Michelin PS2s at Tire Rack, clearance too good to be true?

[jberb55]

PSA and a question. I want to replace my well-loved PS2s. Tire Rack has PS2s in stock size on clearance for $295 each! But they have 5 other PS2 listings. Below are the differences I found when I compared the tires on the TR website:

$363: BMW, 25lbs, made in France
$386: R01 (Audi) , 24lbs, made in France
$295: no OEM listed, 25lbs, made in France and Brazil
$346: no OEM listed, 25lbs, made in France
$383: Mercedes, 25lbs, made in France
$322: no OEM listed, 26lbs, made in France

I have low confidence for a clear explanation regarding the actual differences between these (like the Porsche N-rating debate), but thought I'd put the question out there to see if anybody was brave enough to opt for the lowest-cost set and if they noticed a difference. Or should I just avoid the confusion and try the RE-11s?

Thanks!

[B6JoeS4]

Skip the RE-11's. They are known for being extremely heavy and they're loud as hell. Those PS2's that are on clearance are probably either some older stock that they have that they are getting rid of OR michelinn just slightly changed the tire in maybe the compound, tread, etc. and they want to get rid of all the old ones. best thing to do is to call tirerack and ask them about it

[jberb55]

Joe, thanks for the comment about the RE-11.

"We don't know the differences between the tires" is what Doc @ TR said over in the wheel & tire forum: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/353326-Question-about-Michelin-Pilot-Sport-PS2-tire-models

One might wonder how these are stacked/stored/picked at the warehouse(s)

[WVU fan]

Get the dates from the cheaper tires. I got a great deal last year on P-zeros from TR but they were 2 years old(may have issue with tire warranty if you make a claim). Tracked 'em and used as dailys until the tread wore off. Was definitely worth the sale.

[NY07RS4]

Get the dates from the cheaper tires. I got a great deal last year on P-zeros from TR but they were 2 years old(may have issue with tire warranty if you make a claim). Tracked 'em and used as dailys until the tread wore off. Was definitely worth the sale.
X2, I picked up the P-Zeros also during the sale. Well worth it. I may be picking up these PS2's very soon - I bet it's what others are speculating, older stock taking up space.

[maxbhp]

Also, with the Michelin Pilot Supersports coming this Spring to replace the PS2s we might be seeing more of these type of deals.

[CHECKERED]

Skip the RE-11's. They are known for being extremely heavy and they're loud as hell. Those PS2's that are on clearance are probably either some older stock that they have that they are getting rid of ... X2

RE-11's are drag/track only, i tired to use them as DD and had enough of the noise.

When tirerack has clearness on tires, it’s because they are trying to get rid of some old stock like 2+ years old, I would only buy them if you drive your car often and hard, so they will need to be replaced after 2 years, otherwise you’ll end up with 7-10 year old tires on your car that will start cracking because the rubber is dried out.

[RAudi Driver]

Yea, forget the RE11's. They are way too heavy.

[jberb55]

Thanks for the replies everyone. A few have mentioned getting the date codes of the tires... Good idea, but does anyone have experience calling TR and actually getting the datecodes of the tires they'd be buying? Just seems the sales guy in the cubicle could be very separated from the warehouse

[CHECKERED]

...does anyone have experience calling TR and actually getting the datecodes of the tires they'd be buying? Just seems the sales guy in the cubicle could be very separated from the warehouseThat’s correct; they won’t divulge that information even if they knew it.
Because if you knew the tires are 3 years old and are already starting to show cracks, would you buy them?

[NY07RS4]

That’s correct; they won’t divulge that information even if they knew it.
Because if you knew the tires are 3 years old and are already starting to show cracks, would you buy them?

I used to have this same perception up until this past summer. I was at a motorcycle track day last summer & a Pirelli rep was explaining that this is not the case anymore. There are different compounds used with various oils that helps extend the shelf life of a tire far beyond what used to be considered the norm. it helps with changing temps/humidity etc.

FWIW he wasn't at the track selling tires that particular day, he was there to provide info regarding safety, tire performace related tips (pressures etc) when on the track, tread designs for different road surfaces, load limits and a bunch of other stuff. He was knowledgable and I liked the way he gave credit to all the tire manufacturers. Basically he was saying all of the tire brands utilize this technology, not just Pirelli. The question came up because a week earlier to the track day a tire company was offering a deal if you purchased 2 rear tires you would get one free and another at 65% off. If you are like me and only put 2K on a tire per year (street tire) then you would end up with 3 extra tires for a very long time. Hence the explanation from the Pierelli guy.

[koolade9]

OP, I'll pm you...I just pulled off my 275/30/19 ps2s to go with 285s...they're in amazing shape, might be right up your alley. [up]

/shameless plug

[Retsujou]

Skip the RE-11's. They are known for being extremely heavy and they're loud as hell.

I cannot agree with that at all. They are heavy indeed, but you get a sidewall in return that is about as stiff as a diamond. That does pay off with spirited driving. Once they warm up they are very sticky as well. As to the road noise, I have been using them for a full season now and our roads are not the best. I cannot complain at all about the rolling noise. It really is all about making sure that you keep them at the right PSI. For the RS4 with the tires being hot 38.2 seems to work best.