack, How about the road noise ?
I wish I could tell you. I haven't actually tried them yet. Sorry
Bought yesterday, love them! Noticeably quieter than my previous worn set of Pirelli Cinturato P7 AS+2. Even at 90mph on the coarse pavement highways around me it's really peaceful. Haven't driven in rain yet though so I couldn't tell you about the wet
@@losness24 Thanks for sharing your insight.
i just got a set 4 weeks ago. I drive a 2016 Buick LaCrosse. They replaced Goodyear original tires. There is noise. As i accelerate at about 30mph i start to hear a hum like noise. At 45 its very noticeable and it kinda goes away at 70. But upon deceleration it comes back and its very annoying. At first i thought it was some other issue but i am almost certain its the tires. And the type of pavement make a difference. Im going back to where i purchased them to see if anything can be done short of replacing them..If this is a tire issue im not happy. Maybe if it was on a sports car I wouldn't noticed.
@@randybourgeois8379 Hey Randy, I asked Bridgestone to offer feedback on your comment, and this is what they said: "The Firestone Firehawk AS V2 emphasizes ultra-high performance in wet and snowy conditions. For a tire that emphasizes a quiet ride for his Buick, the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack is exceptional." So I think your comment, "Maybe if it was on a sports car I wouldn't notice," is right on the money. The Firehawk might not be the right choice for you for your Buick. Hope that lends a bit of insight into your situation.
@jacktalkstire
Hoping can help me out. I live in upstate NY by the adirondacks and drive a awd vw alltrack. I'm in the market for a new set of tires and I'm looking at AS tires!
A buddy of mine works for bridgestone and can get me a good deal on these firehawk as v2's (mounted balanced for $600). I'm between taking him up on this offer and just going for the Michelin crossclimate 2's ($850 before mounting/balancing).
I like the deal my buddy can give but I'm wondering if they are even worth it with the winters we have up here, plus the lower milage I'll probably get out of them due to the difference in compounds (one being performance and the other a grand touring)
Hope you can respond and thanks in advance!
Hi Tyler. I've experienced your winters in upstate NY, and I think that if you're planning on running one set of tires all year, rather than a winter and summer set, then the Michelin's are a better choice simply because they'll offer more traction in the cold months due to the fact that they are 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certified.
The V2s offer good wet traction, but they're not designed to tackle the kind of ice and snow you guys see in your part of North America.
Ask your buddy at Bridgestone if he can get you a deal on the V2s, as well as on a set of Blizzaks for the winter, and you'll be set, no matter the season or the weather. Or buy the V2s for the warmer months, and then get a set of cheap winter tires for the cold months. Just don't try to run the V2s through the winter months. That's just my opinion. Hope it helps.
@@jacktalkstires
Thanks for the advice! Spoke with him and going to run the ws90s for now on a second set of wheels I had from my older s4 avant and come spring going to snag a set of the firehawk indy 500s on my main wheels as he gets great deals on those as well.
@@tylercoons4185 Sounds like the perfect solution! I ride on WS90s during the cold months too, and I really like them a lot. Thanks for the update. I'm glad things worked out for you.
a FIRESTONE employee stole my checkbook out of my car and cashed checks
FIRESTONE continues to refuse to investigate .....
..